Overview of the Adventure

Embark on an extraordinary 5-day desert adventure across Morocco, starting from Tangier and ending in the vibrant city of Marrakech. This immersive tour offers a perfect mix of historical landmarks, breathtaking natural scenery, and authentic cultural experiences.

As you journey through Morocco, you’ll traverse the stunning Rif Mountains, explore the enchanting blue streets of Chefchaouen, step back in time at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and visit the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes. From the alpine charm of Ifrane to the cedar forests of Azrou inhabited by wild monkeys, every stop unveils a new side of Morocco.

The highlight awaits in the golden dunes of the Merzouga Sahara, where you’ll ride camels into the sunset, sleep in a luxury desert camp under starry skies, and enjoy traditional Berber music by the fire. You’ll also discover the majestic gorges of Todra and Dades, visit historic kasbahs, and cross the Atlas Mountains before concluding in magical Marrakech.

Tour Highlights:

• Wander the iconic blue streets of Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco.

• Discover the ancient Roman city of Volubilis and explore the imperial city of Meknes.

• Visit Fes, one of the oldest and most cultural cities in the country.

• Explore the scenic Middle Atlas including Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and Azrou’s cedar forests.

• Journey through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and the dramatic landscapes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert.

• Ride camels through the dunes and stay in a luxury Berber desert camp.

• Marvel at the beauty of the Todra and Dades Gorges.

• Explore Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Travel across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass.

Day 1: Tangier – Rif Mountains – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

Your Moroccan adventure begins as we depart Tangier and head south through the scenic Rif Mountains. Along the way, we pass through Tetouan, known for its strong Andalusian and Spanish influences and a captivating medina.

By afternoon, we arrive in Chefchaouen, a charming town nestled in the mountains and famous for its striking blue-painted alleys and homes. Spend the evening exploring its unique art galleries, traditional shops, and the central square of Uta el-Hammam. Overnight in a local riad or hotel.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, we set off toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where you can admire intricate mosaics and towering ruins that reveal the rich history of this UNESCO-listed site.

From here, we continue to the historic city of Meknes, once the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Highlights of our visit include Bab Al-Mansour, the granaries of Sahrij Souani, the royal stables, and the mausoleum of the Sultan himself.

By evening, we arrive in Fes, a cultural and spiritual hub of Morocco. Overnight in a traditional riad or comfortable hotel.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Today’s journey takes us through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is in Ifrane, a European-style town known for its snow-capped winters and pristine surroundings. Then we continue to the cedar forests of Azrou, where you can see and feed wild Barbary macaques.

We stop for lunch in Midelt, the capital of Moroccan apples, then head south through the picturesque Ziz Valley, with palm-filled gorges and small Berber towns.

By late afternoon, we reach the magical Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Here, you’ll mount camels for a ride across the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi, stopping atop a high dune to witness a breathtaking sunset. The evening is spent at a luxury desert camp, where you’ll dine under the stars and enjoy traditional Berber drumming around a campfire.

Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

After an unforgettable desert sunrise and breakfast, we leave Merzouga for Erfoud, where you may visit a local fossil workshop and museum. Then, we continue to an ancient underground irrigation system once used to sustain the desert oases.

Our next stop is the towering Todra Gorges, a favorite for climbers and hikers. Here, we take a relaxing walk through the narrow canyon carved by the river.

As we continue, we pass through Boumalne Dades, exploring the valley’s unique rock formations like the “Monkey Fingers” and the winding Tisdrine curves, famous from a Cadillac advertisement. Overnight in a hotel within the Dades Gorges.

Day 5: Dades – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

We begin our final day with a visit to Kalaa Mgouna, known for its fragrant Rose Valley. Each May, the region hosts a rose festival that celebrates its rose-based products.

Next, we travel through Skoura’s palm groves to reach Ouarzazate, home to film studios and the impressive Kasbah of Taourirt.

Continuing on, we visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified kasbah that’s starred in countless movies and TV shows like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a true highlight of southern Morocco.

Our journey concludes with a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the dramatic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass before arriving in Marrakech, where your 5-day tour from Tangier ends. You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation in the city.