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12 Days Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

This comprehensive 12-day tour offers the ultimate Moroccan journey, taking you from the northern gateway of Tangier to the vibrant heart of Marrakech, with deep explorations of cultural tre…

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12 Days 11 nightsStart: TangierEnd: MarrakechPrivate tour
Cannons lining Essaouira's seafront ramparts

Overview

This comprehensive 12-day tour offers the ultimate Moroccan journey, taking you from the northern gateway of Tangier to the vibrant heart of Marrakech, with deep explorations of cultural treasures, desert landscapes, and coastal escapes. You’ll enjoy ample time in the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, discover ancient Roman ruins and imperial cities, experience the magic of the Sahara Desert, and unwind on the breezy Atlantic coast. This perfectly paced itinerary is designed for travelers seeking both cultural depth and scenic variety.

Highlights

  • Explore the iconic blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen with a full day for discovery
  • Visit Ras El Maa waterfall and immerse yourself in the relaxed pace of the Rif Mountains
  • Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes
  • Dive deep into the medieval medina of Fes with a guided tour of its historical heart
  • Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and encounter wild monkeys in Azrou Cedar Forest
  • Experience a sunset camel trek and overnight in a luxury Sahara desert camp
  • Marvel at the dramatic Todgha Gorge and the surreal rock formations of Dades Valley
  • Journey through the Valley of Roses and visit historic kasbahs
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains
  • Discover the imperial splendor of Marrakech and its vibrant souks
  • Enjoy a coastal escape to Essaouira with its historic port and fresh seafood
  • Visit an Argan oil cooperative and learn about Morocco's "liquid gold"

Itinerary

01

Day 1: Arrival in Tangier – Chefchaouen

Arrive in Tangier and journey to Chefchaouen. Explore the iconic blue-painted streets and enjoy sunset from the Spanish Mosque. Night: Chefchaouen (Breakfast included next day)

≈ 115 km · 2.5 h driving

Overnight: Chefchaouen (Breakfast included next day)

02

Day 2: Chefchaouen Exploration

Full day to discover Chefchaouen at your pace. Wander the medina, shop for crafts, visit Ras El Maa waterfall, and enjoy local cuisine. Night: Chefchaouen (Breakfast included)

Overnight: Chefchaouen (Breakfast included)

03

Day 3: Volubilis & Meknes – Fes

Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and visit Meknes’ Bab Mansour gate before arriving in Fes. Night: Fes (Breakfast included)

≈ 260 km · 4.5 h driving

Overnight: Fes (Breakfast included)

04

Day 4: Fes Cultural Immersion

Guided tour including Chouara Tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin University, Bou Inania Madrasa, and Merenid Tombs. Night: Fes (Breakfast included)

Overnight: Fes (Breakfast included)

05

Day 5: Middle Atlas – Sahara Desert

Drive through Ifrane, visit Azrou Cedar Forest, continue through Ziz Valley, and enjoy camel ride to desert camp in Merzouga. Night: Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included)

≈ 470 km · 7–8 h driving

Overnight: Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included)

06

Day 6: Sahara – Todgha Gorge – Dades Valley

Sunrise over dunes. Visit Rissani market and explore Todgha Gorge before continuing to Dades Valley. Night: Dades Valley (Dinner & Breakfast included)

≈ 270 km · 4–5 h driving

Overnight: Dades Valley (Dinner & Breakfast included)

07

Day 7: Valley of Roses – Ouarzazate

Drive through Valley of Roses. Visit Skoura’s palm groves and Amridil Kasbah, and explore Ouarzazate film studios. Night: Ouarzazate (Breakfast included)

≈ 170 km · 3 h driving

Overnight: Ouarzazate (Breakfast included)

08

Day 8: Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

Visit UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Night: Marrakech (Breakfast included)

≈ 220 km · 4–5 h driving

Overnight: Marrakech (Breakfast included)

09

Day 9: Marrakech Discovery

Guided tour covering Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and vibrant souks. Experience the evening energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Night: Marrakech (Breakfast included)

Overnight: Marrakech (Breakfast included)

10

Day 10: Essaouira Coastal Escape

Travel to Essaouira. Visit the historic Skala du Port and enjoy fresh seafood. Free afternoon for beach walks. Night: Essaouira (Breakfast included)

≈ 180 km · 3 h driving

Overnight: Essaouira (Breakfast included)

11

Day 11: Return to Marrakech

Relaxed morning in Essaouira. Return to Marrakech via an Argan oil cooperative. Evening at leisure. Night: Marrakech (Breakfast included)

≈ 180 km · 3 h driving

Overnight: Marrakech (Breakfast included)

12

Day 12: Departure from Marrakech

Free time depending on flight schedule before transfer to Marrakech airport. (Breakfast included if flight time permits)

Accommodation

Overnight stops or accommodation types listed for this itinerary: Chefchaouen (Breakfast included next day); Chefchaouen (Breakfast included); Fes (Breakfast included); Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included); Dades Valley (Dinner & Breakfast included); Ouarzazate (Breakfast included); Marrakech (Breakfast included); Essaouira (Breakfast included). Exact properties and room or camp options are confirmed in your proposal.

Included

  • This 12-day grand tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide.
  • Accommodation is included for all 11 nights.
  • Meals include 11 breakfasts and 2 dinners (in desert camp and Dades Valley).
  • Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech are included.
  • A sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes is included.
  • Pick-up in Tangier and drop-off at Marrakech airport are included.

Not included

  • The tour does not include lunches, drinks, tips, or personal expenses.
  • Entrance fees to optional attractions are not included.
  • Travel insurance and any extra services or upgrades are also not part of the base price. Upgrades to premium desert camp categories can be arranged upon request before the tour starts.

Important note about driving times

Some days on this tour are long drives: Day 5 (≈ 470 km, 7–8 h). These are approximate. Real times can change with traffic, weather, road conditions, sightseeing stops, meals and breaks — your driver stops whenever you need, so plan for a full day on the road.

Plan with confidence

Compare other tours from Tangier, read our Merzouga guide or browse the Morocco travel guide. Our team is based in Merzouga — learn more about us, message us on WhatsApp, call +212 641-835650 or email [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

Is this tour private or shared?+

You can choose either option. Private tours offer more comfort and flexibility. Shared tours are more affordable.

Where does the tour start and end?+

It starts in Tangier and ends in Marrakech. Pick-up in Tangier and drop-off at Marrakech airport are included.

How long are the driving days?+

The longest leg is Day 5: about 470 km and 7–8 h of driving. Times vary with traffic, weather, road conditions and stops. Each day's distance is shown in the itinerary above.

Where do we sleep?+

Overnight stops or accommodation types listed for this itinerary: Chefchaouen (Breakfast included next day); Chefchaouen (Breakfast included); Fes (Breakfast included); Merzouga Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included); Dades Valley (Dinner & Breakfast included); Ouarzazate (Breakfast included); Marrakech (Breakfast included); Essaouira (Breakfast included). Exact properties and room or camp options are confirmed in your proposal.

Is the camel ride included?+

Yes. A sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes is included.

What meals are included?+

Meals include 11 breakfasts and 2 dinners (in desert camp and Dades Valley).

What is not included?+

The tour does not include lunches, drinks, tips, or personal expenses. Entrance fees to optional attractions are not included. Travel insurance and any extra services or upgrades are also not part of the base price. Upgrades to premium desert camp categories can be arranged upon request before the tour starts.

Reserve this tour

12 Days Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech — no payment now.

Estimated total: €2300 for 2 travelers (€1150 per person)

Larger groups pay less per person. Final price is confirmed by our team.

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