7 Day Morocco Desert Tour from Tangier

Arrival to Tangier → Explore City & Journey to Chefchaouen

In the first day of your 7 days Morocco tour from Tangier, we pick you up from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier, also known as "the bride of the north." This vibrant city is located in northwest Morocco, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel.

Firstly, we will explore the beautiful city, visiting the legendary Cave of Hercules and the iconic Cape Spartel, offering stunning coastal views. Enjoy free time for lunch. Then, we drive inland towards Chefchaouen, passing through the city of Tetouan and the picturesque Rif Mountains. Stops will be made along the way for panoramic views. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Chefchaouen.

Chefchaouen → Roman Ruins of Volubilis → Imperial Meknes → Fes (Cultural Capital)

After breakfast, feel free to wander through the beautiful blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, soaking up its unique and tranquil atmosphere. Then, we drive to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. This remarkably well-preserved archaeological site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and features many beautiful mosaics, ancient pillars, and archways, offering a fascinating glimpse into Morocco's Roman past.

After strolling through the impressive ruins, we drive approximately 30 km to visit one of Morocco's imperial cities, Meknes, the Ismaili capital. Here, we will explore historical sites such as the grand Bab Al-Mansour gate, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal stables, the historic granary, and finally, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.

Then, we head to Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Overnight stay in a traditional Riad in Fes.

Guided Sightseeing Tour of Fes Medina & Highlights

We pick you up from your accommodation in Fes after breakfast to explore the captivating city of Fes. Considered one of Morocco's most important imperial cities, Fes is also renowned as the country's cultural and religious center.

We start the day by visiting the magnificent Royal Palace gate. Then, we explore the well-preserved medieval Medina (Fes el-Bali), a UNESCO World Heritage site. The iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) serves as the main entrance to the old Medina, which appears as a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and bustling streets. You will enter the Medina with an official local guide to visit key landmarks such as The Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine fountain, the famous Tanneries, and finally, the Quaraouin Mosque and University → recognized as the oldest existing, continually operating university in the world.

After our Medina exploration, we leave to visit the Jewish quarter, also known as "the Mellah." Then, we drive to an ancient fortress for panoramic views of the Medina and the entire city of Fes. Then, return to your Riad.

Fes → Ifrane → Cedars Forest → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Sahara (Luxury Camp Experience)

After breakfast, the 7-day Sahara Morocco tour continues south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, famous for its low temperature, snow, and also its alpine-style architecture houses → no wonder it is called the "Switzerland of Morocco."

Then, we continue to the ancient cedars forest near Azrou, where the Barbary macaques live. Feel free to observe and feed them while wandering in the forest. Later, we proceed to Midelt, where we will have free time for lunch. Our journey then takes us through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the picturesque Ziz Valley, with stops for panoramic views.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the Sahara Desert of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). Here, you will switch to camels for an unforgettable trek across the sandy desert, with a stop on top of a high dune to enjoy the magical sunset. Then, continue to your luxury desert camp, which is a combination of traditional nomad tents and modern hotel comforts, where you can enjoy Berber drums music while dancing around a campfire under a vast open sky of stars. Accommodation and dinner in the camp.

Explore Merzouga Region: Nomads, Khamlia Music, Merzouga Lake, Erg Chebbi & Palm Grove (4x4 Tour)

After breakfast at the camp, we dedicate the day to exploring the fascinating Merzouga region. This area boasts many incredible sites, from vast sand dunes and wild lakes to ancient mines, fossil areas, and fabulous oases → ideal for various outdoor activities.

We start our journey in Merzouga by driving off-road in a 4x4 vehicle to visit an ancient eyeliner mine. Then, we pay a visit to a local nomad family in their handmade woven tent and learn about their way of life while drinking a traditional Berber tea.

Our next destination is the Khamlia village, where you can enjoy captivating Gnaoua music and dance performances. Its inhabitants originate from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Enjoy free time for lunch in a local restaurant. After that, we take a relaxing stroll through a palm tree grove. Then, drive a few kilometers to see the wild lake of Merzouga, also called the lake of flamingos (seasonal). Finally, return to Merzouga for dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.

Merzouga Sahara → Rissani Market → Erfoud Fossils → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley

Waking up early this morning is a must-do to contemplate the beautiful Sahara sunrise. After free time for breakfast at your hotel, we leave the desert to visit Rissani town, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani remains a major trading center in the region, with a large, lively souk (market) particularly active on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll in the Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud, where we visit one of the workshops renowned for its fossilized marble.

Then, we drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to reach the spectacular Todra Gorges. The course of the Todra River has carved out a grand, high red cliff-sided canyon through the mountains → an ideal place for rock climbers. Feel free to wander through the gorges and appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Enjoy free time for lunch in a local restaurant.

Next, we continue to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, making inevitable stops at the unique "monkey fingers" rock formation and on a spot atop a mountain overlooking the Dades Valley. Dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel in the Dades Valley.

Dades Valley → Roses Valley → Skoura Palm Groves (Amredhyle Kasbah) → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah → Telouet (Optional) → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

After breakfast, we continue our 7-day Sahara Morocco tour from Tangier to Kalaa M'gouna to visit the Roses Valley, famous for its fragrant roses and the annual Rose Festival held in May, where locals offer their rose products, from perfumes and rose water to oil and cosmetic products.

We then drive through the verdant palm groves of Skoura and visit the historic Kasbah of Amredhyle. Next, we reach Ouarzazate, where we visit the renowned film studios in which famous movies were shot (optional visit) and also explore the impressive Taourirt Kasbah.

We then depart to visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its appearances in movies like Gladiator and TV series like Game Of Thrones. After that, we can optionally visit the Telouet Kasbah.

Then, we continue our journey to Marrakech by driving through the spectacular Tizi-N-Tichka pass and the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Stops will be made for lunch (at leisure) and to take pictures at interesting spots. Finally, we drop you off at your accommodation (a Riad) in Marrakech.

End of the One Week in Morocco Itinerary.