The 8-day Morocco desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech starts from the northern city of Tangier to the blue pearl of Chefchaouen, where you will visit the blue alleyways and the markets that offer unique native handicrafts, and take photos with wonderful views of the Rif Mountains. You will visit the historical city of Fes, founded in the 9 cuntery. Toward the golden dunes of the Sahara desert of Merzouga, to the ancient Kasbahs and the traditional villages, and the magical city of Marrakech. and terminate the 8-day tour from Tangier.
TANGIER => MARRAKECH
8:00 AM
The 8-day Morocco desert tour starts from Tangier Airport or your accommodation. From there, we will go to visit the Hercules caves. The cave has two openings: one to the sea and one to land. The sea opening is known as “The Map of Africa.” It is believed that the Phoenicians created the sea opening. Then, you will stop at Cap Spartel, before heading to the medina of Tangier, where heritage harmoniously blends with modern culture—the treasures of Hispano-Moorish architecture. After lunch, we will head down the road toward Chefchouen (the Blue City), where you will enjoy the stunning sights of a blue city located in the Rif Mountains. The influence of the Spanish civilization and Moorish culture can be seen in the architecture and the colors used to decorate the city. You will enjoy the markets that offer unique native handicrafts. The overnight will be in a Riad/hotel.
In the Morning, after breakfast. We will leave the Rif Mountains behind and move to discover Volubilis. The archaeological Roman site is well-preserved and listed by UNESCO (1997). The next city is Meknes. It was built by Sultan Moulay Ismael in the 17th Century and is famous for its beautiful gates, mosques, and madrasas. You will see the granary of Sahrij Swani. It is used to store food and water for the “black Army” of the sultan Moulay Ismael. Then, you will visit the mausoleum of the sultan and the Arab-Andalusian style. We will have a look at the tremendous gate of Bab Mansour. Then, we will go to Fes, where we will spend the night.
You will have a leisurely breakfast in your riad before setting off on an interesting journey to Fes. Explore the rich history of the Medina of Fes, built in the 8th century by Moulay Driss II, with the help of your experienced tour guide. The day begins with a visit to the entrance of the Royal Palace, where you will get a sense of the palace’s wealth, and continues with a stop in the Jewish Quarter, an ancient enclave that was Morocco’s first Mellah. Explore the centuries-old Al Qarawiyin University, often considered the oldest in the world. The next stop on our tour is the tomb of Moulay Driss, which pays homage to the city’s founder, before continuing to the famous tanneries, where the ancient art of leatherworking is practiced today. To be sure to see all that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer, we will take a drive through the winding streets and alleys of the Medina. During the day, you will retire to your Riad (hotel), a peaceful retreat that offers an ideal combination of relaxation and traditional Moroccan hospitality. On this full-day tour, you will learn about the rich history and culture of Fes. Overnight will be in the same Riad.
We will start toward the desert, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop will be in Ifrane, founded by the French in the 1930s, and known as Morocco’s Switzerland because of its Alpine chalet-styled architecture and aspect. Next, you will travel through the cedar forests, where the famous Barbary macaque monkeys are. You will stop to have lunch before heading to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Then, enjoy an unforgettable camel trek into the breathtaking sunset as you travel through the shifting sands before you arrive at a luxury desert camp to spend the night in a charming tent with a private bathroom, surrounded by the dunes. Chill out and enjoy a delicious dinner while listening to the sweet strains of traditional Berber music.
You will get up early to contemplate the most spectacular sunrise you have ever seen at the top of one of the dunes near the camp and enjoy this beautiful landscape. Then, you will have a warm breakfast in the camp before climbing back on the camels to meet your guide/driver.
Then, we will drive alongside Erg Chebbi, a large expanse of sandy desert where Morocco’s Great Dune, more than 250 meters high, is located. We will then continue along the road that was once used for the *Paris-Dakar* and ends where we can see nomadic Families and learn about their customs. The next stop will be at a viewpoint to contemplate the Erg Chebbi divide. We will then reach the village of Kamilia, originally from Sudan, where we will have a relaxing cup of tea while listening to a concert of Gnawa spiritual music. Transfer to your accommodation and have a free afternoon to enjoy the dunes next to the hotel and watch the sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
You will wake up to see a beautiful sunrise over the dunes, then have breakfast before departing the desert for the Dades. You will stop in Erfoud city to visit a fossil monument, as this city is known for. Then, drive to Toudra Gorges, where the mountains cover the sky, and enjoy its beautiful Canyon views, and stretch your legs and enjoy the views of the high cliffs. Then, we will head to the Dades Valley, where you will admire the green valley surrounded by the dry mountains. We will stop at a rock formation known as Monkey’s Fingers, and it is one of the lesser-known yet extremely impressive sights. Overnight will be in Dades.
After having breakfast at your hotel/Riad, you will drive to Marrakech through the Valley of Roses, where we can have a short break so you can get to know their products. Then, we crossed Ouarzazate (the city of Hollywood) to the dramatic village of Ait Benhaddou. UNESCO lists this amazing village as a World Heritage Site due to its unique architecture consisting of many Kasbahs (fortresses) with four tall towers, small windows, and tiny doors. After lunch, you will drive through the spectacular High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m altitude). We will have several stops to take pictures and enjoy the views. Arrival in Marrakech and overnight in a Riad.
On the last day of our 8-day desert tour, with the local guide. You will visit the Palace of Bahia, built by the Grand Vizier of Marrakech, which has incredible mosaics and stucco. The extraordinary architecture of the Saadian Tomb is a royal necropolis of the 17th century. Spending some time in the famous souks of Marrakech, you will like the smells, colors, different objects, and how big the souk of Marrakech is. There is the Majorelle garden, which contains botanical and exotic plants brought from all over the world, with the dominant indigo blue to paint the wall. You will end your tour in the Jamaa Elfna, A lively place, where there are snake charmers, monkeys, food stalls, and musicians; it is the most lively square in Marrakech.
