Marrakech Express: 6-Day Tour from Tangier
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: Tangier → Chefchaouen
Your journey begins in Tangier, where you’ll be greeted at the port or airport by your tour driver. Start with a visit to Tangier's medina, where you’ll have free time to wander the labyrinth of narrow streets and discover its bustling markets.
Next, head to Hercules Caves, a natural wonder tied to Greek mythology, with its iconic opening shaped like the African continent. Stop by Cap Spartel, a stunning viewpoint perched 1,000 feet above sea level, offering panoramic vistas of the Strait of Gibraltar.
In the afternoon, travel to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s "Blue Pearl," nestled in the Rif Mountains. Stroll through the town’s iconic Place Outa el Hammam, home to the 15th-century Kasbah and the Ethnographic Museum. Admire the octagonal minaret and soak in the charm of this tranquil town. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 2: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes
After breakfast, depart for the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its well-preserved mosaics, grand arches, and sprawling ruins, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Roman civilization.
Continue to Meknes, an imperial city adorned with majestic gates and historic palaces. Visit the impressive Bab Mansour, a gateway celebrated for its intricate mosaic tiles and striking architecture. Explore El Hedim Square, the vibrant heart of Meknes, and learn about the city’s connection to the Sultan Moulay Ismail.
Conclude the day in Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, where you’ll have free time to explore its bustling streets. Overnight in Fes.
Day 3: Guided Tour of Fes
Begin the day with a guided exploration of Fes, starting at the Royal Palace, known for its imposing golden gates. Ascend to the South Tower for panoramic views of the city and visit the Pottery Village, where skilled artisans create intricate ceramics.
Delve into the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, an architectural masterpiece of the Marinid era. Explore the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, the oldest continually operating higher educational institution in the world, as recognized by UNESCO.
Other highlights include Nejjarine Square, with its beautifully restored caravanserai, and the historic King’s Residence. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to wander through Fes at your leisure. Overnight in Fes.
Day 4: Fes → Ifrane → Merzouga Desert
Depart early for the journey southward through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, often referred to as "Little Switzerland," for its alpine-style architecture and well-manicured gardens.
Continue through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques, and enjoy the scenic landscapes of Midelt and the Ziz Valley, a region filled with lush date palms and ancient kasbahs.
Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. In the late afternoon, embark on a camel trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, marveling at the golden sands as the sun sets. At your desert camp, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, live Berber music, and a night under the starlit desert sky. Overnight in a luxurious private tent.
Day 5: Merzouga → Todgha Gorge → Dades Valley
Awaken early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, an unforgettable spectacle. After breakfast, travel to Todgha Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs and a crystal-clear river. Take a leisurely walk through the gorge, soaking in its natural beauty.
Continue to the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and verdant oases. Stop at the famous "Monkey Fingers" rock formations and drive along the scenic Dades Gorges, where ancient kasbahs dot the landscape. Spend the night in an authentic riad in the Dades Valley, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Day 6: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
After breakfast, journey through the Valley of Roses and along the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, where ancient fortresses line the route. Stop at Kasbah Amridil, a 17th-century kasbah featured on the Moroccan 50-dirham banknote.
Next, visit Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinematic hub, and tour the Atlas Studios, where famous movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village renowned for its mud-brick architecture and labyrinthine streets.
Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, a winding mountain road offering breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where your driver will ensure you are settled into your accommodation, marking the end of your incredible 6-day journey.
What’s Included
- Private transport (4WD or minivan)
- English-speaking tour driver
- Local guides in Volubilis and Fes
- Accommodations (5 nights in boutique riads and desert camp)
- Daily breakfasts
What’s Not Included
- Entry fees to historical sites
- Lunches and dinners (except in the desert camp)
- Beverages and personal expenses