An intensive private circuit of around 1,400 km through the Atlas, Dades, Merzouga, Fez and Chefchaouen, ending in Tangier.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
At the confirmed time, our Spanish-speaking driver will collect you from the airport, your accommodation or the exact agreed Marrakech location. The circuit is operated in a comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle suited to the group size. Viajes Almoravid assistance is available throughout the journey.
We drive towards the High Atlas and cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass at more than 2,200 metres. The road passes mountain landscapes and Amazigh villages, with stops at viewpoints for rest and photographs.
Beyond the Atlas we visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, an outstanding fortified adobe settlement. Paid entrances are optional. After lunch at your own expense, we continue through Ouarzazate, the Skoura palm grove, the Rose Valley and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. In the late afternoon we arrive in Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a selected riad or hotel.
Day 2
Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Tinjdad – Touroug – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast we continue through Dades Valley to Todra Gorge. There is time to walk beneath its high rock walls and experience the canyon shaped by river erosion.
The route passes Tinghir and the palm groves of Tinjdad and Touroug before reaching Erfoud, known for fossils and stone workshops. Lunch is at your own expense during the journey.
In the afternoon we arrive in Merzouga at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. We leave the vehicle and begin the camel ride, normally one camel per traveller, to enjoy sunset and reach the camp. Guests who prefer not to ride may request a 4x4 transfer in advance, subject to the confirmed package.
Dinner, traditional music when scheduled and a night beneath the Sahara sky complete the day. The tent category and availability of a private bathroom and shower will be clearly stated in the quotation before booking.
Day 3
Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Ifrane – Fez
Guests who wish may rise early to watch sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and time to freshen up, we return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 according to the booked service and rejoin the private vehicle.
The first stop is Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet. When the market is open and timing allows, there may be time to experience its traditional atmosphere. We then travel north through the Ziz Valley, passing palm groves, mountains and viewpoints on the way to the Middle Atlas.
The journey continues through cedar-forest landscapes and mountain towns. When conditions allow, we may stop to observe Barbary macaques without feeding or disturbing them. We also visit Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture.
At the end of the day we arrive in Fez and drop you at the selected riad in or near the medina. Breakfast is included; dinner and entrance fees are not included. This is one of the circuit’s longest travelling days, and timing may change because of roads, weather and stops.
Day 4
Guided visit of Fez – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, an official Spanish-speaking local guide will lead the visit of Fez. The morning explores the historic medina, monumental gates, artisan quarters, souks and viewpoints. Depending on opening times and the group’s preferences, the visit may include the exterior of Al Quaraouiyine University and Mosque, Nejjarine Fountain, Bou Inania Madrasa and the tanners’ quarter. Entrance fees are optional and paid directly.
After lunch at your own expense, we meet the driver and travel to Chefchaouen. The journey normally takes between three and a half and four hours, although traffic and stops can affect the duration.
On arrival in the blue city there is time for a first walk through its painted lanes, squares and viewpoints. Overnight is in a selected riad with breakfast. Dinner is at your own expense, allowing you to choose among restaurants in the medina.
Day 5
Chefchaouen – Tangier
After breakfast there is time to continue exploring Chefchaouen at a relaxed pace, including Uta el-Hammam square, blue lanes, artisan workshops and viewpoints over the Rif Mountains.
At the agreed time we begin the transfer to Tangier, a journey of approximately two hours. When the departure schedule, traffic and group pace allow, a brief stop in Tetouan may be arranged in advance; it cannot be guaranteed when it could affect an on-time arrival.
The circuit ends at Tangier airport, port, your accommodation or the exact agreed location. This tour covers around 1,400 km in five days, making it an intensive journey for travellers who wish to combine the desert, Fez, Chefchaouen and northern Morocco within a short time.
Included services
- Pickup in Marrakech and final drop-off at Tangier airport, port or agreed location
- Comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the circuit
- Professional Spanish-speaking driver
- Viajes Almoravid assistance before and throughout the tour
- One night in a selected riad or hotel in Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast
- One night in a selected Merzouga desert camp, with dinner and breakfast
- One night in a selected Fez riad, with breakfast
- One night in a selected Chefchaouen riad, with breakfast
- Camel ride, normally one camel per person, to reach the camp
- 4x4 transfer available instead of camels when requested in advance and included in the booked package
- Official Spanish-speaking local guide for the Fez visit
Not included
- International flights and ferry tickets
- Dinners in Fez and Chefchaouen
- Lunches and drinks
- Monument tickets and optional visits
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance unless expressly stated as included in the quotation
Would you like to adapt this tour?
Tell us your dates, number of travellers and preferred travel style. We will prepare a personalised proposal with all services and the final price clearly confirmed.