13 day Absolute Morocco tour from Tangier

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TANGIER – CHEFCHAOUEN (2 hours drive)

On the first day of your 13-day Absolute Morocco tour, we pick you up from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier — “the bride of the north.” The city sits where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic at Cape Spartel. You begin with a short tour of Tangier, visiting the Cave of Hercules and Cape Spartel. Free time for lunch. Afterward, you drive inland to Chefchaouen via Tetouan and the Rif Mountains, with stops for panoramic views along the way. Finally, you reach Chefchaouen. Overnight in a riad.

DAY 2: SIGHTSEEING CHEFCHAOUEN, THE BLUE CITY (no driving, 2 hrs walking tour)

After breakfast, you explore Chefchaouen with a local guide — the Blue City, also known as “Achaoun,” meaning “horns” in Berber. Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northwestern Morocco, it is famous for alleys and facades painted in shades of blue and white. You stroll the charming old medina with its distinctive doors. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you can hike to the Spanish Mosque on the hill for a spectacular citywide view. Overnight in the same riad.

DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FES (4 hrs drive)

After breakfast, enjoy a final wander through Chefchaouen’s alleys on your own, then drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis — well preserved and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Admire its mosaics, columns, and archways. You continue 30 km to Meknes, the Ismaili capital, to visit Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal Stables, the granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Proceed to Fes. Overnight in a riad.

DAY 4: GUIDED SIGHTSEEING IN FES (30 min drive, 3–4 hrs walking tour)

We pick you up from your riad in Fes after breakfast to begin your immersive exploration of one of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities — Fes, the country’s cultural and spiritual heart.

Your journey starts with a driving tour. First, you stop at the magnificent Royal Palace Gate, followed by a visit to “The Mellah,” the historic Jewish Quarter. Then you enjoy breathtaking views from the Borj Sud fortress, a stunning overlook of the ancient Medina. The final stop of this portion is the Ceramic Village & School, where you witness traditional craftsmanship in action.

Next comes a walking tour. You step back in time as you enter the medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Arab world. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you explore highlights such as the Al Attarine Madrasa, the University and Mosque of Al Quaraouiyine — considered the oldest existing university in the world — and the colourful Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed using centuries-old methods.

After this unforgettable journey through history, you’re returned to your riad to relax.

DAY 5: FES – IFRANE – CEDAR FOREST – MIDELT – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA SAHARA (7 hrs drive)

After breakfast, the 13-day Absolute Morocco tour heads south via Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, known for cool weather, winter snow, and alpine-style chalets — the “Switzerland of Morocco.” You continue to the cedar forest to see Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Free time for lunch in Midelt. You drive over the Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass and along the Ziz Valley, with scenic stops. In the afternoon you reach Merzouga, where you switch to camels to cross the golden dunes, pausing on a high ridge for sunset. You continue to a luxury desert camp combining nomadic tradition with modern comfort. Enjoy Berber drumming around the campfire under a vast, star-filled sky.

DAY 6: EXPLORE MERZOUGA – NOMADS – KHAMLIA – MERZOUGA LAKE – ERG CHEBBI – PALM GROVE (2 hrs off-road drive)

After breakfast, you dedicate the day to exploring the Merzouga region — dunes, a seasonal lake, fossil areas, small mines, and lush oases — ideal for light off-road adventures. You visit an old kohl (eyeliner) mine, then share tea with nomads in their woven tents. You continue to Khamlia village for Gnawa music and dance; many residents trace their roots to Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Free time for lunch. You stroll through a palm-tree grove and drive to the wild lake of Merzouga (often home to flamingos) before returning to Merzouga. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

DAY 7: MERZOUGA – RISSANI – ERFOUD – TODRA GORGES – DADES VALLEY (5 hrs drive)

Waking early for sunrise is a must. After breakfast, you leave the desert for Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet and still a major regional market, especially lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. You continue to Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop. You drive via the Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves to reach the Todra Gorge, where the river has carved a dramatic canyon — an iconic site for climbers. Free time for lunch. You proceed through Boumalne Dades to the Dades Valley, stopping at the “monkey fingers” rock formations and a lookout over the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

DAY 8: DADES VALLEY – ROSE VALLEY – PALM GROVES OF SKOURA – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH – HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS – MARRAKECH (6 hrs drive)

After breakfast, you continue your trip to Kalaat M’Gouna to visit the Rose Valley, where a Rose Festival is held annually in May and locals offer their rose products, from perfumes, rose water, and oil to cosmetics. You then drive through the palm groves of Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate, where you visit the studios in which famous movies were shot.

You depart to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has appeared in many films including Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, and TV series including Game of Thrones. After that, you continue to Marrakech, driving through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass and the High Atlas Mountains. Stops are made for lunch and to take pictures at interesting spots. Overnight stay in a riad in Marrakech.

DAY 9: GUIDED TOUR SIGHTSEEING MARRAKESH (45 min drive / 3 hours walking tour)

After a warm breakfast, you explore the highlights of Marrakesh with a local guide. As one of Morocco’s historic imperial cities, Marrakech is rich in culture and architectural beauty. The tour includes a visit to the stunning 19th-century Bahia Palace, followed by the beautifully preserved Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic school showcasing traditional Moroccan design. You also explore the lively Medina and its souks, filled with colourful stalls and skilled artisans, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Jamaa El-Fna Square, and admire the Koutoubia Mosque from outside, the largest in the city.

Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you meet your driver to visit the iconic Majorelle Garden (requires online pre-booking), followed by a drive through Gueliz, the modern district of Marrakech, before returning to your riad.

DAY 10: MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA (~2.5–3 hrs)

After breakfast, you drive west to Essaouira. On the way you make stops to see the argan tree plantations and cooperatives, and, if you’re lucky, the goats in the trees. You reach Essaouira, formerly Mogador, one of the important coastal towns in Morocco, famous for the diversity of its seafood, its beautiful beach, and surfing. Free time to visit the fishing port, the ancient ramparts with their cannons, and the old Medina. Finally, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Essaouira.

DAY 11: ESSAOUIRA – VISIT CASABLANCA (~5–6 hrs)

You depart Essaouira and follow the highway north to Casablanca — Morocco’s largest city and economic heartbeat. Your journey begins with a visit to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, perched on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As the largest mosque in Morocco, its intricate architecture and seaside setting make it a must-see landmark.

After some free time for lunch, you continue exploring the highlights of Casablanca:
– Mohammed V Square – the bustling civic centre known for its colonial architecture
– A photo stop at the iconic Rick’s Café, inspired by the classic film Casablanca
– A scenic walk along the vibrant Corniche of Casablanca

DAY 12: RABAT SIGHTSEEING – ASILAH (~3–4 hrs)

You drive along the coastline to Rabat. Rabat is one of the imperial cities of Morocco and the current capital. You visit the highlights of the Moroccan capital, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Oudayas. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you head north to Asilah, the beautiful seaside city. Overnight stay in a riad.

DAY 13: ASILAH – TRANSFER TO TANGIER (1 hour drive)

On the last day, you depart from Asilah and head to Tangier. Drop-off at your departure terminal. End of the 13 days Absolute Tour.

THE PRICE varies according to the number of people: the more people joining the tour, the lower the price becomes. Since the transportation cost is fixed, the price is divided according to the number of people. The price also depends on the quality of the accommodation. Contact us for an exact price.

Shorter tours:
– 10 Days Tour from Tangier (skip Essaouira & Rabat)
– 7 Days Tour From Tangier (ends in Marrakech)
– 6 Days Tour from Tangier (skip the 2nd night in the desert)
– 5 Days Tour From Tangier (skip the Fes visit)

Other 13 day tours: 13 Days Tour from Casablanca.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

Is the 13 day tour private or shared?
The 13 day tour is a private experience, so only the travellers making the enquiry take part. No additional people join the tour. Our focus is on high-quality, personalised experiences, which is why we mainly offer private tours.

How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride lasts from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on which camp you’re staying in. If you’d rather not ride, the camp has a 4×4 that takes people and luggage in and out, which you’re welcome to use. Alternatively, ATVs can be arranged at an additional cost.

Is the tent private? Does it have a private shower?
The tent at the luxury camp is private and has private bathrooms with hot running water.

What happens to your luggage when you do the camel ride?
During the camel ride you take only what you need for the ride itself. The rest of your luggage is transported in the camp’s 4×4, and you’ll find it waiting for you at the camp.

What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild and pleasant across most regions. Winter is great too, especially in the southern / desert part.

Dietary preferences
Please share any dietary preferences you have, and we’ll make sure your needs are met. Kindly let us know in advance so we can arrange lunch stops accordingly and notify the riad/camp, as some dinners are included in the package.

Pick-up and drop-off details
Pick-up can be from either the airport or your accommodation in Tangier, preferably in the morning. At the end of the tour, we drop you off at the airport or port in Tangier.

Expenses
Currency exchange: Euros or USD can be exchanged for Moroccan dirham (MAD) at many locations across Morocco, including banks and exchange bureaus, and ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals. While credit cards and foreign currencies (euros/USD) are generally accepted, it’s wise to carry local currency (MAD) for convenience.
Meal costs: Meals typically range from €5 to €20 per person, though prices vary by establishment.
Haggling / price negotiation: Haggling is an accepted and expected practice in Morocco; even locals take part in it.

BOOKING PROCESS:

1. Get in touch with us through the contact forms, email, WhatsApp, or our social networks, and tell us the number of travellers, the type of accommodation (excellent, luxury, etc.), your tour date (if available), and your chosen tour or some details so we can plan a new itinerary for you.

2. Booking: We ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking (preferably via our PayPal account). The rest is paid in cash to your driver/guide once you arrive, or through PayPal, which carries a 5% transaction fee. If you don’t have PayPal, we can send an online invoice you can pay by card. A bank/wire transfer is another option; it takes up to 12 days to appear in our system, and we can confirm the tour with a transaction receipt until the payment arrives.

WHY PRIVATE MOROCCO TOURS?

A private tour is an itinerary run exclusively according to your preferences. On a private trip you travel only with the people you choose. Private tours are more flexible when it comes to group size, travel dates, and what your trip includes. On top of that, you’ll have your own tour guide and driver at your disposal.