8 Days from Marrakech to Sahara Desert, Chefchaouen, and Tangier

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

1. Marrakech
   2h
   Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport, where your driver will meet you for a private transfer to your traditional Moroccan riad. After check-in, enjoy free time to relax or explore the lively streets, souks, and atmosphere of Marrakech at your own pace.

Day 2: Marrakech Guided Exploration

1. Bahia Palace
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Discover one of Marrakech’s most beautiful monuments, famous for its elegant courtyards, intricate zellige tilework, carved cedarwood, and traditional Moroccan architecture.
2. Medersa Ben Youssef
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   Visit this historic Islamic college, renowned for its impressive Moroccan-Andalusian architecture, detailed carvings, and peaceful courtyard.
3. Saadian Tombs
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   Explore the beautifully decorated royal tombs dating from the Saadian dynasty and learn about this important period in Moroccan history.
4. Koutoubia Mosque
   30m
   Stop beside Marrakech’s most famous mosque and admire its iconic 12th-century minaret. The visit is from the exterior for non-Muslim visitors.
5. Jemaa el-Fnaa
   2h
   Explore the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square and wander through the narrow streets of Marrakech’s old medina. Discover colorful souks, artisan workshops, historic buildings, spices, leather goods, and traditional Moroccan crafts.

Day 3: Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Benhaddou

1. High Atlas Mountains
   1h
   Leave Marrakech and travel across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, enjoying panoramic views and several scenic photo stops along the winding mountain roads
2. Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
   1h
   Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, famous for its traditional earthen architecture and appearances in many international films and television productions.
3. Ouarzazate
   45m
   Continue through Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” with time for sightseeing and photographs.
4. Skoura Oasis Tour Guide
   1h
   Travel through the palm-filled Skoura Oasis before continuing through the beautiful Rose Valley. Stop at a local rose cooperative to discover traditional rose water, oils, and cosmetic products.
5. 1h
   Arrive in the spectacular Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations, Berber villages, green oases, and mountain scenery.

Day 4: Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert & Camel Trek

1. Todra Gorge
   1h
   Travel toward the Sahara with a stop at the impressive Todra Gorge. Walk between towering limestone cliffs and enjoy one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
2. Erfoud
   30m
   Continue through Erfoud, a desert gateway town famous for fossils, dates, and its proximity to the Sahara.
3. Erg Chebbi Dunes
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Arrive in Merzouga and prepare for your Sahara adventure. Ride a camel across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy the magical desert landscape as the sun begins to set.

Day 5: Merzouga to Fes via the Middle Atlas

1. 1h
   Wake early to enjoy the Sahara sunrise before breakfast. Depart Merzouga and begin the scenic journey toward Fes.
2. 30m
   Stop for panoramic views over the beautiful Ziz Valley, famous for its vast palm groves, oasis landscapes, and traditional villages.
3. Midelt
   1h
   Continue to Midelt, located between the High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains, with time for lunch and a short break.
4. Ifrane
   45m
   Visit Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its alpine-style architecture, green spaces, and peaceful atmosphere.
5. 1h
   Continue to Fes and arrive in the evening. Check in to your accommodation and relax after the journey.

Day 6: Fes Sightseeing & Transfer to Chefchaouen

1. 30m · Admission ticket included
   Begin your exploration of Fes with a stop at the impressive Royal Palace gates, famous for their decorative brass doors and intricate tilework.
2. Bou Inania Medersa
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the UNESCO-listed old medina of Fes with its narrow alleys, traditional souks, historic buildings, artisan workshops, and important religious monuments. Visit the beautiful Bou Inania Madrasa.
3. Chouara Tannery
   45m
   See one of Fes’s most famous traditional industries from a panoramic terrace overlooking the colorful leather dyeing pits.
4. 30m · Admission ticket included
   Discover the historic surroundings of Al Quaraouiyine, one of the world’s oldest continuously operating centers of learning, located in the heart of the medina.
5. Chefchaouen
   4h
   After lunch, depart Fes and travel through northern Morocco to the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen.

Day 7: Chefchaouen to Tangier

1. Chefchaouen Medina
   2h
   Enjoy the morning exploring Chefchaouen’s famous blue-painted streets, charming alleys, artisan shops, and peaceful atmosphere.
2. Place Outa el Hammam
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Visit the lively main square surrounded by cafés and historic buildings. You may also visit the Kasbah and its gardens and museum.
3. Chefchaouen
   45m
   Walk toward one of the hillside viewpoints for beautiful panoramas over Chefchaouen and the surrounding Rif Mountains.
4. Tangier
   2h 30m
   After lunch, depart Chefchaouen for Tangier. Arrive in the evening and enjoy the city’s unique blend of Moroccan, Mediterranean, and European influences.

Day 8: Tangier Sightseeing & Departure

1. Tangier
   3h
   Enjoy your final morning in Tangier before your departure. Depending on your flight or ferry schedule, free time may be available for sightseeing.
2. Caves of Hercules
   45m
   Discover the legendary Hercules Caves overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and admire the famous sea opening associated with the shape of Africa.
3. 46m
   Visit Cape Spartel for panoramic coastal scenery near the point where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels