DESRT TOURS
10-Day Morocco Trip from Tangier to the Desert and Marrakech
About this tour
Experience the best of Morocco on this 10-day journey from the northern coast to the Sahara Desert and vibrant Marrakech. This tour blends cultural discoveries, historic sites, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic desert experiences. From the serene blue streets of Chefchaouen to the golden dunes of the Sahara and the bustling energy of Marrakech, immerse yourself in Morocco’s heart and soul.
Highlights
Explore Tangier’s coastal beauty and scenic landmarks
Wander the iconic Blue City of Chefchaouen
Visit imperial cities: Meknes and Fes
Enjoy camel trekking and overnight camping in the Sahara
Cross the Middle and High Atlas Mountains with panoramic views
Explore Fes’ medina, tanneries, and artisan workshops
Flexible itinerary that can be adapted to your pace and interests
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier
Arrive in Tangier and transfer to your hotel to relax. In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic drive along the coast to admire cliffs, natural caves, and dramatic sea views. End the day with a traditional Moroccan dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen
Depart north toward the enchanting Blue City of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Explore its blue-painted medina, quaint alleys, artisan shops, and tranquil squares. Dinner and overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
After a morning stroll in Chefchaouen, visit Volubilis, a Roman archaeological site. Continue to Meknes, an imperial city with grand gates and lively squares. Arrive in Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital, for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Full Day in Fes
Spend a full day exploring Fes’ medina, artisan workshops, historic mosques, madrasas, tanneries, and markets. Visit the Jewish quarter and royal palace gates. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and end the day with panoramic views of the city.
Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga
Travel southeast through Ifrane, known for alpine-style architecture, and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to Barbary monkeys. Continue through the Middle Atlas, stopping in Midelt for lunch, before reaching Merzouga at sunset to prepare for the desert adventure.
Day 6: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Desert Camp
Wake early for sunrise over the Sahara. Visit nearby nomadic families and experience traditional desert life. Embark on a camel trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoy a desert sunset, and spend the night in a traditional camp under the stars with local music and dinner.
Day 7: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Witness another desert sunrise, then return by camel to the edge of the desert. Travel west to Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs, and continue into the Dades Valley, renowned for unique rock formations and Berber villages. Overnight in Dades Valley.
Day 8: Dades Valley – Skoura – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Drive through Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses, then visit the historic Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue across the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying breathtaking panoramas, before arriving in Marrakech for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Full Day in Marrakech
Explore Marrakech’s medina, palaces, gardens, and bustling souks. Experience the lively central square, witness artisans at work, and enjoy Moroccan cuisine. Afternoon free for personal exploration or shopping. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 10: Departure from Marrakech
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure, concluding your Moroccan journey with lasting memories of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.
What to Know Before Your 10-Day Morocco Tour
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for medinas, mountains, and desert
- Light clothing for daytime and warm layers for cool desert nights
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
- Backpack for daily essentials and cameras
- Travel adapter for electronics
Tips for First-Time Travelers:
- Carry cash for small purchases in villages and souks
- Dress modestly, especially in rural and religious areas
- Stay hydrated, especially in desert and mountain regions
- Allow extra travel time for mountain roads and desert routes
- Ask permission before photographing locals
Climate Overview:
- Tangier & Chefchaouen: Mild and pleasant
- Fes & Meknes: Hot summers, mild winters
- Middle & High Atlas Mountains: Cool to cold, snow possible in winter
- Sahara Desert: Hot days, cold nights
- Dades Valley & Todra Gorges: Warm days, cooler nights
- Marrakech: Hot summers, mild winters
