6 Day Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

Day 1 – Tangier to Chefchaouen (Welcome to the Blue City)

Begin your journey from Tangier, traveling through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, the blue town of Morocco. Known for its blue-washed buildings, this charming town offers a delightful mix of history and culture.

Upon arrival, explore the medina, with its photogenic alleyways and relaxed atmosphere. Visit the Kasbah (fortress) in the main square, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The afternoon invites wandering and discovery at your own pace. Overnight stay in a beautiful Riad in Chefchaouen.

Day 2 – Chefchaouen to Fes via Rif Mountains (Spiritual Capital)

After breakfast, we depart for Fes, crossing the Rif Mountains once more. The mountain scenery unfolds around every bend, with glimpses of traditional villages along the way.

We arrive in Fes around noon, where lunch awaits before beginning a guided historical walking tour of Morocco’s first Islamic settlement. This tour takes you through the vibrant Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of astonishing complexity.

Explore fascinating sites including the 13th-century tannery with its iconic dyeing pits, a ceramics and pottery factory where skilled artisans work, a historic Koranic school, and the narrow streets of the medina lined with busy markets (souks). The afternoon immerses you in the spiritual capital’s rich heritage. Overnight in Fes.

Day 3 – Fes to Sahara Desert (Atlas, Cedars & Camel Trek)

This is the third day of the tour, and we travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains. A stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland of Morocco,” reveals alpine-style architecture and clean streets. We may make another stop in the cedar forest, where you will see wild Barbary monkeys playing among the ancient trees.

After lunch in a local restaurant in Midelt, we continue through the scenic Ziz Valley, with its vast palm groves stretching along the river. The landscape gradually transforms as we approach the desert.

By late afternoon, we reach the Merzouga desert dunes. Enjoy a camel ride at sunset on the golden sands, watching the light paint the dunes in warm hues. The caravan carries you to the desert camp, where you sleep under the stars in a traditional Berber tent. Overnight in the desert camp.

Day 4 – Merzouga to Ouarzazate (Sunrise, Gorges & Valleys)

Watch the sunrise over the dunes from the camp, a magical moment as the first light transforms the landscape. After breakfast, we head to the Todra Gorges. Explore the stunning rock formations where towering red cliffs create a dramatic canyon.

The route continues through the Dades Valley and Valley of Roses, with their unique rock formations and fragrant blossoms. We reach Ouarzazate city in the late afternoon. Overnight stay in Ouarzazate, located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains.

Day 5 – Ouarzazate to Marrakech (Kasbahs & Atlas Crossing)

Leaving Ouarzazate, we head toward Marrakech. The first stop is the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning fortified village has served as a filming location for so many international movies, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Bible.

We cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, a winding mountain road offering spectacular viewpoints. The scenery unfolds at every turn as we ascend and descend through this ancient mountain range.

Arrival in Marrakech comes in the afternoon. You’ll check into a traditional Riad in the heart of the medina. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 6 – Marrakech to RAK Airport (Farewell to Morocco)

Today you will enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech before your departure. Exploration covers key landmarks of the red city, allowing you to learn about its history and culture. Depending on your flight time, the tour may include the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and the vibrant Jemaa El Fna Square.

After the tour, we transfer you to Marrakech Airport (RAK) for your departure. This marks the end of your 6-day adventure from Tangier to Marrakech, leaving you with wonderful memories of Morocco’s blue streets, golden dunes, and imperial cities.