9-Day Tour from Tangier to Marrakech: A Grand Moroccan Adventure
Tour Overview
Conducting initial research on flights from your nearest airport can help you find the most cost-effective options for arriving in and departing from Morocco. Our tours are highly flexible and can start from any city that fits your schedule.
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Tangier airport or port, where our agent will warmly welcome you and guide you on a tailored city tour. Explore Tangier’s whitewashed hillside medina, beginning with the Dar el Makhzen Museum, a former Sultan’s palace showcasing Moroccan artifacts. Learn about Morocco’s diplomatic history at the American Legation Museum, housed in a stunning Moorish-style building.
Venture to the Hercules Caves, a fascinating geological wonder tied to ancient mythology, and admire the unique opening shaped like the African continent. End your Tangier exploration with a visit to the 1,000-foot-high viewpoint overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Enjoy free time to wander the city before settling in for an overnight stay in Tangier.
Day 2: Tangier → Chefchaouen
After breakfast, depart for Chefchaouen, the famed Blue City nestled in the Rif Mountains. Upon arrival, explore the serene medina with its enchanting blue-washed buildings, narrow streets, and colorful bazaars. Visit the Kasbah and the Ethnographic Museum, which offers insights into the region’s history and culture.
Spend the afternoon meandering through the town’s charming lanes or relaxing in Place Outa el Hammam, the central square surrounded by cafés and vibrant shops. Overnight in Chefchaouen, soaking in the tranquility of this magical town.
Day 3: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes
Today, journey south to Fes, with stops at significant historical landmarks along the way. The first stop is Volubilis, an ancient Roman city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its well-preserved mosaics, grand arches, and majestic ruins, reflecting the glory of the Roman Empire.
Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, and admire the stunning Bab Mansour Gate, an architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate mosaic designs. Take time to stroll through El Hedim Square and soak in the city’s vibrant energy. Conclude your day in Fes, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay in this culturally rich city.
Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes
Delve into the history and charm of Fes with a guided tour that brings the city’s highlights to life. Begin at the Royal Palace and admire its golden gates before heading to the South Tower for panoramic views of the city. Discover traditional craftsmanship at the Pottery Village, where local artisans create intricate ceramics.
Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Marinid architecture, and the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, recognized as the oldest continually operating educational institution in the world. Explore Nejjarine Square, with its beautifully restored caravanserai and woodcraft museum. Enjoy some free time in the medina to shop or relax before an overnight stay in Fes.
Day 5: Fes → Merzouga Desert
Embark on a scenic drive to the Sahara Desert, passing through the charming town of Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture. Stop in the Cedar Forests to see the playful Barbary macaques, and continue through the lush Ziz Valley, famous for its vast date palm plantations.
Arrive in Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara, and prepare for an unforgettable camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Witness the spectacular sunset over the golden sands before reaching your desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, accompanied by local music and a cozy campfire. Overnight in a private tent in Merzouga.
Day 6: Merzouga → Tinghir → Boumalne Dades
Rise early to watch the magical sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, depart for Boumalne Dades, with stops in Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet, and Tinghir, a town surrounded by lush palm groves.
Explore the magnificent Todgha Gorge, a series of dramatic limestone cliffs carved by the Todgha River. Take a leisurely walk through the gorge and marvel at its sheer beauty. Continue to Boumalne Dades, where you’ll discover the stunning Monkey Fingers Rock Formation and the region’s breathtaking valleys. Overnight in Boumalne Dades.
Day 7: Boumalne Dades → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
After breakfast, drive through the Valley of Roses, famous for its fragrant blooms and traditional rosewater production. Stop at Kasbah Amridil, a 17th-century fortified residence and living museum showcasing traditional kasbah life.
Continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinematic hub, and visit the Atlas Studios, where iconic films like Gladiator were shot. Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, an architectural marvel and a vital stop along ancient caravan routes.
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, winding through the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving in Marrakech. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife or relax at your accommodation.
Day 8: Guided Tour of Marrakech → Essaouira
Begin your day with a guided tour of Marrakech’s most iconic sites. Visit the Bahia Palace, an exquisite example of 19th-century architecture, and the Saadian Tombs, a historic royal necropolis. Admire the grandeur of the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s largest mosque, and explore the bustling Jamaa El Fna Square, filled with storytellers, musicians, and market stalls.
In the afternoon, travel to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its fortified medina and windswept beaches. Overnight in Essaouira.
Day 9: Essaouira → Marrakech
Spend your morning exploring Essaouira at your leisure. Wander through the medina’s art galleries and boutique shops, or visit the lively harbor to see traditional fishing boats in action. For those seeking adventure, Essaouira is a hotspot for windsurfing.
After lunch, transfer back to Marrakech, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, concluding your Moroccan adventure.
What’s Included
- Private transport (4WD or minivan)
- English-speaking tour driver
- 8 nights of accommodations in boutique riads and desert camp
- Local guides in Volubilis, Fes, and Marrakech
- Daily breakfasts
- Dinner in Merzouga Desert and Boumalne Dades
What’s Not Included
- Entry fees to historical sites
- Lunches and additional dinners
- Beverages and personal expenses