7 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

After the breakfast in riad we drive across the Rif mountains going south to the wonderful Roman ruins at Volubilis , the Volubilis of really ancient olive presses, mansions, incredible mosaics, monumental arches and Corinthian columns where you’ll have a real sense of Roman lifestyle and of that of a subsequent medieval Berber town. We leave Volubilis behind to drive alongside the dark, outlaying ridges of the Zerhoun Hills to stop for a visit of the town of Moulay Idriss , the holiest Islamic town in the kingdom of Morocco, where thousands of Moroccan faithful come on pilgrimage (moussem) every August to pray at the tomb of this descendant of the Prophet Mohammed. Arriving at the elongated square we see above us the green-tiled pyramids of the Zaouia with its two conical quarters on either side and stroll amidst the labyrinth of alleyways before leaving for the Imperial City rebuilt by Moulay Ismail. Overnight in riad in fes city.

Fes (Fez) is Morocco’s oldest Imperial city and its “old town” is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Medina (old town) is called Fes el-Bali and behind its high walls is a magical, medieval city just teeming with life in every one of its narrow streets. Fes is the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco and you’ll certainly experience its vibrancy. The new part of Fes, called the new city, was built by the French and is totally different from the medina. The wide boulevards are lined with modern shops and full of traffic activity. There’s not much to see, but if you prefer larger Westernized hotels, this is where you’d stay. After breakfast at 9:00, we’ll begin to explore the oldest city in Morocco, wandering through its alleys and small streets. Your first stop is the Royal Palace gate, which was once the Jewish headquarters, and the first Mellah ever built in Morocco (built during the 16th century). Your tour will include the significant cultural and historical sites, including the famous Al Qaraouine University (the oldest in the region), the tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and Mulay Idriss Mausoleum. After lunch, you will visit the tiles cooperative before enjoying a wonderful panoramic view over the entire Medina of Fes.

We will pick you up from your riad / hotel then drive south to Ifrane and Azrou through the Middle Atlas mountains. On the way we will stop at the cedar forests to see the Barbarian Apes in their natural habitat. Travelling through the Tizi Ntalghamt pass to Midelt and along the magnificent Ziz Gorges carved through volcanic rock, you’ll see views of the Middle-Atlas plateau and the scenery changing to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city of Errachidia. After lunch we’ll continue our journey through the Ziz Valley to Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga. After a glass of mint tea, we’ll leave our luggage in a safe room then take a camel ride to a Berber camp in the middle of the Erg Chebbi Sad Dunes which are the highest sand dunes in North Africa. The camel trek takes about 1 hour 30 min from to the camp where we will set up Berber tents for our night in the desert. The tents are well equipped with mattresses, blankets, and cushions. After dinner we will gather around the fire and enjoy the sound of traditional Berber drums under the stars.

We will wake up early to enjoy a magnificent sunrise on the dunes then take a camel ride back to the hotel. After freshening up and breakfast we’ll leave for Tinghir and the Todra Gorges and finally arrive in the Dades Valley where we will have dinner and spend the night.

After breakfast we’ll drive through the Dades Valley towards Kalaat Mgouna and Ouarzazate. The route through the Dades Valley, the way of the thousand Kasbahs, provides numerous photo opportunities. We’ll visit the Roses valley and Skoura village, then continue to Ouarzazat, “the Hollywood of Africa”. Lunch is at the famous Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco. After touring this UNESCO World Heritage site, our journey will continue through the majestic Tizi nTichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2260m, over the High Atlas Mountains. We will stop to enjoy the impressive views and visit the argan oilcooperative. We will arrive in Marrakech late afternoon.

Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing tour followed by a convenient transfer to the airport, perfectly timed to match your flight schedule.