This 6 day tour from Tangier to Marrakech takes you from the Strait of Gibraltar through Chefchaouen and Fes to the Sahara, then over the High Atlas to Marrakech.
Day one heads south from Tangier through Tetouan and the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen for an overnight in the Blue City. Day two is a guided tour of Chefchaouen with free time to explore at your own pace. Day three travels to Fes with an afternoon guided cultural tour of the ancient medina. Day four crosses the Middle Atlas and Ziz Valley to the Sahara Desert for a sunset camel trek and an overnight in a luxury desert camp. Day five heads west through the Draa Valley and Anti-Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate for the night. Day six visits Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to arrive in Marrakech.
Tangier faces Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, only about 14 km wide at its narrowest point. Chefchaouen, founded in 1471 in the Rif Mountains, is famous for its blue-washed medina. At Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi dunes rise to around 150 meters, among the tallest in Morocco.
The best months for a full Morocco circuit are March to May and September to November, when both the cities and the desert are comfortable. Summer is hot inland and in the Sahara, and winter brings cold desert nights and snow in the mountains.
This private 6 day tour from Tangier to Marrakech starts from $720 per person, based on two travelers sharing, and the price per person drops for larger groups. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace and hotel preferences. Send us your dates on WhatsApp or through the enquiry form below for a free quote.
Departure from Tangier in the morning, heading southeast through the city and out toward Tetouan, the White Dove of the North. Tetouan is one of Morocco’s most underrated cities, with a UNESCO-listed medina shaped by centuries of Andalusian and Moroccan influences, and a character quite distinct from the larger imperial cities of the south. Enjoy a brief stop to walk through the historic medina and main square, taking in the distinctive Hispano-Moorish architecture that reflects the city’s history as a refuge for Muslims and Jews expelled from Spain in the 15th century.
Continue south through the Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen. The road climbs steadily through forested hillsides, Berber villages, and mountain scenery, the landscape becoming increasingly lush and dramatic as you gain altitude. Arrive in Chefchaouen in the early afternoon and check into your traditional riad in the medina. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Blue City at your own pace before the full guided tour tomorrow. Wander into the blue-washed alleyways, visit Outa el Hammam Square, and enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere of a town that looks and feels unlike anywhere else in Morocco. Dinner independently at one of the rooftop restaurants overlooking the medina.
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After breakfast at your riad, your local guide will meet you for a guided tour of the Chefchaouen medina. The tour covers the fascinating history of the town from its founding in 1471 as a Berber fortress to the arrival of Andalusian and Jewish refugees from Spain who introduced the blue painting tradition that makes Chefchaouen instantly recognizable around the world. Your guide will take you through the most photogenic and historically significant quarters of the medina, visit local artisan workshops where handwoven wool blankets and leather goods are made using traditional methods, and lead you to viewpoints and hidden corners that most visitors on their own never find.
The guided tour takes approximately two to three hours, leaving the rest of the day entirely free for you to explore at your own pace. Wander back through favorite alleyways in different light, browse the souk for souvenirs, sit in a cafe and watch the town go about its day, or take the walk up to the Spanish Mosque above the medina for the best panoramic view of the blue rooftops and the surrounding Rif Mountains. The afternoon and evening in Chefchaouen are yours completely. Dinner independently in the medina.
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After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen and head southeast toward Fes. The drive takes approximately two and a half hours through the Rif Mountains and across the fertile Saiss Plain, the landscape flattening and opening out as you leave the northern mountains behind and approach the city. Arrive in Fes late morning and check into your traditional riad in the heart of the old medina.
After settling in and enjoying a lunch break, your knowledgeable local guide will meet you in the afternoon for a guided cultural tour of Fes el-Bali, the ancient walled medina of Fes and one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval cities in the world. The afternoon tour covers the essential highlights of the city, beginning with Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859 AD and recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. Continue to the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning 14th-century theological school featuring some of the finest examples of Moroccan decorative craftsmanship, with intricate zellige tilework, elaborately carved stucco walls, and ornate cedar wood ceilings.
Head to the world-famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather has been dyed using the same natural pigments and traditional methods for over a thousand years. View the vivid circular dye vats from the rooftop terraces of the surrounding leather shops, one of the most striking visual experiences in Morocco. Round off the tour with a walk through the artisan workshops and a final stroll through the souks before returning to your riad as the evening settles in. Dinner independently at one of the excellent restaurants in and around the medina.
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Early morning departure from Fes, heading south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, a spotlessly clean alpine town with European-style stone chalets, manicured parks, and cool mountain air that provides one of the most surprising contrasts in Morocco. Continue to the cedar forests around Azrou, where Barbary macaque monkeys roam freely among the ancient cedar trees, one of Morocco’s most charming wildlife encounters. Stop for photographs and to watch the monkeys before continuing south through Midelt for a lunch stop.
After lunch, the road descends dramatically into the Ziz Valley, one of the most beautiful and photogenic landscapes in southern Morocco. The valley follows the Ziz River through a long corridor of thousands of date palms, ancient mud-brick kasbahs, and small Berber villages. Stop at the panoramic viewpoint high above the valley for sweeping photographs before continuing through the Foum Zabel tunnel and across the Tizi-n-Talghemt mountain pass toward Merzouga.
By late afternoon, the towering orange dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. Your camels will be waiting at the edge of the desert for a sunset trek across the golden sands. As the sun descends, the dunes glow in shades of amber and rose and the silence of the Sahara settles completely around you. Arrive at your luxury desert camp to a warm welcome of mint tea and Berber bread. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under a sky full of stars, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of live Berber music around the campfire.
Rise before dawn to witness the Sahara sunrise, one of the most peaceful and unforgettable moments the desert offers. As the first light creeps over the dunes, the desert awakens in shades of gold and pink. After breakfast at the camp, say farewell to the Sahara and begin the long drive west toward Ouarzazate.
The drive west from Merzouga passes through the small historic town of Rissani, the ancient former capital of the Tafilalt region. If your visit falls on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), a brief stop at the Rissani souk offers a genuine glimpse into local desert trade and daily life. Continue through Alnif and N’Qob, small desert towns known for their traditional architecture, before entering the magnificent Draa Valley, one of the most fertile and visually stunning landscapes in Morocco. The valley follows the course of the Draa River through a long corridor of thousands of date palms, ancient mud-brick kasbahs, and small Berber villages that have been sustained by the river’s waters for thousands of years. Stop at key viewpoints to admire the extraordinary contrast of lush green palm groves against the surrounding desert mountains.
Cross the rugged Anti-Atlas Mountains, admiring the dramatic scenery and winding roads that showcase Morocco’s extraordinary natural diversity, before arriving in Ouarzazate in the evening. Known as the Hollywood of Africa, Ouarzazate has a relaxed desert character and a fascinating cinematic history. Dinner independently and an overnight stay in a riad or hotel in the city.
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After breakfast in Ouarzazate, begin the final day of the tour with a visit to the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic fortified villages in Morocco. This ancient ksar, built entirely from red earthen clay, has stood as a key stop along historic trans-Saharan trade routes for centuries and has appeared in some of the most celebrated productions in cinema history, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy. Your guide will walk you through the narrow alleyways and take you up to the top for sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. Please note that entrance fees to Ait Ben Haddou are paid locally and not included in the tour price.
Continue north across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest paved road in North Africa at approximately 2,260 meters above sea level. The road winds through spectacular switchbacks with sweeping views of rocky peaks, deep gorges, and traditional Berber villages perched on the hillsides. Stop along the route for photographs and to take in the extraordinary mountain scenery before descending into the red plains surrounding Marrakech.
Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. Your Navigate Morocco driver will drop you off at your riad or hotel in the medina, or transfer you directly to Marrakech Menara Airport if you have a departure flight, bringing your 6-day journey from Tangier to Marrakech to a smooth and memorable close.
End of tour with Navigate Morocco |
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This is a fully private tour operated exclusively for you and your travel companions by Navigate Morocco. You will have a dedicated vehicle and driver-guide for all 6 days and will not share with any other group.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Tangier with a pickup from Tangier port, airport, or your accommodation and ends in Marrakech with a drop-off at your riad, hotel, or Marrakech Menara Airport depending on your onward travel plans.
Why does the tour stop in Tetouan on Day 1?
Tetouan is directly on the route between Tangier and Chefchaouen and is one of the most underrated cities in northern Morocco. Its UNESCO-listed medina has a distinctive Andalusian character shaped by the refugees who settled there after the fall of Granada in 1492, making it architecturally different from any other medina in Morocco. A brief stop adds genuine historical depth to the first day without significantly adding to the driving time.
Is Day 4 a long drive?
Yes, the drive from Fes to Merzouga is approximately 430 kilometers and takes around 5 to 6 hours including stops. An early departure from Fes of around 7am is essential to arrive in Merzouga in time for the sunset camel trek. The route is broken up with stops in Ifrane, the cedar forest, Midelt for lunch, and the Ziz Valley viewpoint, making it a scenic and engaging day rather than a tiring one.
Is the camel trek suitable for all travelers?
Yes. The sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes is slow-paced and guided by experienced local handlers, making it suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. A 4×4 transfer to the desert camp can be arranged as an alternative if preferred.
What type of accommodation is included?
You will stay in traditional riads in Chefchaouen and Fes, a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, and a riad or hotel in Ouarzazate. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, cleanliness, and authentic Moroccan character.
Are dinners included?
Dinner is only included at the Sahara desert camp on Day 4. Dinners in Chefchaouen, Fes, and Ouarzazate are not included, giving you the freedom to explore each city’s restaurant scene independently. Your driver-guide will always recommend the best local options.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. Navigate Morocco offers fully flexible itineraries. Stops, pacing, accommodation preferences, and optional activities can all be adjusted to match your group’s interests and schedule.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
The best months are March to May and September to November when temperatures are comfortable across all regions of the route. Summer can be very hot in the Sahara and southern Morocco, while winter is cooler but still manageable with appropriate clothing particularly in the Rif Mountains and High Atlas.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, light layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Bring a warm layer for cool evenings in the mountains and desert. A small daypack is ideal for daily excursions and the camel trek, and a scarf is useful for the desert wind and when visiting religious sites.
