Overview
Experience the dramatic contrast of northern Morocco’s cultural gems and the vast golden dunes of the Sahara on our signature “From Blue City to Golden Sands: 5-Day Tangier to Merzouga Tour”.
Starting in the historic port city of Tangier, this journey takes you through the enchanting Rif Mountains to the iconic blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, the ancient imperial medina of Fes, and finally deep into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga for an unforgettable desert experience.
This private small-group tour (max 8 participants) combines rich history, stunning mountain scenery, medieval architecture, and the magic of sleeping under the stars in a luxury desert camp. With comfortable air-conditioned 4×4 transportation, expert English-speaking guides, and carefully selected accommodations, it’s designed for travelers who want to see Morocco’s diverse highlights in just five days.
Priced from $1,050 per person (double occupancy), this itinerary offers the perfect balance of culture, nature, and adventure.
Here are stunning views of Chefchaouen, the legendary Blue City:
Highlights
- Tangier’s Multicultural Gateway — Panoramic views of Europe and Africa meeting at the Strait of Gibraltar
- Chefchaouen Blue Medina — Wander dreamlike azure streets and hidden alleys
- Fes el-Bali — Explore the world’s largest car-free medieval medina and the famous Chouara Tanneries
- Volubilis Roman Ruins — Marvel at remarkably preserved mosaics from the Roman era
- Merzouga Erg Chebbi Dunes — Camel trek at sunset, overnight in a luxury desert camp, and Berber music under a million stars
These iconic desert moments await in Merzouga:
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Chefchaouen Blue Pearl (≈120 km / 2–3 hours drive)
Arrive at Tangier airport or ferry port and meet your private driver-guide. Enjoy a short city orientation: Grand Socco, Kasbah viewpoint, and the colorful medina.
Drive through the scenic Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. Check into your charming riad and spend the afternoon exploring the famous blue streets, shopping for handicrafts, and enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Evening welcome dinner featuring local Rif specialties. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 2: Chefchaouen Exploration – Volubilis & Meknes – Fes (≈280 km / 5 hours drive)
After breakfast, take a guided morning walk through Chefchaouen: Ras el Maa waterfall, Spanish Mosque viewpoint, and hidden blue alleys.
Depart for the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO site), where you’ll walk among beautifully preserved mosaics and triumphal arches.
Continue to imperial Meknes for a quick visit to the impressive Bab Mansour gate and granaries. Arrive in Fes by evening and settle into your luxurious riad in the heart of the medina.
Here are glimpses of the magnificent Roman mosaics at Volubilis:
Overnight in Fes.
Day 3: Full Day in Fes – Imperial Medina & Craft Heritage
Dedicate the entire day to discovering Fes el-Bali, one of the most fascinating medieval cities in the world.
Guided highlights include: Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin University (oldest continuously operating university), the iconic Chouara Tanneries, Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts, and the royal palaces’ exterior.
Enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant and free time to explore the souks in the afternoon.
These vibrant scenes capture the magic of the Chouara Tanneries in Fes:
Relax in your riad in the evening. Overnight in Fes.
Day 4: Fes to Merzouga Sahara via Middle Atlas (≈460 km / 7–8 hours drive)
Early departure through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane (the “Moroccan Switzerland”) and Azrou cedar forests (chance to see Barbary macaques).
Continue through Midelt and the dramatic Ziz Valley with its palm oases.
Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Transfer to camels for a magical sunset trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Reach your luxury desert camp: private tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and real beds. Enjoy Berber dinner, traditional music, and stargazing. Overnight in the desert.
Day 5: Sahara Sunrise – Return to Fes or Marrakech / Departure
Wake early for a breathtaking desert sunrise. After breakfast at camp, return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga.
Drive back toward civilization (Fes ≈7–8 hours or Marrakech ≈9–10 hours depending on your next destination). Transfer to airport/train station or hotel as required.
End of services — unforgettable memories guaranteed!
Enjoy the serene luxury of traditional Moroccan riads:
What is Included
- Private air-conditioned 4×4/minivan transportation
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 4 nights accommodation: riad in Chefchaouen, riad in Fes, luxury desert camp in Merzouga (2× riad + 1× desert camp)
- Daily breakfast + 3 dinners (including desert camp)
- Camel trek & desert activities
- All guided tours and entrance fees (Volubilis, museums, tanneries, etc.)
- Bottled water during drives
What is Not Included
- International flights
- Lunches (≈$10–15 per day)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses, tips, drinks
- Optional activities (quad biking in desert ≈$50)
Why Choose This Tour
This 5-day route perfectly combines Morocco’s most iconic northern highlights with the unforgettable Sahara experience — all without excessive driving fatigue. You get the best of mountains, medieval cities, Roman history, and desert magic in a compact timeframe. Private service, comfortable stays, and authentic cultural encounters make this tour ideal for first-time visitors who want maximum impact with minimum hassle.
FAQ
Q: How physically demanding is the tour?
A: Moderate — involves walking in medinas and a 1-hour camel ride (optional 4×4 return). Easy to adapt.
Q: Best time to travel?
A: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for pleasant weather in both mountains and desert.
Q: Can dietary requirements be met?
A: Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options available with advance notice.
Q: What if I want to continue to Marrakech?
A: Easy extension — we can arrange Day 5 transfer directly to Marrakech instead of returning north.
This journey from Tangier’s gateway through blue mountains to golden desert sands captures the very soul of Morocco. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?