5-Day Morocco Adventure: A Fast-Paced Journey Through Iconic Cities and the Desert
- Duration: 5 days
- From: Tangier
- Arrival: Marrakech
Spending 5 days in Morocco starting from Tangier is a fantastic opportunity—especially with our agency as your guide. In just a few days, you’ll experience the very heart and soul of the country, from the cultural richness of Fez and the vibrant energy of Marrakech to the breathtaking Sahara Desert and the majestic Atlas Mountains. This “Morocco Express” tour is designed to make every moment count on this unforgettable journey.
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
On the first day of this 5-day journey through Morocco, you’ll discover the cultural treasures of the country’s northern region. Upon your arrival in Tangier, whether by ferry or plane, a private vehicle and our staff will be ready to greet you and begin the adventure. Depending on your arrival time, the itinerary may start with a visit to Tetouan, a UNESCO-listed city known for its brilliant white medina and strong Spanish heritage, dating back to its role as the capital of the Spanish Protectorate in the early 20th century.
Later in the day, you’ll head to Chaouen, or Chefchaouen, famously known as the “Blue City” for its enchanting old town painted in various shades of blue. You’ll stroll through its serene, winding streets and stop at scenic overlooks offering breathtaking views of the clustered houses and surrounding Rif Mountains. As the day winds down, you’ll spend the night in a traditional riad nestled within the medina.
Summary of the day
- Arrival in Tangier and pick-up by our staff
- Road trip to Tetouan and visit (depending on flight or ferry arrival time)
- Arrival in Chaouen and free visit
- Night in a charming riad in the medina
Day 2
After enjoying breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen, the second day of our 5-day express tour of Morocco will take you to the historic city of Fez. The journey will lead you away from the lush Rif Mountains and into one of the country’s most iconic cities, recognized by UNESCO for its rich heritage and architectural splendor.
Upon arrival, you’ll dive straight into the heart of Fez with a guided walking tour led by an official local expert. You’ll explore major highlights, particularly within the medina—one of the largest and oldest in the Arab world. Key landmarks may include the Al-Karaouine Mosque and University, one of the oldest in existence, Nejjarine Square with its intricate fountain, the Bou Inania Medersa, the vibrant tanners’ district, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and the Royal Palace’s golden gates.
Following the tour, you’ll have free time to delve deeper into the medina’s souks, renowned for their traditional crafts, or visit one of the city’s many museums. The day concludes with a relaxing overnight stay in a traditional riad in the city center.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Chaouen
- Road trip to Fez and guided city tour
- Leisure
- Night in a riad in the medina
Day 3
After breakfast at your riad in Fez, the journey continues southward toward one of Morocco’s most iconic destinations: the Sahara Desert. Along the way, the route offers a variety of scenic and cultural stops that reveal the country’s rich diversity.
One of the first highlights is Ifrane, often nicknamed the “Moroccan Switzerland” thanks to its alpine-style architecture and clean, well-kept streets. Located at 1,713 meters in the Middle Atlas, it frequently sees snow in winter and offers a striking contrast to the arid landscapes ahead. Nearby lies Cedars National Park, home to ancient cedar forests and the endangered Barbary macaques, earning it the nickname “Monkey Park.”
As you leave the mountains behind and descend through the dramatic Ziz Valley, the terrain gradually becomes drier, giving way to desert landscapes. In Erfoud, a town known for its fossil-rich terrain and marble workshops, you’ll get a sense of how life adapts in arid environments.
From Erfoud, it’s a short drive to Merzouga, the gateway to the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi. There, you’ll switch to camels (or optionally a 4×4) for a memorable ride across the golden sands, timed perfectly to witness the magic of the desert at sunset.
The day ends at a desert camp nestled among the dunes. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with traditional Berber tea, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in a nomadic-style tent. With no light pollution, the stars above will offer a breathtaking end to this unforgettable day.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Fez
- Road trip:
- Ifrane
- Cedars Park
- Erfoud
- Arrival in the Merzouga desert
- Camel ride to the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Dinner and overnight stay in a tent camp in the middle of the desert
Day 4
On the fourth day of this 5-day Morocco tour, rising early is highly recommended: the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes is a truly unforgettable sight. After breakfast at the desert camp, you’ll ride your camel back to Merzouga. Depending on the package, there will also be time for a refreshing shower either at the camp or a nearby hotel.
From Merzouga, the journey continues by private vehicle. The first stop is Rissani, a traditional desert town that offers a glimpse into Morocco’s heritage through its historic medina, lively market, and even a unique donkey parking area.
Next, the route leads to the stunning Dades Valley, passing dramatic desert scenery and several key highlights along the way. One of the most impressive is the Todra Gorges, a natural canyon with towering rock walls reaching up to 200 meters — a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
As the landscape evolves, scattered palm groves and ancient Berber kasbahs become more frequent. This is the famed Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, and you’ll have the chance to explore one of its finest examples: the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. Known for its striking adobe construction and intricate details in wood and ceramics, the kasbah once served as the residence of the powerful Glaoui family.
To conclude the day, you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate, a city often dubbed the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its famous film studios and cinematic landscapes.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at the tent camp
- Camel ride to Merzouga
- Refreshing shower (at camp or hotel depending on the package chosen)
- Road trip:
- Rissani
- Todra Gorges
- Dades Valley
- Kasbah of Taourirt
- Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate
Day 5
On the morning of day five, a hearty breakfast will prepare us for the final leg of this 5-day Morocco tour. The first stop is located just a short drive from Ouarzazate: the remarkable Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified village, with its traditional Berber architecture, is a striking example of earthen construction and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. Fans of Game of Thrones may also recognize it as one of the filming locations for the series’ third season.
After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, we’ll continue our journey across the High Atlas Mountains, climbing through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass at an elevation of around 2,260 meters. Along this mountain road, breathtaking views of valleys and remote Berber villages will accompany you, offering countless opportunities to stop and admire — or photograph — the impressive landscapes.
From this point, only about 100 kilometers remain to reach Marrakech, the final stop of this 5-day Morocco tour. Upon arrival in the city, your journey will conclude with a drop-off at the agreed location in Marrakech, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Morocco.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a hotel in Ouarzazate
- Visit of the ksar Ait Ben Haddou
- Crossing the High Atlas through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Arrival in Marrakech and end of the tour
- Photos
- Map
- 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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