This fast-paced 6-day journey takes you from Morocco’s northern coast to its southern deserts and vibrant imperial cities. Starting in Tangier, you’ll wind through the Rif Mountains to the iconic blue city of Chefchaouen, explore ancient Roman ruins and the imperial city of Meknes, and delve into the medieval heart of Fes. The adventure then leads south across the Atlas Mountains to a magical night in a Sahara Desert camp, before traveling through dramatic gorges and past ancient kasbahs to finally arrive in bustling Marrakech. Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Morocco’s diversity in a single week.
Your tour begins with a pickup from the Tangier port or airport. Drive south through the scenic Rif Mountains, passing by the city of Tetouan. Your destination is the famous Chefchaouen. Settle into your riad and then enjoy free time to wander the mesmerizing blue-washed alleyways of its medina, a photographer’s dream nestled in the mountains.
Accommodation: Riad in Chefchaouen.
Depart Chefchaouen after breakfast. Your first stop is the ancient Roman archaeological site of Volubilis, where you can explore well-preserved mosaics and archways. Continue to the imperial city of Meknes to visit the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the grand Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Arrive in the ancient city of Fes by evening.
Accommodation: Riad/Hotel in Fes.
Dedicate the day to discovering the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali. With a knowledgeable local guide, navigate its labyrinthine streets—the world’s largest living medieval city. Visit key sites including the famous Chouara Tannery, the intricate Al-Attarine Madrasa, and vibrant artisan quarters specializing in copper, leather, and ceramics.
Accommodation: Riad/Hotel in Fes.
Leave Fes early for the journey to the Sahara. Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, known for its alpine architecture, and the Cedar Forests of Azrou to see Barbary macaques. Enjoy lunch in Midelt before the landscape transforms. Descend through the dramatic Ziz Gorge and past the vast Ziz Valley oasis to reach the dunes of Merzouga. Here, switch to camels for a trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a spectacular sunset. Arrive at your desert camp for a traditional dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Private tent at a desert camp (Dinner included).
Wake up early for a unforgettable desert sunrise. After breakfast, return to Merzouga village. Your journey continues to the breathtaking Todra Gorge, where you can take a short walk between its towering 300-meter-high limestone cliffs. Afterwards, drive through the scenic Dades Valley, famous for its unique rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers,” to your hotel in Boumalne Dades.
Accommodation: Hotel in Boumalne Dades (Dinner likely included).
Travel through the Dades and Rose Valleys before reaching Ouarzazate, “the Hollywood of Africa.” Visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic film location. Explore its ancient clay architecture. Then, begin the final scenic leg, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Arrive in Marrakech in the early evening, where your tour concludes.
