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12 Days Morocco Adventure: Tangier to Sahara

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  • Start:Tangier
  • Departure:Marrakech
  • Duration:12 Days / 11 N
  • Price:Contact us

Overview

There’s a Morocco that lives in every traveler’s imagination a land of vivid contrasts where blue-painted alleys meet golden dunes, where ancient medinas hum with life, and where mountains cradle centuries of history. This 12 Days Morocco Adventure from Tangier to Marrakech via Sahara desert is more than a journey across cities; it’s a deep dive into Morocco’s beating heart, its people, traditions, and landscapes.

From the breezy coastal charm of Tangier to the blue serenity of Chefchaouen, the tour unfolds like a living story. You’ll wander through Fes’s labyrinthine medina, cross cedar-scented mountains, ride camels into the endless sands of Erg Chebbi, and sleep beneath a sky jeweled with stars. Along the way, you’ll visit fortified kasbahs, Berber villages, and cinematic valleys before reaching Marrakech, the vibrant “Red City” that perfectly captures Morocco’s rhythm and soul.

Every day reveals another layer of beauty, color, and connection, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure designed to awaken your senses and stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Highlights

  • Travel across the Middle Atlas to the desert of Merzouga
  • Ride camels at sunset and sleep beneath the stars in the Sahara
  • Explore the spectacular Todra and Dades Gorges
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Ksar Aït Ben Haddou
  • Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains
  • Stroll through the souks and gardens of Marrakech
  • Visit the laid-back coastal town of Essaouira

Itinerary

Day 1:Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

Your 12 Days Morocco Adventure begins when our local driver-guide greets you in Tangier Morocco’s northern gateway and cultural crossroads. Departing the city, the road winds through coastal views and rolling hills toward Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage gem nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains. Stroll through its ancient medina, a place seemingly untouched by time, before stopping for a leisurely lunch.

As the afternoon unfolds, the drive continues through charming fishing villages and forested valleys before reaching Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. With its indigo-painted lanes, Andalusian rooftops, and mountain backdrop, this magical town feels like a dream. Wander through the old medina, discover the Plaza Uta El Hammam, and soak in the peaceful rhythm of Moroccan mountain life.

Day 2:Chefchaouen – Fes

After breakfast at your riad, bid farewell to Chefchaouen’s tranquil charm and set off toward the imperial city of Fes. The journey meanders through remote Rif valleys, olive groves, and sleepy villages before descending into the fertile plains of northern Morocco. Stop for scenic breaks and a relaxed lunch amid rolling landscapes before reaching the scholarly heart of the country.

Fes, often called Morocco’s “spiritual capital,” was once a center of philosophy, art, and science. Its old medina, alive with centuries of craftsmanship, awaits you tomorrow.

Day 3:Exploring Fes

Today is devoted to exploring the Medina of Fes, one of the oldest and most authentic in the Arab world. After breakfast, step into a maze of cobblestone streets where artisans hammer copper, dyers color silk, and the scent of leather fills the air. Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Attarine School, and the Nejjarine Fountain, each showcasing magnificent Islamic architecture.

Admire the Marinid Tombs overlooking the city, explore the famous tanneries, and learn about the city’s deep intellectual and spiritual heritage. With your local guide, you’ll uncover both the grand monuments and hidden courtyards that define this living museum of Moroccan culture.

Day 4:Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

Leave Fes behind as you journey south through the cedar forests and mountain air of the Middle Atlas. Stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” for its alpine architecture and serene parks. Continue through the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild Barbary apes play among ancient trees.

Lunch in Midelt, a small Berber town known for apple orchards and mountain vistas, before descending through the dramatic Ziz Valley toward the desert. Arriving in Merzouga, the gateway to Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and warm hospitality. The evening is yours to relax under the rising desert stars on your 12 Days Morocco Adventure.

Day 5:Merzouga Desert Exploration

After breakfast, begin a fascinating 4×4 excursion around the Erg Chebbi dunes. Visit Khamlia village, home to descendants of sub-Saharan slaves who preserve the rhythms of traditional Gnawa music — a soulful experience of drums and dance. Explore nomadic settlements and the seasonal Lake of Merzouga, home to migratory birds.

In the afternoon, your camels await. Ride across the glowing dunes as the sun melts into the horizon, painting the sands gold and crimson. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner and Berber drumming around a campfire beneath the starlit Sahara sky — an unforgettable highlight of your 12 Days Morocco Adventure from Tangier to Marrakech via Sahara desert.

Day 6:Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Boumalne Dades

Wake early to witness sunrise over the desert a moment of pure tranquility. After breakfast and a shower, depart for Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon where towering cliffs frame a crystal-clear river. Stop for a short hike and meet local families who farm in the valley.

Continue through Tinejdad and Erfoud, known for fossils and date palms, before reaching the lush Dades Valley, dotted with kasbahs and rock formations shaped by time and wind. This marks a highlight of your 12 Days Morocco Adventure. Dinner and overnight in a cozy guesthouse in Boumalne Dades, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Day 7:Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, follow the legendary Route of a Thousand Kasbahs through small Berber villages and valleys of roses near Kalaat M’Gouna. Stop in Skoura Oasis, home to palm groves and ancient fortresses, before reaching Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” famous for its film studios — a highlight of your 12 Days Morocco Adventure.

Continue to the UNESCO-listed Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most iconic fortress village. Walk among its earthen towers and recall scenes from movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Later, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), offering spectacular views of valleys and peaks. By evening, arrive in Marrakech, the pulsating heart of Morocco.

Day 8:Discovering Marrakech

Today, explore the enchanting Red City with a local guide. Begin at the serene Majorelle Garden, a masterpiece of color and design, then visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, which tell stories of royal dynasties. Wander through the souks — a maze of spice stalls, carpet merchants, and artisans shaping copper and leather.

Pause at the Koutoubia Mosque, admire its elegant minaret, and finish your day in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where musicians, storytellers, and food vendors bring Marrakech to life at sunset.

Day 9:Marrakech – Argan Valley – Essaouira

After breakfast, set out for the Atlantic coast and the charming seaside town of Essaouira on your 12 Days Morocco Adventure. On the way, stop at an Argan oil cooperative, where local women demonstrate the age-old process of extracting Morocco’s “liquid gold.” Learn about its culinary and cosmetic uses before continuing through rolling hills dotted with argan trees and curious goats climbing their branches. Arrive in Essaouira by afternoon a city of wind, art, and relaxed coastal vibes.

Day 10:Exploring Essaouira

After breakfast, delve into Essaouira’s enchanting medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with whitewashed walls, blue shutters, and artist workshops. Visit the Skala de la Kasbah, built by the French architect Théodore Cornut, and admire sweeping ocean views.

Stroll through artisan markets filled with marquetry woodwork and handmade jewelry, explore the harbor where fishermen haul in their daily catch, and visit the Jewish quarter that speaks to the city’s diverse history. Essaouira’s breezy beaches also make it a favorite for surfers and dreamers alike. Overnight in a charming riad inside the medina.

Day 11:Essaouira – Marrakech

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Essaouira perhaps wander along the ramparts or sip mint tea overlooking the sea. Around midday, drive back to Marrakech. The rest of the afternoon is free for last-minute shopping, a relaxing hammam, or a horse-drawn carriage ride to the tranquil Majorelle Gardens. It’s a gentle close to an intense and inspiring adventure on your 12 Days Morocco Adventure.

Day 12:Marrakech Departure

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Marrakech Airport according to your flight schedule. As your journey ends, you’ll carry with you the unforgettable sights, sounds, and warmth of Morocco a country that leaves its mark on every traveler’s soul.

Includes / Excludes

Includes

  • Private air-conditioned 4×4 or mini van
  • English-speaking local driver
  • Custom stops and breaks on request
  • Overnight in Hotel, riad or desert camp
  • Hotel, riad, and airport transfers included
  • Vegetarian and vegan breakfast options

Excludes

  • Drinks and lunches
  • Tips for service staff
  • Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary

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