8 day desert tour from Marrakech to Tangier promises a blend of cultural discoveries and desert adventures. Travel from the vibrant souks of Marrakech and the golden sands of the Sahara to the medieval city of Fes and the picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen, uncovering the myriad wonders this enchanting nation holds. Explore magnificent Kasbahs, partake in a camel expedition, and enjoy memorable evenings in delightful hotels and riads.
Upon your arrival at Marrakech Airport, a dedicated private driver will meet you and take you to your riad located in the Medina. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Moroccan way of life at the famous Jamaa El Fna Square. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or wander through the Medina of Marrakesh at your leisure.
Today you begin your 8-day desert tour from Marrakech to Tangier by departing for Ouarzazate, traversing the Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi N’Tichka pass, standing at an elevation of 2,260 meters. Travel through diverse Berber villages along the route until reaching the iconic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a remarkable fortified city with a history spanning over 800 years. This historic site has served as the backdrop for films like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. Enjoy some free time to explore and wander through the Kasbah. Afterwards, continue to Ouarzazate, where you can tour the Atlas Film Studio, one of the largest film studios worldwide. Finally, arrive at your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, you will journey along the famed “Thousand Kasbahs” route, passing through the Valley of Roses, renowned for its rose cultivation. Continue until you reach the impressive Todra Gorges, a haven for climbers. Stroll along the river Todra, surrounded by imposing rock formations. After some free time, head towards Merzouga, passing through the picturesque palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. Take a lunch break at a local restaurant along the route. Continue towards the magnificent high dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you will embark on a camel ride through the dunes to witness the sunset. Finally, continue to the desert camp for dinner and an overnight stay beneath the enchanting starlit sky.
Today, you may start your day early to experience the sunrise over the dunes before having breakfast. Then resume your 8-day desert trip as you venture along the tracks renowned for their use in the Paris-Dakar Rally (now Dakar Rally), heading towards nomadic communities. Participate in enlightening conversations over tea, gaining valuable insights into their culture and traditions. Later, explore the oasis, a backdrop for films like “Sahara” starring Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz. Continue to the village of Khamlia, inhabited by sub-Saharan African communities, where you can immerse yourself in their culture and experience traditional Gnawa music. In the afternoon, return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the desert at your own pace.
After breakfast, continue your 8 day desert tour from Marrakech to Tangier by heading towards Fes. Cross arid gravel plains marked by remote villages, then descend into the verdant Ziz Valley, adorned with lively palm plantations. Take a break for lunch in the town of Midelt before progressing through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Cedar Forests, home to the Barbary macaques. Finally, arrive in Fes and spend the night in a charming riad in the medina.
Enjoy a full day discovering the city of Fes today. The morning is reserved for exploring the medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, with its fortified walls and labyrinthine alleys. Discover the 14th-century Medersas of Bouanania and the Attarine, both architectural marvels crafted by the Merinids. Also, visit the esteemed Karaouine Mosque, the oldest Islamic education centre. The rest of the afternoon is yours to wander Fes at your leisure. Later, return to your riad for dinner and spend the night.
Following breakfast at the riad in Fes, resume your 8-day desert tour from Marrakech to Tangier by heading north to explore captivating destinations in northern Morocco. Your first stop is Volubilis, an impressive archaeological site dating back to Roman times. Strolling through the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, the Arch of Caracalla, or the mosaics of its villas will transport you back in time to ancient eras.
After some leisure time, continue to Chefchaouen, also known as the blue city. Upon arrival in this delightful town, take the afternoon to marvel at its beauty. Roam through the narrow streets of its historic centre, nestled in the Rif Mountains. The unique charm is enhanced by the blue-washed houses. In the evening, relax and unwind at a delightful riad situated in the heart of the town.
Today is the last day of your 8-day desert tour from Marrakech to Tangier. Following a satisfying breakfast at the riad in Chefchaouen set out towards Tangier, where the Atlantic Ocean meets with the Mediterranean Sea. Depending on your ferry/flight schedule, take some time to discover the hidden gems of Tangier. Then, transfer to the port/airport of Tangier, marking the end of our services.
Kindly note that this suggested 8 day desert tour from Marrakech to Tangier is a basic itinerary. If it doesn’t align with your preferences, please feel free to get in touch. We can design an alternative itinerary tailored to your interests and schedule. Our services extend to designing customized tours and excursions throughout Morocco.
We spent 8 days in Morocco. We went to Sahara desert, one night in a desert luxury camp and the rest of the days in the hotels and Riads. Amazing experience, Zaid was very helpful and kind. He did everything for us to have a good time. I can’t recommend Zaid more for this trip.