12-Day Morocco Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Tangier

During this 12-day tour, we will start our journey from Tangier and travel south through northern Morocco.

We will pass through Tetouan and traditional villages of the Jbala region, before arriving at the famous blue town of Chefchaouen.

Next, we visit the ancient Berber-Roman ruins of Volubilis, followed by the imperial city of Meknes.

We then continue to Fes, where we will spend a full day exploring the historic medina with a local guide.

Our journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland,” and Azrou, where we will visit the famous Cedar Forest of Azrou.

We travel through several towns including Midelt, cross the Tizi N’Talghomt Pass, and continue along the palm valleys of southeastern Morocco.

We will visit Erfoud and Rissani before arriving at the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Merzouga Desert.

Here you will enjoy a 4×4 desert excursion, meet nomadic families, experience Gnawa music, and enjoy a camel trekking adventure, followed by an overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp.

Our route then continues through the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, before visiting the famous Ait Ben Haddou.

After crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, we arrive in Marrakech.

From Marrakech, we will take a day trip to Essaouira, followed by a full day exploring Marrakech with a local guide.

Next, we travel to Casablanca to visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, then continue to Rabat to visit the Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan Tower.

Our final stop will be the coastal town of Asilah, before returning to Tangier.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tangier

Upon arrival at the port or airport in Tangier, we will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore the city.

Overnight stay in Tangier.

Day 2: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, we drive to Tetouan, passing through traditional villages in the Jbala region.

We then continue to Chefchaouen, known for its blue-painted houses and mountain scenery.

We will explore the medina on foot, including the main square and local markets.

Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, we depart for Volubilis, the ancient Berber-Roman ruins.

Next we visit the imperial city of Meknes, known for its historical monuments.

After exploring Meknes, we continue to Fes, where we will spend the night.

Day 4: Full Day Exploring Fes

After breakfast, explore the historic medina of Fes with a local guide.

Highlights include:

  • Royal Palace of Fes

  • Traditional souks

  • Tanneries

  • Artisan workshops

  • Historic medina streets

Lunch will be in a traditional restaurant in the medina.

Overnight stay in Fes.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga

Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and the Cedar Forest of Azrou to see the Barbary macaques.

After lunch in Midelt, continue through Tizi N’Talghomt Pass and the Ziz Valley palm groves.

Arrival in Merzouga in the evening.

Overnight stay in a hotel or riad.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Erg Chebbi – Camel Trek

Explore the Merzouga desert area by 4×4.

Visit:

  • Khamlia village (Gnawa music)

  • Nomadic families

  • Rissani market

In the afternoon, enjoy a camel trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Overnight stay in a Berber desert camp.

Day 7: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After sunrise and breakfast in the desert, return by camel to the village.

Drive through Rissani and Alnif toward Todra Gorge, where you can walk through the canyon.

Continue to Dades Valley for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Travel through Ouarzazate to visit the UNESCO site Ait Ben Haddou, famous for films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass before arriving in Marrakech.

Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 9: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech

Drive to Essaouira, a beautiful Atlantic coastal city.

Explore:

  • The historic medina

  • Skala ramparts

  • Fishing port

Return to Marrakech in the afternoon.

Day 10: Full Day in Marrakech

Explore Marrakech with a local guide.

Highlights include:

  • Medina and souks

  • Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

  • Saadian Tombs

  • Bahia Palace

  • Menara Gardens

Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 11: Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat – Asilah

Travel north to Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque.

Continue to Rabat to see:

  • Hassan Tower

  • Kasbah of the Udayas

Later drive to the coastal town of Asilah for overnight stay.

Day 12: Asilah – Tangier

After breakfast, return to Tangier. We will transfer you to the airport or ferry port for your departure.

What’s Included

  • Private transport in air-conditioned vehicles (4×4, minibus, or bus depending on group size)

  • Multilingual driver/guide

  • All fuel for the vehicle

  • 10 nights in hotels or riads

  • 1 night in a desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)

  • Camel ride in the Sahara Desert

  • Sandboarding on the dunes

What’s Not Included

  • Drinks and lunches

  • Flight tickets

  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums

  • Accommodation in Tangier

Note: If you would like to modify any part of these tours, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to customize it for you.