Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert Tour From Tangier

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Overview

Embark on a 13-day private Morocco tour through the country’s most majestic imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert. Beginning in Tangier and ending in Marrakech, this unforgettable journey combines the history of Morocco’s royal cities, the charm of Chefchaouen, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Merzouga Desert. Discover the architectural splendor of Fes and Meknes, wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and explore the UNESCO Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp, and walk through the lively souks of Marrakech.Guided by expert local guides and staying in elegant 4★ and 5★ accommodations, this itinerary is a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and comfort, showcasing the very best of Morocco tours from Tangier.

Trip Highlights

Visit Morocco’s four imperial cities: Tangier, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech
Explore the blue medina of Chefchaouen nestled in the Rif Mountains
Discover Roman ruins in Volubilis and monumental gates in Meknes
Experience a camel trek across the Sahara and a night under the stars in a 5★ desert camp
Explore Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and the film studios of Ouarzazate
Journey through the scenic Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and valleys
Guided visits with local experts in Fes and Marrakech
Stay in elegant 4★–5★ hotels and riads throughout your journey

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Tangier Airport

Upon arrival at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by Deep South Travel staff and escorted to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, take a short stroll through Tangier or relax after your flight. This city, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, has long inspired artists and travelers. Enjoy your first Moroccan dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Tangier City Tour – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, begin your guided city tour of Tangier, a fascinating crossroads of cultures. Visit the historic Kasbah, the Grand Socco, and Petit Socco, and explore the American Legation Museum — a testament to Morocco’s historic ties with the United States. Continue to St. Andrew’s Church and the legendary Hercules Caves, where myth meets natural beauty.
In the afternoon, drive through the scenic Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City of Morocco. Dinner and overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 3 – Exploring Chefchaouen

Spend a full day exploring the “Blue Pearl of Morocco.” Wander the narrow blue-painted streets, visit Kasbah Ali Ben Rachid, and relax at Plaza Uta el-Hammam, surrounded by quaint cafés and artisan shops. Browse handmade Moroccan crafts, including rugs, leather, and ceramics. Chefchaouen offers a peaceful retreat from Morocco’s bustling cities. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 – Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, travel south through Rif mountain villages toward Volubilis, Morocco’s most impressive Roman archaeological site. Discover intricate mosaics, temples, and the Triumphal Arch before continuing to Meknes, the 17th-century Imperial City of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit Bab Mansour Gate, Lahdim Square, and Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Continue to Fes, the spiritual heart of Morocco, for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 – Fes Sightseeing Tour

Start your day with a guided exploration of Fes el-Bali, one of the world’s largest medieval medinas. Visit the Royal Palace gates, the historic Mellah (Jewish Quarter), and the Bou Inania Medersa. Continue to the Tanneries of Fes, where leather is still dyed using ancient techniques. Explore Al-Qaraouine University, the oldest in the world, and Nejjarine Square with its Museum of Wooden Arts. End the day with a panoramic view over Fes Medina. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6 – Fes Free Day

Enjoy a free day in Fes to explore at your own pace. You may visit artisan workshops, relax in a traditional Moroccan hammam, or take a short trip to Sefrou and Bhalil. This day offers flexibility to rest or dive deeper into the Fes Medina’s hidden gems. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7 – Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

Depart from Fes and head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture, and meet Barbary macaques in the cedar forests of Azrou. Continue to Midelt for lunch, then descend through the dramatic Ziz Valley, dotted with palm oases. Arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara Desert, for dinner and overnight stay in a beautiful riad.

Day 8 – Merzouga Desert 4x4 Excursion – Camel Trek – Luxury Camp

After breakfast, begin your 4×4 desert adventure in Merzouga. Visit Khamlia Village to experience traditional Gnawa music, meet nomadic Berber families, and explore the desert’s fossil fields. Later, embark on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a spectacular Sahara sunset. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, drumming by the fire, and a night under the starlit Sahara sky.

Day 9 – Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake early to watch the sunrise over the Sahara Desert dunes. After breakfast, travel toward the Todra Gorges, a magnificent canyon carved by nature. Take a scenic walk through the gorge before continuing along the Dades Valley, also known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Dinner and overnight in a charming 4★ hotel surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Day 10 – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, travel through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura Oasis to reach Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Visit the Kasbah Taourirt and the Atlas Film Studios before continuing to the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, descending into the vibrant city of Marrakech. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 11 – Exploring Marrakech

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, Morocco’s “Red City.” Visit the Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. Wander through the souks filled with vibrant colors and exotic scents, and end your day at Jemaa El-Fnaa Square, where storytellers, musicians, and street performers fill the air with energy. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 12 – Marrakech Free Day

A free day to relax, explore, or shop in Marrakech. Optional experiences include a Moroccan cooking class, a hot air balloon ride, or a hammam and spa session. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13 – Transfer to Marrakech Airport

After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure flight.

What's included

Airport pick-up in Tangier & drop-off in Marrakech
Private air-conditioned minibus
Official Spanish-speaking guide
12 nights in 4★ hotels / riads + 1 night in 5★ luxury desert camp
Private bathroom with hot shower and toilet in the camp
4x4 desert excursion & nomad visit
Camel trekking at sunset & sunrise
Half-board (breakfasts & dinners)
Folklore show at the desert camp
Entrance fees to monuments
Free time for exploration & photography

What’s Not Included

Know Before You Go

This Morocco private tour is available year-round and customizable.
Accommodations are 4★ standard, with a 5★ luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Bring comfortable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen for desert days.
Scenic drives include photo stops through Atlas Mountains and Berber villages.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this Morocco tour start in Marrakech instead?

Yes, the route can be reversed, starting from Marrakech and ending in Tangier.

2. Are camel rides safe?

Yes, your camel trek in the Sahara Desert will be guided by professionals ensuring safety and comfort.

3. What kind of accommodation is included in the desert?

A 5★ luxury desert camp with ensuite tents, electricity, and Wi-Fi.

4. Are vegetarian or dietary needs accommodated?

Absolutely — all dietary preferences can be arranged with prior notice.

5. Is this a private tour?

Yes, this is a private Morocco tour, fully dedicated to your group.

6. When is the best time to travel to Morocco?

The ideal months are March–June and September–November for pleasant temperatures.