Private Tour · Morocco
10 Days — Tangier to Marrakech
From the Strait of Gibraltar to the Atlantic Ocean, a complete crossing of the kingdom: the blue city, the imperial cities, the Sahara, Marrakech, and the gentle charm of Essaouira.
10-Day Tour: Tangier to Marrakech via the Sahara & Essaouira
This private 10-day tour is the most complete way to discover Morocco, from north to south and east to west. You'll begin in Tangier, the legendary city on the strait, before heading up into the Rif mountains to Chefchaouen, the blue pearl. You'll explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the imperial city of Meknès, and spend two full days immersed in the magic of Fes with a local guide. The journey continues toward the Sahara, crossing the Middle Atlas with its cedar forests and Barbary macaques. In Merzouga, a night at a luxury desert camp in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes awaits you. The road back to Marrakech passes through the Todra Gorges, the Valley of Roses, and the Aït Benhaddou kasbah. Two full days are dedicated to Marrakech and its bustling medina, before winding down in Essaouira, the windswept city on the Atlantic. A seamless dream trip, blending culture, history, nature, and relaxation.
Trip Highlights
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Tangier — the city on the strait, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic
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Chefchaouen — the blue city of the Rif, a maze of indigo alleyways
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Volubilis — UNESCO-listed Roman ruins with remarkably intact mosaics
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Fes — a full guided tour of the oldest medina in the Arab world
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Erg Chebbi — a sunset camel trek and a night at a luxury camp
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Aït Benhaddou — the iconic fortified ksar, a film location and UNESCO heritage site
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Marrakech — the ochre city, its palaces, gardens, and Jemaa el-Fna square
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Essaouira — the city of trade winds, its ramparts, harbor, and Atlantic beaches
Your Route
A journey of over 1,800 km from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Atlantic Ocean, crossing the Rif, the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara, and the Atlantic coast.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Tangier → Tétouan → Chefchaouen
Your driver picks you up at the airport, port, or hotel in Tangier. Depending on your arrival time, a short visit to the medina, the Caves of Hercules, or Cape Spartel. We then head up into the Rif mountains via Tétouan, the "White Dove," with its whitewashed walls and Andalusian heritage. Arrival in the late afternoon in Chefchaouen. Wander its blue streets, visit Uta el-Hammam square, and take in the view from the Spanish Mosque. Dinner and overnight in a traditional riad in the heart of the medina.
Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknès → Fes
After breakfast, free time for one last stroll through the blue city. Head south through the Rif countryside to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO site with remarkably preserved mosaics and marble columns. Continue to Meknès, the Ismaili capital, to see Bab Mansour, the royal stables, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Arrival in Fes in the late afternoon. 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 an official local guide. Start at the Royal Palace gate, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), and the Borj Sud fortress for a panoramic view. Then dive into the UNESCO-listed medina: the Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine fountain, Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest university in the world), and the famous Chouara Tanneries with their colorful vats. Visit a pottery and zellige cooperative to watch artisans at work. Return to the riad for a second night in Fes.
Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Early departure toward the Sahara. Cross the Middle Atlas through Ifrane, Morocco's "Little Switzerland," then stop in the cedar forest of Azrou to photograph Barbary macaques. Lunch in Midelt, between the Middle and High Atlas. The road then descends into the Ziz Valley with its endless palm groves. Arrival in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Check-in at a charming hotel on the edge of the desert, with dinner and a restful night before the Saharan adventure.
Merzouga 4x4 excursion → Camel trek → Luxury camp
After breakfast, a day of 4x4 exploration around Merzouga. Visit kohl mines, meet nomadic families in their woven tents, and sample Berber tea. Continue to Khamlia for a Gnawa music and dance performance. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, a walk through the palm grove and a visit to Merzouga's seasonal lake (flamingo spotting). Later, mount a camel for a trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Arrive at your luxury camp for a traditional dinner, Berber music around the fire, and a magical night under the stars.
Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Todra → Dadès Valley
Wake at dawn for an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes. Ride back by camel, then breakfast and shower. Head to Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet, to wander its traditional souk (busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays). Stop in Erfoud to visit a fossilized marble workshop. Drive to the Todra Gorges, where you can walk beneath 300-meter cliffs. Continue through the Dadès Valley and its "Monkey Fingers" rock formations. Dinner and overnight at a charming kasbah hotel in Boumalne Dadès.
Dadès → Valley of Roses → Skoura → Ouarzazate → Aït Benhaddou → Marrakech
Morning departure toward Kelaat M'Gouna, the rose capital, then through the palm groves of Skoura. Visit Ouarzazate and its film studios, then head to the famous Aït Benhaddou kasbah, a UNESCO site and backdrop for iconic films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Climb the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) with breathtaking panoramic views. Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Check-in at a luxury riad in the medina. Evening free to explore Jemaa el-Fna square.
Full guided tour of Marrakech
A full day devoted to exploring Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior). Stroll through the colorful souks and artisan workshops. Lunch during the tour. In the afternoon, visit the Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum (reservation required), then wander through the modern Gueliz district. Return to your riad for a second night in Marrakech. In the evening, enjoy the unique atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna square.
Marrakech → Essaouira
After breakfast, head to the Atlantic coast and the city of Essaouira, formerly Mogador. Along the way, stop at an argan oil cooperative to watch the traditional production process and, if you're lucky, spot goats perched in argan trees. Arrive in Essaouira around midday. Visit the fortified medina, a UNESCO site, the bustling fishing port, the ramparts with their Portuguese cannons, and the bohemian streets lined with craft shops. Enjoy fresh grilled fish for dinner at the port and spend the night at an ocean-facing riad.
Essaouira → Marrakech (Airport)
Free morning in Essaouira to enjoy the beach, shop in the craft galleries, or simply savor a coffee on the ramparts facing the Atlantic. Depending on your flight, transfer to Marrakech-Ménara Airport (about 2.5 hours by road). Your driver will drop you directly at the terminal. End of services. You'll leave with a head full of memories and a heart full of Moroccan magic.
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 (hotel overnight)
- Day 5: Merzouga 4x4 excursion + camel trek → Luxury camp
- Day 6: Merzouga → Rissani → Todra → Dadès Valley (overnight)
- Day 7: Dadès → Aït Benhaddou → Tizi n'Tichka → Marrakech (overnight)
- Day 8: Full guided tour of Marrakech (overnight)
- Day 9: Marrakech → Essaouira (overnight)
- Day 10: Essaouira → Marrakech (departure)
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1 is about 2 to 3 hours on the road. Day 2 is longer (4–5 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 Merzouga. Day 5 has no major transfer (local 4x4 excursion). Days 6 and 7 involve 4 to 5 hours of driving each. Day 9 is about 2.5 hours to Essaouira. Day 10 depends on your flight.
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 Boumalne Dadès. Dinner at the Merzouga hotel (Day 4) is also included. 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. Essaouira is enjoyable year-round thanks to the Atlantic breeze.