8 Days Imperial Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakesh to Tangier

Day 1: Depart from Marrakech towards Dades Gorges via Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

We will pick you up from your Riad or Hotel in Marrakech and embark on a journey to the High Atlas Mountains, North Africa's highest mountain range, passing through beautiful fertile valleys along the way. We will cross the Tizi N'Tichka Pass, at an elevation of 2260 meters, and drive through dramatic Berber villages and the Ounila Valley to reach the famous Kasbah of Ait-Benhaddou. This fortified village dates back to the 12th century and its buildings were recognized by UNESCO in 1987.

The Kasbah is also famous for being a backdrop for many international movies and series, such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. We will escort you to the Kasbah and take you on a tour to explore this authentic and traditional site. You will walk through its small mud-brick alleys to reach the granaries, the most fortified spot in the Kasbah. After a lunch break at a local restaurant near the Kasbah, we will continue our journey to Ouarzazate, known as the Cinema Capital of Morocco, with its movie studios and sets.

In the center of the city, we will visit the ancient Kasbah of Tourirt, a charming pit stop before we continue on to the Valley of Roses through the "Road of Thousand Kasbahs." We will then drive through the Valley of Roses to reach the Dades Valley, a region of stunning landscapes filled with fields of wheat, walnuts, and figs. At the end of the day, we will drop you off at your Riad or Hotel in the Dades Valley.

• Overnight in Dades Gorges (HB)

Day 2: From Dades Gorges to the Sahara Desert Merzouga via Tinghir, Todgha Gorges and Arfoud

We'll meet once again at your Riad or hotel in the Dades Valley, and start our journey through the breathtaking landscapes. Our first stop will be the town of Tinerhir, which was once a bustling transit hub for miners and a key trading center for caravans. A short drive from the town, you'll come across a palm oasis and the abandoned 19th-century village.

Next, we'll head to Todgha Gorges, where 300m-high orange canyons, filled with a crystal-clear river, run through the limestone cliffs. Our journey to the desert continues, taking us through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, dotted with Berber towns, villages, and oases. During the drive, you'll encounter nomads tending to their sheep, goats, and camels.

We'll then arrive in the small city of Erfoud, a fossil town and one of Morocco's largest exporters of dates. A 40-minute drive from Erfoud will take us to the Merzouga Desert, also known as one of the last paradises on Earth. We'll arrive at a hotel in the dune line just before sunset, giving you time to relax and make use of the facilities before joining your camels. Our camel guide will escort you through the Erg Chebbi dunes, making a memorable stop at the highest dune to enjoy the spectacular sunset. After the sunset, you'll continue your camel trek to the desert camp where you'll be greeted with traditional Berber music performed live around the campfire.

• Overnight at a luxury desert camp in Merzouga Desert (HB)

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Excursion and Sightseeing

Join us on a mesmerizing journey through Morocco's Erg Chebbi sand dunes and the Merzouga Desert, one of Morocco's most stunning attractions. We'll pick you up from your desert camp and set out to explore.

Our first stop is at a Nomad's tent, where you'll enjoy a traditional cup of tea and learn about their rich culture and way of life. Then, visit one of the oldest coal mines in Mfis village, a remnant from the French occupation. Next, discover the Khamlia village, home to descendants of escaped slaves and famous for their traditional Gnaoua music. Enjoy a live show before a delicious lunch at a local Berber Pizza restaurant.

After lunch, continue your desert excursion to one of the most incredible sights, a seasonal lake in the middle of the desert, a haven for desert birds like desert warblers and flamingos. At the end of the day, relax at your hotel in the dune lines and enjoy the breathtaking dune views from your terrace.

For those seeking additional adventure, there are plenty of optional desert sports and activities to choose from. Next, we will take you with a 4wd car through the dunes to our desert luxury camp.

• Overnight at a desert luxury camp in Merzouga Desert (HB)

Day 4: From Merzouga Desert to Fes via Rissani, Ziz Oasis and Ifrane

Embark on a magical journey through Morocco, starting with a breathtaking sunrise hike to the tallest sand dune near the camp. Admire the sun shining on the golden dunes and return to the camp for a refreshing shower and delicious breakfast. Then, get ready to be picked up and continue towards the historic city of Fes.

Our first stop is the bustling town of Rissani, where you'll visit the bustling Souq, a local market filled with a variety of local products like dates, vegetables, and more. Then, we'll drive through the lush Ziz Oases, dotted with dramatic palm groves along the Ziz Valley, the life source of all Berber villages in the area. Cross the awe-inspiring Ziz gorges and stop in Midelt, the "Apple city", for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, experience the stunning beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains, a snowy mountain range, and visit the majestic cedar trees forest, home to the playful Barbary Apes. Not far from the forest lies the picturesque city of Ifrane, built during the French occupation, with its charming European-style architecture.

Finally, we'll arrive in Fes and drop you off at your Riad in the heart of the old city, where your Morocco adventure continues to shine.

• Overnight in Fes' old city (BB)

Day 5: Fes Old City Walking Tour & Sightseeing

Today, we will enjoy a full-day walking tour of the historic city of Fes with an experienced local guide. As we explore the ancient streets of Fes, it will feel like stepping back in time to a world of traditional charm and heritage.

We will visit the famous Blue Gate, known as Bab Bou Jloud, which serves as the entrance to the Medina from the west. Our next stop will be the Quaraouine Mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world. After that, we will visit the Madrassa Bou Inania, one of Fes' finest theological colleges.

We will then stroll through the Medina Souks, the oldest marketplace in Fes, where you can find unique handcrafted goods and souvenirs. Our tour will continue to the Tanneries, one of Fes's most iconic sights, where you can witness the traditional process of producing high-quality leather that has remained unchanged since medieval times.

Our guide will be there to assist you should you wish to see or discover anything else in the city. At the end of the tour, our guide will escort you back to your Riad in Fes.

• Overnight in Fes' old city (BB)

Day 6: From Fes to Chefchaouen via Meknes, Volubilis and Rif Mountains

Your historic experience grandeur of Morocco's most imperial tour will start today with a departure from your Riad or Hotel in Fes, we'll take you to the fortified city of Meknes, which was built in the 17th century. During the tour, you will explore the El-Hedim Square, the heart of the Meknes Medina, and witness the stunning Bab El-Mansour gate. We will also visit the Heri Es-Souani, a breathtaking lake with an underground water system.

Our next stop will be the Roman ruins of Volubilis, established by Carthaginian traders in the 3rd century BC and once a remote outpost of the Romans. The tour will also include the holy city of Moulay Idriss, located in the scenic Zerhoun Mountains.

We will then drive through the beautiful fields of barley and wheat, cross the Rif Mountains, and arrive at the famed blue-washed city of Chefchaouen. We'll drop you off at your accommodation in the blue streets of the city, allowing you to explore the charming city at your leisure and discover the rich cultural and historical treasures of Morocco.

• Overnight in Chefchaouen (BB)

Day 7: From Chefchaouen to Tangier via Rif Mountains and Tetouan

Today, we'll depart the Blue City in the morning and journey through the verdant Rif Mountains. Our first stop will be at Tetouan, nicknamed the "White Dove City" due to its white buildings on a mountain top.
We'll then continue our journey through the Rif Mountains to reach Tangier, Europe's gateway to Africa. We'll visit the Medina, which is one of Tangier's main attractions, with its maze of 15th century-era walls and alleyways. Tangier offers stunning views, including the Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet. After that, we'll visit the Hercules Caves, a stunning rock formation and cave system formed by the force of ocean waves against the sea cliffs.
At the end of the day, we'll return to the old Medina, where we'll spend the night.

• Overnight in Tangier (BB)

Day 8: Tangier at leisure & Transfer to Tangier Airport/Port

At the end of your Morocco tour, our driver and guide will be available for further sightseeing of Tangier city before your transfer to Tangier airport or port. This additional exploration will provide you with the opportunity to experience more of Tangier's cultural and historical landmarks. Ensure you make the most of your last moments in Morocco.

Inclusions:

• Air-conditioned Vehicle.
• English speaking driver/guide.
• 2 Overnight in a luxury desert camp dinner (HB).
• Accommodations for 7 nights: (3 HB and 4 BB).
• Camel ride in the desert
• Full day guided city tour of Fes.
• Guided visit of the Roman Ruins.

Exclusions:

• Drinks and personal items.
• Lunch.
• Entry fees to monuments and historical sites.

Notes:

• Our tours are open for further customization, contact us to help you design your tour.