Our 12 Days Tour from Tangier is the perfect itinerary for those who want to discover the best of Morocco: from imperial cities rich in history and culture, to Berber villages and the golden desert of Merzouga, to coastal cities like Essaouira and Casablanca. A comprehensive journey that will take you through extraordinary landscapes, authentic traditions, and the warm hospitality of the Moroccan people.
Highlights
- Discover the cosmopolitan city of Tangier
- Stroll through the blue streets of Chefchaouen
- Visit UNESCO sites: Volubilis, Fes, Ait Ben Haddou, Essaouira
- Admire the dunes of Erg Chebbi with a camel trek
- Explore the spectacular canyons of the Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley
- Visit the imperial cities: Meknes, Fes, Marrakech, Rabat
- Discover the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Enjoy a mix of culture, desert and coast in one tour
12 Days Tour from Tangier Itinerary
The journey begins in Tangier , a city located at the northern tip of Morocco, a place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea have always met. Upon arrival at the airport or port, our driver/guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel or traditional riad. Depending on your arrival time, you will have free time to explore this fascinating and cosmopolitan city, which for centuries has attracted artists, writers, and travelers from around the world. You can stroll along the Corniche and admire the sunset over the sea, or discover the medina with its characteristic alleys and the Grand Socco, the beating heart of the city. Tangier is the perfect gateway to begin a journey that will lead you to discover the authentic essence of Morocco.
After breakfast, depart for the Rif Mountains towards picturesque Chefchaouen , known worldwide as the "Blue City." Along the way, you'll pass through evocative mountain landscapes and small rural villages that showcase the authentic life of the local people. Upon arrival, you'll immediately be struck by the charm of the whitewashed alleys painted in various shades of blue, creating a magical and relaxing atmosphere. You can visit the Kasbah, stroll through local markets, and enjoy the city's slow pace, a contrast to the frenetic pace of the big cities. Chefchaouen is the ideal place to breathe in tranquility, take unforgettable photographs, and immerse yourself in one of Morocco's most iconic destinations.
The day begins with a journey to the heart of imperial Morocco. The first stop will be the archaeological site of Volubilis , a splendidly preserved ancient Roman city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire colorful mosaics, temples, and columns that bear witness to the region's glorious past. Next, visit Meknes , one of the imperial cities, famous for its monumental architecture and imposing walls. Here you can discover the famous Bab Mansour gate, the royal granaries, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, a symbol of the kingdom's grandeur. In the afternoon, arrive in Fes , Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital, where you will settle into a traditional riad in the medina.
Today will be dedicated entirely to a guided tour of Fez , considered the oldest of the imperial cities and the beating heart of Moroccan culture. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will explore the medieval medina, a labyrinth of narrow streets home to madrasas, mosques, palaces, and traditional markets. You will admire the famous Chouara tanneries, where leather is still worked using ancient techniques, and the workshops of artisans who keep centuries-old traditions alive. You will also visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque-University, one of the oldest academic institutions in the world. The atmosphere of Fez is unique: a blend of spirituality, history, and vitality that will transport every traveler back in time.
After breakfast, we set off on a journey that will take you from the green Middle Atlas to the gateway to the Sahara. The first stop will be in Ifrane , known as the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its European architectural style and manicured gardens. We continue through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where you may encounter Barbary apes. After lunch in Midelt , the landscape gradually changes, with desert hills and oases announcing the proximity of the Sahara. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga , where we will be welcomed with traditional mint tea. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad or tented camp located on the edge of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes.
This day will be entirely dedicated to the Erg Chebbi desert , one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. After breakfast, you can visit the area's Berber villages, meet nomadic families and learn about their culture, or listen to Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia. In the afternoon, a camel ride will take you across the golden dunes to the Berber tented camp, where you'll witness a breathtaking sunset. After dinner, an evening awaits you around the campfire with traditional music under one of the clearest and most spectacular starry skies in the world.
After admiring the sunrise over the dunes and enjoying breakfast, the journey continues towards the imposing Todra Gorges , a stunning canyon with vertical walls over 300 meters high. Here you will have time for a relaxing walk and to take photographs of this spectacular landscape. We then continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, through oases and palm groves, until we reach the Dades Valley , known for its unique rock formations called "monkey fingers" and its Berber villages. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad or traditional hotel nestled in the valley.
The day includes a visit to one of Morocco's most iconic sites: the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou , a UNESCO World Heritage site and a filming location for numerous films and TV series. Along the way, you'll pass through Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Morocco," famous for its film studios. After visiting the kasbah, the journey continues over the Tizi n'Tichka pass , whose hairpin bends offer spectacular panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening, settling into a riad or hotel in the medina.
A full day dedicated to exploring Marrakech , one of Morocco's most vibrant and fascinating cities. The guided tour will take you to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the beating heart of the city, bustling with musicians, snake charmers, and street vendors. You'll explore the souks, brimming with spices, fabrics, and handicrafts, admire the Koutoubia Mosque, visit the Majorelle Gardens, and historic palaces such as Bahia and El Badi. Marrakech offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, and its captivating energy will captivate you.
After breakfast, we'll head towards the Atlantic coast to reach Essaouira , a charming fortified city characterized by its walls, ramparts, and lively port. You'll stroll through the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, watch the fishermen returning with boats laden with fish, and relax on the beach. Essaouira, with its slow pace and bohemian atmosphere, offers a refreshing break from the tour. Overnight stay in a riad in the medina.
The journey continues along the coast to Casablanca , Morocco's economic capital, where you'll visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque , one of the largest and most spectacular in the world, built directly on the ocean. After the visit, continue to Rabat , the country's capital, where you'll discover the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the evocative Kasbah of the Udayas. Overnight stay in a hotel or riad.
The final leg of the journey returns to Tangier , crossing coastal landscapes and fertile plains. Depending on your flight or ferry departure time, you'll have free time for final sightseeing or shopping before transferring to the airport or port. This concludes an unforgettable experience that will have introduced you to the best of Morocco, from the imperial cities to the desert, all the way to the Atlantic coast.
Including
- Private transportation with a modern vehicle and an Italian-speaking driver/guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at Tangier airport or port
- 11 nights in a traditional riad/hotel and a tented camp in the desert
- Daily breakfasts
- 4 dinners (in the desert areas and valleys)
- Camel trek in the dunes of Merzouga
- Guided tours of Fes and Marrakech with a certified local guide
Excluding
- International flights to/from Morocco
- Lunches and drinks during the tour
- Entrance tickets to monuments and historical sites
- Personal expenses and tips