Marrakech, the Sahara, and Northern Morocco — an adventure rich in stunning landscapes and striking contrasts.
- Duration: 8 days
- From: Marrakech
- Arrival: Tangier
This 8-day tour is one of the most complete experiences we offer, guiding you through Marrakech, the desert, and northern Morocco. It’s the perfect way to explore some of the country’s most iconic cities and breathtaking natural scenery. Along the way, you’ll witness the enchanting contrast between golden desert dunes and towering mountain peaks, bustling urban districts and peaceful rural villages, grand architectural wonders and modest traditional homes. Ready to experience it all with us?
Services included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, at your hotel or at the agreed location
- 4x4 route, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
- Camel ride to the tent camp
- Dinner at the tent camp
- Accommodation in a Berber tent
- Assistance at destination
Services not included
- Arrival and return flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets to monuments
- Tips
- Schedule
Day 1
The first day of this tour is organized around your flight arrival in Marrakech. No matter what time you land, our English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at the airport to provide a comfortable private transfer to your riad, located in the heart of the medina. Before settling in for the night, you may choose to enjoy some free time to begin exploring and get an initial feel for the city.
Summary of the day
- Arrival at Marrakech airport
- Pick up at the airport by our staff
- Transfer by private vehicle to the riad located in the medina
- Free time (depending on flight arrival time)
- Overnight stay in a charming riad located in the medina
Day 2
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the riad, you’ll set out on a guided tour of Marrakech’s main landmarks with one of our official guides. Highlights of the tour include the exterior of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and the historic Ben Youssef Medersa. You’ll also have the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the medina, exploring its lively neighborhoods and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The afternoon of this second day is yours to enjoy at your own pace whether it’s shopping in the souks, visiting museums and art galleries, or relaxing in one of the city’s beautiful green spaces, such as the Majorelle Gardens. In the evening, you’ll return to the same charming riad for another restful night.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Marrakech
- Guided tour with a local guide
- Free afternoon
- Night in a riad in Marrakech
Day 3
On the third day of the tour, after breakfast at the riad, we’ll begin our journey from Marrakech toward the desert and northern Morocco. Our route first takes us south, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which rises to 2,260 meters above sea level. As we ascend, we’ll pass through picturesque Berber villages nestled in mountain landscapes, with snow-capped peaks visible from autumn through late spring.
After enjoying scenic photo stops and descending the southern slopes of the mountains, we’ll arrive at Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified adobe ksar, built centuries ago by desert Berbers, played a vital role on historic caravan routes. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a renowned filming location, featured in productions like Game of Thrones.
Not far from Ait Ben Haddou lies Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Desert” and dubbed the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its famous film studios. We’ll visit the Taourirt Kasbah located in the city center before heading to our hotel in Ouarzazate, where dinner will be served and a restful night awaits.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Marrakech
- Car route through the High Atlas
- Visit of the ksar Ait Ben Haddou
- Visit of the Kasbah of Taourirt
- Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate
Day 4
We’ll start the fourth day of the tour with breakfast at our hotel in Ouarzazate, then set off along the famed Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. One of the day’s highlights will be a stop at the Todra Gorges a dramatic rocky canyon where the road winds between towering cliffs, some reaching heights of around 200 meters. We’ll pause here to walk and capture the stunning scenery.
As we continue, the journey offers more natural beauty, including a walk through the lush Tinghir palm grove. Soon after, we’ll pass through the palm groves of Tinjdad and Touroug, each offering a glimpse into the region’s rural life. Our next stop will be the town of Erfoud, well known for its fossil-rich lands and marble craftsmanship. We’ll visit a local workshop to learn more about these traditional trades.
In the final stretch of the day, we’ll arrive in Merzouga, where a change of transport awaits. Leaving the 4×4 behind, we’ll ride camels affectionately called “8x8s of the desert” into the Erg Chebbi dunes. As we reach the heart of this golden sea of sand, we’ll witness a breathtaking sunset. The day concludes at a desert camp, where dinner will be served and you’ll spend a magical night under a starlit sky.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a hotel in Ouarzazate
- Road route:
- Thousand Kasbahs, Valley of the Roses and Dades Valley
- Todra Gorges
- Palm groves of Tinghir, Tinjdad and Touroug
- Visit to Erfoud
- Arrival in Merzouga
- Camel trekking to the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Dinner and overnight stay in a tent camp
Day 5
The breathtaking sunrise on day five will greet us in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes, right at our desert tent camp. After soaking in this unforgettable moment and enjoying breakfast, we’ll ride camels back to Merzouga, where our vehicle will be waiting. Depending on your travel package, you’ll also have time in the morning to take a refreshing shower, either at the camp or a nearby hotel.
We’ll then begin our journey northward, continuing the route that will eventually bring our tour to a close. Along the way, we’ll pass through Rissani, travel the length of the scenic Ziz Valley, and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains. On the northern side of the range, we’ll reach Ifrane, often referred to as the “Moroccan Switzerland.” Here, we’ll also explore the nearby National Park, widely known as Cedars National Park for its vast cedar forests, and nicknamed Monkeys National Park due to its population of Barbary apes one of the few places in the world where they can still be seen in the wild.
We’ll arrive in Fez by evening, where you’ll check in to a charming riad in the medina an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s imperial wonders the next day.
Summary of the day
- Sunrise and breakfast at the desert tent camp
- Camel trek back to Merzouga
- Route by vehicle through:
- Rissani
- Ziz Valley
- Ifrane National Park (or Cedros or Monos)
- Arrival in Fez. Overnight in a riad.
Day 6
The sixth day begins with breakfast at the riad and is fully dedicated to discovering the rich cultural heritage of Fez. Accompanied by an official local guide, you’ll explore the city’s most important landmarks, many of which are located in its historic medina.
Among the highlights are the Bou Anania Medersa, the Nejjarine Fountain, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, and the Karaouine Mosque. Beyond its religious role, the mosque is also a prominent intellectual center in the Islamic world and home to the University of Fez, one of the oldest in existence.
The guided tour continues into the afternoon, following a break for lunch (at your leisure), and includes visits to unique neighborhoods such as the Tanners’ Quarter and the historic Jewish Mellah. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, you’ll return to your riad in the medina for a restful night.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in riad
- Guided tour of Fez
- Night in a riad in Fez
Day 7
After enjoying breakfast at the riad in Fez, we’ll continue our journey to explore more of northern Morocco’s hidden gems. Our first stop is Volubilis, one of the most impressive Roman archaeological sites in the country. You’ll have the option to explore the site with a local guide. As you stroll among the remains of the Temple of Jupiter Capitoline, the Arch of Caracalla, and the intricate mosaics of ancient Roman villas, you’ll be transported back to the early centuries of the Roman Empire, when this region was part of Mauretania Tingitana.
Following the visit, we’ll get back on the road and make our way to Chaouen—also known as Chefchaouen. We’ll arrive with enough time to enjoy this enchanting town nestled in the Rif Mountains. The afternoon will be free for you to explore at your own pace, wandering through the medina’s narrow, winding streets and admiring the town’s signature blue-washed buildings.
For the night, you’ll stay in a charming riad located in the heart of Chaouen’s old town.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Fez
- Visit to the Roman archaeological site of Volubilis
- Free afternoon in Chaouen
- Night in a riad in Chaouen
Day 8
Day eight marks the end of your journey through Marrakech, the desert, and northern Morocco. The day begins with breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen, followed by a scenic drive to the port or airport in Tangier. Depending on the time of your ferry or flight, you may wish to enjoy some free time to explore Tangier, a city uniquely positioned near Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
At the scheduled time, our driver will take you to your departure point, where our services will come to an end. We hope this tour has been a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you again for another unforgettable adventure in Morocco.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Chaouen
- Road route to Tangier
- Transfer to port or airport
- Photos
- FAQ
Morocco Turism offers an extensive selection of tours, from explorations of the imperial cities to thrilling journeys through the Sahara Desert. For more information, check out our tours page.
Tour durations vary, ranging from quick weekend escapes to extended trips of over a week. You can select the option that best fits your schedule and interests.
The cities you’ll visit depend on the tour you select, but options often include Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and more. Each tour features a detailed itinerary available on our website.
Definitely. Your safety is our highest priority. We partner with professional guides and skilled drivers to provide you with a secure and unforgettable travel experience.
Our tours feature a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and traditional riads. Each option is thoughtfully chosen to provide both comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Yes, at Morocco Turism, we recognize that every traveler is different. Reach out to us to tailor your tour according to your preferences and specific interests.
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