Morocco Desert Tour

12 Days from Tangier to Tangier

Tangier Tangier
Duration 12 Days 11 Nights
Departure Tangier
Transport Private
Travel Style Private Tour

Discover Morocco on an unforgettable 12-day private journey from Tangier to Tangier, combining the country’s northern highlights, imperial cities, Sahara landscapes, mountain valleys, and Atlantic coast. Travel through Tangier, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Midelt, Merzouga, the Dades Gorges, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, and Essaouira before returning to Tangier. This carefully planned itinerary gives you time to explore Morocco at a comfortable pace while enjoying authentic cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, desert adventures, and traditional hospitality. Spend nights in charming accommodations and a desert camp while traveling with a private vehicle and professional driver.

12 Days from Tangier to Tangier

Day 1: Arrival in Tangier

Arrive in Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Morocco. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, ferry terminal, or your accommodation and assist you with the beginning of your Moroccan adventure. Depending on your arrival time, explore some of Tangier’s highlights, including the old Medina, Kasbah, Grand Socco, and the Corniche. Enjoy your first evening discovering the atmosphere of this historic northern city overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Overnight in Tangier.

Day 2: Tangier to Chefchaouen

After breakfast, leave Tangier and travel toward the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, one of Morocco’s most picturesque towns. Known for its blue-painted streets, traditional houses, small squares, and mountain scenery, Chefchaouen offers a relaxing introduction to northern Morocco. Spend time walking through the Medina, visiting the Kasbah, and enjoying panoramic views from the Spanish Mosque area. The afternoon is free to discover local shops, cafés, and quiet streets at your own pace. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Volubilis, Meknes and Fes

Continue your journey toward the archaeological site of Volubilis, one of Morocco’s most important Roman heritage sites. Explore the ancient ruins, impressive columns, old streets, and preserved mosaics while learning about the history of the region. Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where you can discover Bab Mansour, the old Medina, and historic monuments. After the visit, continue toward Fes. Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening in the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Overnight in Fes.

Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes

Spend a full day exploring Fes with a local guide. Discover the ancient Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk through its fascinating narrow streets filled with traditional crafts and historic architecture. Visit important cultural sites such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine area, traditional souks, and the famous leather tanneries from suitable viewpoints. Continue through the old city and discover the atmosphere of local markets and artisan workshops. In the afternoon, explore the Mellah and enjoy panoramic views over the city. Return to your accommodation after a rich day of cultural discovery. Overnight in Fes.

Day 5: Fes to Midelt and Merzouga

Leave Fes early and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains toward Midelt. Stop in Ifrane, known for its mountain setting and distinctive architecture, then continue through the cedar forests around Azrou. The road leads toward Midelt and then across spectacular landscapes toward the Ziz Valley. Enjoy panoramic views of the valley and its palm groves before continuing toward Erfoud and the Sahara. Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon and prepare for your desert adventure. Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes and watch the sunset from the sand. Continue to your desert camp for dinner, traditional music, and a peaceful night beneath the Sahara sky. Overnight in a desert camp in Merzouga.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert Experience

Wake early to enjoy the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, explore the Merzouga desert region by 4×4 and discover the landscapes and communities around the dunes. Visit local villages and experience the traditions of the Sahara region. Depending on the schedule, you can also enjoy time around the dunes and discover local music and cultural traditions. Return to the desert camp area and enjoy another memorable evening surrounded by the golden sands. Spending a second night in Merzouga allows you to experience the Sahara without rushing and gives you more time to appreciate the desert scenery. Overnight in a desert camp or desert accommodation in Merzouga.

Day 7: Merzouga to Rissani, Todra Gorges and Dades Gorges

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel through the eastern landscapes toward Rissani. Continue through traditional villages and the changing scenery of southeastern Morocco. The route leads toward Tinghir and the impressive Todra Gorges, where towering rock walls create one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the region. Enjoy a walk through the gorge and take photographs before continuing toward the Dades Valley. Arrive at the Dades Gorges in the afternoon and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery. The evening is a perfect opportunity to relax after the journey and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the valley. Overnight in the Dades Gorges.

Day 8: Dades Gorges to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou

Continue through the Valley of Roses and the landscapes of the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs toward Ouarzazate. Along the way, admire traditional villages, fortified kasbahs, and dramatic mountain scenery. Visit Ouarzazate, often known as the gateway to the Sahara and an important location for film productions. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a famous fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its historic lanes and traditional architecture before continuing toward the surrounding area. Enjoy the evening in a peaceful setting between the mountains and desert landscapes. Overnight near Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate.

Day 9: Ouarzazate to Marrakech

After breakfast, travel toward Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass and enjoy spectacular views of valleys, peaks, and traditional Berber villages. Stop along the way for photographs and local scenery before descending toward Marrakech. Arrive in the Red City in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore the Medina or relax at your accommodation. In the evening, discover the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna square and the surrounding streets. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 10: Guided Tour of Marrakech

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Marrakech. Discover the historic Medina and some of the city’s most famous landmarks, traditional markets, and architectural treasures. Explore the Bahia Palace area, visit the old souks, and walk through the lively streets of the Medina. Continue to other important attractions according to your interests and schedule. In the afternoon, enjoy free time for shopping, relaxing, or discovering more of Marrakech independently. The city combines historic architecture, colorful markets, gardens, and vibrant local life, making it one of Morocco’s most memorable destinations. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 11: Marrakech to Essaouira and Return to Marrakech

Leave Marrakech in the morning and travel toward the Atlantic coast to Essaouira. This charming coastal city is known for its historic Medina, whitewashed buildings, fishing harbor, sea views, and relaxed atmosphere. Explore the old streets, visit the port, walk along the waterfront, and enjoy free time for lunch and local discoveries. Essaouira offers a refreshing contrast to the inland landscapes of Morocco. In the afternoon, begin the return journey to Marrakech. Arrive in the evening and enjoy your final night in the Red City. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 12: Marrakech to Tangier

After breakfast, begin the final journey from Marrakech back to Tangier. The route crosses different regions of Morocco and offers a final opportunity to admire the country’s changing landscapes. Depending on your departure schedule, your private driver can make suitable stops along the way. Arrive in Tangier and transfer to your accommodation, airport, or ferry terminal. Your 12-day private Morocco tour comes to an end after an unforgettable journey through the Rif Mountains, imperial cities, Middle Atlas, Sahara Desert, valleys, High Atlas, Marrakech, and Atlantic coast.

Included

  • Private transportation throughout the tour
  • Professional private driver
  • Accommodation during the tour
  • 2 nights in Merzouga
  • 1 night in the Dades Gorges
  • Desert camp experience in Merzouga
  • Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Breakfasts during the tour
  • Local guided tour of Fes
  • Local guided tour of Marrakech
  • Visits and stops according to the itinerary

Excluded

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to optional monuments
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

FAQs