8-Day From Marrakech to Tangier through the Sahara, Fes, and Chefchaouen

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech! Check in at the hotel, freshen up, and take an initial walk around. Spend the evening in Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where you’ll start feeling the city’s vibrant atmosphere with street performers, traditional music, and, of course, local food.

Day 2: Atlas Mountains—Ouarzazate—Dades Gorges

Leave behind the bustle of Marrakech and drive towards the High Atlas Mountains, one of the most beautiful routes in Morocco. Stop at the Tizi n’Tichka pass, 2,260 meters above sea level, then continue to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, 31 km from Ouarzazate. Take some free time to explore the surroundings and the local markets. Head east to Ouarzazate, the center of desert excursions and film studios. Take a guided tour of the film studios, then visit the Taourirt Kasbah. Drive toward Dades Gorges via Skoura, with numerous Berber towns on the way; overnight in Dades Gorges.

Day 3: Todra and Camel Trekking in Merzouga

Get up early and drive to Todra Gorges via Dades Valley and Tinghir. Take your time to explore the red rocks and the small river in Todra. Drive to Erg Chebbi via Erfoud and Rissani, known for their fossils. Arrive in Merzouga, switch to a camel, and start a desert trek to watch the sunset near your camp. Overnight in a luxury desert camp with a traditional Berber dinner.

Day 4: Crossing the Middle Atlas into Fes – Midelt, Azrou, and Ifrane

Witness sunrise over the dunes, then try some sandboarding. After breakfast, have a quick shower followed by the drive to Fes. En route, visit the “Welad Chaker” oasis and cross the Tizi n’Talremt pass. Take lunch in Midelt and continue to Azrou for a meeting with the Berber apes in the Cedar Forest. The next stop is the “Little Switzerland of Morocco”, Ifrane, and finally arrive in Fes for the night.

Day 5: At Leisure in Fes

Spend half a day exploring the imperial city of Fes, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start in Fes El-Bali with its narrow streets and markets, visit the Bab Bou Jeloud gate, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Medina. Have a guided tour of the Al-Qarawiyyin Library and Mosque. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel or Riad.

Day 6: Fes to Chefchaouen, the Blue City

Travel to Chefchaouen via the ruins of Volubilis—protected by UNESCO. Continue to the blue-painted city of Chefchaouen via Ouazzane. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, then visit Outa el Hammam and meander through the narrow lanes with signature blue-coated walls. Overnight in a local riad.

Day 7: Chefchaouen to Asilah

After a relaxed breakfast, head to the coastal town of Asilah. Visit the charming medina district with whitewashed buildings and bright murals, evidence of the town’s annual arts festival. Enjoy the seaside promenade and beach. The town boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Overnight in Asilah.

Day 8: Asilah to Tangier

After a leisurely breakfast in Asilah, depart for Tangier. Drive through the green villages of the Rif Mountains, with a brief stop in Tetouan to overview the principal sights. Proceed to Tangier, where your journey comes to an end. Spend the remainder of your day exploring Tangier or be transferred to the airport or seaport for your departure.

GALLERY