9-Day Tour from Tangier to the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert
On our 9-Day Tour from Tangier to the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert, we will start in Tangier and drive through the Rif Mountains to the beautiful Chefchaouen, famous for its blue streets. We will explore Fez, with its old medina and ancient university.
We will then head to the Sahara Desert for a camel ride and desert camping in Merzouga. We will see the stunning Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, and visit Ouarzazate’s film studios and the historic Ait Ben Haddou.
We will finish with city tours of Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat, where we’ll see landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Tour Highlights
- Visit Mohamed V’s Mausoleum & Hassan Tower in Rabat
- Morning tour of Chefchaouen’s blue alleys and local artwork
- Drive through the Rif Mountains to Fes
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Fes Medina, the largest in the world
- See the world’s oldest university, Al Quaraouiyine
- Stop at cedar forests in Azrou to see Barbary macaques
- Scenic drive through the Middle & High Atlas Mountains
- Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa square and surrounding souks
- Visit to ancient kasbahs and traditional villages
- Exploration of Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
- Exciting camel ride across the Sahara Desert
- Magical night under the stars in a Berber camp
- Comfortable accommodations and local cuisine
- Explore Morocco’s famous cities: Fez, Rabat, Chefchaouen, and Marrakech.
Itinerary of the 9-Day Tour from Tangier to the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert
Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen
From Tangier, we drive through the beautiful Rif Mountains toward one of Morocco’s best cities, Chefchaouen, also known as the “Blue City” or “Blue Pearl.” Nestled between the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, this city is famous for its vibrant blue alleyways and stairwells, local artwork, and charming old houses.
Overnight in Chefchaouen
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 2: Chefchaouen – Fez
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning tour of this stunning blue city, one of the most picturesque places you will ever see. Chefchaouen is a small village with around 40,000 residents.
Explore the blue alleyways and stairwells, admire local artwork, and appreciate the charm of the old houses. Then, we continue with a drive through the Rif Mountains, taking in the fascinating views until we reach Fez, where we will spend the night.
Overnight in Fes
Camps, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 3: Fez Guided Tour
After a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a city tour of Fez, the most “genuine” imperial city of Morocco. Fez is rich in history and culture, so get your cameras ready! Visit the fascinating medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the largest in the world. Walk through its winding streets, where a maze of alleyways takes you back centuries.
Also, explore the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter of the medina, built in the 13th century. Don’t miss the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the world’s oldest still-operating university, established in 859 AD by Fatima Al-Fihri.
Overnight in Fes
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 4: Fez – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga (Camel Trekking & Desert Camping)
After breakfast at the hotel, we head south from Fez to the Merzouga Desert, passing through Ifrane and Azrou. We’ll stop at the cedar forest to see the Barbary macaques, who are friendly and may take food from your hand.
We continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Midelt for lunch, then drive through the stunning landscapes of Berber villages and the Ziz Valley. Arriving in Merzouga, we will drop off any belongings at the hotel before embarking on a camel ride in the Sahara Desert to witness a beautiful sunset. After a traditional Moroccan dinner at a Berber desert camp, relax under the starry skies.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorge & Valley
The camel guide will wake you up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes. Afterward, return by camel to the lodge for breakfast and a shower. We then head toward Todra Gorge, stopping in Rissani to explore its rich souk and palm groves.
Continue the journey through beautiful Berber villages to reach Todra Gorge, known for its spectacular rock formations. We continue to Dades Gorge, enjoying breathtaking views of the Dades Valley.
Overnight in Dades Valley
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, we start our drive through the Dades Valley and its old Berber villages, reaching Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert” or “Hollywood of Morocco.” Visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas Film Studio, then continue to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where many films, such as Game of Thrones and Gladiator, were filmed.
We cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech.
Overnight in Marrakech
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 7: Marrakech City Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a city tour of Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs. Explore the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, experience its transformation throughout the day, and enjoy the sights and sounds, like snake charmers and market vendors.
Wander through the souks surrounding the square, and end the day with a refreshing drink at a panoramic terrace.
Overnight in Marrakech
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 8: Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat
After breakfast, we drive to Rabat, passing through Casablanca, where we will visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco. Continue to Rabat, Morocco’s capital and one of the four Imperial Cities.
We will visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudayas, known for its maze-like alleys and traditional decorated houses.
Overnight in Rabat
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.
Day 9: Rabat – Tangier
After breakfast, we drive from Rabat to Tangier and transfer you to the airport.
What’s Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at/from your hotel, riad, or airport
- English-speaking guide/driver
- Transport by private vehicle with A/C
- Car fuel
- Sandboarding in the dunes
- Camel trekking (camel ride, sunset, and sunrise over the dunes)
- 1 night in a desert camp
- 7 nights in hotels/riads
- 8 breakfasts and 8 dinners
- Experienced guided tours in Fez and Marrakech (multilingual)
What’s Not Included
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Entrance to monuments (Optional)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (Optional)
Important Notes for the 9-Day Tour from Tangier to the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert
- This is a private tour tailored to your interests, allowing you to skip or add places along the way. You can also modify the itinerary as needed, and the tour can depart on any date that fits your plans.
- Additional activities such as Erg Chigaga tour, day trips, ATV quads, or extra days can be added upon request.
- You have the flexibility to discuss with the driver if you’d like to skip certain places or extend your time elsewhere.
- If you have a short time, consider our 5-Day Imperial Cities Tour from Tangier.
- You have the option to travel to and from the camp either on a camel ride or by 4×4 vehicle.
- Bring some warm clothes, as the desert can become quite chilly at night and may be cloudy, making stargazing less likely. We also recommend comfortable shoes, long skirts, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, along with sunglasses, a hat or cap, and sunscreen to protect against the sun and ensure a comfortable camel ride.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Please advise upon booking.
- At the time of booking, you’ll receive a confirmation for your reservation.
- Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
9-Day Tour from Tangier to the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert Price
The price for our 9-Day Tour from Tangier to the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert starts at €1640 per person, €1880 for two people, €2120 for three people, and so on. The more people who join, the lower the price per person. Please note that the final price may vary based on factors such as the number of participants, season, availability, and the specific accommodations selected (see below). For a personalized quote and more details, please contact us.
Accommodation Details
We take pride in providing comfortable and authentic Moroccan accommodations throughout your journey. Below is an overview of the types of lodging you can expect during our 9-Day Tour from Tangier to the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert:
| Night | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Night | Chefchaouen | Riad El Palacio & Spa |
| 2nd Night | Fes | Riad Al Makan |
| 3rd Night | Fes | Riad Al Makan |
| 4th Night | Merzouga Desert | Merzouga Dunes Luxury Camps |
| 5th Night | Dades Valley | Ksar Sultan Dades |
| 6th Night | Marrakech | Riad Irhalne |
| 7th Night | Marrakech | Riad Irhalne |
| 8th Night | Rabat | Dar Yanis |
Note: Please be aware that if the listed accommodations are fully booked or unavailable for any reason, we can arrange similar alternatives to ensure your comfort during your stay.
Safety Information
Your safety is our top priority. We recommend that all travelers stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun with sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Our experienced guides will provide safety briefings before activities, including camel trekking and hiking. For any emergencies, we will provide you with local emergency contact numbers. Our vehicles are equipped with safety features, and we encourage you to keep your personal belongings secure throughout the tour. Should you have any questions or concerns about safety, feel free to reach out to us.
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