5-Day Tangier to Merzouga Desert via Fes Medina

Overview

This 5-day tour offers a fantastic journey from the northern tip of Morocco to the magical Sahara desert, with plenty of time to explore the cultural highlights along the way. Starting in Tangier, you'll travel through the blue city of Chefchaouen, spend a full day discovering the ancient medina of Fes with a local guide, and then journey south to experience a camel trek and a night under the stars in a desert camp in Merzouga. It's a perfect blend of culture, history, and adventure.

Highlights

• Explore the highlights of Tangier upon arrival.
• Wander through the iconic blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen.
• Enjoy a full guided tour of the historic medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Travel through the scenic Middle and High Atlas Mountains.
• See Barbary apes in the cedar forests of Azrou.
• Experience a sunset camel trek and a magical night in a desert camp in Merzouga.
• Witness a spectacular desert sunrise.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Tangier → Chefchaouen

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Tangier (port or airport), your driver will greet you. We'll take a short tour of Tangier's highlights before driving south through the beautiful Rif Mountains to the famous "Blue City" of Chefchaouen. You'll check into your riad and have the evening to explore its enchanting, blue-painted alleyways.

Day 2: Chefchaouen → Fes

After breakfast, you'll have the morning to further explore Chefchaouen at your own pace, perhaps hiking to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views. In the early afternoon, we will drive to Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, you'll check into your riad in the medina and have the rest of the evening to relax.

Day 3: Fes Guided Tour

Today is dedicated to exploring the ancient city of Fes. After breakfast, you will meet your local guide for a full-day tour of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll visit the famous tanneries, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University. You'll also see the Royal Palace gates and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Day 4: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga Desert

An early start as we embark on the scenic journey to the Sahara Desert. We'll pass through the Middle Atlas mountains, stopping at Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco," and the cedar forests of Azrou to see the Barbary macaques. We continue through the Ziz Valley with its vast palm groves, arriving in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Your camels will be waiting to take you on a trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to your desert camp. You'll watch the sunset and enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars.

Day 5: Merzouga → Departure

Wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise. After breakfast at the camp, you'll camel trek back to Merzouga to meet your driver. This concludes the tour. Your driver can take you to the nearest airport (Errachidia) for your departure or begin a longer journey back to Fes or Marrakech (this would need to be arranged in advance and would extend the tour duration).

What's Included

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire tour
• Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
• Pick-up in Tangier
• 4 nights' accommodation in quality hotels/riads
• 1 night in a desert camp in Merzouga
• Sunset camel ride
• Full-day guided tour in Fes
• Dinners and breakfasts as specified in the itinerary

What's Not Included

• Flights or onward travel from Merzouga
• Lunches and drinks
• Entrance fees for monuments
• Personal expenses and tips

Why Choose This Tour?

• Cultural Depth: This tour offers a deep dive into two of Morocco's most fascinating cities, Chefchaouen and Fes, with a full day dedicated to exploring the Fes medina.
• Scenic Journey: Enjoy the incredible diversity of Moroccan landscapes, from the green Rif Mountains to the stark beauty of the Sahara.
• Well-Paced: The 5-day itinerary allows for a comfortable pace, with time to properly explore each location without feeling rushed before the desert adventure.
• Iconic Experiences: Combines cultural city tours with the unforgettable adventure of a camel trek and a night in a Sahara desert camp.

FAQ

Where does this tour end? This tour officially ends in Merzouga on the morning of Day 5. You will need to arrange your onward travel from there. We can arrange a transfer to the nearest airport (Errachidia) or a multi-day transfer back to a major city like Fes or Marrakech for an additional cost.

Is this a good tour for a first-time visitor? Yes, this is an excellent tour for visitors who want to see the north of Morocco and the desert. It provides a great mix of cities and nature.

Is a guided tour in Fes necessary? While you can wander the medina on your own, a guide is highly recommended to navigate the labyrinthine streets and understand the rich history of the sites you'll visit. It makes for a much more rewarding experience.