8-Day Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

ITINERARY: 8 DAYS FROM TANGIER TO MARRAKECH

DAY 1: TANGIER – CHEFCHAOUEN

Start your 8-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech with a warm welcome at Tangier airport, one of its ports or your hotel, where our friendly local guide will meet you.

On arrival, we will set off on a scenic drive to Chefchaouen, a picturesque town in the Rif mountains of northern Morocco. Settle into your comfortable hotel or riad, surrounded by the iconic blue-painted streets. Enjoy exploring the lively markets, lovely cafés and authentic Moroccan cuisine. After a day of discovery, relax at your riad or hotel, immersed in the peaceful atmosphere.

Driving distance: about 112 km

Driving time: about 2 hours 12 min

DAY 2: CHEFCHAOUEN – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FES

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your riad. Set off on a scenic drive through the picturesque villages of the Rif, immersing yourself in the peaceful beauty of the Moroccan countryside. The first stop is Volubilis, known for its ancient Roman ruins.

Explore the well-preserved mosaics and the imposing 3rd-century public buildings of Volubilis. We will then head to Meknes, a city rich in heritage that was the capital of Morocco in the 17th century. Enjoy a pleasant lunch before exploring the historic medina, surrounded by ancient walls and home to the famous Bab el Mansour gate. Admire the gate’s refined carvings and visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, an important site dedicated to the revered Sultan. The day of exploration ends in Fes, where you will settle into a lovely riad.

Driving distance: about 260 km

Driving time: about 4 hours 30 min

DAY 3: GUIDED TOUR OF FES

Immerse yourself in a full day exploring Fes, a city famous for its deep historical roots and vibrant culture. As one of the imperial cities of Morocco, Fes offers countless cultural and religious monuments.

Start the day with a visit to the gates of the Royal Palace. Stroll through the maze-like lanes and lively streets of the medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit monuments such as the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain and the Chouara Tanneries, each with its own extraordinary architecture and historical importance.

Continue to the Mellah, the Jewish quarter of Fes, to discover the city’s varied cultural fabric. End the visit at an ancient fortress, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Medina and the Fes skyline.

DAY 4: FES – IFRANE – MIDDLE ATLAS – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA DESERT

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your riad in Fes, then get ready for an exciting desert adventure. We will head south towards the Merzouga desert, with a pleasant stop in Ifrane to admire its scenic beauty.

The route will take us through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where you may spot Barbary macaques in their natural environment. We will stop for a delicious lunch at a restaurant along the way. Admire the lush landscapes of the Ziz Valley with its extensive palm grove.

In the afternoon we will arrive in Merzouga, where the camel ride awaits you. Cross the enchanting Erg Chebbi dunes, stopping to admire a splendid sunset from the top of a high dune. After this unforgettable moment, you will continue to a luxury desert camp. On arrival, relax in your private tent. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner, then gather around a campfire under the starry sky, immersing yourself in the traditional rhythms of Berber music, with the chance to join in and play the drums with the camp staff.

Driving distance: about 500 km

Driving time: about 7 hours 30 min

DAY 5: DISCOVERING THE DESERT

Early wake-up to admire a splendid sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, choose between a camel ride or an exciting 4×4 drive to Merzouga.

Our adventure begins with a visit to Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa music. Listen to the energetic melodies performed by local musicians, echoing the rich heritage of African rhythms.

We will then continue off-road to explore M’Fis, an abandoned village once enlivened by the galena mines. Stroll among the historic ruins and learn about the miners’ lives and the importance of galena in the production of mascara.

The journey continues with a visit to a nomadic family living in the heart of the desert. Join them in their traditional Berber tents, enjoy a hot cup of tea and discover their unique way of life.

After lunch, we will head to a lovely riad, where you can relax and take a refreshing swim in the pool. In the late afternoon you can choose an exciting quad or buggy adventure, or a peaceful walk to the dunes to admire the sunset. End the day with a delicious dinner and a restful night at your riad.

Driving distance: about 57 km

Driving time: about 1 hour 15 min

DAY 6: MERZOUGA DESERT – RISSANI – TODRA GORGE – DADES VALLEY

After a delicious breakfast at your riad, we will set off on an enchanting journey to the splendid Dades Valley.

The first stop is the traditional market of Rissani, bustling on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Stroll through its streets, soaking up the vivid colours, the scents of herbs and the lively sounds.

Then get ready to be amazed by the magnificent Todra Gorge. Take time to explore this natural wonder, where the Todra river flows between imposing rock walls, revealing breathtaking views at every bend.

Continuing to the Dades Valley, you will stop to admire the fascinating rock formations known as “monkey fingers”. The scenic drive along the Dades Valley, between steep walls and lush vegetation, will reward you with unforgettable views. We will reach your hotel for the night, a peaceful and comfortable retreat.

Driving distance: about 310 km

Driving time: about 5 hours

DAY 7: DADES VALLEY – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH

Today we will head to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” and the “gateway to the desert”. The first stop is the Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Morocco. Immerse yourself in the world of cinema by exploring its famous sets.

After visiting the studios, we will head to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic fortress has appeared in films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy, Prince of Persia, Alexander and the TV series Game of Thrones. Admire its extraordinary architecture and immerse yourself in the rich history of this splendid Kasbah.

After a pleasant lunch at a restaurant, we will cross the majestic High Atlas mountains, enjoying the breathtaking views. In the late afternoon we will arrive in the lively city of Marrakech. You will be welcomed at a lovely riad in the heart of the Medina. Tonight you can have dinner at your riad or at a restaurant on the lively Jemaa El Fna square.

Driving distance: about 353 km

Driving time: about 6 hours 30 min

DAY 8: GUIDED TOUR OF MARRAKECH

Start the last day of this memorable 8-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech with a delicious breakfast at your riad. Our expert local guide in Marrakech will meet you at the riad to show you the city’s highlights, with fascinating stories about iconic monuments such as Jemaa El-Fna square, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Koutoubia Mosque.

After a satisfying lunch, explore the modern part of Marrakech and visit the splendid Majorelle Garden, a peaceful oasis that combines art and nature. If your departure flight is today, we will transfer you to Marrakech Menara airport (RAK) or Mohammed V airport in Casablanca (CMN), depending on your flight, at the end of this unforgettable 8-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Chefchaouen, Fes and the Sahara Desert.