Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour
6 Days Tangier Desert Tour
6 Days Morocco tour from Tangier to Marrakech including the blue city of Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes and Fes the Cultural Capitol of Morocco, along the caravan trails to the Sahara desert for a night under the stars before driving to Dades valley passing through the impressive Todra Canyon, from there to Marrakech through the Roses valley, Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and Atlas Mountains.
Carefully selected hotels, Kasbahs, Riads. Includes one night in a traditional Berber camp
Qualified multilingual local guides / drivers.
Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle(s), mini bus or motor-coach
Tangier, Tetouan, Rif Mountain, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Ifrane, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra Canyon, Dades, Skoura, Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Marrakech
Conducting preliminary research on flights from your nearest airport to find the most cost-effective options for landing in and departing from Morocco would be valuable. Please note that our tours are flexible, and we can commence from any city that aligns with your schedule.
Whether you're arriving by ferry or plane, we will meet you upon arrival and go on a short tour to introduce you to Tangier's old medina. From there we will drive up into the valleys of the magnificent Rif Mountains, its peaks rising as high as 2456 meters at Jbel Tidirhine. After crossing the mountains we will continue across the fertile plains of Tetouan and limestone cliffs covered in cork oaks, pines, and wild olive trees before arriving in the mountain town of Chefchaouen, set like a gem between two Rif Mountain peaks.
We will reach Chefchaouen a renowned city for the distinctive blue-washed facades of its houses, painted that way by Jewish refugees who lived there in the 1930s, and is an unreal and unmissable destination for any trip to Morocco. The Chefchaouen medina features a Spanish-style plaza surrounded by numerous cafes, rooftop restaurants, and crafts stores that sell items unique to the Moroccan highlands.
Distance: 69 miles - 112 km
Average Driving Time: 2 hours ( excluding the stops )
In this second day of your 6 days Morocco tour, we will have time att leisure to explore the stunning lanes of Chefchaouen, the blue city, after breakfast. After that, we take a car to Volubilis to see the historic Roman ruins. Given that UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage Site, it has been kept in good condition. It has lovely old pillars and arches strewn throughout, as well as numerous exquisite mosaics.
After exploring the remains, we take a 30-kilometer trip to Meknes, the capital of the Ismailis, one of the imperial towns. This includes stops at the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, the Royal Stables, the Sahrij Souani Basin, Bab Al-Mansour, and the Granary.
Distance: 121 miles - 196 km
Average Driving Time: 4 hours ( excluding the stops )
Leaving Fes with its fantastic history, head to a totally different part of Morocco. We will pick you up from your hotel in Fes and embark on a picturesque journey to Ifrane, an alpine town with stylish red-roofed houses, neat streets with blooming flower, lake-studded parks, known as Switzerland of Morocco.
We will include a coffee stop here for some clean air, then we will continue through hills covered in forests of cork oak and giant cedar in which a few Barbary apes still make their home.
Crossing strikingly beautiful passes over both the Middle and High Atlas ranges we will catch our first glimpse of the south’s incredible architecture.
After passing through a barren plain of scrub and desert on the other side of the mountains, we will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, from which we will have a fantastic view of the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas rising behind the town. Crossing Tizi-n-Talremt (Pass of the She-Camel), we will descend into a desert plain along the Ziz Valley.
We will then head south to Erfoud and Rissani, in a huge oasis containing over six million palm trees, edged by many ksours (fortified villages).
Distance: 295 miles - 476 km
Average Driving Time: 7 hours ( excluding the stops )
Merzouga → Rissani Authentic market → Todra Canyon → Dades valley
If you would like to wake up early so that you can watch the spectacle of sunrise, when the color of the sand contrasts beautifully with the play of shadows on the dunes - after which you might want to try your hand at sand-boarding down them. After a refreshing shower and breakfast, we will ride the camels or fun 4X4 off-road drive through the dunes back to the kasbah in Merzouga town, where we will be able to freshen up before heading out of town to the Todra Gorge, known as "Morocco's Grand Canyon".
You will have lunch here and take the opportunity to explore along the river and through the gardens or up the road on the other side of the gorge to take in the view. In the afternoon we will continue our scenic drive into the Dades Valley, also known as the “Valley of 1000 Kasbahs” for the countless abandoned kasbahs one can see dotting the countryside among the palm trees. Later that afternoon we will arrive in the Dades Gorge, where we will watch the sunset's orange glow against the rocks before having dinner and spending the night in our hotel.
Distance: 168 miles - 271 km
Average Driving Time: 4 hours ( excluding the stops )
After breakfast we will drive through the villages of this charming area, passing fields cultivated by Berber women and getting some brilliant views of the Atlas Mountains. Our journey will continue towards Ouarzazate, going off-road along the piste to visit Berber nomads in their caves and join them for a glass of tea. From here, we will continue through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its Rose Festival in May, and past the "Road of 1000 Kasbahs" by the Skoura Oasis before arriving in Ouarzazate.
In Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Morocco”, we will visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the cinematographic museum before continuing on to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters such as “Gladiator” “Indiana Jones” and “Lawrence of Arabia”.
You will have the chance to explore some of the ruined buildings and climb to the top of the hill where the agadir (granary) offers a spectacular view over the village and the surrounding countryside. You may also want to enter one of the houses and share a glass of mint tea with some of the locals to gain a better understanding of their way of life. In the afternoon you'll drive north across the High Atlas Mountains.
The road, completed by the French Foreign Legion in 1936, winds up over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and offers stunning views over the mountains before descending past Berber villages to the plains surrounding Marrakech. Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up scenery from Arabian Nights - alleyways, souks, and market stalls. This remarkable city, with the graceful architecture of the renowned 11th-century Koutoubia Minaret dominating the skyline, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of its visitors. We will arrive back in Marrakech by late afternoon.
Distance: 218 miles - 351 km
Average Driving Time: 6 hours ( excluding the stops )
We will make as much use of our time as possible, wandering around the souks of Marrakech and finding souvenirs or gifts for friends before we take you to Marrakech Menara airport with plenty of time to catch your departure flight.
After breakfast we will continue our journey to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. This important Roman town features detailed and gorgeous mosaics that will give you a unique perspective on Morocco's ancient history. We will also visit the nearby town of Moulay Idriss, where Moulay Idriss I, who brought Islam to Morocco, is entombed. Moulay Idriss is considered to be the holiest town in Morocco. From Moulay Idriss we will continue to Meknes, often called the "Versailles of Morocco" due to the grandeur and intricacy of its buildings and monuments. We will take some time to explore its highlights, including the massive Bab Mansour Gate, the old Medina, and Moulay Ismail's shrine. From Meknes we will continue to Fes, where we will check in at your hotel before having dinner and settling in for the night.
Our adventure begins with a mesmerizing desert sunrise, where the golden rays paint the vast expanse of sand in hues of orange and pink.
As we make our way towards Dades Valley, we pass through the enchanting Todgha Gorges. These towering canyons, carved by nature over centuries, offer a truly awe-inspiring sight. The sheer magnitude of the cliffs and the crystal-clear waters flowing through them create a surreal atmosphere that will leave you speechless.
Dades Valley itself is a hidden gem nestled amidst the rugged Atlas Mountains. This picturesque region is known for its stunning landscapes, dotted with lush green palm groves and traditional Berber villages. As we explore this serene valley, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and witness traditional farming practices that have been passed down through generations.
We exclude the entrance fees to monuments and cultural sights from the tour total cost in order to not charge you for things you might not be interested in visiting, Please let us know if you need a list of all the monuments that require a fee for entry.
Our tours are designed to be flexible and accommodating. Our knowledgeable guide will offer various options ( both paid and unpaid worth to visit ) for objectives and sights not only in each city but also along the way. Additionally, we're committed to offering the best possible experience for our clients.
We intentionally exclude dinners in urban areas or big cities for two main reasons. Firstly, dining at Riads or hotels in city settings tends to be relatively expensive. Secondly, the presence of a variety of restaurant options in cities allows our clients to choose according to their budget and preferences.
We can arrange cooking classes/ Hammam & SPA / Hot air balloon / ATV Quads / Dune buggies and any additional activiy available in any destination upon request.
We have over 20 years of experience crafting a Moroccan experience perfectly tailored to our guests needs. These are our most common itineraries, to be used as starting points in developing yours.
Whether you're arriving by ferry or plane, we will meet you upon arrival and go on a short tour to introduce you to Tangier's old medina. From there we will drive up into the valleys of the magnificent Rif Mountains, its peaks rising as high as 2456 meters at Jbel Tidirhine. After crossing the mountains we will continue across the fertile plains of Tetouan and limestone cliffs covered in cork oaks, pines, and wild olive trees before arriving in the mountain town of Chefchaouen, set like a gem between two Rif Mountain peaks.
We will reach Chefchaouen a renowned city for the distinctive blue-washed facades of its houses, painted that way by Jewish refugees who lived there in the 1930s, and is an unreal and unmissable destination for any trip to Morocco. The Chefchaouen medina features a Spanish-style plaza surrounded by numerous cafes, rooftop restaurants, and crafts stores that sell items unique to the Moroccan highlands.
Distance: 69 miles - 112 km
Average Driving Time: 2 hours ( excluding the stops )
In this second day of your 6 days Morocco tour, we will have time att leisure to explore the stunning lanes of Chefchaouen, the blue city, after breakfast. After that, we take a car to Volubilis to see the historic Roman ruins. Given that UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage Site, it has been kept in good condition. It has lovely old pillars and arches strewn throughout, as well as numerous exquisite mosaics.
After exploring the remains, we take a 30-kilometer trip to Meknes, the capital of the Ismailis, one of the imperial towns. This includes stops at the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, the Royal Stables, the Sahrij Souani Basin, Bab Al-Mansour, and the Granary.
Distance: 121 miles - 196 km
Average Driving Time: 4 hours ( excluding the stops )
Leaving Fes with its fantastic history, head to a totally different part of Morocco. We will pick you up from your hotel in Fes and embark on a picturesque journey to Ifrane, an alpine town with stylish red-roofed houses, neat streets with blooming flower, lake-studded parks, known as Switzerland of Morocco.
We will include a coffee stop here for some clean air, then we will continue through hills covered in forests of cork oak and giant cedar in which a few Barbary apes still make their home.
Crossing strikingly beautiful passes over both the Middle and High Atlas ranges we will catch our first glimpse of the south’s incredible architecture.
After passing through a barren plain of scrub and desert on the other side of the mountains, we will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, from which we will have a fantastic view of the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas rising behind the town. Crossing Tizi-n-Talremt (Pass of the She-Camel), we will descend into a desert plain along the Ziz Valley.
We will then head south to Erfoud and Rissani, in a huge oasis containing over six million palm trees, edged by many ksours (fortified villages).
Distance: 295 miles - 476 km
Average Driving Time: 7 hours ( excluding the stops )
Merzouga → Rissani Authentic market → Todra Canyon → Dades valley
If you would like to wake up early so that you can watch the spectacle of sunrise, when the color of the sand contrasts beautifully with the play of shadows on the dunes - after which you might want to try your hand at sand-boarding down them. After a refreshing shower and breakfast, we will ride the camels or fun 4X4 off-road drive through the dunes back to the kasbah in Merzouga town, where we will be able to freshen up before heading out of town to the Todra Gorge, known as "Morocco's Grand Canyon".
You will have lunch here and take the opportunity to explore along the river and through the gardens or up the road on the other side of the gorge to take in the view. In the afternoon we will continue our scenic drive into the Dades Valley, also known as the “Valley of 1000 Kasbahs” for the countless abandoned kasbahs one can see dotting the countryside among the palm trees. Later that afternoon we will arrive in the Dades Gorge, where we will watch the sunset's orange glow against the rocks before having dinner and spending the night in our hotel.
Distance: 168 miles - 271 km
Average Driving Time: 4 hours ( excluding the stops )
After breakfast we will drive through the villages of this charming area, passing fields cultivated by Berber women and getting some brilliant views of the Atlas Mountains. Our journey will continue towards Ouarzazate, going off-road along the piste to visit Berber nomads in their caves and join them for a glass of tea. From here, we will continue through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its Rose Festival in May, and past the "Road of 1000 Kasbahs" by the Skoura Oasis before arriving in Ouarzazate.
In Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Morocco”, we will visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the cinematographic museum before continuing on to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters such as “Gladiator” “Indiana Jones” and “Lawrence of Arabia”.
You will have the chance to explore some of the ruined buildings and climb to the top of the hill where the agadir (granary) offers a spectacular view over the village and the surrounding countryside. You may also want to enter one of the houses and share a glass of mint tea with some of the locals to gain a better understanding of their way of life. In the afternoon you'll drive north across the High Atlas Mountains.
The road, completed by the French Foreign Legion in 1936, winds up over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and offers stunning views over the mountains before descending past Berber villages to the plains surrounding Marrakech. Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up scenery from Arabian Nights - alleyways, souks, and market stalls. This remarkable city, with the graceful architecture of the renowned 11th-century Koutoubia Minaret dominating the skyline, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of its visitors. We will arrive back in Marrakech by late afternoon.
Distance: 218 miles - 351 km
Average Driving Time: 6 hours ( excluding the stops )
We will make as much use of our time as possible, wandering around the souks of Marrakech and finding souvenirs or gifts for friends before we take you to Marrakech Menara airport with plenty of time to catch your departure flight.
We are experts at creating a Moroccan experience perfectly tailored to our guests needs. These are some of our most popular itineraries, and they may be customized to the utmost extent of your imaginations.
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hello@besttravelmorocco.com
Angle boulevard Emile Zola et Rue Rethel
7éme Étage N°20
Casablanca 20300 Morocco
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