12 Days Tour From Tangier To Marrakech Via Erg Ch

Day 1: Tangier

After meeting you at the port/airport, we will transfer you to your hotel and you will be free for the rest of the day.

Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, departure for Tetouan. Along the way, we will visit some traditional villages in the Jbala region. There’s a lot to love about the area, like the scent of the breeze and the clean mountain air. We arrived in Chefchaouen, crossed the city center known for its famous squares and markets and visited the medina. We spend the night in a local hotel.

DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FES

Today we head to Fez to visit the Roman Berber ruins of Volubilis or “walili”. Then we will drive to Meknes, another imperial city with historical sites. After visiting Meknes, we will cross the most beautiful places in Fez where we will spend the night.

Day 4: FES Full day

After breakfast, we will explore the Medina (old town) with a local guide. Fez is one of the largest and oldest cities in the world. We will explore the narrow streets with their fresh spices and colorful carpets, in addition to Morocco’s many other artistic offerings. We will visit the king’s palace, tanneries, potters and other craftsmen on both sides. We will then have lunch in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina, after which we will end our visit and return to our hotel.

DAY 5: FES – IFRANE – AZROU – MIDELT – ERFOUD – MERZOUGA

This day we will travel southeast through the Middle Atlas Mountains via Ifrane “Moroccan Switzerland” then Azrou where we will stop at the famous cedar forest, the largest place in Morocco to see Barbary apes. From there we continue south passing through several towns where you will have the chance to see nomads living in tents. We then stop in Midert where you will have lunch. We then continue to Merzouga via the Tizi N’Talghomt pass (1907m) for panoramic views. You will also stop to admire the panoramic view of the Aoufous palm grove along the Ziz river. At the end of the day, we continue towards the superb sand dunes of Erg Chebbi (Merzouga). Arrival at the hotel for the night.

DAY 6: MERZUGA – ERG CHEBBI – MERZUGA

After breakfast in your riad, you can discover the region before embarking on a camel ride; you will visit the Gnawa in their village Khamlia – – Originally from Mali, Senegal and Sudan – where you will discover their music and their way of life. Later, we will head to the desert area to meet nomadic families and explore their way of life. Our lunch today will be a traditional Berber meal (Berber pizza). You can also choose to visit the old town of Rissani – the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty – the current ruling royal family of Morocco. Rissani is surrounded by around 360 ksar (a fortified village with many towers) and has a large souk (an open market) which is held three times a week. It was formerly called Sijilmassa and was the gathering place for salt caravans from Timbuktu, Mali. Here you can stroll through the souks selling spices, vegetables and fabrics. Return to the city of Merzouga. In the afternoon, you will take a camel ride led by an experienced camel driver to discover what is hidden in the middle of the highest sand dunes in Morocco. Dinner will be served in front of your overnight tent.

DAY 7: MERZOUGA – RISSANI – ALNIF – TOUDRA KLOWE – DADES VALLEY

After watching the sunrise over the dunes of the Sahara desert and having breakfast, we return to the hotel or riad by camel . We continue our journey through Rissani, Alnif and turn towards the Toudra Gorge. You will walk along the canyon stream. We continue to the Dades Valley for a night in a local riad or hotel.

DAY 8: DADES VALLEY – AIT BEN HADDOU – MARRAKECH

Today we depart via Ouarzazate towards the High Atlas Mountains and visit Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s filming locations. The site has attracted several filmmakers and many award winning films have been filmed here including: Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Gladiator and many more. We will have lunch at the Kasbah and in the afternoon we will cross the Tizi n Tishka pass in the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech where we will spend the night in a Riad.

Day 9: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech

After breakfast this morning, we drive to Essaouira, a coastal city and a place of great honor in Moroccan history. Upon arrival, you will discover ancient streets, museums and castles and bronze cannons. In the afternoon, we return to Marrakech and spend the night at the Riad.

Day 10: Full day in Marrakech

Today we will spend a full day visiting Marrakech, exploring this beautiful city and tourist center of Morocco. We will visit the medina and its souks, the famous Jamaa el Fna square, the Saadian tombs, the Menara gardens and the palaces of Bahia and Badia. Tonight we stay at our hotel in Marrakech.

DAY 11: MARRAKECH – CASABLANCA – RABAT – ASILAH

Today we go to Rabat, passing through important cities such as Casablanca and Rabat (the capital of Morocco), to visit the Hassan II Mosque. Then we drive north until we reach Asilah – a trendy coastal city with a blue glow. We spend the night at the hotel.

DAY 12: ASSILAH – TANGIER

After breakfast, we will head to Tangier to finish our tour and explore a few sites before taking you to the ferry terminal or airport before your scheduled departure time.

Included in the tour:

• Transfers from Port/Airport to hotel
• Accommodation in hotels and riads
• Breakfast
• Local guide services in Fes and Marrakesh
• Visits to Tangier, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, IFRANE, Azrou, Midelt, Erfoud, Merzouga, Rissani, Alnif, Toudra Gorges, Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou, and Essaouira
• Traditional meals (Berber pizza)
• Camel trekking in Merzouga
• Visit to Gnawa village and nomad families
• Visit to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou

Not Included in the tour:

• Flights to and from Morocco
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs and drinks
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver