Day 1: Tangier ⇢ Chefchaouen
Your guide will meet you at the port or airport in Tangier to begin the journey toward Chefchaouen. Upon arrival, you will have time to wander through the charming streets of the famous “Blue City.” Chefchaouen, whose name in Berber means “the horns,” is known for its beautiful setting and distinctive architecture. The contrast between the white houses, the deep blue doors and windows, and the green surroundings created by the Lau River gives the town its unique character. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Chefchaouen ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Fes
We depart toward Meknes as part of our 13 days desert tour from Tangier, traveling along the edge of the Maamora forest. Meknes reached its golden age during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail. About 27 kilometers from the city are the impressive ruins of the Roman settlement of Volubilis, which we will visit, along with the sacred town of Moulay Idriss. After exploring these historic sites, we continue to Fes. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Guided Visit of Fes – World Heritage Site
In the morning we explore Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Founded in 808, it became the country’s first political, religious, and cultural capital. Our visit begins at the Golden Gates of the Royal Palace. From a panoramic viewpoint, we observe the walls surrounding the impressive old medina.
Later, we walk through the medina on foot, discovering its vibrant atmosphere and historic treasures. Along the way, we see mosques, madrasas, caravanserais, and religious sites before reaching the famous tanneries. After free time for lunch (not included), we continue exploring the artisans’ quarter. The craftsmen brought their knowledge from Spain and preserved the Andalusian artistic traditions that earned Fes its reputation as the city of artisans. The rest of the afternoon is free. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Azrou ⇢ Monkey Forest ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Desert
After breakfast, we travel toward the Merzouga dunes. The journey begins in the Middle Atlas Mountains with a stop in Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Africa.
We then reach Azrou, meaning “the rock,” where we stop in the nearby forest to observe wild monkeys in their natural environment.
The route continues through the Tizi Talghemt pass, also known as the Camel Pass, at an altitude of 1,907 meters. The scenery here is dramatic, with bare mountains covered in striking purple tones.
We arrive in Errachidia and continue across the Tafilalet region toward the palm groves of Erfoud. From there, we follow the track leading to the famous sand dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.
Upon arrival, you will have free time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert and watch the dunes change color with the setting sun. Dinner and overnight stay in a kasbah located at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Day 5: Merzouga ⇢ Erg Chebbi Desert Excursion
After breakfast, we begin exploring the desert using tracks once used during the Paris-Dakar Rally. We visit nomadic families in the desert, where we will share tea and learn about their way of life. We also visit an oasis that served as a filming location for movies such as Sahara, starring Penelope Cruz.
Next, we visit the village known as the “town of the blacks,” whose history is linked to the ancient slave trade from Sudan.
After lunch, we leave the 4×4 vehicle and continue the journey by camel. The dromedaries will take us deep into the dunes so we can enjoy a spectacular sunset over the desert.
This night will be unforgettable as we stay in traditional nomadic tents (khaimas) in the middle of the dunes, just like the Berbers. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, music around the camp, and a sky full of stars. Dinner and overnight stay in the desert tents.
Day 6: Merzouga ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Dades Valley
After breakfast, we head to Rissani to visit its traditional market and the famous donkey parking area. This unique market is where desert tribes and nomads gather to trade and purchase supplies.
We then continue to Erfoud, where we visit fossil quarries containing fossils more than 380 million years old. From there we travel to the spectacular Todra Gorges, a popular destination for climbers and trekking enthusiasts.
By the end of the day, we reach the Dades Valley where we will spend the night. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 7: Dades Valley ⇢ Valley of the Roses ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Marrakech
Today we travel through the Dades Valley along the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” We pass through the Valley of the Roses, where local residents produce rose-based products such as creams, soaps, and rose water.
Continuing to Ouarzazate, we visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable location has served as the setting for many well-known films including Gladiator, Obelix, and Sahara starring Penelope Cruz.
Afterward, we pass through Ouarzazate and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters before arriving in Marrakech. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8: Guided Visit of Marrakech
Today is dedicated to discovering Marrakech. The tour begins with the Menara Gardens and its large reflecting pond. We then visit the Saadian Tombs, where the founders of the city are buried, followed by the Bahia Palace, once the residence of a powerful vizier.
We also see the Koutoubia Mosque with its impressive minaret. The visit concludes in the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, which functions as a lively market during the day and transforms into a magical spectacle in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 9: Marrakech – Free Day
Today is a free day for relaxation. You can take a break or enjoy a walk around Marrakech at your own pace. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10: Marrakech ⇢ Essaouira
After breakfast, we travel toward the coastal town of Essaouira along a road lined with argan trees. This charming city was once a Portuguese fortress. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore the beautiful medina and the local souks. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11: Essaouira ⇢ El Jadida ⇢ Casablanca
After breakfast, we depart for Casablanca via El Jadida. Along the way, we stop in Oualidia before continuing along the Atlantic coast to El Jadida, where we visit the remains of the Portuguese fortifications. Afterward, we continue to Casablanca for the night. Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 12: Casablanca ⇢ Rabat
After breakfast, we visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque and explore some of Casablanca’s most notable sites, including Boulevard de la Corniche, the Park of the Nations, and Mohammed V Square.
Later, we travel to Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. Here we enjoy a panoramic visit including the exterior of the Royal Palace and its gardens, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Rabat ⇢ Tangier
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to the airport or port in Tangier at the scheduled time, marking the end of our 13 days desert tour from Tangier.
