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12 Days Tour Tangier to Marrakech
Discover imperial cities, the majestic Atlas Mountains, and the golden Sahara Desert on the ultimate Moroccan road trip.
4.9 (120 reviews)
- Tangier → Marrakech
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Languages
Departure
Tangier
Tour Overview
Are you ready for the ultimate Moroccan adventure? Our 12 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech is the perfect way to explore Morocco, taking in everything from the northern coast to the golden dunes of the Sahara, before returning via the vibrant imperial cities. This carefully curated itinerary showcases stunning landscapes, ancient history and authentic cultural experiences.
You will wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, get lost in the medieval medina of Fes, sleep under the stars in the Merzouga Desert and marvel at the bustling souks of Marrakech. Experience the magic of the High Atlas Mountains, historic kasbahs and the serene Atlantic coast on this unforgettable 12-day tour.
Tour Highlights
Take a stroll through the famous blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen.
Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.
Ancient Fes: Take a guided walking tour of the world’s oldest car-free medieval medina and step back in time.
Discover the historic Fes medina with a knowledgeable local guide.
Watch the sun set while riding a camel and then camp under the stars in the Merzouga Sahara.
Walk through the towering rock walls of the vast Todra Gorges.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Tangier – Welcome to Morocco!
Your 12 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech begins with a warm welcome. Our friendly driver will collect you from Tangier Airport or the ferry terminal and take you to your comfortable hotel. You can then spend the rest of the day relaxing or taking a stroll to experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic port city, where Africa meets Europe.
Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen, the Blue City
After breakfast, we leave Tangier and drive through the picturesque Rif Mountains, passing the beautiful white city of Tetouan. We will soon arrive in Chefchaouen, universally known as the ‘Blue Pearl’ of Morocco. You will have a free afternoon to wander through its incredibly photogenic blue streets, shop for local handicrafts, and enjoy a cup of fresh mint tea in the lively main square. We will spend the night in a local riad.
Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
Today, we are travelling back in time. After leaving the Blue Mountains behind, we will make our first stop at Volubilis, home to beautifully preserved ancient Roman ruins and stunning mosaic floors. Next, we head to the imperial city of Meknes, where we will admire the massive historic gates, including the famous Bab Mansour. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, where you will spend the night.
Full Day Fes Guided City Tour
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will be met by an expert local guide who will reveal the hidden secrets of the Fes medina, one of the world’s oldest and largest walled cities. You will wind your way through its maze of narrow alleys, visiting the iconic Chouara leather tanneries, historic Islamic schools (madrasas), local artisan quarters and the magnificent gates of the Royal Palace along the way. Return to your riad for a relaxing evening.
Fes – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt – Merzouga Desert
We start early today for a dramatic change in scenery. Leaving Fes, we drive into the Middle Atlas Mountains, making a stop in the cedar forests of Azrou to watch the wild Barbary macaque monkeys playing in the trees. After lunch in Midelt, we continue through the spectacular Ziz Valley with its endless palm groves. By late afternoon, we reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, for a relaxing evening at a hotel near the dunes.
Merzouga Desert Exploration & Sunset Camel Trek
Today is all about discovering the Sahara! We will explore the area surrounding the Erg Chebbi dunes and visit a local nomadic family to learn about their way of life. We will also stop by the village of Khamlia to enjoy some traditional Gnawa music. In the cooling afternoon, you will ride a friendly camel across the golden sand dunes at sunset. Then, arrive at our traditional Berber desert camp for a hearty dinner, campfire drum music and a night under a spectacular starry sky.
Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the desert before riding your camel back to the edge of the dunes. After breakfast, we will travel to Rissani to visit its bustling traditional market. Next, we drive to the impressive Todra Gorges, a massive canyon with sheer rock walls popular with rock climbers. After a peaceful walk alongside the river, we will continue our journey to the beautiful Dades Valley, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Dades Valley – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
We will leave the Dades Valley and pass through the Valley of Roses and Ouarzazate, which is often referred to as the ‘Hollywood of Africa’. Today’s main highlight is exploring the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a famous filming location for movies such as Gladiator. After exploring this ancient clay fortress, we will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the stunning Tizi N’Tichka pass and arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech in the evening.
Day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city as we head to the breezy Atlantic coast to visit the historic port town of Essaouira. This historic port town is renowned for its fortified walls, Portuguese architecture, and delicious seafood. You will have plenty of time to explore the charming medina, stroll along the historic ramparts adorned with bronze cannons, and unwind on the beach. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Marrakech for the night.
The Coastal Charm of Essaouira
Today, a local guide will take you on an in-depth tour of the ‘Red City’. You will visit the city’s most important historical sites, including the stunning Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. There will also be time to explore the vibrant souks, or markets, which are filled with spices, textiles and lamps. The tour will conclude in the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, which is teeming with storytellers and performers.
Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat
After saying goodbye to Marrakech, we will travel north towards the Atlantic coast. Our first stop is Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, where we will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest, which is built right on the edge of the ocean. Next, we will continue to Rabat, the Moroccan capital, to see the historic Hassan Tower and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. We will spend the night in a hotel in Rabat.
Rabat – Asilah – Tangier Departure
On the final day of your 12 Days Tour Tangier to Marrakech, we drive up the coast to Asilah, a beautiful coastal town known for its bright white buildings and colorful street art. After exploring its peaceful medina, we complete our loop by returning to Tangier. We will drop you off at the airport or ferry port, bringing an end to an unforgettable Moroccan journey!
What's Included & Excluded
- Included
- We can pick you up and drop you off at your chosen location, whether that's the airport, port or hotel.
- Travel in a private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- An experienced, friendly English-speaking driver/guide.
- Eleven nights' accommodation in hotels and riads, plus one night in a Berber desert camp.
- A spectacular sunset camel trek through the dunes of the Sahara in Merzouga.
- Official local tour guides for city tours in Fes and Marrakech.
- Daily breakfasts and most dinners throughout the journey.
- Not Included
- International flight tickets.
- Daily lunches and extra snacks.
- Drinks and bottled water.
- Tips for the driver, guides and camp staff.
Tour Route Map
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is riding a camel in the Merzouga desert difficult?
No, it is a gentle and relaxing experience suitable for most travellers. The trek to the desert camp usually takes between one and one and a half hours. However, if you would prefer not to ride a camel, we can easily arrange for you to travel to the camp in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle instead!
Are the bathrooms at the Sahara desert camp private?
Yes! The standard desert camp includes luxury private tents with en-suite bathrooms featuring flush toilets and warm showers to ensure you have a pleasant and hygienic stay in the dunes.
What type of vehicle will we be travelling in?
For your comfort and safety, all transportation is provided in a private, modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Depending on the size of your group, this will typically be a spacious 4×4 SUV or a comfortable tourist minivan.
What should I pack for this 12-day trip?
We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes for city tours and gorges, breathable clothing for daytime wear, and a warm jacket or jumper for the evenings (especially in the desert and mountains, where temperatures drop at night). Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, and camera!
Reviews
What our travelers say
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