7-Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour

Overview

Seven days is the sweet spot for seeing Morocco properly rather than in a blur: enough time for Chefchaouen's blue lanes, a genuine day exploring Fez, a crossing of the Sahara with a night among the dunes, and — unlike the shorter versions of this route — a full guided day in Marrakech itself before you fly home. Starting on the Strait of Gibraltar in Tangier, the trip moves steadily south and inland, trading mountain air for medina alleys and finally for desert silence.

Along the way you'll walk among Roman ruins at Volubilis, pass through the imperial gates of Meknes, get lost happily in the tanneries and souks of Fez, cross the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas where wild macaques often appear roadside, and ride camels into Erg Chebbi as the sun sets over the dunes. The trip closes with Marrakech's palaces, gardens, and the theatre of Jemaa el-Fna square.

This same itinerary is also available starting from Casablanca, and — as with all our routes — every detail can be adjusted to your travel dates, interests, and pace.

Tour Highlights

• Discover Chefchaouen, Morocco's blue-washed mountain town
• Walk the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes
• Spend a full day exploring Fez's medina with a local guide
• Cross the Middle Atlas cedar forests, home to wild Barbary macaques
• Ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
• Sleep under the stars at a Sahara desert camp
• Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorge
• Visit the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Cross the High Atlas Mountains
• Finish with a full guided day exploring Marrakech's markets and monuments

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Tangier - Chefchaouen

Pickup at the airport, port, or your hotel in Tangier, then a climb through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. The rest of the day is free to wander the blue-washed lanes, browse handwoven textiles, and settle into a riad in the old town.

Driving distance: Approximately 115 km Driving time: Approximately 2 hours Meals: None

Day 2: Chefchaouen - Volubilis - Meknes - Fez

A scenic drive through Rif farmland brings us to Volubilis, where Roman mosaics and columns still stand after nearly two thousand years, then to Meknes to see the monumental Bab el-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, before continuing to Fez. Overnight in a riad.

Driving distance: Approximately 220 km Driving time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Fez (guided tour)

A full day with a local guide in Fez: the Royal Palace gates, the UNESCO medina, the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, the open-air Chouara Tannery, and the historic Jewish quarter, ending with panoramic views over the medina from an old fortress. Overnight in Fez.

Driving distance: Minimal (walking tour within the city) Driving time: — Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Fez - Ifrane - Middle Atlas - Ziz Valley - Merzouga

The route climbs into the Middle Atlas through Ifrane, with its distinctly Alpine architecture, and through cedar forests where Barbary macaques are often spotted. After lunch, the Ziz Valley unfolds toward the desert. In Merzouga, camels carry you into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset, followed by dinner and Berber music at a luxury desert camp.

Driving distance: Approximately 460 km Driving time: Approximately 7 hours Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Merzouga - Rissani - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley

Sunrise over the dunes, then breakfast before continuing to Rissani for its traditional market and to the Todra Gorge, where 300-meter cliffs frame a narrow river. Overnight at a hotel in the Dades Valley.

Driving distance: Approximately 300 km Driving time: Approximately 5 hours Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Dades - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - High Atlas - Marrakech

Morning visits to the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate and the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, followed by a crossing of the High Atlas. Overnight in a riad in Marrakech.

Driving distance: Approximately 360 km Driving time: Approximately 6 hours Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Marrakech (guided tour and departure)

After breakfast, a guided tour of Marrakech: the theatre of Jemaa el-Fna square, the ornate Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the cool greenery of the Majorelle Garden, with free time to explore the souks before your transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca airport.

Driving distance: Minimal (walking tour within the city) Driving time: — Meals: Breakfast

What's Included

• Pickup at the airport, port, or hotel in Tangier
• Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Spanish-speaking driver/guide (other languages available on request)
• Local guide in Fez and Marrakech
• 6 nights of accommodation with breakfast
• Dinner at the desert camp and hotel in the Dades Valley
• Camel ride
• Sandboarding
• Final transfer to the airport or your hotel/riad in Marrakech

What's Not Included

• Lunches
• Drinks
• Monument entrance fees
• Tips (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the itinerary be adapted?

Yes, we adjust pace, stops, and accommodation level to match your preferences.

Can we start in a different city?

Yes, this route is also available starting from Casablanca.

Why include a full day in Marrakech at the end?

Marrakech rewards unhurried exploring — a single afternoon isn't enough to take in the palaces, gardens, and souks properly, so we give it a dedicated day.

What kind of accommodation is used?

Riads and hotels throughout, plus one night at a desert camp near the dunes.

Is the tour private?

Yes, every trip is run exclusively for your group.

Is this itinerary suitable for a first trip to Morocco?

Very much so — it covers northern, central, and southern Morocco in a single well-paced loop, ideal for a first visit.

Will we see Barbary macaques in the Middle Atlas?

Sightings in the cedar forests near Ifrane are common, though never guaranteed since they roam freely.

What should I pack given the range of climates?

Layers are key — cool mountain mornings, hot desert days, and cold desert nights all occur within the same trip.

Important Notes

• Stop order may shift slightly due to weather or road conditions.
• Entrance fees to certain monuments are not included in the price.
• Requests for a guide in another language should be made in advance.

Ready to see Morocco from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Sahara in seven days? Contact Maroccodeserttours and we'll build the trip around your travel dates.