Tour Description
A comprehensive tour of northern and southern Morocco, combining imperial cities, mountain villages, the landscapes of the Middle Atlas, the Sahara Desert, the Erg Chebbi dunes, the Todra Gorge, Ait Ben Haddou, and the Atlantic coast of Essaouira. An itinerary designed to help you discover Morocco in an authentic, comfortable, and relaxed way, accompanied by a private Spanish-speaking driver/guide.
Tour Plan
Upon your arrival at Tangier airport, your driver/guide will be waiting to welcome you and begin the journey toward the Rif Mountains. The drive to Chefchaouen takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, winding through mountainous landscapes and small northern Moroccan villages.
We will arrive in Chefchaouen, known worldwide as the Blue City or the Blue Pearl of Morocco. Its name derives from the Berber term referring to the "horns" of the mountains that surround the town.
Upon arrival, we will accompany you to the riad, leaving you with the rest of the afternoon free to start discovering the city at your own pace. You can lose yourself in its narrow alleyways, admire its houses painted in vibrant shades of blue, visit small handicraft shops, and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful mountain village.
One of the best ways to experience Chefchaouen is simply to wander aimlessly through the medina and uncover its charming corners, squares, fountains, and viewpoints.
Accommodation: Riad with breakfast included.
After breakfast, we will set off for Volubilis, one of the most important and best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in North Africa.
During the visit, you will be able to discover ancient Roman ruins, columns, mosaics, and building remains that offer a glimpse into life in this ancient city. Volubilis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
We will then continue toward Meknes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities. Here, we will enjoy a tour with a local guide—combining walking and driving—to discover the key highlights of this historic city. Meknes retains extraordinary monumental architecture, ancient ramparts, ornate gates, and vestiges from the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail.
Following the tour, we proceed to Fes, one of the primary cultural and spiritual hubs of Morocco.
Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your riad located in the medina. You will have free time to rest or begin exploring the vibrant atmosphere of this fascinating city on your own.
Accommodation: Riad with breakfast included.
After breakfast, around 10:00 AM, your local guide will pick you up at the riad to begin the city tour of Fes.
We will start with a walking tour through the impressive medina of Fes el-Bali, one of the largest and most fascinating medieval medinas in the world. Its narrow streets are filled with small shops, artisan workshops, markets, and historic buildings.
During the visit, you will have the opportunity to:
- Wander through traditional souks.
- Discover ancient madrasas and historical landmarks.
- Watch local artisans working with traditional techniques.
- Explore shops featuring carpets, leather goods, spices, and handcrafted items.
- Visit the famous traditional tanneries.
- Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the medina.
Fes is a city that feels like stepping back in time, alive with colors, aromas, sounds, and labyrinthine streets.
After lunch, we will continue the tour by vehicle around the outskirts of the medina. We will see the gates of the Royal Palace, the historic Mellah (Jewish Quarter), the panoramic viewpoints of Borj Nord and Borj Sud, and a traditional pottery cooperative.
In the late afternoon, we will drop you off at the famous Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud). From there, you will have free time to continue exploring the city at your own pace, shop for souvenirs, enjoy a mint tea, or have dinner at one of the medina's restaurants.
Accommodation: Riad with breakfast included.
After breakfast, around 08:00 AM, we will set off on our journey toward the desert.
Our first stop will be in Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its alpine architecture and mountainous surroundings. We will have time for a short stop in the main square to take photos.
We will then continue to the cedar forest of Azrou, home to the famous Barbary macaques that live in this area. It is a lovely spot for a quick break to enjoy the natural scenery of the Middle Atlas.
We will keep traveling across the mountains until we reach Midelt, known as the city of apples and situated at an altitude of approximately 1,488 meters. Here, we will pause for lunch.
Afterward, we will head further south as the landscape grows increasingly arid. We will cross the Tizi N'Talghamt mountain pass, sitting at around 1,907 meters, before arriving at the Ziz Gorges.
We will stop to take in the panoramic views and then continue toward the breathtaking Ziz Valley, where vast palm groves and lush oases contrast dramatically with the surrounding desert and mountains.
We will pass through Erfoud, widely regarded as one of the main gateways to the Sahara, before making our final stretch to Merzouga.
In the late afternoon, we will arrive at the awe-inspiring dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here, we will swap our vehicle for camels to trek into the dunes for an unforgettable experience. During the camel ride, you will watch the sun dip behind the dunes, casting vibrant golden and reddish hues across the landscape.
We will arrive at the tented camp to enjoy a magical night in the heart of the desert beneath a spectacular canopy of stars. In the evening, you will savor a traditional dinner, listen to Berber drum music around the campfire, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Sahara.
Accommodation: Desert camp in Erg Chebbi with dinner and breakfast included.
We will wake up early to enjoy one of the most special moments of the trip: the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Those who wish can try sandboarding before returning to the camp for breakfast.
After breakfast, we will head back by camel or 4x4 to the meeting point where our driver will be waiting to continue the journey.
Optional Activities: You may choose to take a quad or buggy excursion through the Erg Chebbi dunes:
- Single Quad: €40 / 1 hour
- Double Quad: €60 / 1 hour
- Double Buggy: €120 / 1 hour (includes guide and fuel)
Note: These optional activities are not included in the total package price.
We will then proceed to Erfoud, where you can visit a local cooperative specializing in fossils and marble crafts if you are interested.
Our route continues through various Arab and Berber villages, such as Jerf and Touroug. In Melaab, we can stop at a local shop run by Berber women, where you will have the chance to try on traditional clothing and take photos wearing authentic attire alongside the Berber flag.
Next, we will head toward the Tinghir Valley for a panoramic stop before visiting the impressive Todra Gorges. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the canyon, taking in the massive vertical cliff walls that rise dramatically on both sides of the river.
In the afternoon, we will continue to the Dades Valley and check in to a hotel featuring beautiful panoramic views. If you feel like stretching your legs, you can take a short walk near the hotel leading to a small local waterfall.
Accommodation: Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey toward the Valley of the Roses, famous for its traditional production of rose water and cosmetic products.
The primary blooming season typically occurs during the first and second weeks of May. Outside of this season, you can still visit local shops and cooperatives dedicated to rose-derived products.
We will keep driving along the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the Skoura palm grove, where you can admire the stunning contrast between green palm trees and ancient earthen fortresses.
Next, we arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara and famous for its major role in the film industry. Here, you can visit the Kasbah of Taourirt (entrance fee and local guide not included) or simply take photos from the outside. You also have the option to visit the renowned Ouarzazate film studios (entrance optional).
We then continue to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most spectacular highlights of the trip. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, this ancient fortified village (ksar) features winding alleyways, historic earthen structures, and panoramic views from its hilltop lookout. It has served as the filming location for numerous international movies and television series.
Following our visit, we begin our climb across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, sitting at an altitude of approximately 2,260 meters—one of the highest paved road passes in North Africa. We will make several stops along the way to capture the breathtaking vistas of the mountain peaks and surrounding valleys.
On our descent toward Marrakech, we will visit a women's argan oil cooperative to learn about the traditional extraction process and the various uses of argan. The visit is complimentary and directly supports local women and their communities.
We will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. We will drop you off as close as possible to your accommodation and contact the riad staff to assist with your arrival. You will have the rest of the evening free to explore the Marrakech medina, wander through the souks, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the famous Jemaa el-Fna square.
Accommodation: Riad with breakfast included.
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up to begin the drive toward the Atlantic coast.
The journey to Essaouira takes approximately 3 hours. Along the way, we will make a stop to observe the famous goats climbing the argan trees, a unique phenomenon characteristic of this region. If you wish, we can also visit a local cooperative dedicated to the production of argan oil.
We will then continue to Essaouira, an ancient port city historically known as Mogador. The city is renowned for its sea walls, peaceful streets, bustling fishing harbor, and striking Atlantic oceanfront setting. You can walk along the Skala de la Ville, which offers beautiful panoramic views over the port, ramparts, and ocean.
Essaouira is also celebrated for its craftsmanship—particularly intricate woodwork made from thuya wood—as well as its art galleries, artisan workshops, markets, and fresh seafood restaurants.
Upon arrival at the riad, you will check in and have the entire afternoon free to explore the city at your own pace, stroll through the medina, enjoy the beach, or watch the sunset over the ocean.
Accommodation: Riad with breakfast included.
After breakfast, you will have the morning free to enjoy Essaouira at your leisure.
You can take this opportunity to do some last-minute shopping, visit the fishing port, wander through the medina, or simply enjoy a coffee or mint tea by the ocean.
At the agreed time, your driver will pick you up for the return journey to Marrakech.
Upon arrival in Marrakech, we will transfer you as close as possible to your accommodation. You will have the rest of the afternoon free to continue exploring the city, stroll through the souks, experience the atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna square, and enjoy dinner at one of the medina's restaurants.
Accommodation: Riad with breakfast included.
After breakfast, you will have the morning free to enjoy Marrakech at your own pace, do some last-minute shopping, or simply relax at the riad.
At the scheduled time, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Marrakech Airport in accordance with your flight departure time.
This will bring our tour to an end. We hope you have enjoyed Morocco—its landscapes, culture, gastronomy, and especially the unforgettable experience of discovering the Sahara Desert with our team.
Thank you very much for your trust and for traveling with us.
Wishing you a safe journey back home, and until next time, inshallah!
Included/Exclude
INCLUDED
- Private transfers from Tangier Airport to Marrakech, including the final transfer to Marrakech Airport.
- 8-day private circuit from Tangier to Marrakech via the desert, in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Private Spanish-speaking driver/guide at your exclusive disposal throughout the entire tour.
- Fuel included for the entire itinerary.
- 1 night in a Riad in Chefchaouen, breakfast included.
- Guided tour of Meknes (approx. 2 hours), combining walking and vehicle segments with a local guide.
- 2 nights in a Riad in Fes, breakfast included.
- Guided tour of Fes, covering the medina on foot and surrounding areas by vehicle, with a local guide.
- 1 night in a desert camp in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), including dinner, breakfast, and live Berber music around the campfire.
- Camel trek to the desert camp to enjoy the sunset over the dunes. Return the following day after breakfast, with the option to return by camel or 4x4.
- 1 night in a hotel in the Dades Valley, dinner and breakfast included.
- Visit to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 2 nights in a Riad in Marrakech, breakfast included.
- 1 night in a Riad in Essaouira, breakfast included.
NOT INCLUDED
- Drinks of any kind.
- Lunches and midday meals throughout the tour.
- Entrance fees to monuments, museums, and sites not explicitly specified in the "included" section.
- Tips for local guides, drivers, hotel staff, or other service providers.
- Dinners in Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech, and Essaouira.
- Guided tour of Marrakech: optional. If you prefer a private guided tour, the total price is €80 for two people.