Morocco Grand Tour Tangier to Casablanca Via Sahara Desert

Day 1: Arrive in Tangier – Chefchaouen

Arrival at the airport or port and departure toward Chefchaouen, a charming and serene city in Morocco. Known as a holy city, it boasts numerous mosques and sacred sites, alongside its picturesque paved streets that lead to delightful shaded squares. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at a traditional Riad.

Additional Details About Chefchaouen:

Chefchaouen, often called the “Blue Pearl,” is renowned for its unique blue-painted buildings that create a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, the city offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Its medina is perfect for leisurely strolls, featuring vibrant markets, artisan shops, and cafés. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Kasbah Museum and the Spanish Mosque, which provides panoramic views of the city at sunset.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Ouazzane – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

After breakfast, enjoy free time to explore the city and capture some final photos. Then, we’ll depart for Meknes, crossing the Rif Mountains and admiring the stunning landscapes along the way. Our first stop will be at Volubilis, the ancient Roman ruins dating back to the 3rd century BC, where we’ll explore the site before continuing to Meknes. This fourth imperial city of Morocco was established in the early 17th century by Sultan Moulay Ismaïl. In Meknes, we will visit the impressive gates of Bab El Mandour and Bab Lakhmiss, the royal stables of Hri Souani, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl. Following the visit, we’ll drive to Fez, a captivating city founded in the 8th century. Fez is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, featuring a medina that takes us back to the 13th century. Its streets are filled with artisans working in guild-like settings, blending with recent arrivals escaping drought in rural areas.

Day 3: Fez cultural guided tour

Enjoy a free day in the city of Fez, an ancient imperial gem and a highlight of this tour. Known as the pearl of the Arab world, Fez offers an abundance of vibrant experiences. Like Florence or Athens, it captivates travelers with the treasures of its civilization, the richness of its culture, and its sunny charm. A feast for the senses, Fez delights with its colors, flavors, and refinement. It’s a city where intellect and emotion intertwine seamlessly. With its exquisite palaces, ancient madrasas, stunning fountains, and art museums, Fez promises an unforgettable journey. Don’t miss the mosaic workshops and Zellij craftsmanship, iconic features that make this city truly unique.

Day 4: Fes – Ziz valley – Merzouga

After breakfast, we will stroll through the Middle and High Atlas mountains, crossing rivers and palm groves inhabited by traditional semi-nomadic Berber herders. Along the way, we’ll pass through Ifrane, known as “The Switzerland of Morocco,” and the cedar forests of Azrou, where we may spot the Barbary monkeys living there.

Leaving behind the bustle of the larger cities, we’ll head into the peaceful villages of Midelt, where agriculture and grazing are the main focus. After stopping for lunch, we’ll continue to the Ziz Gorge and the Ziz Valley’s palm groves. As the landscapes begin to change, signaling the approach of the desert, we’ll reach Er-Rachidia and arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a hotel located at the foot of the dunes.

Day 5: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi

Breakfast at the hostel, followed by departure along one of the tracks used in the “Paris-Dakar” rally. We will pass on the other side of the dunes, visiting the Merzouga oasis, the Tissadmine oasis, the nomadic lands, the Mifiss mines, and the desert plateaus, before reaching the village of Khamlia, home to a black population from Mali.

A break will be made for tea, accompanied by a performance of castanet drums, before returning to the hotel for lunch. Afterward, enjoy free time until the departure for a camel ride across the vast golden sands to experience the breathtaking sunset and the unique desert atmosphere, with an extraordinary starry sky rarely seen. Dinner and overnight stay will be in nomadic tents at a desert camp.

Day 6: Merzouga – Risani – Gorges deTodra – Dades gorges

After breakfast, we will explore Erg Chebbi, a vast sand desert that is home to Morocco’s tallest dune, standing over 250 meters high. This area also forms part of the route once used by the Paris-Dakar rally, connecting with the mountains bordering Algeria. We will make a stop at the Tissardmin oasis before heading to a nomadic camp where we will learn about their way of life and traditions. Later, we will pause at a panoramic viewpoint to take in the full view of Erg Chebbi. We will then visit Khamlia, the original home of Malians, where you can relax with a cup of tea and enjoy a small Gnawa music concert. Afterward, we’ll return to the lodge for lunch, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour camel ride to the base of the Great Dune, where we will be immersed in the stunning desert sunset. Our night will be spent in a traditional Haima in the heart of the desert, under a breathtaking starry sky.

Day 7: Gorges du Dades – El-kalaa M’gouna- Skoura – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, depart for Ouarzazate, passing through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and the Valley of Roses. Continue to the Skoura Palm Grove, renowned for its numerous kasbahs nestled among the palm trees, including the Amerhidil Kasbah, which is featured on old 50 Dirham notes. Skoura marks the first stop on the Dades Road, leading to Kelaat M’Gouna, the Dades Gorges, Boumalne, and the Toudra Valley. It is a prime example of oasis architecture. Arrive in Ouarzazate, enjoy a lunch break, and then visit the Taourirt Kasbah, built entirely from earth and located in the village of the same name, which is part of Ouarzazate. The kasbah occupies a strategic location at the confluence of the Dades and Ouarzazate wadis, which form the Drâa River. It is also situated at a key intersection for ancient caravan routes.

Day 8: Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Our journey begins with breakfast, followed by a departure towards Marrakech. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at the renowned Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and widely considered the most well-preserved fortified village in southern Morocco. We anticipate arriving in Marrakech late in the afternoon. Accommodation will be provided at a Riad, with dinner arrangements left to your discretion.

Day 9: Marrakech historical guided city tour

This day is devoted to exploring Marrakech. We’ll visit the Saadian Tombs, the resting place of the Saadi dynasty’s founders. Then, we’ll see the Bahia Palace, once home to the powerful vizier. Next up is the 12th-century Koutobia Mosque, famous for its stunning minaret. We’ll also visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a renowned Islamic college. In the afternoon, we’ll experience the vibrant Djemaa el Fna square, a bustling marketplace in the morning and a magical spectacle in the evening. Finally, we’ll escape the old city and visit the serene Majorel Botanical Garden. We’ll spend the night at our chosen hotel or Riad.

Day 10: Marrakech – Casablanca

After breakfast and following the return flight schedule, transfer to the airport, boarding assistance and end of our tour.