Day 1: Tangier
We will meet you at Tangier port, then take you to explore the city. You will also have time to wander the city on your own. We will have dinner in Tangier and stay overnight in a local hotel.
Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen
We will meet you at the port and drive through the Rif Mountains to reach the city of Tetouan. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the beautiful mountain landscape. After Tetouan, we reach Chefchaouan, the famous blue city nestled in the foothills of the Rif Mountains. We will explore its local funky arts and crafts stores, roof-top cafes and restaurants. You can easily find marked pathways to hike around just outside of the city to experience incredible, panoramic views of the surrounding area. We will stay here overnight.
Day 3: Chefchaouen
We will explore the medina in Chefchaouen, then you will have free time to explore the city on your own.
Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
After breakfast at the riad, we will journey to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a famous archaeological site in Morocco’s history. We will explore the ruins and learn about the history of the site. After Volubilis, we will head to Meknes, one of Morocco’s former Imperial Cities. We will stop for lunch here and explore the medina with its massive, stone walls and pass through the majestic gate, Bab el Mansour. We will also enjoy a visit to the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, sultan of 17th century Meknes. After visiting Meknes, we will drive directly to Fez and stay overnight in a riad.
Day 5: Fez guided tour
After breakfast in your riad, we will explore Fez, the oldest city in Morocco. We will visit the most important historical and cultural sites including the Royal Palace gate, the Mellah (16th century Jewish Quarter) the famous Al Quaraouiyine University plus visit the legendary Chouara Tannery, Attarine Museum and the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum. After lunch, you will visit a ceramic tile cooperative and experience an amazing, panoramic view of the entire medina of Fez.
Day 6: Fez – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast in your hotel,we will travel to Merzouga via Errachidia and Erfoud. We will drive through the fascinating Tiz-n-Talghemt Pass and the Ziz Gorge, taking in views of the High Atlas plateau. In Errachidia, we will have lunch and enjoy true Berber hospitality. Afterwards, we will travel through the stunning Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way. We will pass through Erfoud and Rissani. When we reach Merzouga, we will stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 7: Tour around Erg Chebbi by 4×4 – camel ride and night in desert camp
In the morning, we start our tour around the dunes of Erg Chebbi. We will visit a berber house and listen to traditional Gnawa music. We will visit some deserted mines, Berber nomads and a palm tree oasis. For lunch, we will head back to Merzouga. After relaxing for a time, we will meet the camels to take us on an adventure across the sand dunes. We will spend the night in a desert camp with all the proper necessities. After we reach the camp, we will climb the high dunes to watch the incredible sunset. Around the campfire, we will listen to traditional drum music and gaze at the stars before going to sleep in nomad tents.
Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
We will rise early to see the spectacular sunrise over the dunes of the Sahara. Then, we will camel trek back to the hotel for breakfast and a shower. We’ll drive through the Jbel Saghro Mountains until we reach Todra Gorge. At the gorge, we will take a short walk through the canyon. We will have dinner in the Dades Valley and stay overnight in a hotel…
Day 9: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast in the hotel, we will travel through the Dades Valley passing through Kalaa M’gouna, Rose Valley then onto Ouarzazate. The road through the Dades Valley follows the route of a thousand kasbahs providing you with numerous photo opportunities. Ouarzazate is home to Atlas Film Studio, the largest in the world, where many Hollywood movies have been filmed here including the Mummy and the Gladiator. From Ouarzazate, we visit the fascinating kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passing through the Atlas Mountains, we will visit Telouet Kasbah, Morocco’s largest kasbah built by a 17th century Berber chieftain. From here, we continue on until we reach Marrakech and stay overnight.
Day 10: Marrakech guided tour
After breakfast in the riad, we will explore Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most popular destinations. We will visit the most important historical and cultural sites including the Majorelle Gardens, Koutoubia Tower, the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace. After lunch at a local restaurant in Djemma El-Fna, the famous city square, we will wander through the souks so you can browse for authentic souvenirs. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore on your own and discover other parts of the city.
Day 11: Marrakech -Essaouira
We will explore Essaouira, an ancient port city on the Atlantic coast famous for its Alizee trade winds. We will drive through valleys filled with orange groves and olive trees. You will learn about the famous argan trees which are valued for their nutritive, cosmetic, and medicinal properties. We will explore the medina in Essaouira and wander its ancient streets. Then you will have free time to explore the city on your own. You can wander down to the beach to try windsurfing, kitesurfing, or surfing. Locals also offer camel rides. We will have dinner in Essaouira and stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 12: Esaouira – Marrakech – Casablanca
From Esaouira, we will drive back to Marrakech, continuing on to explore Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city.
Day 13: Transfer to the airport
Thank you for choosing the Sahara Desert Tour! We look forward to your return visit to share more of Morocco with you and provide you with more memorable experiences.
