9 Days Morocco Tour From Tangier
9 Day Trip From Tangier
Embark on the ultimate Moroccan adventure, a sweeping journey from the storied Strait of Tangier to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Begin in the north, wandering the mesmerizing, blue-washed alleyways of Chefchaouen, a serene prelude to the imperial grandeur of Fes. In Fes, lose yourself in the labyrinthine depths of the world’s largest living medieval medina, a sensory explosion of ancient tanneries, bustling souks, and scholarly history. Then, the landscape transforms as you cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, descending towards the desert. The climax awaits in Merzouga, where you’ll trade the city’s clamor for the profound silence of the Erg Chebbi dunes, riding a camel into a spectacular sunset to spend a night under a blanket of stars in a Berber desert camp.
The journey continues through the dramatic gorges and lush oases of the Dades Valley, following the path of ancient kasbahs along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” before ascending over the dizzying Tizi n’Tichka Pass to arrive in vibrant Marrakech. Here, the journey culminates in the pulsating energy of Djemaa el-Fna square, where storytellers, musicians, and the aroma of exotic spices create an unforgettable finale to an epic traverse of Morocco’s soul.
9 DAYS MOROCCO ITINERARY FROM TANGIER
9 Day Trip From Tangier
This meticulously crafted itinerary unfolds as a profound journey across Morocco's most iconic landscapes, beginning in the strategic port of Tangier. The adventure immediately delves into the Rif Mountains to discover the serene, blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen before traveling south to the intellectual and cultural heart of the nation, Fes. From this imperial city, the route pushes eastward towards the Sahara Desert, where the golden dunes of Merzouga offer a magical night in a Berber camp under a canopy of stars.
The journey then traces the path of ancient trading caravans westward, navigating the dramatic rock formations and sprawling palm groves of the Dades Valley, often called the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Finally, the road ascends the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, descending into the vibrant ochre-hued chaos of Marrakech, where the journey culminates amidst the snake charmers and storytellers of Djemaa el-Fna square. This comprehensive itinerary is designed to immerse you in the very soul of Morocco, from its northern peaks to its southern sands.
- Morning: Your journey begins as you are collected from your hotel, the port, or the airport in Tangier. We set off south, driving through the scenic Rif Mountains. The landscape transforms from coastal plains to lush, green hills.
- Afternoon: Arrive in the breathtakingly beautiful Chefchaouen, the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco. Nestled in the mountains, the entire medina (old city) is washed in stunning shades of blue. After checking into your accommodation, you have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Lose yourself in its tranquil, blue-washed alleyways, discover local handicrafts, and absorb the serene atmosphere. The main square, Outa el-Hammam, is perfect for people-watching with a mint tea.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant within the medina. The evening light casts a magical glow on the blue walls.
- Overnight: Chefchaouen
- Morning: After breakfast, we depart Chefchaouen and travel towards the Roman ruins of Volubilis. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Walk among the ancient capitals, marvel at the intricate mosaics, and imagine life in this once-thriving outpost of the Roman Empire.
- Late Morning: A short drive takes us to the holy city of Moulay Idriss, a important pilgrimage site, which we will see from a panoramic viewpoint. We then continue to the imperial city of Meknes. Here, we will visit the massive Bab Mansour gate, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, and see the royal stables and granaries.
- Afternoon: We proceed to Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.
- Evening: Free to relax and settle into your Riad.
- Overnight: Fes
- Full Day: Today is dedicated to exploring the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest living medieval city. With your official local guide, you will delve into a labyrinth of over 9,000 alleyways. Key highlights include:
- The Royal Palace with its magnificent golden gates.
- The Jewish Quarter (Mellah).
- Al-Qarawiyyin University & Mosque, one of the oldest existing universities in the world.
- The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts and the beautiful Nejjarine Fountain.
- The Chouara Tannery, the largest and oldest tannery in the city, where you'll get a bird's-eye view of the traditional leather-dyeing process.
- The souks, where you'll see artisans working with brass, weaving silk, and crafting fine pottery.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at your Riad or a recommended restaurant in the medina.
- Overnight: Fes
- Morning: We leave Fes early, beginning our ascent into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, a charming mountain resort known as "Little Switzerland" for its unique alpine-style architecture and clean, crisp air.
- Late Morning: We continue through cedar forests where you might spot troops of Barbary macaques (monkeys). We stop in Midelt, a mining town nestled in the high plains, for lunch.
- Afternoon: The journey continues, crossing the Tizi n'Talghoumte Pass and descending into the vast, open plains. Suddenly, the landscape gives way to the breathtaking Ziz Valley, a massive palmery with over 2 million palm trees, creating a green ribbon through the pre-Saharan region. We stop at a panoramic viewpoint to take in the scale of this oasis.
- Late Afternoon: Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Here, you will leave your luggage and meet your camels. You embark on a camel trek into the heart of the golden dunes as the sun begins to set.
- Evening: Arrive at your traditional Berber desert camp. Enjoy a hearty tagine dinner under the stars, listen to Berber music around a campfire, and experience the profound silence and magic of the Sahara.
- Overnight: Berber Luxury Camp in the Desert
- Morning: Wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you will be camel-trekked or driven back to the village of Merzouga. Today is dedicated to exploring the desert region by 4x4.
- Visit the village of Khamlia, where you will enjoy a performance of Gnawa music, a spiritual and rhythmic tradition brought from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Discover the nomadic way of life and perhaps see fossil deposits, as this area was once an ocean floor.
- See the panoramic views of the Erg Chebbi dune sea from a high point.
- Afternoon: You will have free time to relax at your hotel by the dunes, or you can choose to do an optional activity like sandboarding on the dunes.
- Evening: You can choose to have a second night in the desert camp or stay in a hotel at the dunes' edge.
- Overnight: Merzouga (Hotel or Camp)
- Morning: After breakfast, we depart Merzouga and drive west towards Tinghir and the magnificent Todra Gorge. The gorge is a massive fault in the plateau, rising up to 300 meters high, with a clear river running through its base. It's a paradise for rock climbers and a stunning sight for all visitors. You will have time to walk through the gorge and absorb its grandeur.
- Afternoon: We continue our journey along the famous "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" to the Dades Valley. The landscape is dotted with ancient fortified villages (ksars) and kasbahs made of earth. We will drive through the dramatic "Monkey Fingers" rock formations and along the winding Dades Gorge.
- Evening: Check into your accommodation overlooking the Dades Valley, a perfect spot to watch the sunset paint the cliffs in warm hues.
- Overnight: Dades Valley
- Morning: After breakfast, we travel further west to the famous Ksar of Ait Benhaddou. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco's most iconic locations, having served as a backdrop for countless films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. You will cross the river and explore this ancient, fortified village (ksar) with its earthen clay architecture.
- Afternoon: We stop for lunch in the town nearby before beginning the dramatic ascent over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m). The road is an engineering marvel, offering stunning, ever-changing views of Berber villages, deep valleys, and hairpin bends.
- Late Afternoon: Descend from the mountains and arrive in the vibrant, ochre-colored city of Marrakech.
- Evening: Check into your Riad. The evening is free, but a visit to the famous Djemaa el-Fna square is a must. By night, it transforms into a huge open-air theatre with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and countless food stalls.
- Overnight: Marrakech
- Morning & Afternoon: With a local guide, discover the historical and cultural gems of Marrakech.
- Visit the beautiful Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture.
- Explore the intricate Saadian Tombs, sealed for centuries.
- See the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and its minaret, the symbol of the city.
- Discover the secrets of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, once the largest Islamic college in North Africa.
- Explore the bustling souks, divided by trade, where you can find everything from spices and leather to lanterns and carpets.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine restaurant or explore Djemaa el-Fna for a more casual, lively experience.
- Overnight: Marrakech
- Morning: Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast at your Riad. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or visiting a garden like the Majorelle Garden (if time permits and booked in advance).
- Transfer: You will be transferred to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) for your departure flight. Alternatively, a private transfer can be arranged to Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca (CMN), which takes approximately 3 hours.
9 DAYS TOUR OF MOROCCO FROM TANGIER
Your tour package includes the following services 9 DAY ITINERARY
- Comfortable Private Transportation
- Air-conditioned 4x4 Vehicle or Minivan (depending on group size) for the entire tour.
- Fuel, all associated road expenses, and tolls.
- Professional Driver
- Services of an experienced, English-speaking driver for the duration of the trip.
- Accommodation
- 8 Nights of Accommodation as per the itinerary (Hotels, Riads, & Desert Camp).
- Desert Experience
- Camel Trekking in Merzouga (one camel per person).
- Overnight stay in a private tent at a Luxury Desert Camp.
- breakfast during the tour
- Dinner at the desert And dades valley .
- Guided Tours
- Half-Day Guided Tour in Fes with a licensed local guide.
- Half-Day Guided Tour in Marrakech with a licensed local guide.
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
- dinner Lunches, Drinks,
- Entrance Fees to Monuments & Museums (e.g., Volubilis, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, etc.)
- Tips for Guides, Drivers, and Hotel/Camp Staff
- Personal Expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, laundry, etc.)
- Any Additional Activities or Services Not Mentioned in the Itinerary
9 Day Trip From Tangier
1. What is the best time of year to embark on a 9 day trip from Tangier?
The best times for this 9 day trip from Tangier are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm across the country, including the Sahara Desert and the cities, making it ideal for exploration.
2. What type of vehicle is used for this 9 day trip from Tangier, and is it private?
Yes, this tour is conducted in a private, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle or a comfortable minivan (depending on group size). This ensures a personalized experience, flexibility for photo stops, and the ability to navigate the diverse terrains, including the Atlas Mountains and the fringes of the desert.
3. What should I pack for a 9 day trip from Tangier that includes the desert?
We recommend packing layers. Essentials include:
- Lightweight clothing for daytime.
- A warm jacket or fleece for cool desert nights and the mountains.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A headscarf, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the desert.
- A reusable water bottle.
4. Is this 9 day trip from Tangier suitable for children and elderly travelers?
While the itinerary is full and involves significant travel time on some days, it can be suitable for families and active elderly travelers. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility. However, please be aware that the desert camp, while comfortable, has basic amenities and involves camel riding.
5. Are the guided tours in Fes and Marrakech included in the price?
Yes, this 9 day trip from Tangier includes half-day guided tours with licensed local guides in both Fes and Marrakech. This is crucial for navigating the vast, labyrinthine medinas and understanding their rich history. Entrance fees to specific monuments are typically excluded.
6. What happens if there is a sandstorm or bad weather during the desert portion?
The safety of our guests is our top priority. In the rare event of a severe sandstorm that makes the camel trek unsafe, we have contingency plans, which may include a 4×4 transfer directly to the desert camp. The itinerary is designed to be flexible to accommodate such unforeseen circumstances.
7. Can I customize this 9 day trip from Tangier?
Absolutely. While this itinerary covers the classic highlights, we understand every traveler is different. We can often adjust the route, add extra nights, or upgrade accommodations to better suit your interests and budget. Please inquire about customization options when booking.
8. What are the accommodation standards on this tour?
Accommodations typically include a mix of comfortable hotels, charming traditional Riads in the cities, and a night in a luxury Berber camp in the Sahara. The camp usually provides private tents with proper beds and shared bathroom facilities. Upgrades are often available.