A 6-day tour from Tangier leads you across Morocco's diverse landscapes—from Atlantic coastlines and blue-washed hills, through cedar forests, golden dunes, and all the way to the vibrant heart of Marrakech. It's enough for anyone looking to combine adventure and exploration in one trip. Along the way, you'll stay in authentic Moroccan riads, ride camels at sunset, and taste regional specialties, all while tracing centuries of Andalusian, Berber, and Saharan heritage. So strap in and enjoy the journey of your lifetime!
Driving through the Rif Mountains: Our journey begins at Tangier port, following winding roads into the Rif Mountains and passing small villages and cedar forests. Along the way, we'll pull over at viewpoints to see olive terraces and countryside villages. Visiting Tetouan city: In Tetouan, we explore the UNESCO-listed medina, where narrow lanes open onto sunlit squares. Here, artisans shape silver jewelry and craft leather goods much as they have for centuries. Exploring Chefchaouen Medina: Next, we arrive in Chefchaouen, known as the "Blue City" for its indigo-painted alleys and buildings. The medina's shops showcase woven blankets, pottery, and hand-painted ceramics—perfect for a mid-day snack and souvenir hunting in a relaxed setting. Transfer to Fes: Late afternoon, we leave Chefchaouen and head southeast to Fes. Upon arrival, we check into a riad within Fes el-Bali's ancient walls, giving us time to settle in before dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Visiting the Mosque of the Andalusians: We begin our second day at the Mosque of the Andalusians, dating back to the 9th century. Its plain exterior opens into a courtyard where horseshoe arches frame the prayer hall. Though non-Muslims cannot enter, everyone can admire the carved stucco exterior. Exploring Chouara Tanneries: Next, we head to Chouara Tanneries, where open-air stone vats hold natural dyes. Tanners crouch over hides, softening and dyeing leather by hand, just as their ancestors did. Browsing the Pottery District: A short walk brings us to the Pottery District, where wheel-throwing artisans shape clay into tagines, bowls, and mosaic tiles, showcasing the role of pottery in Moroccan life. Stopping at the Nejjarine Fountain & Museum: Next, we pause at the Nejjarine Museum, housed in an 18th-century funduq. Inside, displays of carved cedar chests, brass teapots, and traditional tools reveal the history of Fes's woodworking guild. Admiring Bou Inania Madrasa: Our final stop is Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century foundation known for its elegant carved cedar and zellij tilework. The central courtyard exemplifies Hispano-Moorish art in Fes.
Visiting Ifrane (Little Switzerland): We leave Fes behind and arrive in Ifrane, known for its tidy streets and red-roofed chalets. This mountain town, built under French influence, feels cooler and greener than the surrounding region. Spotting Monkeys in Azrou Cedar Forest: Our drive continues to Azrou, where cedar trees stretch across rolling hills. The forest is home to Barbary macaques—North Africa's only native monkeys. Descending into Ziz Valley & Gorges: As we leave the higher elevations, the landscape opens into the Ziz Valley. Towering palm groves line the river's edge, providing a stark contrast to the arid hills behind. Exploring Fossil Workshops in Erfoud: Next, we reach Erfoud, a desert town famous for its rich fossil beds. In local workshops, artisans extract and polish trilobites and ammonites—remnants of an ancient ocean. Visiting Rissani's Kasbah Ruins and Market: A short drive from Erfoud brings us to Rissani, once the center of the medieval Sijilmassa trade routes. The dusty market square bustles with merchants selling dates, spices, and handwoven goods. Camel Trek to Erg Chebbi Dunes: Late afternoon, we reach Merzouga and mount camels for a slow trek into Erg Chebbi's rolling dunes. The ride takes us across golden sand ridges as the sun lowers, painting the desert in warm hues. After reaching our camp at the dunes' edge, we settle in for dinner and a night under the stars.
Sunrise over Erg Chebbi Dunes: Our day starts before dawn, when we climb a nearby dune to watch the Sahara lighten as the sun rises. The quiet moment reveals shifting shadows across the sands. Camel Ride Return: After sunrise, we mount camels again to retrace our steps back to Merzouga's edge. The morning light softens the dunes' colors, making your Sahara desert tour worthwhile. Walking in Todra Gorge: Leaving Merzouga, we drive toward Tinghir and reach Todra Gorge—where the Todra River has carved a canyon over 300 meters deep. Take a short walk along the riverbed and marvel at the sheer limestone walls and small date palms. Exploring Dades Valley: Continuing from Todra Gorge, the road leads into Dades Valley, often known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." Here, mud-brick fortresses line terraced fields, and kasbah ruins pepper the hillsides. We stop at viewpoints to take in the landscapes before settling into a kasbah-style guesthouse for the night.
Rose Valley at Kalaat M'Gouna: We drive from Dades Valley toward Kalaat M'Gouna, where fields of damask roses flourish each May. Local distilleries extract rosewater on small stands, and village shops offer rose-scented products, showcasing a century-old tradition in Morocco's flower trade. Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa): Continuing to Ouarzazate, we visit Atlas Film Studios, one of the world's largest film production locations. Nearby, Taourirt Kasbah's red clay walls, once home to the Glaoui family, illustrate the region's cinematic and historic significance. Ait Benhaddou Kasbah: A short drive brings us to Ait Benhaddou, a fortified ksar perched on a hill overlooking the valley. Built from earthen clay and rammed earth, this UNESCO site's winding lanes have served as backdrops for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Crossing Tizi n'Tichka Pass into Marrakech: We ascend the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, reaching 2,260 meters over the High Atlas landscape. As we descend toward Marrakech, the scenery shifts from rugged mountains to sprawling olive groves before arriving in the late afternoon.
Tracing the Legacy at Koutoubia Mosque & Saadian Tombs: We begin the last day with the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, its towering minaret a 12th-century symbol of Almohad architecture. Nearby, the Saadian Tombs offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the late 16th century with marble mausoleums and zellij-tiled chambers. Bahia Palace & Ben Youssef Madrasa: Next, step into the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece with painted ceilings and tiled courtyards reflecting Moroccan opulence. A short walk away, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, once a hub of Islamic learning, stands proud with ornate stucco work and cedarwood balconies. Majorelle Garden: In the afternoon, we head to Majorelle Garden, created in the 1920s by French artist Jacques Majorelle. The garden's cobalt-blue villa, bamboo groves, and cactus collections create a serene experience. It also hosts a Berber museum. Modern Charms at Gueliz (New Town): Leaving the historic quarter, we explore Gueliz, Marrakech's modern district. Broad boulevards are lined with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries here. The neighborhood highlights Marrakech's evolving urban landscape. The Legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: We conclude our tour at Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech's lively central square. As evening falls, food stalls, street performers, and storytellers create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Savor the flavors, sounds, and sights of this UNESCO-listed square, the perfect finale to your Moroccan adventure.
