12 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier

Your adventure begins in Tangier, the city where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. After meeting your driver, you’ll depart for the enchanting blue town of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Once in Chefchaouen, wander through its tranquil blue-painted alleys, visit the Kasbah Museum in the main square of Outa el Hammam, and take in the view from the Spanish Mosque at sunset. Dinner and overnight in a charming riad.

After breakfast, journey south to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases Morocco’s Roman past. Continue to the imperial city of Meknes, once the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit the monumental Bab Mansour gate, El Hedim Square, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum before proceeding to Fes, the spiritual and intellectual capital of Morocco. Check into your traditional riad in the medina and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Spend the day exploring Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and one of the most fascinating in the world. With a local guide, delve into the labyrinthine Fes el-Bali medina, where artisans, tanners, and merchants have worked for centuries. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Najjariine Fountain, and witness the colorful Chouara Tanneries from above. In the afternoon, drive to the Royal Palace gates and enjoy panoramic views from the Marinid Tombs before returning to your riad for the night.

After breakfast, leave Fes behind and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style houses, and in Azrou, where you may see wild Barbary macaques in the cedar forests. Continue through Midelt, then descend toward the Ziz Valley, famous for its vast palm groves. Arrive at Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, where your camel awaits for a sunset ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes. At your luxury desert camp, enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber drumming, and stargazing under the endless desert sky.

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, embark on a full day of desert exploration. Visit Khamlia village, home to Gnawa musicians of sub-Saharan origin, and listen to their soulful rhythms. Explore the black desert of volcanic stones, meet nomadic Berber families, and discover ancient fossil sites. After lunch in a local restaurant, you can try optional activities like sandboarding or quad biking before returning to your camp or riad for the night.

After breakfast, leave the desert behind and visit the traditional market of Rissani, a former caravan trading center. Continue through Tinghir and marvel at the impressive Todra Gorges, where the towering cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the canyon. Enjoy a short walk along the river before driving to the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Dinner and overnight in a hotel overlooking the Dades Gorges.

Today you’ll follow the scenic Route of the Thousand Kasbahs to Kalaat M’Gouna, famous for its rose water and cosmetics. Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” and visit the Taourirt Kasbah. Then explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village that has appeared in many films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Cross the High Atlas Mountains through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) and arrive in Marrakech by evening. Overnight in a riad inside the medina.

After breakfast, join your local guide to explore the best of Marrakech, known as the “Red City.” Visit historical landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and Bahia Palace. Wander through the bustling Jemaa el-Fna Square, where snake charmers, musicians, and storytellers create a lively atmosphere. Explore the colorful souks full of spices, lamps, and textiles. In the afternoon, relax at the Majorelle Garden, a masterpiece of art and nature once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Evening at leisure to enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine or a rooftop sunset over the medina.

After breakfast, drive through the scenic countryside to the charming coastal town of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, see argan trees and, if lucky, goats climbing their branches! Upon arrival, explore the historic Skala de la Kasbah, the bustling fishing port, and the beautiful medina filled with art galleries, local shops, and cafés. Enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean and a relaxing evening in your riad.

After a leisurely morning in Essaouira, drive along the Atlantic coast to Casablanca, Morocco’s modern metropolis. Upon arrival, visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest and most beautifully located by the sea. Stroll along the Corniche, explore the modern city center, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before settling into your hotel.

After breakfast, depart for Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. Visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and the charming Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Continue north to Asilah, a serene seaside town known for its whitewashed walls, blue doors, and colorful street art. Walk through the medina and enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea. Overnight in Asilah.

On the final day, enjoy a relaxed morning in Asilah before driving back to Tangier. Depending on your flight or ferry schedule, you may have time to explore the highlights of Tangier — such as the Caves of Hercules, the Kasbah Museum, or the panoramic Cape Spartel; before being transferred to your port, hotel, or airport. Your 12 days Morocco Tour from Tangier concludes with unforgettable memories of the country’s culture, landscapes, and hospitality.