Embark on an incredible 8-day Morocco tour that takes you on a captivating journey from the northern city of Tangier to the vibrant imperial city of Marrakech. This comprehensive Morocco itinerary 8 days is designed to immerse you in the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Morocco, including the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, the ancient imperial city of Fes, and the breathtaking Sahara Desert (with two nights of immersion!). Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with cultural discoveries, historical insights, and thrilling experiences.
Your 8-day Morocco tour from Tangier begins with your arrival at Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) or Tangier Ville Port. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Tangier. After checking in and settling down, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore this fascinating city at your leisure. You might choose to visit the Kasbah, wander through the bustling Grand Socco and Petit Socco squares, explore the American Legation Museum, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Tangier offers a unique blend of Moroccan and European influences. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Tangier.
After breakfast in Tangier, we’ll begin our scenic drive south towards the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled high in the Rif Mountains.
The journey offers picturesque views of the Moroccan countryside. Upon arrival in Chefchaouen, you’ll have the entire afternoon free to immerse yourself in its unique charm. Wander through its famous blue-washed streets and alleys, discover hidden squares, browse the local souks for handicrafts, and soak in the relaxed, artistic ambiance. Chefchaouen is a photographer’s paradise and a truly captivating destination. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the blue medina. Overnight stay in a traditional riad in Chefchaouen.
After a leisurely breakfast in Chefchaouen, you’ll have some final free time to enjoy the blue city or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. In the late morning, we will depart Chefchaouen and continue our journey towards Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest and most historically significant imperial cities. The drive will take you through varied landscapes, transitioning from the mountains to more agricultural plains. Upon arrival in Fes, you’ll check into your traditional riad. You’ll have the evening free to relax, perhaps enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at your riad or explore the vibrant atmosphere around your accommodation, preparing for a deep dive into Fes’s ancient medina tomorrow.
Today is dedicated to exploring the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll spend the entire day delving into the labyrinthine alleys of Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO-listed old medina, which is one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. You’ll visit significant landmarks such as the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest continually operating university in the world), the exquisite Bou Inania Madrasa, and witness the vibrant activity of the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed using traditional methods. You’ll also explore various artisan workshops, seeing traditional crafts come to life, from pottery to weaving. Lunch will be enjoyed within the medina. The rest of the day is at your leisure to further discover the vibrant souks or simply relax and enjoy the ambiance of your riad. This full day in Fes is a cornerstone of your 8 days Morocco itinerary.
Today, your tour takes you on a scenic journey into the Middle Atlas Mountains. You’ll pass through Ifrane (approx. 60 km from Fes), often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture and cool climate. Continue to the Azrou cedar forest (approx. 30 km), where you’ll have the chance to spot wild Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat.
After a refreshing stop, you’ll pass through Midelt, known for its apples, and then drive along the stunning Ziz Valley (starting approx. 140 km from Azrou), an extensive oasis filled with date palm trees, offering breathtaking panoramic views. As the day progresses, the landscape will gradually shift to the desert, and you’ll arrive in Merzouga (approx. 230 km from Ziz Valley). Here, you’ll meet your camel caravan and embark on an unforgettable camel trek deep into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience a mesmerizing Sahara sunset from atop a dune before arriving at your luxury desert camp for an unforgettable night with dinner under the stars and traditional Berber music around a campfire. This is the first of your two magical desert nights.
After experiencing a magical Sahara sunrise and enjoying breakfast at the desert camp, today is dedicated to exploring the fascinating surroundings of Merzouga and delving deeper into the local culture. You’ll have the option to explore the area by 4×4, visiting a local nomadic family to learn about their traditional way of life and share a cup of mint tea.
Next, you’ll head to the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa music, where you’ll enjoy a captivating live performance of this spiritual African music, often referred to as the “black music” of Morocco. Depending on the season, you might also visit the seasonal Merzouga Lake (Dayet Srij), a serene oasis that attracts various bird species, including flamingos. You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps trying a traditional Berber pizza.
In the late afternoon, you’ll return to your desert camp for a second night under the stars, allowing for more time to relax, enjoy the tranquility of the desert, and perhaps try sandboarding on the dunes. Another delicious dinner and evening around the campfire await, deepening your 8-day Morocco tour from Tangier experience.
Wake up early today to witness another breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the desert camp, you’ll ride camels back to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting. Your journey continues through the desert landscape, with an optional stop in Rissani, an ancient market town. From there, you’ll travel to the towering Todra Gorges (approx. 140 km), a magnificent canyon carved by the Todra River.
You’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through Morocco’s most dramatic canyon, marveling at its impressive 300-meter-high walls. Afterward, you’ll continue to the Dades Valley (approx. 60 km), known for its unique rocky landscape and fascinating “monkey fingers” formations. After exploring the Dades Valley, you’ll continue your drive to Ouarzazate (approx. 100 km), often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast in Ouarzazate, your final day of exploration begins. You’ll have the option to visit the Atlas Film Studios or the Taourirt Kasbah if you wish, or simply enjoy a leisurely morning. Next, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou (approx. 30 km), a magnificent fortified village (ksar) that has served as a filming location for blockbusters like Game of Thrones and Gladiator.
After exploring this iconic site, you’ll begin your scenic drive across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (approx. 180 km), offering stunning panoramic views of the rugged peaks and traditional Berber villages. Your 8-day Morocco tour from Tangier concludes upon arrival in Marrakech (approximately late afternoon/early evening), where you’ll be dropped off at your riad or hotel, filled with incredible memories of your comprehensive Sahara and Atlas adventure.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
While every day offers something special, for many, the absolute highlight is the two nights spent immersed in the Sahara Desert. It’s more than just a camel ride; it’s about the profound tranquility, the breathtaking starry skies, the cultural exchange with nomads, and the unforgettable sunrises and sunsets that truly make you feel connected to this ancient landscape.
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, particularly during city explorations in Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Fes, and during the walks in the Todra Gorges. The camel trek is a gentle ride. Most of the travel between destinations is by comfortable vehicle. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, and you can always adjust your pace during free exploration times.
Absolutely! This 8-day itinerary provides a fantastic overview, but we understand if you want to delve deeper. We can certainly customize the tour to include additional nights in cities like Fes or Marrakech, allowing you more time for independent exploration, cooking classes, or other local experiences. Just let us know your preferences when you inquire!
As a couple, we wanted a deep dive into Morocco, and this Morocco tour from Tangier to Marrakech delivered perfectly. The extra time allowed us to truly appreciate each city and the desert. Our driver was fantastic, always attentive to our needs and sharing fascinating local stories. From the northern charm to the southern vibrancy, and the vastness of the Sahara, every day was a new discovery. We returned with incredible memories and a profound appreciation for Morocco’s beauty. A truly well-organized and memorable trip!
