From Tangier to Marrakech in 8 days through the north and the desert

Day 1

Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

Upon your arrival, our driver who speaks your language will meet you at Tangier airport or port. We can also arrange pick-up from your accommodation if you are already in the city. We will travel in a private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

If time allows, we will stop in Tetouan for a free walk through its white medina, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For late arrivals, this visit may be shortened or omitted to maintain a comfortable pace.

We will then continue to Chefchaouen, where you will have free time to explore its blue streets, squares, craft shops and viewpoints. You will spend the night in a selected riad in the medina, with breakfast included and dinner at your leisure.

Day 2

Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

After breakfast, we will leave the Rif Mountains and head to the archaeological site of Volubilis, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can freely explore its Roman ruins, mosaics, columns and the Arch of Caracalla. Entrance fees and any specialised guide are not included.

We will continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Depending on the schedule and available time, you can visit places such as Bab Mansour, El Hedim Square and the surroundings of the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Lunch will be at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we will arrive in Fez. After dropping you off at the selected riad, you will have free time for a first walk. This will be the first of two nights in Fez, with breakfast included and dinner at your leisure.

Day 3

Fes – Guided City Tour

After breakfast, you will meet an official local English-speaking guide to discover the historic medina of Fez, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Depending on the schedule and the pace of the group, the tour may include the Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, the exterior of Al Quaraouiyine, the souks, the tanners’ quarter, the Mellah and the gates of the Royal Palace. Entrance fees are not included and are paid directly.

The afternoon will be free to continue sightseeing, visit museums or shop for local crafts. You will return to the same riad for your second night in Fez, with breakfast included and dinner at your leisure.

Day 4

Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi

After breakfast, we will begin a long journey south. We will visit Ifrane and continue through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. When conditions allow, we may see Barbary macaques without feeding or disturbing them.

We will cross the mountains and descend through the Ziz Valley, with viewpoints and palm groves along the way. We will pass through Erfoud, known for its fossils and stone workshops. Lunch will be at your leisure and visits to workshops will be optional.

In the afternoon, we will arrive in Merzouga. A camel ride, normally one camel per person, will take you across Erg Chebbi at sunset to the camp. A 4x4 transfer may be requested in advance as an alternative, subject to the confirmed package.

At the camp you will enjoy Berber tea, dinner and accommodation. The category of the tent and the availability of a private bathroom and shower will be specified in the quotation.

Day 5

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Those who wish may wake up early to watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi. After breakfast and time to freshen up, we will return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 to continue our journey by vehicle.

When it coincides with a market day and the schedule allows, we may experience the traditional atmosphere of Rissani. We will then continue towards Tinghir and the Todra Gorges, where there will be time to walk between the high rocky walls. Lunch will be at your leisure.

The route will continue through the Dades Valley and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at a selected riad or hotel in the valley, where dinner will be served and you will spend the night. Breakfast is also included.

Day 6

Dades Valley – Valley of the Roses – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, we will travel through the Dades Valley and the Valley of the Roses towards Ouarzazate. Depending on the schedule, we may see the Kasbah of Taourirt or optionally visit its interior; the entrance fee is paid directly.

The next stop will be the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, an adobe fortified village declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have time to walk through its narrow streets and enjoy the views. Lunch and entrance fees to paid areas will be at your own expense.

In the afternoon, we will cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, at more than 2,200 metres above sea level, with panoramic stops when conditions allow. We will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and weather.

You will spend the first of two nights in a selected riad in Marrakech, with breakfast included and dinner at your leisure.

Day 7

Marrakech – Guided City Tour

After breakfast, an official local English-speaking guide will accompany you during your visit to Marrakech. The tour may include the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the souks and Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Entrance fees to museums and monuments are not included and are paid directly. The afternoon will be free to continue sightseeing, shop, discover gardens or enjoy the local cuisine.

You will spend your second night in the same riad in Marrakech, with breakfast included and dinner at your leisure.

Day 8

Marrakech – Airport Transfer

After breakfast and check-out, the programme will be adapted to your flight schedule. If your departure is late, you can use your free time for last-minute shopping or a walk.

Our driver will pick you up from the riad for the private transfer to Marrakech airport, allowing enough time for traffic and departure formalities.

At the terminal, this eight-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech will come to an end. The Viajes Almoravid team will say goodbye and thank you for your trust.