8 Days from Tangier to Marrakech via Desert

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes

Arrive at Tangier Port/hotel, greet you and start travelling to Fes via Ouazzan and Chefhaouen. You will enjoy the fascinating views of the fertile plain of the Rif. Get to Chefchaouen and start exploring the Medina. Chefchaouen is a beautiful unique city with its white washed walls and its blue doors, and windows. Unlike many parts of Morocco, Chefchaouen was occupied by Spain; therefore, there is much influence of the Spanish civilisation and architecture. You will continue your journey to Fes through the fertile valley. Overnight at riad/hotel. Bed and Breakfast. BB.

Day 2: Exploring Fes

After breakfast in your hotel/riad, you will start an explorative journey of the cultural capital of Morocco, walking in its alleys and small streets. Our visit starts by the Royal Palace, the Jewish headquarter, the first Mellah ever built in Morocco. We will ensure that you visit all sites with cultural and historical interest including the famous Al Qaraouine University,the oldest in the region, the Bouanania Medrasa , the Najjarine Fountain and the Tanneries. After lunch, you will visit the ceramic cooperative and then have a panoramic view over the whole Medina of Fes. On the afternoon, we will visit the new city for a drink. Overnight accommodation. BB

Day 3: Fes – Azrou – Midlet – Merzouga

After breakfast in your riad, you’ll leave Fes travelling towards Ifran, referred to as "the Switzerland of Morocco" and then to Merzouga. During this journey you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas Mountains. Stopping at Azrou, a Berber village in the middle of the famous cedar forest – the largest in Morocco – where you may well sight Barbarian apes. you will also experience the real Berber culture and enjoy the beauty of the Moroccoan landscape. Continue to Merzouga via Midelt and the city of Errachidia. you will see the Berber families in their fields and meet small children along the valleys before you get to the city of Rich along the Ziz valley.  Taking in views of the Middle-Atlas plateau, you’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city Er Rachidia. Your journey continues along the luxuriant Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way.  We will drive through welcoming Berber villages to Erfoud, and then Rissani, the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty – the current ruling royal family in Morocco. Arrive to Merzouga at the end of the afternoon. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before you check in to your riad/hotel Half-board. HB

Day 4: Merzouga area and the Camel trek

After breakfast in the riad you will start an explorative journey of the area. You’ll visit the Gnawa people, originally slaves brought from Sudan, to experience their music and lifestyle. You may also visit the nomad wire house where many Berber handicrafts are priced lower than in the big cities. On the afternoon you will mount your camel, guided by an experienced camel man to explore within the sand sea of Merzouga. Overnight at the luxury camp where you will have your dinner. HB.

Day 5: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges

Early in the morning, you will wake up to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life. You’ll peacefully camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga. Enroute you couldn’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast in the riad, you’ll leave for Rissani, Tinghir, and Todra gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco.

After lunch in the heart of the gorge and the optional hour hike, we’ll drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as "monkey toes". Overnight accommodation riad/Hotel. HB.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Ait Ben Haddou – Tiz Ntichka – Marrakech

After breakfast in the riad/hotel, we’ll drive through the Dades Valley towards Kalaat Mgouna and Ouarzazat. The route through Dades Valley is the way of the thousand Kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip. We’ll stop at Kalaat Mgouna, "the rose city", to purchase the rosewater, which will make your linen smell good a long time after your trip is over.  Continue to Marrakech via the Ait Ben haddou Kasbah. Built by Et Hami El Glaoui, one of the last Berber chieftains during the 18 th century, now the Kasbah is a house of many Glaoui people. Your journey will continue through the majestic Tizi n'tichka Pass (2260m) over the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving at your accommodation riad/hotel. BB.in marrakech

Day 7: Exploring Marrakech

After breakfast in the riad, you will enjoy a morning guided tour of Marrakech "the red city of Morocco”. Your guide will ensure that you see all the sites with historical and cultural interest, including the Koutoubia Menaret, the Saadian tombs; the beautiful Palace of Bahia and the Ben Youssef Coranic School. Finally, end the tour by walking through the medina alleys, getting a chance to admire all of the different artisans performing their craft before arriving at the famous Jamaa El Fna
Square. Lunch at a restaurant near the square, and then on the afternoon visit the gardens at Majorelle, and have a short tour at Gueliz, the new city of Marrakech. After dinner you will have the option to walk through the square entertained with magicians, story-tellers, tooth-pullers and food sellers. Overnight accommodation will be in your riad as above. BB

Day 8: Departure

After an early breakfast in your riad, we will drive you to the airport for your flight back home. Tour ends at the airport.