7 days Morocco desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech. Begin with Tangier’s charm before venturing to Chefchaouen’s blue streets. Explore Fes’s ancient medina and imperial architecture. Traverse to the Merzouga Desert, passing through Ifrane’s alpine scenery and Midelt. Take a camel ride in the Moroccan desert, relishing a nomadic desert camp experience.
Discover Dades Valley rock formations and Tinghir’s Todgha Gorge. Journey through Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou’s historic sites. Conclude in Marrakech, exploring its bustling souks and vibrant squares. Experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes, culture, and history on this unforgettable journey.
Choosing a private desert journey from Tangier allows you to travel at your own pace while enjoying Morocco’s cities, mountains, and Sahara landscapes in comfort.
With a private tour, you’ll have your own local guide who will share interesting facts about Morocco’s history, culture, and traditions. This makes the trip more enjoyable and meaningful.
You’ll also travel in a private vehicle, so there’s no need to worry about crowded buses. You can stop for photos or take breaks whenever you like, making the trip more comfortable and relaxed.
In short, a one-week Morocco desert adventure lets you explore the desert, cities, and culture at your own pace, with all the attention and comfort you need.
After breakfast, we begin our 7 days Morocco desert tour from Tangier, a city where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge at Cape Spartel. Explore Tangier’s vibrant streets, visit the legendary Cave of Hercules, and marvel at the views from Cape Spartel.
Next, we venture through the scenic Rif Mountains, passing by the charming city of Tetouan. Along the way, we’ll make stops for you to soak in the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the rugged landscape.
Finally, we arrive in Chefchaouen, renowned for its picturesque blue-washed buildings nestled amidst the mountains. Check into your hotel and have free time to discover Chefchaouen.
Driving distance: 112 km
Driving time: 2 hr 9 min
Second day of one week After breakfast, wander through Chefchaouen’s pretty blue streets. Then we’ll drive to see the old Roman ruins at Volubilis. They’re really old but still look cool, with colorful pictures on the ground and ancient bits and pieces.
Next, we’re off to Meknes, an important city. We’ll see some famous spots like Bab Al-Mansour, the big pool, the royal horse houses, and an old building for storing grain. Lastly, we’ll visit Moulay Ismail’s special burial place.
Finally, we’ll head to Fes, where you’ll stay overnight in a cozy riad.
Driving distance: 228 km
Driving time: 4 hr 14 min
day 3 of our Morocco desert tours from tangier After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Fes to dive into the heart of this imperial city, a cultural and religious hub of Morocco.
Our first stop is the Royal Palace gate, a grand entrance showcasing the city’s regal history. From there, we’ll step into the well-preserved medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Blue Gate, or Bab Boujloud, marks our entrance into this maze of narrow streets and bustling markets.
With a local guide leading the way, we’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the Medrasa Bouanania, the beautiful Najjarine fountain, the historic tanneries, and the prestigious Quaraouiyine mosque and university, believed to be the oldest in the world.
Leaving the Medina behind, we’ll explore the Jewish quarter, known as “the Mellah,” offering insights into Fes’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Our journey continues as we drive to an ancient fortress, treating you to panoramic views of the sprawling Medina and the city of Fes.
Finally, we’ll return you to your riad, where you can relax in your free time.
After breakfast, our 7-day Morocco desert tour takes us southward through Imouzzer. Our first stop is Ifrane, renowned for its chilly climate, snowy landscapes, and charming alpine-style architecture. It’s often dubbed the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and you’ll see why.
Shortly after we continue our journey, we venture into the cedar forest, home to Barbary macaques. You’ll have the chance to interact with these playful creatures as you explore the forest.
Next, we’ll drive to Midelt, where you’ll have some free time for lunch. Afterward, we’ll traverse the scenic Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Along the way, we follow the lush Ziz Valley, pausing for panoramic photo opportunities.
By the afternoon, we arrive at the majestic Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Here, you’ll switch to camels for a memorable trek across the sandy dunes. As the sun begins to set, we’ll pause atop a high dune to witness the mesmerizing sunset.
Finally, we’ll reach our camp, a unique blend of traditional nomadic tents and luxurious amenities. Spend the evening immersing yourself in the enchanting ambiance.
In the evening, enjoy Berber drum music, dancing around the campfire, and a star-filled sky before settling into your comfortable tent for the night.
Driving distance: 462 Km
Driving time: 7 hr 10 min
Early in the morning, wake up to witness a stunning sunrise over the dunes. After enjoying breakfast at the camp, we begin a full-day exploration of the Merzouga desert.
First, we travel by 4×4 to visit Berber nomad families living beyond the dunes, where you’ll learn about their traditional lifestyle. Later, we continue to the village of Khamlia to enjoy live Gnawa music. If conditions allow, we may also stop at the seasonal Lake of Birds.
After lunch, we head to your riad for check-in and relaxation. During the afternoon, you can swim, relax, or take a walk near the dunes. In the evening, dinner is served, and you’ll spend the night at your riad or optionally return to the desert camp.
At sunrise, enjoy one last view of the Erg Chebbi dunes before departing Merzouga. Optionally, you can take part in an early-morning quad biking experience.
Then, we drive to Rissani, an important desert town and former trading center. Here, we stroll through its traditional souk before continuing toward the eastern High Atlas Mountains.
Soon after, we arrive at the impressive Todgha Gorges, where towering canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high. Following our visit, we explore the palm grove of Tinghir and continue through the scenic Dadès Valley.
By late afternoon, we reach the village of Aït Larbi, famous for its unique “monkey fingers” rock formations. Later, we check into our hotel in the Dadès Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.
Driving distance: 275 km
Driving time: 4 hr
Today, our Tangier to Marrakech desert tour follows ancient caravan routes through southern Morocco. We begin by exploring the Dadès Valley and the Valley of the Roses, known for its Damask rose cultivation. In spring, the valley turns pink as locals harvest roses for perfumes and oils.
Continuing along the famous Thousand Kasbahs Road, we pass through the Skoura Oasis and visit the well-preserved Amridil Kasbah. After that, we arrive in Ouarzazate, the film capital of Morocco.
One of the highlights of the day is the visit to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for many Hollywood movies.
Finally, we will cross the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, the highest in North Africa, at 2260 meters altitude. This pass, meaning ‘difficult mountain pass’ in Tamazight, offers a landscape of great beauty in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, separating the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean coasts from the Sahara Desert.
Arrival in Marrakech: End of One Week in Morocco.
Driving distance: 353 km
Driving time: 6 hr 30 min
NOTE: This 7-day Tangier Desert Tour is just a suggested itinerary. If it doesn’t suit your travel plans, you can check out our 10-day private tour from Tangier for a more complete Morocco experience. We also specialize in creating tailor-made Morocco tours to match your preferences and schedule. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance planning your trip.
Cape Spartel is a famous place located about 12 km from Tangier, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. It has beautiful views and is often included in Tangier private tours.
The Caves of Hercules are about 14 km from Tangier and 1 km from Cape Spartel. The caves are famous for their opening that looks like the map of Africa. According to legend, Hercules rested there during his 12 Labors. The caves are filled with interesting rock formations and are a highlight for anyone planning a tours in Tangier Morocco.
Tetouan is a city in northern Morocco, often called the “White Dove,” located about 60 km from Tangier. It is a charming stop on many Morocco tours from Tangier.
Tetouan is known for its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which blends traditional Moroccan and Andalusian architecture. Visitors can explore the Royal Palace, the Medina, and the Archaeological Museum, with scenic views of the nearby Rif Mountains.
Chefchaouen is the blue city in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, a favorite destination on tours from the north. It is famous for its blue-painted streets and mountain views.
Key attractions include Outa el-Hammam Square, the Kasbah of Chefchaouen, built in the 15th century, and the Spanish Mosque, which offers a great viewpoint at sunset.
Volubilis is an ancient Roman city near Meknes, known for being one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. It was once the capital of the
Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana and prospered between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features impressive mosaics, temples, a basilica, a forum, and a triumphal arch.
Volubilis is a top site on many tours from Tangier to Marrakech through northern Morocco.
Fes is one of Morocco’s ancient imperial cities, located in northern Morocco, about an hour from Meknes. Known as the oldest city in Morocco, it offers rich history and culture.
Fes was founded in the 9th century and has kept its medieval charm. The Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to traditional craftsmen, ancient libraries, and famous tanneries. Fes is a key part of many Tangier desert journeys, offering a deep dive into Moroccan heritage.
The Erg Chebbi Desert, near the village of Merzouga, is part of the Sahara and known for its golden sand dunes that reach up to 150 meters high. The dunes stretch for about 22 km and offer amazing views at sunrise and sunset.
Visitors can enjoy the camel rides or 4×4 desert tours and ATV quads. Most people stay overnight in Berber camps, experiencing traditional food, music, and clear desert skies. This stop is a must in any Tangier desert itinerary.
Ait Ben Haddou is a historic fortified village near Ouarzazate. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, known for its beautiful architecture and desert setting. This kasbah has appeared in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. It’s a major stop on the way to Marrakech from the desert.
Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most famous cities, known for its colorful souks, gardens, and historic monuments. The medina includes the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Garden.
Marrakech is the perfect endpoint for many tours from Tangier to Marrakech, offering a mix of tradition, Berber culture, and modern life.
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