8 Days Imperial Cities and Desert Tour From Tangier

Upon your arrival in Tangier, we’ll meet you at the port or airport and begin our scenic drive towards the Rif Mountains. As we journey through this lush mountainous region, we’ll pass through Tetouan before reaching Chefchaouen, the famous blue city. Chefchaouen is a picturesque village nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains, with its iconic blue-painted buildings creating a peaceful atmosphere. You’ll have time to explore the medina, wander through its narrow streets, visit the Spanish-style Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and shop in the arts and crafts shops.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey towards Volubilis, an ancient Roman city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll explore the impressive ruins, including well-preserved mosaics and grand arches. Following this, we continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where we’ll stop for lunch. In Meknes, we’ll explore the massive historical medina, see the impressive Bab Mansour Gate, and visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, a royal site dedicated to one of Morocco’s most powerful sultans. Afterward, we’ll drive to Fes for your overnight stay.

After a traditional breakfast at your riad, you’ll set off on a guided tour of Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Your exploration starts with a visit to the majestic Royal Palace Gate and the Jewish Quarter (El Mellah), the first of its kind in Morocco. Next, visit Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest in the world. We’ll also visit the bustling tanneries where leather is processed using centuries-old techniques. We’ll stop for lunch before continuing to the Attarine Museum and the Mulay Idriss Mausoleum, a religious site for many Moroccans. End your day with a visit to a local tile cooperative, where you’ll see the intricate artistry of Moroccan ceramic making. Enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Medina of Fes before returning to your riad for the evening.

After breakfast, we’ll start our drive to Merzouga, crossing through some of Morocco’s most stunning landscapes. We’ll stop in Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture and surrounding pine forests. Then, we’ll continue through Midelt, where you can enjoy lunch. As we journey further, the scenery transforms into the expansive Ziz Valley, dotted with palm trees and offering spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. You’ll experience the shift in landscape as we get closer to the Sahara Desert. After lunch in Errachidia, we’ll arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll embark on a camel trek through the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, guided by an experienced camel-man. Experience the magical desert sunset before arriving at your luxury desert camp, such as Sahara Majestic Luxury Camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night under the stars.

Rise early to catch the Sahara sunrise over the dunes—a magical moment you won’t forget. After a camel ride back to the guesthouse for breakfast and a refreshing shower, we’ll drive toward Todgha Gorge, famous for its towering rock formations that frame the deep canyon. After a Moroccan lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll have time to take a walk through the gorge, admiring the natural beauty of this dramatic landscape. We then continue to Dades Valley.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara. Along the way, we’ll stop at the famous Route of One Thousand Kasbahs through the Dades Valley, a photographer’s paradise with countless kasbahs and beautiful landscapes. We’ll visit the stunning Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fortified mud-brick structures. This kasbah has been featured in many films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After lunch, we’ll continue through the High Atlas Mountains, a beautiful and rugged region full of Berber villages and spectacular views. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening.

After breakfast, your local guide will take you on a half-day tour of Marrakech, a city known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. You’ll visit the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where you can see street performers, food vendors, and local craftsmen at work. We’ll also visit the Koutoubia Mosque, a symbol of Marrakech, and the stunning Bahia Palace, an example of intricate Moroccan architecture. Explore the bustling souks, where you can shop for traditional goods such as spices, textiles, and jewelry. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to relax, shop, or visit more of Marrakech at your own pace.

After breakfast, enjoy some last-minute sightseeing or shopping in Marrakech. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure, concluding your incredible 8-day journey through Morocco.