7-Day Tour of Imperial Cities and the Sahara from Tangier

7-Day Tour of Imperial Cities and the Sahara from Tangier

October 20, 2024
7 days, 6 nights

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Embark on the quintessential Moroccan journey with this 7-day tour that weaves a route from Europe's gateway in Tangier to the vibrant heart of Marrakech. This comprehensive adventure is designed to show you the country's incredible diversity, combining the charm of the north with the epic scale of the south, from the blue city of Chefchaouen to the golden dunes of the Sahara.

Highlights

  • A one-way journey connecting Tangier with Marrakech.
  • Exploration of the imperial cities of Meknes and Fez (with guided tour).
  • Visit to the "Blue Pearl," picturesque Chefchaouen.
  • A night at a camp in the Merzouga desert with a camel ride.
  • Tour through the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley and the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou.
  • Guided tour of Marrakech to round off the journey.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Tangier → Chefchaouen

We'll pick you up from your hotel, the port or the airport in Tangier and begin our journey towards the Rif Mountains. Our destination is the stunning city of Chefchaouen. You'll have the afternoon free to lose yourself in its world-famous blue and white streets, one of the most beautiful medinas in Morocco. Overnight in a charming riad.

Day 2: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fez

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Chefchaouen. After lunch, we'll head to the fascinating Roman ruins of Volubilis. We'll continue to the imperial city of Meknes for a brief visit to its monumental Bab Mansour gate. In the late afternoon, we'll arrive in Fez, the spiritual capital, to spend the night.

Day 3: Guided Tour of Fez

Today you'll spend the full day exploring the medina of Fez with an expert local guide. You'll immerse yourself in its labyrinthine medina (Fes el-Bali), visit the famous tanneries, historic madrasas and bustling souks. A true journey back in time to one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world.

Day 4: Fez → Ifrane → Merzouga Desert

We leave Fez and travel south, crossing the Middle Atlas. We'll make a stop in Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco," and in the cedar forests of Azrou. After passing through the Ziz Valley, we'll arrive in Merzouga. There, we'll swap our vehicle for camels for an unforgettable ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset. We'll have dinner and spend a magical night at a Berber camp.

Day 5: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley

Wake up to a Saharan sunrise. After breakfast, we'll continue towards the impressive Todra Gorge for a walk. Then, we'll follow the "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs" to the picturesque Dades Valley, where we'll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 6: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech

We continue towards Ouarzazate and visit the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, we'll cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas, arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Day 7: Guided Tour of Marrakech and End of Tour

In the morning, a local guide will show you the secrets of the "Red City," including Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Bahia Palace and the souks. The tour will end after the visit, leaving you free to explore further on your own or to head to the airport for your transfer.

What's Included?

  • Pick-up in Tangier and final transfer in Marrakech.
  • Transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • English-speaking driver/guide.
  • 6 nights of accommodation in riads/hotels and a camp.
  • Dinners and breakfasts as per the itinerary.
  • Camel ride.
  • Local guides in Fez and Marrakech.

What's Not Included?

  • Flights, lunches and drinks.
  • Entrance fees to monuments.
  • Tips and personal expenses.

Why Choose This Tour?

This is one of our most comprehensive itineraries, perfect for travelers arriving from the north who want to experience the full spectrum of Morocco. It combines culture, history, nature and adventure in one unforgettable week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a very demanding tour? It's an intensive tour with long travel days, but it's designed with regular stops to make it enjoyable, and it's packed with unique experiences that make the journey worthwhile.

Can the tour end in a different city? Yes, as this is a private tour, we can customize the end point. If you need to return to Tangier or fly out from a different city, let us know and we'll adapt the itinerary.

Ready for the adventure?

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