7 Days Tour From Tangier to Marrakech via Merzouga

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

On the first day of your 7 day tour from Tangier, we pick you up from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier. Known as “the bride of the north,” the city lies in the northwest where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic near Cape Spartel. You begin by exploring the city, including the Hercules Caves and Cape Spartel. You’ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you drive inland to Chefchaouen via Tetouan and the Rif Mountains, with stops for panoramic views. Overnight in a hotel in Chefchaouen.

DAY 2: CHEFCHAOUEN – ROMAN RUINS OF VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FES (4 hours drive)

After breakfast, enjoy free time to wander the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen. Then you drive to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved mosaics, columns, and arches. After exploring the ruins, you drive about 30 km to Meknes, the Ismaili capital and one of Morocco’s imperial cities, to visit Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal Stables and granaries, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. You then continue to Fes. Overnight in a riad.

DAY 3: GUIDED SIGHTSEEING IN FES (30 min drive / 2–3 hours 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 4: FES – IFRANE – CEDAR FOREST – MIDELT – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA SAHARA (7 hours drive)

After breakfast, the 7-day Sahara Morocco tour continues south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, famous for its cool climate, winter snow, and alpine-style houses — hence the nickname “the Switzerland of Morocco.” You then continue to the cedar forest, home to wild Barbary macaques; enjoy a short walk among the ancient trees. Later, you continue to Midelt for free time at lunch, then drive over the Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass and along the Ziz Valley, with stops for panoramic views.

In the afternoon you reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, where you switch to camels and cross the dunes, pausing atop a high dune to enjoy the sunset. You continue to your desert camp — a blend of traditional nomad tents and modern comforts — where you can enjoy Berber drumming around the campfire beneath a vast, star-filled sky. Overnight at a desert camp.

DAY 5: EXPLORE THE MERZOUGA REGION – NOMADS – KHAMLIA – MERZOUGA LAKE – ERG CHEBBI – PALM GROVE (2 hours drive)

After breakfast, you dedicate the day to exploring the Merzouga region — sand dunes, a seasonal lake, mines, fossil areas, and palm oases — ideal for a range of outdoor activities. You start with an off-road drive to an old kohl (eyeliner) mine, then visit nomad families in their woven tents and learn about their way of life over a glass of Berber tea.

Next, you continue to Khamlia to enjoy Gnawa music and dance performances; many villagers trace their heritage to Mali, Sudan, and Niger. After free time for lunch, you stroll through a palm grove, then drive a few kilometres to see Merzouga’s seasonal lake (often home to flamingos). Return to Merzouga. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

DAY 6: MERZOUGA SAHARA – RISSANI – ERFOUD – TODRA GORGES – DADES VALLEY (5 hours drive)

Rise early to watch the sunrise over the dunes — it’s a must. After breakfast, you leave the desert for Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet and a major trading centre with a lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. You continue to Erfoud to visit a fossilised-marble workshop.

You then drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to reach the Todra Gorges, where the river has carved a spectacular canyon with towering red cliffs popular with rock climbers. Enjoy free time to wander the gorge and have lunch. In the afternoon, you continue to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, stopping at the “monkey fingers” rock formations and a scenic viewpoint over the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

DAY 7: DADES VALLEY – ROSE VALLEY – PALM GROVES OF SKOURA – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH (5.5 hours drive)

After breakfast, you continue your 7-day Sahara Morocco tour from Tangier to Kalaat M’Gouna to visit the Valley of Roses. Each May, the Rose Festival showcases local products — rose water, essential oils, and cosmetics. You then drive through the palm groves of Skoura. Next, you reach Ouarzazate to tour the film studios.

You continue to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village featured in films such as Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as the series Game of Thrones. You cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, with stops for lunch and photos. Finally, we drop you at your accommodation (riad) in Marrakech. End of the one-week in Morocco.

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.

You can consider a longer tour (each day you add lets you visit more fabulous places):
– 10 Days Tour From Tangier
– 13 Days Tour from Tangier

Shorter tours:
– 6 Days Tour from Tangier (skip the 2nd night in the desert)
– 5 Days Tour From Tangier (skip the Fes visit)

Other 7 day tours:
– 7 Days Tour from Fes
– 7 Days in Morocco From Casablanca

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

Is the 7 day Morocco tour private or shared?
The seven 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, the port, or your accommodation in Tangier. At the end of the 7 day tour, we drop you off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, or the closest available parking area. The tour usually finishes between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Marrakech, though the exact timing can vary depending on how long is spent at each stop.

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.