Private Tour · Morocco
6 Days — Tangier to Marrakech
From the Strait of Gibraltar to the golden dunes of Merzouga, passing through the blue city of Chefchaouen and the medina of Fes: a private journey from north to south, from the Rif mountains to the High Atlas.
6-Day Tour: Tangier to Marrakech via the Sahara
Set off from northern Morocco for a complete crossing of the kingdom, all the way to the sand ocean of the Sahara. This private 6-day tour takes you from Tangier, the gateway to Africa, through the Rif mountains and the blue city of Chefchaouen, then the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial cities of Meknès and Fes. After an immersion in the thousand-year-old medina, you'll cross the Middle Atlas to reach the dunes of the Erg Chebbi: a sunset camel ride and a magical night at a luxury camp. The return to Marrakech passes through the Todra Gorges, the Valley of Roses, the Aït Benhaddou kasbah, and the Tizi n'Tichka pass. A seamless journey through culture, history, and vast open landscapes.
Trip Highlights
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Tangier — the gateway to Africa, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic
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Chefchaouen — the blue pearl of the Rif, with its labyrinthine streets painted in indigo blue
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Volubilis — the impressive Roman ruins listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Fes el-Bali — the oldest medina in the world, with its tanneries and madrasas
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Azrou cedar forests — an encounter with Barbary macaques deep in the Middle Atlas
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Erg Chebbi — a sunset camel trek and a night under the stars at a luxury camp
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Todra Gorges — a hike between 300-meter cliffs in shades of ochre
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Aït Benhaddou — the iconic fortified ksar, a film location and jewel of UNESCO heritage
Your Route
A journey of over 1,400 km from the Strait of Gibraltar to the ochre city, crossing the Rif, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Tangier → Tétouan → Chefchaouen
Your driver picks you up at the airport, port, or hotel in Tangier. We follow the Mediterranean coast before heading up into the Rif mountains via Tétouan, nicknamed "the Spanish city." Arrival in the early afternoon in Chefchaouen, the famous blue city. Wander its stepped alleyways, its whitewashed and indigo-blue houses, and enjoy the panoramic view from the Spanish Mosque. Dinner and overnight in a traditional riad in the heart of the medina.
Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknès → Fes
After breakfast, depart south through the lush landscapes of the Rif. Stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO site with remarkably preserved mosaics. Continue to Meknès, one of the four imperial cities, to see the Bab Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Arrival in Fes later in the day. Check-in at a charming riad in the old medina.
Full guided tour of Fes
A full day devoted to exploring Fes el-Bali with a local guide. You'll walk through the oldest streets in the Arab world, visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine fountain, and Al-Qarawiyyin University — the oldest university still in operation. You'll observe the famous Chouara Tanneries with their colorful vats, and finish with a panoramic view from the Borj Nord fortress. Return to the riad for a second night in Fes.
Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Early departure toward the Sahara. Cross the Middle Atlas through Ifrane, Morocco's "Little Switzerland," and stop in the cedar forest of Azrou to see Barbary macaques. After lunch in Midelt, the road descends into the Ziz Valley and its endless palm groves. Arrival in Merzouga in the late afternoon: mount a camel for a trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Traditional dinner, Gnawa music around the fire, and a night at a luxury camp under an absolutely starry sky.
Merzouga → Rissani → Todra → Dadès Valley → Ouarzazate
Wake at dawn to admire the sunrise over the dunes, then ride back by camel. After breakfast and a hot shower, depart to the northwest. Stop in Rissani, the former capital of the Alaouite sultans, then head to the Todra Gorges where you can walk beneath 300-meter cliffs. Continue through the Dadès Valley and its kasbahs, then the Valley of Roses to Ouarzazate, "Africa's Hollywood." Overnight at a hotel with dinner.
Ouarzazate → Aït Benhaddou → Tizi n'Tichka → Marrakech
Morning visit to the Taourirt Kasbah or the film studios, then depart for the famous Aït Benhaddou kasbah, a UNESCO site and backdrop for iconic films. Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) with its breathtaking panoramic views. Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Your driver will drop you at your riad in the medina or at Marrakech-Ménara Airport. End of services.
Trip Summary
- Day 1: Tangier → Tétouan → Chefchaouen (overnight)
- Day 2: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknès → Fes (overnight)
- Day 3: Full guided tour of Fes (overnight)
- Day 4: Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Merzouga — Desert camp
- Day 5: Merzouga → Todra → Dadès → Ouarzazate (overnight)
- Day 6: Ouarzazate → Aït Benhaddou → Marrakech
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1 is about 3 to 4 hours on the road. Day 2 is longer (5–6 hours) with visits to Volubilis and Meknès. Day 3 has no transfers (walking tour of Fes). Day 4 is the longest, at 7 to 8 hours to the desert. Days 5 and 6 involve 4 to 5 hours of driving each, with many scenic stops along the way.
The luxury camp in Merzouga offers spacious tents with comfortable beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, and quality bedding. The stay includes the sunset camel trek, a Berber dinner, live music around the fire, and breakfast. An authentic Saharan experience with all the comforts.
Yes, this itinerary can be done in reverse — from Marrakech to Tangier — with the same stops and experiences. Just let us know your preference when booking.
Breakfast is included every morning, along with dinners in Chefchaouen, at the desert camp, and in Ouarzazate. Lunches are not included, giving you the freedom to choose from scenic restaurants or picnic stops along the way.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures throughout the trip. Summer is hot in the desert but manageable with early starts. Winter brings beautiful light, crisp mountain air, and a pleasantly cool desert in the evening.