10 Days in Morocco from Tangier: A Grand Cultural & Desert Tour

Day 1: Arrival to Tangier – Explore City & Journey to Chefchaouen

In the first day of your 10 days Morocco holiday from Tangier, we pick you up from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier, also known as “the bride of the north.” This vibrant city is located in northwest Morocco, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel.

Firstly, we will explore the beautiful city, visiting the legendary Cave of Hercules and the iconic Cape Spartel, offering stunning coastal views. Enjoy free time for lunch. Then, we drive inland towards Chefchaouen, passing through the city of Tetouan and the picturesque Rif Mountains. Stops will be made along the way for panoramic views. Finally, we drop you off at your accommodation. Overnight stay in a hotel in Chefchaouen.

Day 2: Sightseeing Chefchaouen – “The Blue City” Exploration

After breakfast, your 10 days Morocco holiday continues with an exploration of Chefchaouen, the blue city. Also known as Achaoun (which means "horns" in Berber, referring to the mountain peaks above the town), Chefchaouen is nestled in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco. It is globally renowned for its distinctive buildings and alleyways, all painted in various captivating shades of blue and white.

Firstly, we will stroll through its charming old Medina, which has so many beautiful authentic blue doors and whitewashed walls. Enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you can opt for a rewarding hike to the Spanish Mosque (Ras El Maa), situated on high ground, offering spectacular panoramic views of the entire blue city. Overnight stay in the same hotel in Chefchaouen.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Roman Ruins of Volubilis – Imperial Meknes – Fes (Cultural Capital)

After breakfast, feel free to take a final wander through the beautiful blue alleyways of Chefchaouen. Then, we drive to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. This remarkably well-preserved archaeological site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and features many beautiful mosaics, ancient pillars, and archways.

After strolling through the impressive ruins, we drive approximately 30 km to visit one of Morocco's imperial cities, Meknes, the Ismaili capital. Here, we will explore: Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal stables, the granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Then, we head to Fes. Overnight stay in a traditional Riad in Fes.

Day 4: Guided Sightseeing Tour of Fes Medina & Highlights

We pick you up from your accommodation in Fes after breakfast to explore the captivating city of Fes. Considered one of Morocco's most important imperial cities, Fes is also renowned as the country's cultural and religious center.

We start the day by visiting the magnificent Royal Palace gate. Then, we explore the well-preserved medieval Medina (Fes el-Bali), a UNESCO World Heritage site. The iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) serves as the main entrance to the old Medina, which appears as a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and bustling streets. You will enter the Medina with an official local guide to visit key landmarks such as The Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine fountain, the famous Tanneries, and finally, the Quaraouin Mosque and University – recognized as the oldest existing, continually operating university in the world.

After our Medina exploration, we leave to visit the Jewish quarter, also known as “the Mellah.” Then, we drive to an ancient fortress for panoramic views of the Medina and the entire city of Fes. Then, return to your Riad.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Cedars Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Sahara (Luxury Camp Experience)

After a warm breakfast in Fes, your 10 days Morocco holiday continues south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, famous for its low temperature, snow, and also its alpine-style architecture houses – no wonder it is called the "Switzerland of Morocco."

Then, we continue to the ancient cedars forest near Azrou, where the Barbary macaques live. Feel free to observe and feed them while wandering in the forest. Later, we proceed to Midelt, where we will have free time for lunch. Our journey then takes us through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the picturesque Ziz Valley, with stops for panoramic views.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the Sahara Desert of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). Here, you will switch to camels for an unforgettable trek across the sandy desert, with a stop on top of a high dune to enjoy the magical sunset. Then, continue to your luxury desert camp, which is a combination of traditional nomad tents and modern hotel comforts. Here, you can enjoy Berber drums music while dancing around a campfire, under a vast open sky of stars. Accommodation and dinner in the camp.

Day 6: Explore Merzouga Region: Nomads, Eyeliner Mine, Khamlia (Gnawa Village), Erg Chebbi & Palm Groves (4x4 Tour)

Waking up early to witness the beautiful Sahara sunrise from the middle of the desert is an absolute must-do. After free time for breakfast at the camp, you will return by the camp’s 4x4 vehicle or by camel through the sand dunes to Merzouga village (ATV/Quad bikes are also an option at extra cost), where your driver awaits. We dedicate the 6th day of your 10 days Morocco itinerary to exploring the fascinating Merzouga region. This area boasts many incredible sites, from vast sand dunes and wild lakes to ancient mines, fossil areas, and fabulous oases – ideal for various outdoor activities.

Our exploration begins with an off-road 4x4 desert tour to visit an ancient eyeliner mine. We then pay a visit to a local nomad family in their traditional, handmade woven tent, learning about their way of life while sharing a Berber tea. Our next stop is Khamlia village (Gnawa Village), where you will enjoy authentic Gnaoua music and dance performances by inhabitants originating from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger. After free time for lunch in a local restaurant, we take a relaxing stroll through a modern desert oasis with its lush palm tree groves. Dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Merzouga.

Day 7: Merzouga Sahara – Rissani Market – Erfoud Fossils – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Waking up early this morning is a must-do to contemplate another beautiful Sahara sunrise. After free time for breakfast at your hotel, we leave the desert to visit Rissani town, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani remains a major trading center in the region, with a large souk lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll in the Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud, where we visit one of the workshops of fossilized marble.

Then, we drive through Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves to reach the Todra Gorges. The course of the Todra River has carved out a grand canyon through the mountains. This high red cliff-sided canyon is an ideal place for rock climbers. Feel free to wander in the gorges and appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Enjoy free time for lunch in a restaurant. Then, we continue to the Dades Valley through Boumalne Dades, making inevitable stops at the "monkey fingers" rock formation and on a spot atop a mountain overlooking the Dades valley. Dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel in the Dades Valley.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Skoura Palm Groves (Amredhyle Kasbah) – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Telouet (Optional) – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, we continue our trip to Kalaa M'gouna to visit the Roses Valley, famous for its fragrant Damascus roses and the annual Rose Festival held in May. We then drive through the verdant palm groves of Skoura and visit the historic Kasbah of Amredhyle. Next, we reach Ouarzazate, where we visit the renowned film studios in which famous movies were shot (optional visit) and also explore the impressive Taourirt Kasbah.

We then depart to visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its appearances in movies like Gladiator and TV series like Game Of Thrones. After that, we can optionally visit the Telouet Kasbah.

Then, we continue our journey to Marrakech by going through the spectacular Tizi-N-Tichka pass and the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Stops will be made for lunch (at leisure) and to take pictures at interesting spots. Overnight stay in a traditional Riad in Marrakech.

Day 9: Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marrakech (The Red City)

After a warm breakfast, you will be exploring the Highlights of Marrakech, "The Red City," with an official local guide. Marrakech is considered one of the four imperial cities in Morocco and is famed for its vibrant energy. Your visit will include: The Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Ben Youssef Quranic Mosque (Medersa). You will also enjoy a stroll through the largest traditional Souk/Market in Morocco.

Enjoy free time for lunch near the bustling Jemaa El-Fna square. Later on, you will visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque (the largest in Marrakech, exterior view) and the enchanting Majorelle Garden. Finally, transfer to your accommodation. Feel free to wander through the magical Jemaa El-Fna square on your own in the evening.

Day 10: Marrakech – Transfer to Casablanca Airport

After breakfast, we pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech. Depending on your flight time, we will drive to Casablanca. If there is enough time before your flight, we might possibly visit the Hassan II Mosque if not fully explored on Day 1.

Then, we will drop you off at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) for your departure.

End of your 10 days Morocco holiday from Tangier.