Overview
Experience Morocco’s most popular and best-selling “Imperial Cities + Sahara Desert” itinerary with a northern gateway twist — our “Complete Morocco Discovery: 7–8 Day Tangier to Casablanca/Rabat Tour”.
This comprehensive private loop starts in vibrant Tangier, explores the enchanting Blue City of Chefchaouen, immerses you in medieval Fes, takes you deep into the Sahara dunes of Merzouga, returns through dramatic gorges and cinematic kasbahs, spends time in magical Marrakech, and concludes in the modern coastal cities of Casablanca or Rabat — ideal for easy international departures.
A top-seller on major OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) for its perfect balance of culture, history, desert adventure, and scenic variety, this small-group private tour (max 8 participants) features air-conditioned 4×4/minivan transport, expert English-speaking guides, comfortable riads/hotels, and a luxury desert camp.
Flexible 7 or 8-day options (add a full day in Marrakech or Rabat/Casablanca). Priced from $1,450–$1,750 per person (double occupancy), it’s the ultimate Morocco highlights package.
Here are dreamlike scenes from Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City:
Highlights
- Tangier & Chefchaouen — Multicultural gateway + iconic blue medina
- Imperial Fes — World’s largest medieval car-free medina & famous tanneries
- Merzouga Sahara — Sunset camel trek + luxury desert camp under the stars
- Todra & Dades Gorges — Dramatic canyons and Berber landscapes
- Ait Ben Haddou — UNESCO-listed clay fortress (Hollywood film location)
- Marrakech — Jemaa el-Fna square, palaces, souks & vibrant energy
- Casablanca or Rabat finale — Hassan II Mosque and/or Kasbah des Oudayas for a perfect coastal departure
Iconic Sahara magic at Merzouga:
Detailed Itinerary (7–8 Days)
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Chefchaouen (≈120 km / 2–3 hrs)
Arrival at Tangier airport/ferry. Short city orientation (Kasbah, Grand Socco, Strait of Gibraltar views). Scenic drive through Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. Afternoon/evening exploring blue streets & riad relaxation. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes (≈280 km / 5 hrs)
Morning guided walk in Chefchaouen (waterfall, viewpoints). Depart for Volubilis Roman ruins (UNESCO mosaics) and Meknes (Bab Mansour gate). Arrive Fes evening. Overnight in Fes medina riad.
The mesmerizing Chouara Tanneries in Fes:
Day 3: Full Day Fes – Imperial Medina
Guided tour of Fes el-Bali: Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin University, Nejjarine Museum, royal palaces, and the iconic Chouara Tanneries. Afternoon souk exploration. Overnight in Fes.
Day 4: Fes to Merzouga Sahara (≈460 km / 7–8 hrs)
Drive through Middle Atlas (Ifrane, Azrou cedars, Barbary macaques) and Ziz Valley. Late afternoon arrival Merzouga. Sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes. Luxury desert camp with Berber dinner & music. Overnight in desert.
Day 5: Sahara Sunrise – Todra/Dades Gorges – Rose Valley (≈300 km / 5–6 hrs)
Desert sunrise & breakfast. Drive to Todra Gorge (towering cliffs, short walk). Continue to Dades Gorge and Valley of the Roses. Overnight in scenic Dades/Boumalne riad.
Dramatic beauty of Todra Gorge:
Day 6: Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech (≈350 km / 6–7 hrs)
Drive to Ouarzazate. Guided visit to Ait Ben Haddou kasbah (UNESCO, film location). Cross High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka pass. Arrive Marrakech late afternoon. Overnight in Marrakech.
Timeless earthen architecture of Ait Ben Haddou:
Day 7: Full Day Marrakech – Red City Exploration
Guided tour: Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, Medersa Ben Youssef, and the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square (storytellers, musicians, food stalls). Afternoon/evening at leisure for souks & rooftop views. Overnight in Marrakech.
Optional Day 8 (8-day version): Free day in Marrakech (gardens, cooking class, hammam) or early transfer to Casablanca/Rabat for relaxed exploration & departure.
Day 8 (or end of Day 7): Marrakech – Casablanca/Rabat – Departure (≈250–300 km / 3–4 hrs)
Morning transfer to Casablanca (Hassan II Mosque visit — stunning oceanfront masterpiece) or Rabat (Kasbah des Oudayas, royal palace area). Airport/rail station drop-off for international flights. End of services.
The majestic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca:
Serene blue streets of Rabat’s Kasbah des Oudayas:
What is Included
- Private air-conditioned 4×4/minivan throughout
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 6–7 nights accommodation (riads/hotels + 1 luxury desert camp)
- Daily breakfast + 5 dinners (incl. desert)
- Camel trek & desert activities
- All guided tours & entrance fees (Volubilis, tanneries, Ait Ben Haddou, palaces, mosques, etc.)
- Bottled water during drives
What is Not Included
- International flights
- Lunches (≈$10–15/day)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses, tips, drinks
- Optional activities (quad biking, Marrakech extras)
Why Choose This Tour
This is Morocco’s bestselling classic loop for a reason — it delivers the complete experience: northern charm, imperial history, epic desert, dramatic gorges, UNESCO sites, Marrakech magic, and convenient Atlantic coast departure. Private service, authentic cultural immersion, comfortable pacing, and expert guiding make it the top choice on major OTAs. Travelers love the variety, stunning scenery, and seamless logistics.
FAQ
Q: Which departure city is better — Casablanca or Rabat?
A: Casablanca offers the iconic Hassan II Mosque and larger airport; Rabat is calmer with beautiful historic sites. Both work perfectly — choose based on your flight.
Q: Is 7 or 8 days better?
A: 7 days is efficient and complete; add Day 8 for relaxed Marrakech time or more Casablanca/Rabat exploration.
Q: Best time to travel?
A: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for ideal weather everywhere.
Q: Dietary & mobility accommodations?
A: Yes — vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free and mobility adjustments available with advance notice.
This all-encompassing loop is Morocco at its finest — from blue mountains to golden dunes to oceanfront mosques. Ready to book your dream adventure?