7 Days Tangier to Marrakech: Fes, Dunes & Ait Benhaddou

Overview

This 7-day tour is the ultimate Moroccan road trip, perfectly designed for those arriving in the north and departing from Marrakech. This well-paced journey efficiently connects Tangier to Marrakech, covering an incredible amount of ground. You'll experience the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen, spend a full day in the ancient cultural capital of Fes, ride camels into the breathtaking dunes of the Sahara Desert, and explore the historic kasbahs of the south, all in one unforgettable 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.
• Experience a sunset camel trek and a magical night in a desert camp in Merzouga.
• Journey through the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges.
• Visit the famous Aït Benhaddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Conclude your adventure in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

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. 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.

Day 4: Fes → Ifrane → 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 and the cedar forests of Azrou. We continue through the Ziz Valley, 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 for a night under the stars.

Day 5: Merzouga → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley

Wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise. After breakfast, you'll camel trek back to Merzouga. Today, we journey along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs." We'll visit the towering Todra Gorges for a walk, then continue to the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations, where you'll spend the night.

Day 6: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Aït Benhaddou → Marrakech

After breakfast, we travel to Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa." Our main stop is the legendary Aït Benhaddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After exploring the ksar, we begin our ascent of the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass to arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech in the evening.

Day 7: Departure from Marrakech

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping. Your driver will then transfer you to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) for your departure, concluding your grand Moroccan tour.

What's Included

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire tour
• Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
• Pick-up in Tangier and drop-off in Marrakech
• 6 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
• Lunches and drinks
• Entrance fees for monuments
• Personal expenses and tips

Why Choose This Tour?

• The Complete North-to-South Experience: The perfect itinerary for those arriving in Tangier and wanting to see all the major highlights on their way to Marrakech.
• Cultural and Scenic Diversity: From the blue city and imperial Fes to the Sahara dunes and Atlas mountains, this tour showcases the best of Morocco.
• Well-Paced Adventure: At 7 days, the tour covers a lot of ground but allows for proper exploration of key sites like Fes and the desert route.
• One-Way Convenience: A logically planned, one-way journey that saves time and avoids any backtracking.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for a first-time visitor? Yes, this is an excellent and comprehensive tour for a first-time visitor who wants to see the main highlights of Morocco in one trip.

What is the accommodation like? We use a selection of high-quality, charming riads and hotels known for their excellent service. The desert camp is a luxury camp with private tents and ensuite bathrooms.

Can this tour be customized? Absolutely. As a private tour, we can tailor it to your interests. For example, you could spend an extra day in the desert or add different activities.