12 Days from Tangier thru the Sahara Desert
The Great North-South Route of Morocco
This 12-day itinerary from Tangier through the Sahara Desert is a comprehensive and well-rounded journey that takes you across Morocco from north to south. It combines imperial cities, charming villages, the Rif and Atlas Mountains, historic kasbahs, lush oases, and the magic of the Sahara Desert, ending in vibrant Marrakech (or Casablanca, depending on your preference).
- Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
- Departure: Tangier
- Arrival: Marrakech or Casablanca
- Type of trip: Private and customizable
- Availability: Year-round
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – City Visit
Reception at the airport, port, or accommodation in Tangier.
Panoramic visit of Cape Spartel, the Caves of Hercules, and a tour through the medina and the kasbah.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or riad in Tangier.
Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, departure to Chefchaouen, the famous blue city located in the Rif Mountains.
Free time to stroll through its small streets, peaceful squares, and artisan shops.
Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
After breakfast, departure to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continuation to Meknes, an imperial city, with a visit to Bab Mansour, the medina, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
Arrival in Fez in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Fez.
Day 4: Fez – Guided Visit of the Imperial City
A full day dedicated to discovering Fez el-Bali, one of the best-preserved medieval medinas in the world.
We visit Al Karaouine University, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, the tanneries, and the traditional souks.
Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Fez.
Day 5: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Departure toward the Middle Atlas. Stop in Ifrane, known as the Moroccan Switzerland, and in the cedar forests of Azrou.
Continuation through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Camel ride at sunset across the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Dinner and overnight stay in a luxury or standard desert camp.
Day 6: Merzouga – Desert Exploration
Sunrise in the desert. After breakfast, a 4×4 excursion around the Merzouga region.
We visit Khamlia, famous for its gnawa music, share tea with nomadic families, and explore natural oases.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or camp in Merzouga.
Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, departure to Rissani, the ancient commercial center of Tafilalt.
Continuation to the impressive Todra Gorges, a canyon with vertical walls ideal for walking.
We continue to the Dades Valley, known for the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley.
Day 8: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate
Departure to the Roses Valley, famous for its natural products.
We continue to Skoura, with its palm grove and historic kasbahs, until reaching Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or riad in Ouarzazate.
Day 9: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, visit to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Crossing the High Atlas through the Tizi n’Tichka pass with panoramic stops.
Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Marrakech.
Day 10: Marrakech – Guided Visit
Guided tour of Marrakech:
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Bahia Palace
- Saadian Tombs
- Traditional Souks
- Jemaa el-Fna Square
Free afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Marrakech.
Day 11: Marrakech – Essaouira (Optional)
Free day in Marrakech or optional excursion to Essaouira, a coastal city known for its walled medina, fishing port, and Atlantic beaches.
Return to Marrakech in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Marrakech.
Day 12: Marrakech – Casablanca or Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport of Marrakech or Casablanca according to the flight schedule.
End of the 12-day itinerary from Tangier through the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
- What the Tour Includes
- Private, air-conditioned transportation
- Professional Spanish-speaking driver
- Local guides in Fez and Marrakech
- Accommodations in hotels and riads
- 2 nights in Merzouga (camp and hotel)
- Camel ride at sunset
- 4×4 desert tour
- Breakfasts and dinners
- What Is Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Admission to attractions
- Tips and personal expenses
An Unforgettable Trip Through Morocco
This 12-day tour from Tangier through the Sahara Desert is perfect for travelers who want to discover the true essence of Morocco: history, culture, nature, and the unique experience of sleeping under the desert stars.