8-Day Tour from Tangier to Marrakech via the Desert
Explore Morocco from north to south on this private 8-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech. Discover Chefchaouen and Fes before crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains towards the Sahara dunes of Merzouga. The journey continues through dramatic valleys, gorges and historic kasbahs before reaching Marrakech.
8-day Tangier to Marrakech tour itinerary
Day 1: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen
Your driver will meet you in Tangier and begin the journey towards Chefchaouen. Travel through the landscapes of northern Morocco and the Rif Mountains. Depending on the available time, you may stop in Tetouan to discover the surroundings of its medina and its Andalusian-influenced architecture. Continue to Chefchaouen, known for its blue houses and peaceful streets. After arrival, enjoy a walk through the medina, discover Outa el Hammam Square and browse the traditional craft shops. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 2: Explore Chefchaouen
Spend the day discovering Chefchaouen at your own pace. Walk through the blue and white streets of the medina and admire the details of its traditional architecture. You can visit Outa el Hammam Square, admire the kasbah from outside and walk towards Ras El Maa, a water source near the old town. Small shops offer traditional crafts and local products. Depending on your interests, you may also enjoy a walk through the natural landscapes surrounding the town. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Fes
After breakfast, leave Chefchaouen and travel towards Fes through the green landscapes of northern Morocco. The road crosses agricultural regions and traditional villages. Stops can be arranged along the way depending on your pace and the available time. On arrival in Fes, settle into your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the surroundings of the medina. This first introduction allows you to experience the atmosphere of one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. Overnight in Fes.
Day 4: Explore Fes and its historic medina
Spend the day discovering Fes, a city famous for its history and traditional crafts. Walk through the streets of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its markets, workshops and historic quarters. You can admire the gates of the Royal Palace from outside, discover Nejjarine Square and view the tanneries from a suitable viewpoint. Bou Inania Madrasa and other monuments can be visited depending on opening times and access conditions. A local guide can be arranged as an optional service. Overnight in Fes.
Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Merzouga
Start early and travel towards the Sahara. Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and stop in Ifrane, known for its architecture and green spaces. Continue towards the cedar forest near Azrou, where you can enjoy the woodland scenery and observe Barbary macaques from a respectful distance. After Midelt, follow the road towards the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and panoramic views over the oases. Pass through Erfoud before reaching Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Overnight in the Merzouga area.
Day 6: Discover the Merzouga Desert and surroundings
Enjoy a full day discovering the desert landscapes around Merzouga. Explore the surroundings of the Erg Chebbi dunes and watch how the light changes across the sand. Depending on your preferences, optional activities can be arranged, such as a camel ride or an off-road vehicle excursion. You may also discover nearby villages and the Saharan scenery of the region. This extra day gives you more time to enjoy the desert without immediately continuing towards the southern valleys. Overnight in the Merzouga area.
Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel towards Rissani, an old trading town known for its traditional market and caravan history. Continue to the Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs surround a narrow valley crossed by a river. Take time to walk around and admire the natural scenery. The journey then continues towards the Dades Valley, known for its villages, oases and unusual rock formations. Overnight in the Dades Valley.
Day 8: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
This final day takes you towards Marrakech through the landscapes of southern Morocco. Travel through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura oasis, known for its palm groves and historic kasbahs. Continue to Ouarzazate before reaching the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its traditional lanes and earthen architecture. The road then crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with scenic stops depending on the available time. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon and transfer to the agreed drop-off point.
Included
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Professional driver throughout the tour.
- Fuel and transportation expenses.
- Pickup in Tangier and final drop-off in Marrakech.
- Stops included in the itinerary.
Excluded
- Accommodation and meals.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Local guides in the cities and at the sites visited.
- Camel rides and optional desert excursions.
- Entrance fees to monuments and paid sites.
- Tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is this 8-day tour from Tangier private?
Yes, transportation is arranged privately for your group.
How much time is planned for Chefchaouen?
The itinerary includes arrival on the first day and a full day to explore the town on the second day.
Does the tour include two nights in the Merzouga area?
Yes, the itinerary includes two nights in the Merzouga area to enjoy more time in the desert.
Are desert activities included?
Activities such as camel rides and off-road vehicle excursions are optional.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends in Marrakech with drop-off at your accommodation or the agreed location.
