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12-Day Morocco Tour From Tangier: Imperial Cities & Coastal Gems

About This Tour

This 12-day Morocco route begins in Tangier, a port city on the Strait of Gibraltar. Visit Tangier’s main sites before heading to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and imperial Meknes, then arrive in Fes, known for its old medina and religious institutions.

Travel south via the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and the Cedar Forests with Barbary monkeys. Reach Merzouga at the Sahara’s edge; ride camels across Erg Chebbi dunes and sleep in a desert camp with Berber hosts. Next day includes visits to nomadic families and Khamlia village.

Cross the Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, and Rose Valley en route to Ait Ben Haddou. Continue over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech for historic sites and markets. End with visits to Essaouira, El Jadida, and Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque. Overnights in riads and hotels; local guides and cultural stops included.

Highlights

Chefchaouen

Walk through blue-painted streets in the Rif Mountains.

Fes

Navigate the walled city with tanneries and University of Al Quaraouiyine (est. 859 CE).

Merzouga Saharat Desert

Camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes; overnight desert camp.

Ait Ben Haddou

Tour ksar used in films; UNESCO site on former caravan route.

Marrakech

Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa square, souks, and historic landmarks.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Tangier (port, airport, or hotel). Visit the Cave of Hercules and Cape Spartel (Mediterranean–Atlantic meeting point). Lunch break with seafood options.

Drive south via Tetouan and Rif Mountains (photo stops) to Chefchaouen. Check-in at the riad in the town center.

Driving Time: ~2.5 hrs / 115 km
Accommodation: Riad in Chefchaouen
Meals: Breakfast included
Highlights: Tangier landmarks, Rif Mountain drive, Chefchaouen arrival
Optional: Evening walking tour, craft shop visits
Morning walking tour in Chefchaouen old town. Visit Kasbah Museum and Grand Mosque.

Depart for Volubilis. Tour 3rd-century BCE Roman ruins with mosaics, arches, and columns.

Continue 30 km to Meknes. Visit Bab Al-Mansour gate, Sahrij Souani Basin, Royal Stables, Granary, and Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.

Evening arrival in Fes. Check-in at riad.
- Driving Time: ~4.5 hrs / 200 km
- Accommodation: Riad/hotel in Fes
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Highlights: Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes monuments
- Optional: Guided tours in Volubilis and Meknes
Full-day guided tour of Fes. Begin at Royal Palace gates. Enter Fes el-Bali via Bab Boujloud.

Visit Medrasa Bouanania, Najjarine Fountain, and the traditional tanneries. Afternoon: tour Quaraouiyine University (est. 859 CE), Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and panoramic viewpoint over the medina.

Return to riad in the evening.
- Driving Time: Minimal (within city)
- Accommodation: Riad in Fes
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Highlights: Medina (Fes el-Bali), tanneries, Quaraouiyine University
- Optional: Hammam experience, shopping
Drive south through the Middle Atlas. First stop: Ifrane (built by the French in the 1930s), noted for its European-style layout and winter snow. Continue to the cedar forests near Azrou to see wild Barbary macaques. Proceed to Midelt for lunch, located between the Middle and High Atlas.

Cross the Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass and descend into the Ziz Valley. Photo stops en route. Arrive in Merzouga late afternoon. Transfer to camels for a trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the sunset, then continue to a desert camp. Dinner, Berber music, and overnight in a nomadic-style tent with beds.
- Driving Time: ~7 hrs, 470 km
- Stay: Desert camp, Merzouga
- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Highlights: Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest, Ziz Valley, Erg Chebbi camel trek, Sahara sunset
- Optional: Quad biking, sandboarding
Wake early for Sahara sunrise. After breakfast at camp, explore the Merzouga region.

Start with an off-road visit to a historic kohl mine. Continue to nomadic Berber families living in traditional tents share mint tea and observe daily life. Next, visit Khamlia Village for Gnaoua music performances rooted in sub-Saharan heritage. After lunch (free time), walk through a palm grove oasis. Visit Merzouga Lake (if in season), known for flamingos and migratory birds. Return to Merzouga for dinner and overnight at a hotel.
- Driving Time: Minimal
- Stay: Hotel in Merzouga
- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Highlights: Sahara sunrise, Berber nomads, Gnaoua music, Merzouga Lake
- Optional: Fossil hunting, bird watching
After breakfast, depart the Sahara for Rissani, former capital of Tafilalet and birthplace of Morocco’s ruling dynasty. Visit its traditional souk (busiest on Tue, Thu, Sun). Continue to Erfoud to tour a fossilized marble workshop observe 350-million-year-old fossil crafting.

Drive through palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to Todra Gorges. Walk through the 300 m limestone canyon, known for climbing. After lunch, proceed via Boumalne Dades to Dades Valley. Stop at “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and valley viewpoints. Check into hotel for dinner and overnight.
- Driving Time: ~6 hrs, 280 km
- Stay: Hotel in Dades Valley
- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Highlights: Rissani souk, Erfoud fossil workshop, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley
- Optional: Todra hiking, scenic photography
head to Kalaat M’Gouna in Rose Valley. See traditional production of rose water and cosmetics. Continue through Skoura’s palm groves to visit 17th-century Kasbah Amredhyle. Proceed to Ouarzazate to tour Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah.

Drive to Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site), a fortified village used in film/TV productions. Explore and ascend for panoramic views. Visit Telouet Kasbah, then cross the High Atlas via Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2,260 m) with lunch and photo stops en route. Arrive in Marrakech by evening and check into a riad in the medina.
- Driving Time: ~6.5 hrs, 340 km
- Stay: Traditional riad, Marrakech
- Meals: Breakfast
- Highlights: Rose Valley, Skoura, Kasbah Amredhyle, Atlas Film Studios, Ait Ben Haddou, Telouet, High Atlas
- Optional: Film studio visit, guided Ait Ben Haddou tour
After breakfast, take a guided tour of Marrakech. Start at Koutoubia Mosque (12th century, 77 m minaret). Visit Saadian Tombs (rediscovered 1917), burial site of Saadian rulers. Continue to Bahia Palace (late 19th century) with detailed architecture and gardens. Walk through the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and the souks, where traditional crafts are made.

In the afternoon, visit Jemaa el-Fnaa square observe its transformation from market to performance space. Enjoy free time in the medina. Return to riad for the night or dine at a local restaurant.
- Driving Time: Minimal
- Stay: Traditional riad, Marrakech
- Meals: Breakfast
- Highlights: Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Mellah, souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Optional: Cooking class, hammam experience
After breakfast, depart Marrakech for Essaouira (~2.5–3 hrs). En route, pass argan tree groves look out for tree-climbing goats. Stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative to observe traditional production methods.

Arrive in Essaouira (formerly Mogador), a coastal city with Portuguese heritage. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina, blue fishing port, and fortified Atlantic-facing ramparts. Visit artisan quarters specializing in thuya wood. Lunch at leisure in seaside restaurants. Afternoon free for medina browsing, beach walks, or cafés. Overnight in a riad.
- Driving Time: ~3 hrs, 190 km
- Stay: Riad/hotel in Essaouira
- Meals: Breakfast
- Highlights: Argan groves, women’s cooperative, Essaouira medina, port, ramparts
- Optional: Argan cooperative visit, kitesurfing, beach activities
Drive along the Atlantic coast to El Jadida (~3 hrs, 200 km), with scenic stops en route. On arrival, explore the UNESCO-listed Portuguese City (Cité Portugaise), known for its blend of Moroccan and Portuguese architecture.

Visit the 16th-century Portuguese Cistern originally a warehouse, later a water reservoir, noted for light reflections through its oculus. Walk the sea ramparts for ocean views and see the Church of the Assumption (converted to Mosque of El Jadida). Free time to explore the old city and have lunch (seafood recommended). Afternoon option: relax at Deauville Beach. Overnight in a local riad/hotel.
- Driving Time: ~3 hrs, 200 km
- Stay: Riad/hotel in El Jadida
- Meals: Breakfast
- Highlights: Portuguese City, cistern, ramparts, Deauville Beach
- Optional: Coastal fortifications, cistern visit
After breakfast, drive to Casablanca (~1.5 hrs, 100 km). Begin with a guided tour of the city.

Visit Hassan II Mosque open to non-Muslims, partially built over the Atlantic, features a 210 m minaret. Continue along the Corniche, Casablanca’s oceanfront promenade. Explore the Habous Quarter (New Medina), built in the 1930s with a blend of Moroccan and French architecture, ideal for shopping.

Stop at Mohammed V Square, surrounded by Moorish-Art Deco buildings. Pass the Royal Palace, and visit Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, noted for stained glass. Optional stop at Rick’s Café. Overnight in a Casablanca hotel.
- Driving Time: ~1.5 hrs, 100 km
- Stay: Hotel in Casablanca
- Meals: Breakfast
- Highlights: Hassan II Mosque, Corniche, Habous Quarter, Mohammed V Square
- Optional: Guided mosque tour, Rick’s Café visit
after breakfast, free time depending on flight schedule. Optional: visit Morocco Mall or walk along the Corniche. Transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport for departure.

Alternate end options available: transfer to Marrakech or Tangier airports if arranged.
- Driving Time: Minimal
- Meals: Breakfast
- Highlights: Free time in Casablanca, airport transfer

Pickup: Arrival transfer from Tangier (airport or port)
Transport: Private A/C vehicle (4×4, mini-van, or bus per group size)
Guide: Multilingual driver/guide throughout
Accommodation: 11 nights in riads, hotels, and desert camp
Meals: Daily breakfast + select dinners (per itinerary)
Camel Trek: One camel per person, Sahara sunset ride
Desert: Sandboarding in Sahara
City Tours: Private guided tours in Fes and Marrakech
Transfer: Final drop-off at Casablanca Airport (or Marrakech/Tangier as needed)
Vehicle Costs: All fuel and transport-related expenses

Flights: International airfare
Meals: Lunches (available on request)
Drinks: Beverages with meals
Entry Fees: Monument tickets (available on request)
Personal: Shopping, optional activities, personal costs
Travel insurance

From

€1683

per person

5.8

12-Day Morocco Tour From Tangier: Imperial Cities & Coastal Gems

About This Tour

Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

€1683

Book Now and Start Your Adventure

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours to confirm your booking.

12-Day Morocco Tour From Tangier: Imperial Cities & Coastal Gems

About This Tour

Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Tangier & Journey to Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen - Roman Ruins of Volubilis - Meknes - Fes

Guided Tour of Fes

Fes - Ifrane - Cedar Forest - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga Sahara

Explore Merzouga Region - Nomads - Khamlia - Merzouga Lake - Erg Chebbi

Merzouga - Rissani - Erfoud - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley

Dades Valley - Rose Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - High Atlas - Marrakech

Explore Marrakech

Marrakech - Essaouira

Essaouira - El Jadida

El Jadida - Casablanca

Casablanca - Departure

€1683

Book Now and Start Your Adventure

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours to confirm your booking.