10-Day Desert Tour from Tangier through Morocco
Overview
Morocco's diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and historic treasures: from coastal Tangier through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes, the Sahara Desert, and gorges and valleys, concluding in Marrakech.
Highlights
- Arrival and city tour of Tangier with panoramic views
- The blue-washed streets and artisan crafts of Chefchaouen
- UNESCO Roman ruins at Volubilis and imperial Meknes landmarks
- Fes' historic medina, tanneries, and Al-Qarawiyyin University
- Camel trekking and overnight desert camping in Merzouga's Erg Chebbi dunes
- 4×4 desert excursions, Gnawa cultural encounters, and nomadic village visits
- The stunning Todra and Dades Gorges
- Ouarzazate film studios and the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
- The High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech
- Marrakech's Majorelle Garden, Saadian Tombs, and lively souks
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Tangier & City Highlights
A warm welcome at the port or airport, discovering the historic Kasbah, the vibrant medina, and panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar.
- 2
Tangier to Chefchaouen via the Rif Mountains
Travel through lush mountains, passing Tetouan before reaching Chefchaouen, wandering its tranquil blue streets and artisanal shops.
- 3
Chefchaouen to Fes with stops at Volubilis and Meknes
Journey toward Fes with stops at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Meknes landmarks including the Bab El Mansour gate and the granaries of Sultan Moulay Ismail.
- 4
Full-Day Guided Tour of Fes
Navigate the medina maze, visit Al-Qarawiyyin University, observe traditional leather tanning, explore the Jewish Quarter, and enjoy panoramic views.
- 5
Fes to Merzouga Desert via Ifrane and Midelt
Depart through Ifrane, Azrou's cedar forests, and Midelt to the palm-lined Ziz Valley, then experience a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night in a traditional Berber desert camp.
- 6
Merzouga Desert Exploration and 4×4 Adventure
A magical desert sunrise, followed by 4x4 excursions visiting Gnawa villages, meeting nomadic families, exploring the Rissani market, sandboarding, and stargazing.
- 7
Merzouga to Dades Gorges via Todra Gorge
Journey through Rissani and Erfoud, continuing to the dramatic Todra Gorge before an overnight surrounded by the Dades Gorges.
- 8
Dades Gorges to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou
Travel through the scenic Dades and Rose Valleys to Ouarzazate, visiting the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, then cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka Pass to Marrakech.
- 9
Guided Tour of Marrakech
Discover the Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace, then explore the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
- 10
Departure from Marrakech
Free time before your transfer to Marrakech Airport.
What’s Included
- Private transport (4x4 or minivan) with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary (hotels, riads, kasbahs)
- One or more nights in a Berber desert camp with dinner and breakfast
- Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- All activities and guided visits mentioned in the itinerary
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Lunches and drinks not otherwise specified
- Monument and museum entrance fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
Meeting Point
Tangier
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the 10-Day Desert Tour from Tangier through Morocco?
- This itinerary runs 10 days and 9 nights, departing from Tangier.
- Is this a private tour or a group tour?
- It's private. You travel in your own vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide rather than joining a fixed group of strangers.
- Can the itinerary be adjusted?
- Yes — dates, pace, and stops can be tailored to your interests. Send an inquiry and we'll adjust this route around you.
- What's included in this tour?
- Private transport (4x4 or minivan) with an English-speaking driver-guide, Accommodation as specified in the itinerary (hotels, riads, kasbahs), One or more nights in a Berber desert camp with dinner and breakfast, plus everything else listed in the full inclusions below.
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Pickup is from Tangier. Tell us your flight or hotel details and we'll confirm the exact meeting time.
From the blog
All articles
Is Volubilis Worth Visiting? A Guide to Morocco's Roman Ruins
Morocco's best-preserved Roman city sits quietly near Meknes, and it's an easy detour on the way to Fes — here's what's actually there and why it's UNESCO-listed.
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Chefchaouen: Why Morocco's Blue City Belongs on Your Itinerary
Tucked into the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen's blue-washed medina has become one of Morocco's most photographed places — and one of its most relaxed.
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Essaouira: Morocco's Windswept Atlantic Escape
A UNESCO-listed medina, constant Atlantic wind, and a pace far slower than Marrakech — here's why Essaouira is worth the detour to the coast.
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