This 8-day journey from Tangier to Casablanca traces a magnificent arc through Morocco’s northern mountains, imperial cities, and Saharan landscapes. Begin in the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, explore Roman ruins at Volubilis, and discover the spiritual capital of Fes. Traverse the Middle Atlas to sleep among the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, cross the High Atlas to vibrant Marrakech, and conclude in Morocco’s economic hub. This is Morocco’s diverse beauty in just over a week.
We will start our 8-day tour from Tangier to Casablanca after meeting you at the airport or your accommodation. The journey travels via the Rif Mountains and through Tetouan, allowing you to properly appreciate the mesmerizing vistas of the surroundings.
We pause to relax in Chefchaouen, Morocco’s “blue pearl.” Due to its history as a part of “Spanish Morocco,” Chefchaouen’s medina exhibits strong Spanish architectural influences. The main square is surrounded by colorful, unique artisanal shops and features numerous rooftop cafes and restaurants.
After dropping you off at your riad, you may spend the remainder of the evening enjoying the scenery and pleasant mountain air. Overnight stay in a riad in this lovely blue city.
After a delicious breakfast, we continue our tour toward Volubilis, passing through the Rif towns of Ouazzane and others. You will discover the Roman ruins at Volubilis and explore Moroccan history through these remarkably preserved remains with their stunning mosaics.
We continue to Meknes, where you will stop for lunch. Exploration includes the old medina walls, the monumental Bab El Mansour gate, and a visit to the Moulay Ismail shrine, resting place of the powerful sultan who made Meknes his capital.
Afterward, we travel to Fes, where you’ll spend your second Moroccan night. Overnight in Fes.
The day begins with a tour through the narrow streets and passageways of the oldest city in Morocco. The excursion starts by visiting the Royal Palace gate before proceeding to the Jewish quarter (Mellah), where the first Mellah in Morocco was founded in the 16th century.
We ensure you visit all the historical and cultural attractions in the area, namely Al Qaraouine University (the oldest university in the world), the famous Tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. Afterward, you will take in a spectacular panorama of the entire Medina of Fes from a vantage point overlooking the city.
Fes is known for its diverse array of artisanal workshops, including leather, ceramics, rugs, weaving, metalwork, and dyeing. You will have the opportunity to visit some of these workshops and witness firsthand the craftsmanship passed down through generations.
In addition to the workshops, Fes boasts unique architectural features in each neighborhood. From schools and fountains to bakeries, mosques, and hammams, your guide will take you on a journey through Fes’s rich cultural heritage. The Fes Medina, a car-free maze with approximately 9,000 streets, can be challenging to navigate alone. Your guide will lead you through the narrow alleyways, providing historical and cultural context along the way.
After a full day of exploration, return to your riad for dinner and an overnight stay. The memories and experiences you gain from exploring Fes with a local guide will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Overnight in Fes.
We begin our journey toward the Atlas Mountains, stopping in the city of Azrou. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the well-known cedar forest, habitat to the Barbary apes that play among the ancient trees.
Lunch is taken in Midelt or somewhere nearby. We then proceed to the Ziz Valley, where we can stop for pictures of the vast palm groves stretching along the river. The landscape gradually transforms as we approach the desert.
Afterward, we continue to Merzouga. Upon arrival, a camel specialist guide will meet you, and you’ll begin your camel trek through the tallest dunes in Africa, Erg Chebbi. During your journey, you will pause in the middle of the dunes to take memorable photos while riding camels, surrounded by golden sands.
When you reach the campsite, our staff will welcome you with a drink of mint tea and then lead you to your private tents. Enjoy a cozy and delicious dinner. After dinner, a small gathering features music played by locals, where you can dance around the campfire. Finally, ascend one of the adjacent dunes to observe a starry night sky and take in the peace of the Sahara Desert. Overnight in the desert camp.
We’ll get up early to watch a beautiful sunrise that you’ve never seen in your entire life—a magical moment as the first light transforms the dunes into waves of gold and orange. Afterward, we return to the local hotel, where you will freshen up and enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing to the Dades Valley.
During this stage of the tour, we’ll stop at some Berber towns along the way to the Todra Gorges. You can take a stroll through these stunning gorges, which are high, narrow, and popular among climbers. Towering red cliffs create a dramatic canyon setting.
We arrive in the Dades Valley in the late afternoon, surrounded by unique rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay in Dades.
After breakfast, we continue our tour via Ouarzazate along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs. A stop in Kalaat M’Gouna, the heart of the Valley of Roses, allows you to explore this area well-known for its yearly Rose Festival in May.
Our next destination is Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. Following that, we continue to the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. A number of popular Hollywood films, including Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, and worldwide TV series such as Prison Break Season 5 and Game of Thrones, have used this spectacular location as their backdrop. Moreover, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
On our way to Marrakech, we cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which sits at 2,260 meters above sea level in the High Atlas Mountains. The winding roads offer breathtaking views at every turn. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Marrakech.
The seventh day of our tour is dedicated to sightseeing and visiting the city’s top attractions. We will take you to important historical and cultural places, including the intricate Bahia Palace, the iconic Koutoubia Tower, the serene Majorelle Gardens, and the historic Saadian Tombs.
Lunch is taken in the medina, close to the lively center of Marrakech: Jemaa El Fna Square. Afterward, stroll through the souks to see the countless shops and handicrafts that fill the alleyways. In the afternoon, you will be free to go for a walk and do further exploring at your own pace. Stay the night at the riad. Overnight in Marrakech.
Depending on the time of your flight, we will travel via the highway to Casablanca to conclude our 8-day tour. If you have enough time before your departure, you will be able to visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with its towering minaret overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Transfer to Casablanca Airport for your departure marks the end of your 8-day journey from Tangier to Casablanca, leaving you with wonderful memories of Morocco’s blue streets, golden dunes, imperial cities, and vibrant medinas.
