9 days from Tangier to Marrakech through the desert

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9 days from Tangier to Marrakech through the desert

Duration

9 days / 8 nights

Starting point

Tangier

End point

Marrakech

Description

This complete 9-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech through the desert takes you from the north to the south of the country, combining imperial cities, charming villages, natural landscapes and the magic of the desert. You will discover the blue tranquility of Chefchaouen, the age-old history of Fez, the landscapes of the Middle and High Atlas, the unique experience of the Merzouga desert with a night in nomad tents, the valleys and gorges of the south, vibrant Marrakech and the coastal charm of Essaouira. An ideal trip to experience the cultural, natural and human essence of Morocco.

Highlights

Tour itinerary

Day 01: Tangier – night in Chefchaouen

Our guide will meet you at the scheduled time at the airport of Tangier and we will begin our route to Chefchaouen, or Chaouen as many call it, located in the only intercontinental natural park declared a biosphere reserve. It is a village perched on the mountain, painted white and blue, home to wise, friendly and respectful people, offering visitors beautiful townscapes,

fine local crafts and a peace and serenity that are hard to find nowadays. In Chefchaouen you will have the day free to stroll through the blue and white streets of this wonderful town; you can also walk up the hill to the old Spanish mosque to enjoy incredible views, and in the evening stroll around Outa el Hammam square and enjoy the Moroccan atmosphere. Overnight at a riad.

Day 02: Chefchaouen – Visit of the medina and monuments of Fez

We leave the rich world of Chefchaouen and head to Fez, the first of the imperial cities, proud home of one of the oldest universities in the world. After a drive of about 3 hours with several stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery, we arrive in Fez to begin our guided tour of the new part of the city, visiting the Royal Palace and the Jewish quarter (Mellah), and then a viewpoint from which we can see the whole medina from the South Tower and its many mosques.

Then we will walk through the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its maze of alleys, organized by guilds of potters, dyers and other craftsmen, and the bustle of its people will take you back centuries. We will see that it is a medieval city where time has stood still at the «Dar al-Magana» water clock of Bou Inania, 1,200 years after its foundation. Overnight at a riad.

Day 03: Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

We head south across the Middle Atlas Mountains to Ifrane, known as «Morocco’s little Switzerland» for its strong resemblance to that country. One of the animals that once lived here was the Atlas lion, which has become the symbol of the town, with a stone statue in its center.

We will stop to take some photos. We will cross the famous cedar forests, where we can admire the Gouraud Cedar, the largest ancient cedar in the region, and see the Barbary macaques that live in the area. Lunch in Midelt; from here the land becomes arid and full of spectacular geological formations and deep green valleys, such as the Ziz Valley.

We will start to see the typical adobe architecture, palm trees and distant kasbahs… we are at the gates of the desert. An hour after Erfoud we reach the impressive dunes of Merzouga and, after a welcome tea at our hotel at the foot of the dunes, we set off on quads for an adrenaline-filled ride across the Erg Chebbi desert, stopping on top of the dunes to try sandboarding and enjoy the sunset. In the evening, return to the hotel to rest; dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Merzouga – Nomad families – Camel ride and night in nomad tents

We are in the desert and today will be a full desert day. After a hearty breakfast, we will drive around Erg Chebbi, the sand sea where Morocco’s Great Dune rises more than 250 meters high, following tracks that were part of the old Paris-Dakar rally, with the mountains on the Algerian border in the background. We will stop at the Tissardmine oasis, where fossils can still be found, and continue to a nomad settlement where we will learn some of the secrets of their life and customs.

Then we will stop at a viewpoint to see Erg Chebbi as a whole. We will reach the village of Khamlia, whose people originally came from Mali, where we will relax with tea while enjoying a small concert of spiritual Gnawa music. Back at the hotel, we will set off on a camel caravan into the heart of the dunes to watch an unforgettable sunset.

We will reach the camp on our dromedaries, where we will stay in nomad tents (made of dromedary hair), like those used by the desert nomads. Dinner and night in the tents in the heart of the desert under a spectacular blanket of stars.

Day 05: Merzouga Desert – Rissani Market – Todra Gorges – Dadés Valley

After a good breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the desert and head to Rissani to visit its market (if we are lucky and it is a market day: Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday). We will continue to Erfoud, where you can visit a fossil marble workshop, before continuing to the palm groves of Touroug and Tinejdad.

An hour later we will reach one of the highlights of the High Atlas: the Todra Gorges. The Todra river has carved a canyon of huge vertical walls of great beauty; it is a paradise for climbers and a unique place. Lunch on site; a half-hour walk is recommended to enjoy the gorges in detail. In the afternoon we will continue to the Dadès Valley, also known as the Valley of Figs, passing through Boumalne Dadès, and stop at the «monkey fingers» rock formations. Dinner and overnight in the Dadès Gorges.

Day 06: Dadés Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, we will enjoy one of the best views of the valley from one of the most strategic viewpoints in the mountains. From there, we will see the many kasbahs and how picturesque each of them is. Then we will set off along a road dotted with interesting kasbahs.

Next, we will pass through Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert, where we can visit one of its film studios, where several internationally known films have been shot. Then we will head to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou to visit its famous kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned films such as Gladiator, Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, Sahara with Penélope Cruz and The Jewel of the Nile have been shot in this spectacular setting.

We will have lunch there and then travel to Marrakech via the highest pass, Tizi n’Tichka. We will visit an argan oil cooperative, where we will learn about the production process and the many benefits of argan oil. Arrival in Marrakech around 6 p.m. Free time to discover the famous Jemaa el-Fna square. Dinner there. Overnight at a riad.

Day 07: Marrakech – guided tour of Marrakech – night in Marrakech

After breakfast at our riad in Marrakech we will have a full day in the city. We begin our guided tour at the Bahia Palace, built in the late 19th century with the intention of being the largest palace of its time, then continue to the Koutoubia Mosque, notable for its 66-meter minaret (77 meters according to other sources), the tallest building in the city.

The minaret is the symbol and landmark of the city and, without a doubt, its most representative monument. Then we continue through the great souks of Marrakech. In the afternoon you can visit the Majorelle Garden and then enjoy free time to soak up the local atmosphere in Marrakech’s main square, «Jemaa el-Fna». Overnight at the riad.

Day 08: Marrakech – Essaouira

After breakfast at our riad we leave for Essaouira, a beautiful coastal town on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a lovely blend of nature and culture with the most bohemian atmosphere in Morocco.

Here you will also find beautiful Moroccan crafts to buy, as Essaouira is famous for its craftsmen who work thuya wood and its master jewelers who create beautiful handmade jewelry. In Essaouira you can also enjoy cuisine based mainly on fish and seafood. Arrival in Essaouira at midday and a free afternoon to enjoy its atmosphere and walk on the beach. Overnight at a riad.

Day 09: Essaouira – Marrakech Airport

Breakfast at our riad in Essaouira and departure for Marrakech. The drive takes about 2 hours with a stop along the way. Arrival in Marrakech and transfer to the airport 2 hours before your flight, which marks the end of our services and of the trip, hoping you have had a wonderful time.