Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Chefchaouen

On the first day of your 5-day desert tour itinerary, we will pick you up from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier, also known as “the bride of the north.” The city is located northwest where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel. First, we will explore the beautiful city, the Cave of Hercules, and Cape Spartel. After some free time for lunch, we will drive inland to Chefchaouen, passing through the city of Tetouan and the Rif Mountains, with stops for panoramic views. Overnight stay in a hotel in Chefchaouen.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Roman Ruins of Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, feel free to wander through the beautiful alleyways of the blue city, Chefchaouen. The 5-day desert tour continues with a visit to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, which is well-preserved and recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It features many beautiful mosaics, ancient pillars, and archways. After strolling through the ruins, we will drive 30 km to visit Meknes, the Ismaili capital, where we will see Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani Basin, the Royal Stables, the Granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. We will then head to Fes for an overnight stay in a riad.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Cedars Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Sahara

After breakfast, we will drive south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, known for its low temperature, snow, and alpine-style architecture, earning it the nickname “Switzerland of Morocco.” We will then continue to the Cedars Forest, where the Barbary macaques live. Feel free to feed them while wandering in the forest. Later, we will continue to Midelt for lunch. We will then drive through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the Ziz Valley, with stops for panoramic views.

In the afternoon, we will reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, where you will switch to camels to cross the sandy desert, with a stop on top of a high dune to enjoy the sunset. We will then continue to the camp, which combines traditional nomad tents with the luxury of a hotel. Here, you can enjoy Berber drum music while dancing around the campfire under a vast open sky of stars. Accommodation will be provided in the camp.

Day 4: Merzouga Sahara – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Waking up early in the morning is a must to contemplate the beautiful sunrise. After breakfast, we will leave the desert to visit Rissani town, the ancient capital of Tafilalet, which remains a major trading center in the region with a large souk that is lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll through Rissani souk, we will continue to Erfoud to visit one of the workshops of fossilized marble.

We will then drive through Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves to reach the Todra Gorges. The Todra River has carved out a grand canyon through the mountains, creating high red cliff-sided walls, ideal for rock climbers. Feel free to wander through the gorges and appreciate the beauty of the landscape. After lunch in a restaurant, we will continue to the Dades Valley through Boumalne Dades, with inevitable stops at the “monkey fingers” rock formation and a spot atop a mountain overlooking the Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Palm Groves of Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Telouet – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, we will continue to Kalaa Magouna to visit the Rose Valley, where a Rose Festival is held annually in May. Locals offer their rose products, including perfumes, rose water, oil, and cosmetic products. We will then drive through the palm groves of Skoura and visit the Kasbah of Amredhyle. We will reach Ouarzazate, where we will visit the studios where famous movies were shot and the Taourirt Kasbah.

We will then depart to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Finally, we will cross the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-n-Tichka pass to reach Marrakech, where the tour ends.