Morocco Grand Desert Tour from Tangier 10-Day
Overview
Embark on a 10-day tour from Tangier through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Morocco. Starting in Tangier, the adventure unfolds with visits to iconic sites such as the Hercules Cave, Chefchaouen’s blue-hued medina, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the historical wonders of Meknes and Fes. The exploration continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert’s Erg Chebbi dunes, Todgha and Dades Gorges, and the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou. The tour then traverses the High Atlas to arrive in Marrakech, where a full-day city tour reveals the Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, and vibrant souks. The coastal charms of Essaouira follow, providing a serene contrast, and the journey concludes with visits to El Jadida’s UNESCO-listed city and the dynamic cityscape of Casablanca, featuring the iconic Hassan II Mosque. The final leg includes stops in Rabat and the picturesque town of Asilah before returning to Tangier, creating an immersive and unforgettable Moroccan odyssey.
Highlights:
- Port/airport pickup in Tangier
- Discover the Hercules Cave
- Visit the beautiful Chefchaouen, a Blue-hued medina in the Rif Mountains
- Stop to explore Volubilis, a UNESCO Roman Heritage in Morocco
- Visit the famous Bab El Mansour in Meknes City, an imperial city
- Fes Guided tour of the ancient Medina
- Drive via the Middle Atlas Road
- Stop to see the Barbary monkeys and Cedar Forest in Azrou
- Join an experience at the Sahara Desert: A camel ride in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Visit Todgha Gorges and walk along the impressive rocks
- Drive via Dades Valley, Valley of Roses, and road of thousand kasbahs
- Visit Ouarzazate Cinema studio
- Explore Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed Ksar exploration
- Full-day city tour in Marrakech
- Visit Essaouira, a Coastal charm and UNESCO-listed medina
- Stop to visit El Jadida, another UNESCO Heritage city with Portuguese influence
- Iconic Hassan II Mosque and City Exploration of Casablanca
- Visit Hassan Tower in the capital city of Rabat
- Walking tour of the picturesque town ‘Asilah’
- End of your tour in Tangier
10-Day Desert Tour from Tangier
Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen
We will meet you at Tangier’s port or airport on the first day of your trip around Morocco. Hercules Cave is one of Tangier’s most well-known sights, so we started driving there to see it. Proceed through the Rif Mountains in the direction of Chefchaoun, the blue city, while taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas.
Enjoy the highlights of the small Medina, where you will first encounter Moroccan culture, for free when you walk into Chefchaouen. Sleeping over in Chefchaoun
Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
Following breakfast at the Riad in Chefchaouen, we will travel through Ouazzan and other Rif villages, which have a verdant springtime countryside, before arriving in Volubilis.
We will make a stop at Volubilis to explore the Roman ruins and discover more about this fascinating archaeological site from Moroccan history. After that, we’ll travel to Meknes City, a 17th-century historical site, where we’ll pause for lunch, explore Bab El Mansour’s massive medieval walls, and pay a visit to the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.
We proceed to Fes after discovering Meknes City, and you will spend the night in the center of Fes Medina.
Day 3: Fes Guided Tour
Today is spent strolling through the narrow streets and alleyways of Fes City, the oldest city in Morocco. Our tour of Fes Medina begins with a visit to the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish headquarters, and the first Mellah ever constructed. Next, we embark on a “Get Lost in the Medina” adventure, walking with your local guide through the magnificent alleys, high walls, and local souks of the Medina. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Subsequently, the tour continues to explore the city’s well-known tanneries, Bou Anania Madrasa, and the University of Alqarawiyyin, which was established in 857-879 and serves as the city’s center of education and spirituality.
We then take you to your authentic riad in Fes’s Medina.
Day 4: Fes – Azrou – Errachidia – Merzouga
On the fourth day of our Desert Tour from Tangier, we leave the Riad in Fes at 8 AM to continue our private tour towards the Morocco Sahara desert, passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Ifran National Park, and Ifran Town, also known as “the Switzerland of Morocco.” Take a break for coffee, admire its beauty, and take some priceless pictures. We make our way to Azrou to witness the Barbary monkeys in the enchanted cedar forest.
When you feel like having a Moroccan tagine, stop in Midelt for lunch at one of the restaurants or somewhere else along the route. By afternoon, we will traverse the Tizi N Telghomt pass and arrive in Errachidia while taking in the breathtaking views of the Ziz Gorges, where our drivers know the best locations for taking pictures. Then, we continue to our destination ‘The Sahara Desert of Merzouga’. Here, we will meet a camel man waiting to take us on a journey of camel riding that takes 1 hour to 1h30 minutes towards the famous Erg Chebbi dunes. You will hike a high dune to witness the breathtaking sunset. Later, you will embark on a memorable soiree around a fire with the traditional Gnawa music in an open space to witness the beauty of the desert at night and enjoy the charming starry sky. Spend the night at a desert camp.
Day 5: Merzouga – Todgha Gorges – Dades Gorges
The Sahara desert offers breathtaking sunrises if you get up early enough, and it is breathtaking when the first light hits the reddish dunes of Erg Chebbi.
After breakfast, we can still ride the camels in peace back to the dunes’ edge to enjoy the exceptional beauty of the breathtaking Erg Chebbi dunes. Or perhaps a morning ride on a quad bike.
We will depart for the Todgha Gorges, which are a popular destination for Moroccan rock climbers, at around nine in the morning. Savor the narrowest and highest west gorges, where you can stroll in peace. Later on, we continue our tour of Morocco to Dades Valley, where we stay and have dinner.
Day 6: Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Now that we are in Dades Valley, we have traveled more than a thousand kilometers since the beginning of our ten-day tour of Morocco! There is still so much to discover—we are only on day 6 of the journey!
Now We travel through the valley of roses via the road of thousand kasbahs, which is always breathtaking in April and May when the roses are in bloom. Proceed to Ouarzazate, where we will visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the Cinema studio.
We travel to the most restored ksar in the south, Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the location on foot and eat lunch close by.
Later on, we proceed to Marrakech by traversing the High Atlas mountain range via the 2260-meter-high Tizi N Tichka Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains’ small valleys and Berber villages.
We arrived in Marrakech early in the evening and spent the night in the center of the Medina.
Day 7: Marrakech day trip
An all-day sightseeing tour of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most stunning cities, which was established at the end of the 12th century by the Almoravid dynasty. Travelers worldwide are drawn to it because of its history, souks’ distinctive harmony, local culture, colors, and smells, as well as the weather and the famous Jamaa El Fena Square.
Our knowledgeable local guide takes you to see the city’s most noteworthy attractions. Saadian Tombs, the minaret-adorned Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, the Souks, and Djemaa el Fna Square are all included in the guided tour of Marrakech.
Afterward, before dropping you off at your riad or hotel, our driver will take you to see the stunning Majorelle Garden and tour the New section of the city.
Day 8: Marrakech – Essaouira
Wake up in the morning to have your breakfast and prepare for leaving. Today’s destination is the famous Mogador, a charming medina and Atlantic allure. Heading westward, the drive reveals a scenic transition from arid plains to the coastal charm of Essaouira. Upon arrival, the ancient medina welcomes with its blue and white hues, narrow alleyways, and artisan shops. Strolling along the historic ramparts offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the lively fishing port showcases the town’s maritime vitality. A seafood lunch by the sea and leisurely exploration of Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed medina, adorned with art galleries and fortified walls. In the evening, you can embark on a stroll along the beautiful beach hearing the eco of waves. Overnight and dinner at one of the hotels.
Day 9: Essaouira – El Jadida – Casablanca
Traveling from Essaouira to El Jadida and Casablanca offers a diverse exploration of Morocco’s coastal beauty. Departing from Essaouira, with its charming medina and Atlantic allure, the journey to El Jadida unfolds along the scenic coastline. El Jadida, a UNESCO-listed city, welcomes with its Portuguese-influenced architecture, notably the cistern and historic fortress. Continuing towards Casablanca, the economic and cultural hub of Morocco, unveils a fusion of modernity and tradition. The iconic Hassan II Mosque, perched on the Atlantic shore, dominates the skyline, while the bustling medina, Corniche waterfront, and vibrant neighborhoods provide a glimpse into the city’s dynamic atmosphere. Spend the night at one of the best hotels in Casablanca.
Day 10: Casablanca – Rabat – Asilah – Tangier
You will leave Casablanca around 8:00 am after having your breakfast at the hotel. You will head coastal to the capital and imperial city of Rabat. Here, you will visit the well-known incomplete Mosque with the minaret of Hassan Tower, Udays Kasbah, and explore Challah Necropolis. Then, you will continue to the most gorgeous town on the coast ‘Asilah.’ Here in Asilah, you can embark on a walking city tour to explore the old Medina and witness the beauty of the whitewashed walls. Later, you will drive to Tangier where your tour ends, and our services as well.
what's included
- Private A/C Vehicle, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser or Minibus for the selected tour + fuel
- English-speaking driver during the tour
- Camel trekking and desert camp
- rooms with A/C in typical hotels, Kasbahs & Riads with dinner and breakfast (Vegetarians are welcome)
what's excluded
1. Lunch between 5-15 euro
2. Beverages
3. Optional activities
4. Personal expenses