10 Day Morocco Tangier Desert Tour

Set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, Chefchaouen offers a surreal atmosphere and artistic charm unlike anywhere else in the country. As part of your 10 day Morocco desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech, you’ll explore its narrow blue-washed alleys with your expert local guide, uncovering the city’s deep Moorish-Andalusian roots and vibrant community life.

Founded in the 15th century and originally settled by Muslim and Jewish refugees fleeing the Spanish Inquisition in 1478, Chefchaouen remained largely isolated until the early 20th century, a factor that helped preserve its traditional architecture, tranquil rhythm, and unique identity.

During your visit, discover Chefchaouen’s highlights, including Ras El-Maa Spring, where fresh mountain waters flow into the town; the Kasbah Museum, a historic fortress with Andalusian gardens; the Spanish Mosque, offering panoramic views over the blue medina and beyond; Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the lively main square filled with cafés and traditional shops, as well as more hidden corners waiting to be explored throughout this enchanting mountain town.

Ranked among the most beautiful cities in the world, Chefchaouen’s vivid blue tones, cobbled streets, and laid-back vibe give the entire town a dreamlike quality, a paradise for photographers and culture lovers alike.

Enjoy some leisure time in the afternoon to relax at a rooftop café, explore local handicraft shops, or simply wander through the mesmerizing blue lanes at your own pace.

(Overnight in Chefchaouen)

Leaving the beautiful Chefchaouen behind, today you will journey south through the scenic Rif Mountains towards the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. This remarkable archaeological site is a highlight of your 10 day Morocco Tangier to Marrakech tour, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s deep historical roots.

Morocco’s rich and diverse heritage has been shaped by centuries of various rulers including the Romans, who established Volubilis as a powerful capital and administrative center in Roman Africa. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the city flourished economically under Roman rule.

Accompanied by a local expert guide, you will explore the expansive ruins, home to over 300 temples and some of the most impressive Roman remnants in North Africa. Highlights include opulent villas with mosaic floors and water tanks, grand courtyards, pavilions, the Basilica, and the striking Triumphal Arch, built in 217 A.D.

Afterward, continue to the Imperial City of Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial capitals. Visit the stunning Bab Mansour, considered the most beautiful gate in North Africa and among the top four in the world. Explore El Hedim Square, the Royal Stables, and the impressive Bassin Souani.

You will also visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the powerful Sultan who ruled Morocco from 1672 to 1727, and learn about his extraordinary life and legacy.

In the late afternoon, travel onwards to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, the ancient and vibrant city of Fes, a UNESCO-listed treasure. Often referred to as “The Athens of Africa”, Fes is Morocco’s oldest Imperial City and a place you’ll truly admire during your Tangier to Marrakech itinerary.

(Overnight in Fes)

Today on your 10 day Morocco Tangier desert tour, you will explore the spiritual and cultural heart of the country, the Imperial City of Fes. Accompanied by your Grand Morocco expert local guide, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Fes El Bali Medina, one of the oldest and most vibrant medieval cities in the world.

Step into a living museum of Moroccan heritage as you explore its labyrinthine alleyways, bustling souks, artisan workshops, and historic sites dating back over 1,200 years.

Your immersive guided visit will include :

• Dar el Makhzen (Royal Palace of Fes) : Admire the grand golden gates of Morocco’s largest royal palace, with their intricate mosaics, copperwork, and marble — a magnificent sight, even from the outside.

• The Mellah (Jewish Quarter) : Wander through Morocco’s oldest Jewish quarter, built in 1438, and learn about the coexistence of Jewish and Muslim communities in Moroccan history.

• Chouara Tannery : Step back in time at the 11th-century Chouara Tannery, the oldest leather tannery in the world, where traditional techniques and natural dyes are still used to produce high-quality Moroccan leather.

• Al-Qarawiyyin University : Discover the world’s oldest operating university, founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859 AD, a UNESCO-recognized institution that shaped Morocco’s intellectual and religious heritage.

• Borj Sud : Take in sweeping views of Fes from this ancient hilltop fortress, offering a breathtaking panorama of the medina’s skyline.

• Fes Pottery Cooperative : See how traditional Fassi ceramics are handcrafted by skilled artisans, with intricate mosaic techniques passed down through generations.

• Bou Inania Madrasa (14th Century Religious School) : Step inside one of the most beautiful religious schools in Morocco, renowned for its elaborate wood carvings, tilework, and marble details from the Marinid era.

• Lunch in the Medina : Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at an authentic local restaurant, where you can savor classic Fassi dishes, known for their rich flavors and aromatic spices.

• Moulay Idriss Mausoleum : Visit the sacred tomb of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fes and a key figure in Moroccan history.

• Madrasa Al-Attarine : Admire the fine artistry of this 14th-century madrasa, known for its harmonious blend of cedarwood, zellij, and stucco work.

• Nejjarine Museum : Explore an 18th-century caravanserai turned museum, showcasing the beauty of Moroccan woodworking and traditional craftsmanship.

Throughout the day, your guide will offer stories and insights that bring the city’s layered history to life, from Berber roots to Islamic scholarship. This cultural deep dive into Fes is a standout highlight of your 10 day Morocco Tangier to Marrakech tour, offering travelers an unforgettable journey through time, tradition, and the enduring spirit of Morocco’s most revered Imperial City.

(Overnight in Fes)

Today, begin your spectacular journey toward the magical and legendary Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world, where undulating golden dunes glisten under the sunlight like waves of gold. Travel dreams do come true and this visit to the Sahara may well become the highlight of your 10 day Morocco tour from Tangier.

Your route begins with a stop in Ifrane, known as Little Switzerland of Morocco. Here, enjoy a break and take in the fresh mountain air and alpine-style scenery. Ifrane is one of Morocco’s most beautiful towns, consistently ranked among the top 10 cleanest cities in the world and a hidden gem you’ll admire on your desert tour from Tangier.

Continue through the lush Middle Atlas Mountains, where vast cedar forests host troops of Barbary Apes, a species native only to Morocco, Algeria, and Gibraltar. Pause to observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a delicious lunch in Zayda, a small town famous for its roadside tagines and fresh grilled meats. Then continue through Midelt and onward towards the breathtaking Ziz Gorges, carved by the Ziz River, and admire the sweeping views of date palm oases and kasbahs. This is one of the largest oasis valleys in Morocco.

By late afternoon, you will arrive at Erg Chebbi, the gateway to the majestic Sahara Desert and home to some of the highest sand dunes in North Africa, soaring up to 350 meters high. Your desert adventure begins here.

Meet your camel caravan and experienced camel guide, who will lead you on a peaceful trek across the golden dunes. As the sun sets over the horizon, the changing colors of the sand will leave you in awe, a surreal moment of your 10 day Morocco Tangier desert tour you’ll never forget.

Arrive at your Sahara desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and traditional hospitality. After dinner, gather around the campfire for live Berber drum music under a canopy of stars. The beauty and serenity of the desert will touch your heart, not just for a night, but for a lifetime.

(Overnight in Sahara Desert Camp, Erg Chebbi, Merzouga)

From Erfoud, your 10 day Morocco desert tour from Tangier leads you west to Tinghir. Here, you’ll follow a scenic road along the Todgha River, passing dramatic views of centuries-old Berber and Jewish mud-brick villages nestled along the gorge.

Prepare to be awed by the majestic Todgha Gorges towering limestone cliffs that rise up to 400 meters high. These red canyon walls attract rock climbers from all over the world and have served as a dramatic backdrop for films like The Mummy. Take time to wander and soak in the grandeur.

In this region, you may encounter nomadic Berber communities. If you’re lucky, you might see Berber women with traditional facial tattoos, guiding their goats to drink from the river or collecting water to carry back to their remote cave homes.

After lunch, continue toward one of Morocco’s most breathtaking regions, the Dades Valley. This lush and dramatic valley is dotted with mud-brick kasbahs, palm groves, and charming Berber villages. Marvel at the unique rock formations nicknamed “Monkey Fingers,” formed over millennia by wind, rain, and erosion.

The Dades Valley is also famed for its rose cultivation, almond and walnut orchards, and ancient nomadic trading routes. The fairytale-like landscape offers a peaceful conclusion to a day filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders.

(Overnight in Dades Valley)

Your 10 day Morocco tour from Tangier continues along the iconic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through charming Berber villages and crumbling earthen fortresses. Arrive in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa,” a former caravan town turned film production hub. Optional photo stops or a visit to one of the city’s renowned film studios can be arranged.

Next, explore the magnificent Ksar Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. This fortified red-earth village is one of Morocco’s most iconic Ksour, once serving as a vital stop for Trans-Saharan caravans. Its dramatic architecture has made it a favorite filming location for blockbusters such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Prince of Persia, Kingdom of Heaven and more.

In the afternoon, cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), offering panoramic views of Berber hamlets, terraced fields, and soaring peaks.

Arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech by evening, a fitting finale to a day filled with cinematic landscapes, ancient heritage, and mountain beauty.

(Overnight in Marrakech)

Today, embark on a full-day guided tour of Marrakech, a captivating blend of history, architecture, and vibrant street culture that has enchanted travelers for centuries. Accompanied by your expert Grand Morocco local guide, you’ll explore the city’s rich heritage, uncovering its timeless charm and cultural treasures.

Begin your journey in the ancient walled Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that traces its roots back over 3,700 years to the early Berber civilization. This enthralling experience is a highlight of your 10 day Morocco Tangier desert tour, offering a deep dive into Marrakech’s unique ancient history.

• Wander through the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square, where storytellers, snake charmers, musicians, food vendors, and bustling souks create a colorful and unforgettable spectacle. This iconic plaza is the beating heart of Marrakech and a must-see for every visitor.

• Step into the serene beauty of Bahia Palace, a 19th-century architectural gem built by the Grand Vizier of Marrakech “Ba Ahmed” and named after his favorite wife, Bahia. With 14 years of craftsmanship, this palace is a masterpiece of Moroccan-Andalusian design.

• Continue to the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, once one of the largest Islamic colleges in North Africa. Founded in the 14th century and later expanded under the Saadian dynasty, it showcases exquisite Moroccan artistry and devotion to learning.

• Marvel at the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s largest and most iconic landmark, with its 77-meter minaret dominating the skyline. Completed during the Almohad dynasty, it served as the architectural inspiration for Seville’s Giralda and Rabat’s Hassan Tower.

• Relax in the enchanting Majorelle Garden, a peaceful oasis of exotic plants, cobalt blue structures, and vibrant colors, famously restored by Yves Saint Laurent. You may also choose to visit the Berber Museum or the Yves Saint Laurent Museum nearby, offering insights into Morocco’s Indigenous Berber heritage and haute couture legacy.

In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time, sip mint tea on a rooftop café, indulge in a traditional hammam experience, or continue exploring the Red City at your own pace.

This captivating city tour is a treasured part of your 10 day Morocco Sahara desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech itinerary, revealing the spirit, history, and sensory richness of magical Marrakech.

(Overnight in Marrakech)

Optional : Begin your day with a magical hot air balloon flight at sunrise, offering breathtaking aerial views of Marrakech and the surrounding valleys and mountains. This early morning adventure reveals the grandeur of the Moroccan landscape from above.

Continue your journey south towards the stunning Imlil valley, nestled in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. This charming Berber village is where parts of Seven Years in Tibet were filmed. Upon arrival, you’ll meet our Grand Morocco local mule team and begin a gentle trek to explore the beautiful Imlil waterfalls, meandering through terraced fields of cherry, walnut, apple, and almond trees.

Take in the panoramic views and serene landscapes, while learning about the authentic lifestyle of the Berber people, their ancestral traditions, and connection to the land. On clear days, you’ll see the towering Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, rising to 4,167 meters (13,665 feet).

After your walk, enjoy a warm welcome at a local Berber family guesthouse, where you’ll be treated to a traditional homemade lunch. Relax on the terrace overlooking the mountains and take part in an informal tea ceremony, discovering the rituals of preparing authentic Moroccan mint tea.

In the afternoon, drive through the spectacular Ourika Valley, one of Morocco’s most pristine and picturesque valleys. Along the way, pass through traditional adobe Berber villages set against dramatic mountain backdrops at elevations of up to 2,400 meters. Enjoy several photo stops as you admire the sweeping landscapes, often snow-capped year-round, before returning to Marrakech.

(Overnight in Marrakech)

On the last day of your Tangier desert tour to Marrakech, we will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Marrakech Menara international airport, for your on-ward flight. Now ends your 10-day Morocco tour from Tangier.