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ITINERARY
DAY 1: TANGIER → CHEFCHAOUEN
Your 6 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech gets underway with a warm reception at Tangier airport, one of its ports, or your hotel. Our personable local guide is on hand from the very beginning, ready to accompany you throughout the entire trip.
From Tangier we head south along the Atlantic coast before turning inland toward the Rif Mountains and the celebrated town of Chefchaouen. After checking into your hotel or riad, the afternoon is yours. Few places in the world have the visual impact of Chefchaouen — its centuries-old medina is painted in an almost impossibly beautiful palette of blues and whites. Wander its steep staircases and quiet plazas, browse the craft stalls for handwoven textiles and local honey, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the world drift by.
As the day winds down, return to your riad for a peaceful night in this extraordinary mountain town.
Overnight in a riad/hotel in Chefchaouen.
DAY 2: CHEFCHAOUEN → VOLUBILIS → MEKNES → FES
A good breakfast at your riad sets you up for a day rich in history. We drive south and east through the rolling Rif villages — the kind of landscape that makes you want to stop at every bend — before reaching Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco.
The ruins of Volubilis speak quietly of a vast empire. Walk among its colonnaded streets, marvel at mosaic floors that have survived nearly two thousand years in the North African sun, and admire the ambitious scale of the public buildings constructed here in the 3rd century. It is one of those sites where history stops being abstract and becomes something you can genuinely feel beneath your feet.
From Volubilis we drive south to Meknes, Morocco’s 17th-century imperial capital and one of the country’s most underrated cities. After a satisfying lunch in the city, we explore its grand walled medina and pay our respects at the Bab el Mansour gate — a monumental triumphal arch whose carved zellige work and towering proportions have awed visitors for three centuries. A visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, resting place of the sultan who built Meknes into an imperial showpiece, adds a final layer of history to the day.
We reach Fes by evening, where a beautiful riad awaits.
Overnight in a riad in Fes.
DAY 3: GUIDED TOUR OF FES
Today belongs entirely to Fes — Morocco’s oldest imperial city, its spiritual capital, and arguably its most complex and rewarding destination. A knowledgeable local guide leads the way through a day packed with discovery.
The morning opens at the gilded gate of the Royal Palace — an introduction to the scale and elegance that defines this city. We then plunge into the Fes el-Bali Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest car-free urban area in the world. Among the landmarks visited are Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859 AD and widely recognised as the oldest continuously operating university on earth; the Al-Attarine Madrasa, whose geometric tilework is among the finest examples of Islamic architecture in existence; the Nejjarine fountain and woodworking museum; and the Chouara Tanneries, where leather has been cured in the same stone vats using the same methods for over a millennium.
Afterward, we visit the Mellah — Fes’s historic Jewish quarter — before climbing to the ramparts of an old hilltop fortress for a sweeping panorama of the Medina spreading below, its thousand minarets and terracotta rooftops stretching as far as the eye can see.
Overnight in a riad in Fes.
DAY 4: FES → IFRANE → MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA DESERT
After breakfast at your riad in Fes, we set off on the long and scenic drive to Merzouga. The route is full of incident. First stop is Ifrane, a mountain resort town of almost Swiss neatness, whose red-tile-roofed houses and manicured parks feel entirely at odds with North Africa — in the most delightful possible way.
From Ifrane we climb into the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where wild Barbary macaques cross the road and loiter in the trees with astonishing familiarity. A proper lunch follows at a good restaurant somewhere along the way. The Ziz Valley then opens up below us — a narrow palm-grove corridor cut by the Ziz River through the bare pre-desert plateau, one of the most dramatic landscape transitions in Morocco.
By mid-afternoon the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon, and soon you are mounting your camel for the classic approach to camp across the golden dunes. The sunset stop on a high ridge is obligatory — no photograph does it justice. At camp, tea, dinner, a bonfire, and Berber drumming carry the evening into a memorable desert night.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp, Merzouga.
DAY 5: MERZOUGA DESERT → RISSANI → TODRA GORGE → DADES VALLEY
Wake early — the desert dawn is one of the journey’s greatest gifts. After breakfast, the caravan heads back to Merzouga town, either by camel or by 4×4. The day’s drive takes us west through Rissani (souk days: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday), Erfoud, and on to the Todra Gorge. The gorge is a narrow, shadowy canyon in the Tinghir oasis where sheer cliffs rise 300 metres on either side of the river — a place of powerful, almost spiritual stillness.
As the afternoon unfolds, the road climbs into the Dades Valley, where the eroded rock formations nicknamed “monkey fingers” line the canyon walls in forms that seem more sculpted than natural. We reach your hotel by late afternoon.
Overnight in a hotel in the Dades Valley.
DAY 6: DADES VALLEY → OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → MARRAKECH
The final day of your 6 days trip from Tangier to Marrakech takes us first to Ouarzazate — a city shaped by its relationship with the international film industry. Its Atlas Studios facility has hosted productions ranging from Indiana Jones and Gladiator to Game of Thrones, and a brief visit reveals just why this sun-bleached landscape has proved so endlessly versatile for movie-makers.
We then drive the short distance to Ait Ben Haddou, whose UNESCO-protected ksar of layered mud-brick towers, earthen battlements, and storehouses is among the most evocative sights in all of North Africa. The Kasbah has appeared in Gladiator (as ancient Rome), Game of Thrones (as Yunkai), and many other iconic productions. Walking its alleys, you can feel why filmmakers keep returning.
After a leisurely lunch, the High Atlas Mountains deliver the journey’s final visual flourish — a crossing by the winding Tizi n’Tichka road, with snow-capped peaks in winter and wildflower meadows in spring on either side. We roll into Marrakech by late afternoon and deliver you to your hotel or riad, marking the end of your memorable 6-day desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the ideal times to visit. The weather is comfortably warm, making it perfect for exploring the Imperial Cities, trekking in the mountains, or experiencing the desert. Summer can be extremely hot in the south, while winter brings chilly nights, particularly in the Sahara and the High Atlas.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. You only need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Always check with your local Moroccan consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.
The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While large hotels, modern restaurants, and bigger shops in cities accept Visa and Mastercard, Morocco is still largely a cash-based society. You will need cash for the medinas, local markets, tipping, and travel in remote areas like the desert or mountains. ATMs are widely available in all major towns.
Yes, Morocco is widely considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Violent crime is rare. However, like in any major tourist destination, you should practice common sense. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded souks to avoid pickpockets, and use registered guides for medina tours and remote treks.
The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). French is the second, widely spoken language used in business and tourism. English is increasingly common in major tourist hubs, hotels, and among younger generations, but learning a few basic Arabic or French phrases is always highly appreciated by locals.
Morocco is a conservative, predominantly Muslim country, and dressing modestly shows respect for the local culture. Both men and women should aim to cover their shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight clothing is ideal for staying cool while remaining respectful. In more modern cities like Marrakech, dress codes are relaxed, but modesty is strictly advised in rural villages and the medinas.
With a few exceptions, non-Muslims are generally not permitted to enter active mosques in Morocco. The most notable exception is the spectacular Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided tours to all visitors.
Yes, tipping (baksheesh) is an established part of Moroccan culture and is highly appreciated for good service. A general rule is to leave 10% to 15% in restaurants. For drivers and tour guides, tipping around 50 to 100 MAD per person, per day is a standard guideline depending on your satisfaction.
Haggling is an expected and enjoyable part of shopping in Moroccan souks. When you ask for a price, expect the vendor’s first offer to be high. Counter with about a third or half of that price, and negotiate until you meet in the middle. Always negotiate with a smile and a friendly attitude.
While Morocco is an Islamic country, alcohol is legal and available. You can purchase it in licensed bars, hotels, large supermarkets, and tourist-focused restaurants. Drinking in public spaces outside of these licensed venues is not permitted.
To truly enjoy the experience without spending your entire trip in a vehicle, a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights is recommended for a desert tour starting from Marrakech to the Merzouga dunes (Erg Chebbi). If you have more time, a 4-day trip allows for a more relaxed pace to explore the Kasbahs, gorges, and valleys along the way.
Bring comfortable, breathable clothing for daytime camel trekking and a warm fleece or jacket for the night, as desert temperatures drop significantly after sunset. Essential items include sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, closed-toe walking shoes, and a small daypack for your overnight items.
Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) features the highest, most iconic dunes and is easily accessible by paved roads, making it a popular choice. Erg Chigaga (near Zagora/M’Hamid) offers a wilder, more remote experience that requires off-road 4×4 driving to reach, appealing to those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
We offer trekking experiences for all levels. Gentle day hikes through Berber villages require only basic fitness and a good pair of walking shoes. Multi-day ascents, such as climbing Mount Toubkal, require a good level of physical stamina and proper hiking gear, though no technical climbing skills are needed in the warmer months.
Absolutely. Moroccans love children, and family travel is highly welcomed. Desert camps, camel rides, and short walks in the Atlas Mountains are fantastic experiences for kids. We can customize the pace of the itinerary, limit driving times, and ensure family-friendly accommodations for your comfort.
For maximum flexibility and comfort, hiring a private driver is the most highly recommended way to travel. It allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints, hidden Kasbahs, and local cooperatives at your own pace. For budget travelers, Morocco’s rail network (including the high-speed Al Boraq train) efficiently connects major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Fes.
While tap water in major cities is treated, it has different mineral contents that can upset a traveler’s stomach. It is highly recommended to stick to sealed bottled water or use a filtered water bottle for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and uses standard European two-pin round plugs (Type C and Type E). If you are traveling from the US, UK, or Australia, you will need a universal travel adapter.
Wi-Fi is widely available for free in most hotels, riads, and cafes across the country. If you want continuous access on the road, you can easily purchase an inexpensive local prepaid SIM card (from providers like Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi) at the airport upon arrival.
Moroccan cuisine is world-renowned. Must-try dishes include Tagine (a slow-cooked savory stew made with meat, poultry, or fish), Couscous (traditionally served on Fridays), Pastilla (a sweet and savory meat pie), and Harira (a rich tomato and lentil soup). Meals are almost always accompanied by the famous Moroccan sweet mint tea.
