7 Days Tour From Tangier to Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! Your local driver/guide will meet you at the airport or ferry port in Tangier. Known as the "Gateway to Africa," this city blends European influence with Moroccan charm. From here, we begin our journey toward the Rif Mountains to reach the famous "Blue Pearl," Chefchaouen. Upon arrival, we settle into an authentic riad tucked within the blue-washed medina. You’ll have the afternoon to navigate the enchanting alleys, capture photos of the famous blue doors, and soak in the city’s uniquely peaceful atmosphere.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out on a three-hour drive toward the spiritual city of Fes. Along the way, we will visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in North Africa and the former administrative center of the Roman Empire in the region. The site is renowned for its grand columns, ancient roads, and stunningly preserved mosaics.

Next, we continue to the imperial city of Meknes, which served as the capital of Morocco under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Upon arrival, we will begin our city tour at the magnificent Bab Mansour gate. Known for its intricate tilework and impressive scale, it was once the main entrance to the city. We will also visit the historic Qara Prison (the city's underground jail) and the beautifully maintained Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

In the late afternoon, we will reach our accommodation in Fes. After checking into your elegantly decorated Riad, you can end your day relaxing in its gardens or enjoying the view of the UNESCO-listed Medina as it lights up, listening to the evening call to prayer from a rooftop terrace.

After a delightful breakfast, your private local guide will lead you on an immersive exploration of the city. As the oldest city in Morocco, Fes offers a deep journey into the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and intricate craftsmanship.

Your journey begins at the Royal Palace, which dates back to the 16th century and is famous for its stunning golden gates. Here, you can admire the majestic bronze doors and intricate tilework. Next, we visit a traditional pottery and ceramics workshop, where you will see how these ancient artisanal skills have been passed down from generation to generation.

Lunch will be at your leisure, followed by a peaceful walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage alleyways of the Medina. Your guide will take you to the famous Chouara Tannery to witness the ancient process of leather making. You will also visit historic Quranic schools, such as the Al-Attarine Madrasa and Al-Qarawiyyin University. Founded by Fatima al-Fihri, Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized as one of the oldest degree-granting universities in the world.

After visiting the city’s most iconic sites, we will escort you back to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we depart for Fes for the Sahara Desert of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). Our first stop is Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its cool climate and alpine architecture. After a leisurely drive, we continue to the ancient Cedar Forest, where we may encounter Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.

We then continue over the Middle Atlas Mountains. Throughout this journey, you will be amazed by the stunning contrasts as you traverse a landscape of incredible diversity. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in the town of Midelt, followed by a drive across the High Atlas Mountains to reach the Ziz Valley. This lush valley, filled with palm groves, marks the beginning of the Tafilalt Oasis.

Continuing south, our path leads to Merzouga via the town of Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and the annual Date Festival in October. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we trade our vehicle for camels. Guided by an experienced desert scout, you will trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes toward your luxury camp. Your guide will stop at a high dune, allowing you to capture photos and witness a sunset that may well be the best of your life.

Later, enjoy authentic Berber hospitality as you check into your deluxe tent, complete with a private bathroom. A traditional dinner will be served under the starry sky, followed by live desert music around the campfire.

Rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes followed by breakfast at your leisure. Afterward, you may choose to cross the dunes back to meet your driver either by camel trek or in a 4WD vehicle. Bid farewell to the Sahara as we head toward the Dades Valley via Rissani and Tinghir.

Our first stop is Rissani, the ancestral capital of the Alaouite Dynasty (Morocco’s current royal family). This town is famous for its traditional market, which comes alive every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Historically, after the nearby city of Sijilmassa was destroyed in the 14th century, Rissani became a vital hub for trans-Saharan trade, particularly noted for its leather and goat-skin trading.

We continue through the Tafilalt Oasis, home to hundreds of ancient kasbahs and ksours, to reach the town of Tinghir. After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive along the Todra Valley with frequent stops at panoramic viewpoints. We will then arrive at the Todra Gorges, whose 300-meter cliffs attract climbers from around the world. If time permits, you will have the unique opportunity to visit a Berber nomadic home for a weaving demonstration to learn the history and artistry behind traditional Berber rugs.

Later this afternoon, we reach our hotel in Boumalne Dades. Perched overlooking the Dades Valley, this area is renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes and unique rock formations. Check into your cozy room and enjoy a delicious evening meal.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a five-hour journey toward Ouarzazate. We will pass through Kalaat M'Gouna, known locally as the 'Rose Town' and famous for its annual Rose Festival in May. Depending on the season, we will stop at a local women’s cooperative near the Rose Valley. Here, you will learn the delicate process of transforming Damask roses into rose oil and rose water. You may also purchase rose perfumes to enjoy throughout your entire trip.

We then traverse the Skoura Oasis to reach Ouarzazate, often called the 'Hollywood of Africa.' You will have the option to visit Atlas Studios, where famous productions such as Game of Thrones and Kingdom of Heaven were filmed. Nearby, we reach the historic village of Ait Ben Haddou. This Kasbah is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was once a vital trading post for caravans traveling between Marrakech and Timbuktu. Today, it serves as a backdrop for films like Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones. You will have ample time to explore both the exterior and interior of the Kasbah.

After lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the kasbah, we ascend the Atlas Mountains toward the bustling city of Marrakech. Enjoy the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass, with its fascinating views of Berber villages and a landscape that shifts beautifully as the day progresses. After several scenic stops along the winding mountain roads, we will arrive at your Marrakech accommodation in the late afternoon.

After breaking your fast, your local guide meets you at your Riad’s lobby and invites you to explore the vibrant and enchanting city of Marrakech, where history, culture, and tradition blend seamlessly with modernity.

 Walk through the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you step into this bustling hub, the air is filled with the scents of spices and grilled meats at night, while the sounds of snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians create a symphony of life. 

From there, we’ll make our way through the narrow, winding streets of Marrakech Medina, a maze of alleys lined with bustling souks. Visit the Bahia Palace, an architectural marvel built in the late 19th century. The palace, with its lush gardens, intricate tilework, and ornate rooms, reflects the grandeur of Moroccan royalty. And Madrasa Ben Youssef, the most impressive and historically significant landmark in Morocco, reflecting the splendor of Islamic architecture and the educational heritage of the country.

Later, our guide will escort you back to your Riad for packing.our driver will make sure to transfer you to Marrakech’s Airport or Casablanca’s airport, as you catch your flight home after this incredible 7 days travel itinerary through Morocco.

Note, if you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech or elsewhere please let us know during the booking process.