8-Day Grand Tour from Tangier

This Moroccan trip will commence from Tangier, which is a port city situated just 8 kilometers from the coast of Spain! The guide will pick you up from the Tangier port, and drive you to Chefchaouen, which is one of the most picturesque towns on the foothills of Rif Mountains. The town has a history of Muslims, Jews, and Christians, who all dominated the region once upon a time.

Today, the town is known for its narrow medinas (alleys) that are characterized by blue and white walls and houses. Chefchaouen has still preserved the mixture of Arab and Andalusian culture, which is evident from the architecture and art prevalent here. You can enjoy a nice mint tea and some cakes at any of the local bakeries to get a taste of a typical Moroccan evening meal.

Have a filling breakfast at your hotel, and leave for Fes around 10 am. The route to Fez is filled with lush green mountains, open fields, and wheat plantations. You will halt at Ouazane for a tasty lunch and then proceed to the city of Volubilis. Volubilis is famous for Roman ruins that date back to many centuries. A lot of structures are still preserved in great condition. You can still experience the walls, baths, and streets that were built by the Romans. Also, a stone’s throw away is the village of MoulayIdrissZerhoune, who was the founder of Morocco’s first Arab Islamic dynasty. Then you will head to Fez, where you will be put up at a hotel..

After having breakfast, you will be taken for a guided tour of Fez. Leave your hotel by 10:00 am and visit the Medina of Fez. The Medina of Fez is collectively made up of Fez el Bali (Old Fez), and Fez el Djedid (New Fez). Given its awe-inspiring beauty and cultural significance, it has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Enjoy the sights of some beautiful buildings like Madrasa BouInania, El-Attarine, and the University of Al-Karaouine. Climb atop the Southern tower at the Fortress to enjoy a panoramic view of Fez. Later, you can indulge in a pottery lesson and learn to make the famous mosaic pots of Fez, a thing unique to the culture of this city.

The city’s streets are so narrow that you can’t explore them in a vehicle. You will have to walk through the alleys where you will find the real, medieval Fez. You will see sellers of traditional handicrafts, carpets, and donkeys being used to transport goods across these tiny lanes.

You should pay a visit to the Royal Palace, the entrance of which is lined up with Palm Trees. The entire walking tour will take around 4 hours, depending on what you choose to skip or add.

Have breakfast and leave for the Erg Chebbi dunes in a 4X4. You will be passing the Middle Atlas Mountains, also famously known as the home of Barbary apes called ‘The Maggots’. You can stop by the Ifrane hill station, well known as a skiing destination in Morocco.

If you have time, you can check out the flora and fauna of this region. Particularly striking are the cedar and pine trees that line kilometers worth of stretch in this region. Nearby, the region of Medlit is known for producing the juiciest variety of apples in the whole of Morocco. En route to Erg Chebbi, you can stop by for a bit at the Ziz Valley and click some photos of the palm trees and dates.

On reaching Erg Chebbi, you will be greeted with a nice cup of tea after which you can head for a camel ride in the dunes. A perfect sunset awaits your sight. Spend the night under the stars in a Berber tent in the desert.

Continue your journey through the scenic landscapes of Morocco, passing charming villages, ancient kasbahs, and lush oases as you approach Merzouga, a gateway to the majestic Sahara Desert. The anticipation builds as the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi come into view, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Upon arrival, prepare for an unforgettable adventure—a camel trek across the mesmerizing dunes. Feel the rhythm of the desert as your camel gently sways, guiding you deeper into the heart of this serene wilderness. The shifting sands and soft golden hues create a surreal atmosphere, setting the stage for one of nature's most magical moments.

Reach the crest of a towering dune just in time to witness a breathtaking sunset. Watch as the sky ignites with shades of orange, pink, and red, casting an ethereal glow over the endless expanse of sand. This is a moment of pure tranquility, a memory to cherish forever.

As twilight falls, make your way to a luxurious desert camp nestled among the dunes. Here, traditional Berber hospitality awaits. Indulge in a sumptuous Moroccan dinner under the starlit sky, where tantalizing flavors are paired with the enchanting melodies of live Berber music and the vibrant energy of traditional dance.

The evening is yours to unwind, whether by sharing stories around the campfire or simply gazing at the dazzling constellations above. Retire to your private tent, adorned with all the comforts of modern luxury, for a peaceful night surrounded by the stillness of the desert.

Wake up early morning to enjoy the scenic sunrise, and enjoy a camel ride to the dunes. After the sunrise, come back to the hotel for a delicious breakfast and a shower. Then we will visit Tinjidad, where there’s an ancient system of underground irrigation called ‘khatarat’. It’s still prevalent in the oasis of Jorf.

During the afternoon, we will stop by Todra Valley for a nice lunch. The Todra Gorges are known for limestone river canyons and picturesque palm groves, with mountains looming in the backdrop. You will spend the night in a hotel at the Kasbah, and rest for next morning’s adventures!

The Togdha Gorges run across the High Atlas Mountains and create a sight to behold in different colors. Creating contrast with the rocky high walls of the gorges are lush green fields where dry fruits like apricots, figs, almonds, walnuts, and fruits like peach and pomegranates are cultivated. People visit the Togdha Gorges when they are journeying on the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs.

Next, you will be visiting the Rose Valley. As the name suggests, the picturesque location is known for its rose plantations. This region is still not as popular, thereby maintaining the sanctity of this place. This region produces the highest amount of rose oil and rose water, apart from cosmetic items. You will find people selling necklaces made from roses across the side of the streets.

After completing the sightseeing activities here, you will head to the nearby town of Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate, also known as Morocco’s Hollywood, is situated at the edge of the Sahara Desert. It is the place where everyone commences their Saharan journey. It is known for its rugged landscape and is famous as the place where several notable films and dramas have been shot. Gladiator, The Mummy, Prince of Persia, and the Game of Thrones series have been filmed in this beautiful town. In 1987, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site.

From Ouarzazate, you can visit Ait Ben Haddouenroute Marrakech. It is situated at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, and is Hollywood’s favorite replacement for Jerusalem whenever they want to depict sequences featuring the latter! You will also be taken to the Kasbah of Telouet where you will explore the fort of Pacha, apparently the most powerful man that lived in the southern region.

From there, you will arrive in Marrakech from where you will be embarking homeward.