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Are you looking for an immersive, deeply authentic journey through the Kingdom of Contrasts? The signature 12-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Tangier designed by Morocco Trips Planner is the perfect choice. This expertly crafted Morocco 12 days itinerary seamlessly bridges the pristine Mediterranean coast of the north, the historic Imperial Cities, and the sweeping golden dunes of the Sahara Desert.
From the moment you arrive in the historic port city of Tangier, you will step into a curated, stress-free travel experience. Traverse the striking green ridges of the Rif Mountains to wander the blue-washed alleyways of Chefchaouen. Uncover centuries of history with local expert guides in the ancient medinas of Fes and Marrakech. Finally, leave the modern world behind as you journey into the deep south to experience the towering sand waves of the Merzouga Sahara.
Our knowledgeable, bilingual driver-guide will meet you at the Tangier Airport or Ferry Port to start your amazing 12-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Tangier. To kick things off, we begin with a well-planned panoramic tour of Tangier, which is a historic coastal city at the confluence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas.
Next, we will explore the fabled Caves of Hercules and enjoy the expansive views of the ocean from Cape Spartel. Following this coastal adventure, a guided walk will lead you through the historic, 17th-century Kasbah castle. As we venture deeper, you will get to wander through the colorful, whitewashed lanes of the Tangier Medina. Ultimately, the day winds down with a leisurely evening at your quaint boutique hotel or riad.
Following a customary breakfast, we travel southward over the breathtaking green ridges of the Rif Mountains in the direction of Chefchaouen, Morocco’s renowned “Blue Pearl.” Originally established as a mountain stronghold in 1471, this distinctively picturesque town is now well-known around the world for its eye-catching blue-washed houses and distinctive Andalusian-Moorish architecture. Upon arriving early in the afternoon, you will consequently have plenty of time to explore the laid-back blue medina. First, you can explore the old fortified Kasbah and stroll through the busy Uta el-Hammam Square. Afterward, consider trekking up to the well-known Ras El Ma mountain spring. Finally, take a quick stroll to the Spanish Mosque to see the magnificent sunset over the blue city as you wrap up your afternoon.
Today, our desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech moves from the highlands to Morocco’s spiritual heartland. To get to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site with the best-preserved ancient Roman ruins in North Africa, we travel through stunning agricultural landscapes. Admire the historic basilica, the triumphal arch, and the elaborate floor mosaics that date back 2,000 years. We then take a car to the neighboring Imperial City of Meknes, which is sometimes referred to as the “Versailles of Morocco.” We pause to take in the magnificent royal granaries of Hri Souani, the expansive Lahdim Square, and the imposing Bab El Mansour entrance. We reach Fes, the Kingdom’s cultural center, in the late afternoon.
Spend the full day learning about the mysteries of Fes el-Bali, the world’s largest and oldest medieval living medina. You will travel back in time through a maze of more than 9,000 tiny lanes with an official, knowledgeable local historical guide.
The magnificent, mosaic-tiled main entrance to the ancient city is known as Bab Bou Jeloud, or “The Blue Gate.” Al-Qarawiyyin institution was established in 859 AD and is acknowledged by UNESCO as the world’s oldest continually running institution.The Chouara Tannery, where leather has been prepared by hand for centuries, offers a breathtaking, iconic vista of medieval stone pots filled with vivid, natural dyes.The Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasas are exquisite examples of Islamic wood carving and zellige tilework.
Our expedition toward the majestic Sahara Desert commences in the early morning as we ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains. First, we head to Ifrane, a town elegantly referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” This unique destination features pristine alpine architecture, a crisp mountain climate, and beautifully manicured landscapes.
Next, we venture into the ancient Azrou Cedar Forest. This serene natural sanctuary offers a wonderful chance to observe and interact with indigenous Barbary macaques in their native habitat. Following a scenic lunch in the town of Midelt, we traverse the dramatic Tizi n’Talghomt Pass. Then, we descend into the breathtaking Ziz Valley to witness North Africa’s most expansive continuous palm groves and spectacular desert oases.
By late afternoon, the rugged mountain terrain seamlessly transitions into the awe-inspiring, golden horizon of Merzouga. Upon arrival, you will check into a charming, traditional hotel situated directly on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, premium comfort meets the tranquil beauty of the desert.
The entire day is devoted to discovering the wonders of the Sahara. To begin this adventure, we will embark on an exploration of the vast Erg Chebbi dunes in a private 4×4. Shortly after spotting migratory birds at a seasonal desert lake, we will travel across historic routes in order to meet a real nomadic family. Because they live in traditional woven tents, you will consequently gain firsthand knowledge of their unique way of life.
Moving forward, we travel to the village of Khamlia. Notably, this community is home to the descendants of sub-Saharan Africans who were once held as slaves. Here, you will not only enjoy an intimate, mesmerizing performance of spiritual Gnawa music, but also connect with local history. Immediately following the music, the hosts will serve a traditional lunch of Madfouna, which is otherwise known as authentic Berber pizza.
Later on, in the late afternoon, you will trade the 4×4 for a camel ride. At this point, a skilled camelier will guide you far into the center of the Erg Chebbi dunes specifically to witness a genuinely remarkable Sahara sunset. Finally, you will arrive at a luxurious desert camp. To wrap up the night, you will feast on a traditional Berber dinner, listen to drumming around a crackling campfire, and ultimately sleep under a canopy of millions of stars.
The entire day is devoted to discovering the wonders of the Sahara. First, we will embark on an exploration of the vast Erg Chebbi dunes in a private 4×4. After spotting migratory birds at a seasonal desert lake, we will travel across historic routes to meet a real nomadic family. They live in traditional woven tents, and you will gain firsthand knowledge of their unique way of life.
Next, we travel to the village of Khamlia. This community is home to the descendants of sub-Saharan Africans who were once held as slaves. Here, you will enjoy an intimate, mesmerizing performance of spiritual Gnawa music. Following the music, the hosts will serve a traditional lunch of Madfouna, also known as authentic Berber pizza.
In the late afternoon, you will trade the 4×4 for a camel ride. A skilled camelier will guide you far into the center of the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a genuinely remarkable Sahara sunset. Finally, you will arrive at a luxurious desert camp. You will feast on a traditional Berber dinner, listen to drumming around a crackling campfire, and sleep under a canopy of millions of stars.
After eating breakfast with a view of the gorge, we follow the famed “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Our first stop is El Kelaa M’gouna, nestled in the beautiful Valley of the Roses. This vibrant town thrives on its extensive organic rose production. Local cooperatives harvest these blooms to make exquisite oils, perfumes, and cosmetics.
Next, we enter the vast Skoura Oasis. Here, we take a tour of the remarkably well-preserved Kasbah Amridil. This 17th-century mud-brick masterpiece even graces old Moroccan coinage. Continuing our journey, we reach Ouarzazate, known worldwide as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” While we are in the city, we’ll visit the renowned Atlas Film Studios. Major Hollywood directors shot epic films like Kingdom of Heaven, The Mummy, and Gladiator right on these lots.
Today, we visit the famous Ksar of Ait Benhaddou. This renowned UNESCO World Heritage site is an amazing, walled earthen settlement. Because of its striking appearance, legendary movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia have used this eye-catching clay fortification as their main backdrop. To experience it fully, you can walk via its ancient, meandering internal passageways all the way up to the granary for an expansive perspective of the desert landscape.
Afterward, we start our spectacular journey across the untamed High Atlas Mountains from Ait Benhaddou. We will ascend to a height of 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) above sea level by navigating the breathtaking, serpentine bends of the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Along the route, we will stop to take pictures of the breathtaking mountain vistas. Furthermore, we will visit a local women’s cooperative that specializes in the manual extraction of pure Argan oil. Finally, our group will reach the lively, busy “Red City” of Marrakech around late afternoon.
Take a private historical walking tour of Marrakech’s most famous sites, such as the magnificent Saadian Tombs, a breathtaking example of delicate Moorish craftsmanship, and the imposing Koutoubia Mosque minaret from the 12th century, and immerse yourself in the city’s sensory wonderland with a committed, knowledgeable local guide.
Discover the lavish, labyrinthine chambers of the 19th-century Bahia Palace, which features hand-carved cedarwood ceilings and stunning stained glass. Next, enter the Majorelle Garden, a serene, artistic haven that fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent skillfully rebuilt. Before concluding the day in the renowned Jemaa el-Fna Square, where snake charmers, acrobats, and storytellers bring the outdoor stage to life, spend your afternoon exploring the exciting, winding passageways of the Marrakech souks.
Instead of staying amidst the intense activity of Marrakech, take a delightful day excursion to the relaxed, walled Atlantic seaside town of Essaouira (previously known as Mogador). In fact, this quaint UNESCO World Heritage city is well known for its medieval Portuguese sea bastions, blue-and-white seaside medina, and artistic atmosphere.
Upon arrival, you can explore the serene souks renowned for beautiful woodwork carved from native Thuya trees. Afterward, stroll along the imposing stone ramparts of the Scala della Ville, and then watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch at the busy harbor. To conclude the day, have a delicious lunch of freshly grilled seafood right by the port before finally heading back to Marrakech for your last night in Morocco.
Savor your final Moroccan breakfast at your riad. Depending on your personalized flight schedule, enjoy free time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxing in a cafe. Our professional driver will provide a punctual, comfortable private transfer to the Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable 12-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Tangier with Morocco Trips Planner to a smooth conclusion.
