11 Day Moroccan Imperial City Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

by | | Atlas Mountains, Chefchaouen, Fez, Meknes, Merzouga, Ouarzazate, Rabat, Tangier, Tetouan

Duration: 11 Days

Locations visited: Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fez, Ifrane, Azrou, Erfoud, Merzouga, Khamlia, Rissani, Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert, Todra Gorge, Dades Valle, Dades Valley, Skoura, Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Asilah

Minimum Group Size: 2

Trip Highlights: 

 

What’s included:

  • Private Tour: there will be no other people in the group
  • Pick up and transfer to the airport or port of Tangier
  • Private transportation minivan with air conditioning
  • Driver/Accompanying guide who speaks English, Spanish, French and Arabic
  • Local guide in Fez for the guided tour
  • Accommodation on a half-board basis, in a double room with a bathroom, except in Fez only breakfast
  • Fuel, tolls and all expenses associated with transportation

 

What’s not included:

  • Midday meals
  • Dinners in Fez
  • Drinks
  • Tickets to museums
  • Flights

 

Itinerary:

 

Day 1: Tangier Airport Pick Up

 

Upon arrival at Tangier Airport, you will be greeted by a representative holding a sign displaying the name of our agency, toursofmorocco.com. We’ll then proceed to visit the Cave of Hercules and take a scenic tour along the coast before reaching the city center. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to your riad in Tangier, where you’ll have free time to explore the Medina. Spend the night in the riad.

Day 2: Tangier, Tetouan and Chefchaouen

 

After breakfast, we’ll embark on our journey towards Chaouen, a town steeped in mystery and history. Originally established as a hidden enclave for attacks against Portuguese settlers on the northern coast, Chaouen remained off-limits to Europeans until Spanish troops arrived in 1920. Nestled within a biosphere natural reserve, Chaouen’s charm lies in its whitewashed and blue-painted streets, set against the backdrop of towering mountains. The town exudes tranquility and is home to warm and hospitable locals. Upon arrival, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore. Spend the night in a hotel located within the medina.

Day 3: Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes and Fez 

After breakfast, you’ll have free time to explore the charming blue medina of Chaouen, nestled amidst the Rif mountains. Wander through its labyrinthine streets, entering through any of its five gates, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of its old blue and white houses. Continuing our journey, we’ll head towards Fez, passing by the Mamora forest and making a stop about 27 km from Meknes to stroll around its square. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis, marveling at the fascinating archaeological remains from the Roman era. Finally, we’ll arrive in Fez, where you’ll spend the night in a riad.

Day 4: Fez Historical and Panoramic City Tour 

 

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Fez, one of the Imperial Cities with origins dating back to the 8th century. As one of the earliest holy cities of Muslim worship in Morocco, Fez boasts one of the oldest universities in the world. Stepping into the medina (old city), you’ll feel as though time has reversed: the guild structure still thrives, narrow streets are bustling with donkey traffic, and a constant flow of people navigates the labyrinthine alleys. Explore neighborhoods like the Andalusian quarter, marvel at magnificent mosques, and visit Koranic schools. Accommodation for the night will be arranged in a riad in Fez.

Day 5: Fez, Ifrane, Azrou, Monkey Forest, Erfoud and Merzouga

 

Departing from Fez, our journey takes us towards the Middle Atlas region, where we’ll visit Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Africa. Our next stop is Azrou, known as “the rock,” a Berber town famed for its crafts, carpets, and wood sculptures. Continuing our drive, we’ll reach Midelt. In the Middle Atlas, keep an eye out for monkeys that roam freely in the cedar forests. Our route then takes us through the Tizi Talghemt, or Camella’s Neck, at an altitude of 1,907 meters, offering stunning views of the stark mountain landscape. As we approach Errachidia, we’ll encounter the Tafilalet massif stretching into the palm groves of Erfoud, renowned for producing the finest dates in the country. Finally, we’ll arrive at the expansive dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Enjoy some free time to witness a breathtaking sunset over the desert. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided in a hotel overlooking the dunes.

Day 6: Merzouga, Khamlia, Nomads Desert, Rissani and Erg Chebbi Desert

After breakfast, we’ll venture to Khamlia, also known as the “town of the blacks,” home to descendants of Mali inhabitants renowned for their musical prowess in Gnawa music. Enjoy a captivating Gnawa music concert before embarking on a 4×4 journey around the Erg Chebbi dunes. These expansive sand dunes include the iconic Great Dune of Morocco, towering over 250 meters high. Following the old Paris-Dakar route, we’ll stop at a panoramic viewpoint to admire the vast Erg Chebbi and the remnants of old khol mines and abandoned Berber and French villages against the backdrop of Algeria’s border mountains.

Our next destination is Rissani, renowned for its authentic African market bustling with nomads and locals selling and trading goods. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to savor Berber pizza, a local specialty unique to the area. Returning to the hotel, the afternoon brings a camel trek into the desert as the sun sets, leading to a tent camp nestled amidst the towering dunes. Spend the night under the desert stars, enjoying dinner and the serenity of the desert surroundings.

Day 7: Erg Chebbi Desert, Erfoud, Todra Gorge and Dades Valley

 

In the morning, you have the option to rise early and witness the breathtaking sunrise from atop a towering dune. After a hearty breakfast and refreshing shower, we’ll return to the hotel either by camel or 4×4. Our journey continues towards Erfoud, renowned for its fossil quarries dating back over 380 million years, where locals craft various objects from these ancient treasures.

Next, we’ll visit the famed Todra Gorges, a paradise for climbers and trekking enthusiasts. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll amidst the towering canyon walls and perhaps even dip your toes in the refreshing river. Continuing our adventure, we’ll traverse the picturesque Dades Valley, known as the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs,” before arriving at the Valley of Roses. This charming area is famous for its production of creams, soaps, and exquisite rose water derived from the cultivation of these fragrant flowers. Conclude the day with dinner and a restful overnight stay in a cozy mountain hotel along the banks of the Dades River.

Day 8: Dades, Skoura, Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech

 

We’ll embark on a journey towards the awe-inspiring Dades Gorges, tracing the path of the river through landscapes adorned with peculiar geological formations, abandoned kasbahs, Berber villages, and verdant orchards. Continuing our route, we’ll pass through Skoura, nestled in the heart of the palm tree valley. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the extensive oasis, home to hidden kasbahs and lush vegetation, including a visit to the Amerdil kasbah.

Our adventure then takes us to Ouarzazate, where we’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Taourirt kasbah. Known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” Ouarzazate beckons cinema enthusiasts to visit its renowned film studios, which have been the backdrop for numerous iconic films. Just 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate lies the famous Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have free time to wander the labyrinthine streets of the kasbah and ascend to its summit for breathtaking valley views.

In the afternoon, we’ll journey back through the High Atlas Mountains, traversing the Tizi Ntichka pass at an altitude of 2,260 meters. Along the way, feel free to make stops to soak in the spectacular mountain vistas, adorned with stone villages nestled in valleys and slopes. Upon arrival in Marrakech, you’ll have the evening to immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Jemma el Fna Square. Spend the night in a charming riad in Marrakech, completing an unforgettable day of exploration.

Day 9: Marrakech City Tour

 

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on a guided tour of Marrakech, renowned for its bustling Jemaa el Fna square, a sensory feast of aromas, sounds, and sights that will captivate your senses. The city boasts an array of enchanting attractions to explore, including the tranquil Majorelle Gardens, the scenic Menara gardens, and the historic Saadian Tombs.

Take leisurely strolls through the labyrinthine streets of the medina, or delve into the rich history of the mellah, Marrakech’s old Jewish quarter. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover the city’s ancient walls and immerse yourself in the modern vibrancy of Gueliz, with its Western influences and contemporary lifestyle.

As the day winds down, retreat to the comfort of a charming riad nestled within the heart of Marrakech’s bustling medina, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Day 10: Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Asilah

 

After breakfast, we’ll set off for Casablanca. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a panoramic tour of the bustling economic capital, including an exterior view of the iconic Hassan II Mosque and a brief exploration of key landmarks such as Boulevard de la Corniche, Park of Nations, and Place Mohamed V. You’ll have the option to take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque beaches of La Corniche boulevard.

Continuing our journey, we’ll head to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco, where we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour highlighting attractions like the Royal Palace, the mausoleum of Mohammed V, the historic Hassan Tower, and the charming Kasbah Oudaya.

Our next stop is the coastal city of Asilah, where you’ll have free time to wander through the serene white medina and soak in the breathtaking views from the seaside viewpoint overlooking the beach. Rest and unwind at a comfortable hotel in Asilah for the night.

Day 11: Tangier Airport Drop Off 

 

After breakfast, we’ll arrange your transfer to Tangier Airport according to your departure schedule, marking the conclusion of our services. If you need any assistance with your departure arrangements or have any further inquiries, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Safe travels!

 

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Destinations

Agadir

Agadir

Atlas Mountains

Atlas Mountains

Casablanca

Casablanca

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen

Essaouira

Essaouira

Fez

Fez

Marrakech

Marrakech

Merzouga

Merzouga

Rabat

Rabat

Tangier

Tangier

Day Trip

Day Trips

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