Morocco Imperial Cities From Tangier to Marrakech

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Overview

Embark on an immersive 9-Day Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech via the Blue City, a journey that reveals the rich cultural and historical essence of Morocco.
From the blue-painted alleys of Chefchaouen to the ancient medinas of Fes and Marrakech, and through the golden dunes of Merzouga, this adventure connects Morocco’s imperial cities, mountain ranges, and desert wonders in a single epic experience.

Ideal for travelers seeking a blend of culture, heritage, and desert adventure, this tour offers private transportation, expert guides, authentic accommodations, and unforgettable moments under the stars of the Sahara.

Please note: This itinerary is just a suggested program. If it doesn’t fully match what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to design a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and duration of stay. We specialize in creating personalized tours and experiences across Morocco.

Pricing: The cost of the tour varies depending on the number of travelers, the more people joining, the lower the price per person. Since transportation is a fixed cost, it will be divided among participants. Prices also depend on the category and quality of accommodation selected.
Please contact us for an exact quote based on your group size and travel preferences.

Please note: This itinerary is just a suggested program. If it doesn’t fully match what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to design a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and duration of stay. We specialize in creating personalized tours and experiences across Morocco.

Trip Highlights

Drive through the scenic Rif Mountains to the famous Blue City of Chefchaouen
Discover the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes
Explore the medieval medina of Fes with a licensed local guide
Embark on a camel trek to a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Visit the stunning Todra Gorges, Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, and Ouarzazate
Cross the High Atlas Mountains through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Enjoy guided city tours in Marrakech and Fes, Morocco’s cultural hearts

Itinerary

Day 1 – Tangier → Chefchaouen

Begin your adventure with a pick-up from Tangier port or airport. Travel through the Rif Mountains and Tetouan, arriving in the magical Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco.
Wander through its photogenic alleys, artisan shops, and cozy cafés before enjoying dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 2 – Chefchaouen → Assilah → Rabat

After breakfast, explore Chefchaouen in depth — from its local markets to Andalusian-inspired architecture.
In the afternoon, travel to the coastal city of Assilah and continue on to Rabat, Morocco’s capital.
Enjoy dinner and rest in the capital city.

Day 3 – Rabat → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes

After breakfast, visit Rabat’s iconic Hassan Tower and Royal Palace before heading to Meknes, a 17th-century imperial city built by Sultan Moulay Ismail.
Explore the majestic Bab el-Mansour Gate and Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, then continue to Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed Roman site famed for its mosaics.
Afterward, drive to Fes for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 – Full-Day Guided Tour of Fes

Spend the day exploring Fes el-Bali, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, with your local guide.
Visit the Royal Palace, Jewish Quarter (Mellah), Al-Qarawiyyin University, Medersa Attarine, Tanneries, and the souks filled with traditional crafts.
Enjoy free time in the evening to relax or explore the medina at your own pace.

Day 5 – Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert

Depart early toward the Sahara Desert, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop at Ifrane, Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” and the Cedar Forest of Azrou to spot Barbary macaques.
Continue through Midelt, the Ziz Valley, and Erfoud, before reaching Merzouga.
Savor mint tea, then ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes to your Berber camp.
Enjoy dinner, Berber drumming, and a night under the stars.

Day 6 – Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorges → Ouarzazate

Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back for breakfast and a refreshing shower.
Travel to Rissani, birthplace of Morocco’s royal dynasty, before continuing through Tinghir and Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs and a lush river valley await.
After lunch, continue through the Dades Valley along the “Road of 1000 Kasbahs,” reaching Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 – Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), stopping at scenic viewpoints and an Argan oil cooperative along the way.
Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 8 – Guided Tour of Marrakech

Discover the magic of Marrakech, the “Red City,” with your official city guide.
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and the lively Jemaa El-Fna Square filled with performers, spice merchants, and artisans.
Explore the colorful souks, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and relax at your riad in the evening.

Day 9 – Marrakech or Casablanca Airport Transfer

Enjoy breakfast, then transfer to Marrakech Airport (or Casablanca, upon request).
Your driver will ensure a timely and comfortable drop-off, concluding your Moroccan journey.

What's included

Pick-up from Tangier port / drop-off at Marrakech or Casablanca airport
Private transfer in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech
Entry fees to major monuments and Kasbahs
8 nights’ accommodation in riads, hotels & desert camp
1 night in a Berber desert camp with private tents and bathrooms
Breakfasts & dinners throughout the tour (vegetarian options available)
Camel trekking (sunset & sunrise rides)
Traditional Berber music show at the desert camp
All sightseeing and cultural stops as per itinerary

What’s Not Included

Know Before You Go

This tour can be customized to start or end in Tangier, Fes, Marrakech, or Casablanca.
Camel ride in Merzouga lasts about 1.5 hours each way, including photo and sunset/sunrise stops.
Pack light layers for warm desert days and cooler nights (especially November–March).
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring medinas and kasbahs.
Private tours available for couples, families, or small groups.
Upgrades to luxury riads, 5★ hotels, and premium desert camps available upon request.
Vegetarian and special dietary meals can be arranged with advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this tour end in Casablanca instead of Marrakech?

Yes, airport transfer to Casablanca is available upon request at no extra cost.

2. How long is the camel ride in the desert?

Approximately 1.5 hours each way, including time for photos and watching the sunset/sunrise.

3. Are hotels and riads private or shared?

All accommodations are private (no shared rooms unless requested).

4. Can I request luxury upgrades?

Yes, 5★ upgrades for hotels and camps are available upon request.

5. What should I pack for the desert?

Light layers for the day, warm clothing for the night, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.