8 Days from Tangier to Chefchaouen, Fez, the Desert and Marrakech

Overview

Highlights

• Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves
• Blue city of Chefchaouen
• Volubilis Roman ruins and the medina of Fez
• Two nights in Merzouga with Khamlia and Rissani
• Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley
• Aït Ben Haddou and a morning in Marrakech (local guide optional)

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Day 1: Tangier – Cap Spartel – Hercules Caves – Chefchaouen

   Your driver picks you up at Tangier port or airport. You visit Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, and the Hercules Caves, with an opening that looks like the map of Africa. Then you drive about 2 hours into the Rif mountains, with green hills and small farms. You arrive in Chefchaouen in the afternoon and have time for a first walk. Night in a riad in the blue city.

   Overnight: Chefchaouen

2. 2

   Day 2

   Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fez

   Walk in the quiet blue lanes of Chefchaouen in the morning and visit Ras El Maa spring. Then you drive south to Volubilis, the best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco, with mosaics of animals and gods. You walk between columns, arches and the large triumphal arch. You arrive in Fez in the late afternoon and check in to a riad in the old city, a quiet house with a central courtyard.

   Overnight: Fez

3. 3

   Day 3

   Day 3: Fez guided tour

   A licensed local guide takes you through Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO medina. You see the Bou Inania madrasa, the outside of Al Quaraouiyine, the Nejjarine fountain and the Chouara tannery from a terrace. You meet artisans in their workshops: weavers, brass workers and tile makers. Your guide explains how the medina works, with its mosques, bakeries and fountains in each quarter. The afternoon is free to rest or shop. Second night in Fez.

   Overnight: Fez

4. 4

   Day 4

   Day 4: Fez – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga camp

   You drive south through the Middle Atlas. You stop in Ifrane and in the cedar forest to see Barbary macaques. After lunch in Midelt, you follow the Ziz valley with its palm groves. In Merzouga you leave your large luggage safely and ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset. Dinner and night in a desert camp, with drums by the fire and many stars.

   Overnight: Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

5. 5

   Day 5

   Day 5: Merzouga day, second night

   Watch the sunrise from the top of a dune. After breakfast you explore the area. In Khamlia, our home village, you listen to Gnawa music. In Rissani you see the busy market. You may visit a nomad family. In the afternoon you can rest, walk in the dunes or try sandboarding. Second night in the camp or a hotel near the dunes.

   Overnight: Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

6. 6

   Day 6

   Day 6: Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

   You drive west to Tinghir and walk inside the Todra Gorges, a narrow canyon with high rock walls. On the way you see the green palm grove of Tinghir and old earth villages. The walk in the gorge is easy and flat. Then you continue to the Dades Valley, with its red mountains and winding road. You can stop at a viewpoint over the famous hairpin bends. Dinner and night in a kasbah-style hotel.

   Overnight: Dades Valley

7. 7

   Day 7

   Day 7: Aït Ben Haddou – Tichka – Marrakech

   You drive through the Rose Valley, with its small earth villages, and Ouarzazate, a town known for its film studios. Then you visit Aït Ben Haddou, the UNESCO earth village, and climb to the top for the view. After lunch you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, with stops at Berber villages. You arrive in Marrakech in the evening. Night in a riad.

   Overnight: Marrakech

8. 8

   Day 8

   Day 8: Marrakech visit and departure

   In the morning you visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace and the souks of Marrakech (a local guide is optional). You end in Jemaa el-Fna square. Then your driver takes you to Marrakech airport. You can drink a fresh orange juice and watch the street life. We can add extra nights in Marrakech if you want more time for the Majorelle Garden, a hammam or a cooking class.

Route map

Tangier → Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Fez → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) → Todra Gorges (Tinghir) → Dades Valley → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech

Accommodation by category

Choose your hotel category. The final hotel names are confirmed when you book, depending on availability.

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Frequently asked questions