Discover Morocco on a 12 Days Tour from Tangier to Merzouga, combining northern Morocco, imperial cities, Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, and the spectacular Sahara Desert. Starting in Tangier, this private journey takes you through the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the historic medina of Fes, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, and the dramatic landscapes of the Ziz Valley before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.

Along the way, explore traditional souks, Amazigh villages, ancient kasbahs, and UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou. In Merzouga, enjoy a camel trek across the dunes, spend the night at a desert camp, meet local communities, and experience the Sahara at sunrise and sunset. The journey continues through the Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and the High Atlas before reaching Marrakech.

Highlights

• Explore Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakech
• Discover the blue streets and mountain scenery of Chefchaouen
• Enjoy a guided tour of the historic Fes Medina
• Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests
• Visit Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, and the spectacular Ziz Valley
• Experience the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
• Ride camels through the Sahara at sunset
• Spend the night in a comfortable desert camp
• Visit Khamlia and experience traditional Gnawa music
• Explore Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley
• Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
• Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka
• Enjoy a private journey with flexible stops and local expertise

12 Days Tour from Tangier to Merzouga Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tangier

Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival in Tangier, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your riad or hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you can explore some of Tangier’s highlights, including the Kasbah, old medina, Grand Socco, and the coastal viewpoints overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.

Overnight in Tangier.

Day 2: Tangier – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, leave Tangier and travel through the scenic Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous blue city.

After checking into your riad, explore the medina on foot. Walk through the blue-painted streets, discover small artisan shops, and relax in one of the town’s traditional squares.

For panoramic views, you can walk toward the Spanish Mosque overlooking Chefchaouen and the surrounding Rif Mountains.

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

Leave Chefchaouen and continue toward Fes.

Along the way, visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where you can see remarkably preserved mosaics, columns, and remains of the Roman city.

Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, before driving to Fes.

Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon and settle into your riad.

Overnight in Fes.

Day 4: Full-Day Guided Tour of Fes

Today is dedicated to discovering Fes, Morocco’s historic spiritual and cultural center.

With a local guide, explore the UNESCO-listed Fes Medina, its traditional souks, artisan workshops, historic madrasas, and architectural landmarks.

Highlights may include Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine area, the famous tanneries, the Jewish Quarter, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the old city.

The afternoon gives you time to explore the medina at your own pace or relax at your riad.

Overnight in Fes.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud

Today you leave Fes and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains toward the Sahara.

Your first stop is Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and mountain setting. Continue through the cedar forests around Azrou, where Barbary macaques can sometimes be seen.

Travel onward through Midelt and across the dramatic landscapes leading toward the Ziz Valley.

As you approach Erfoud, the landscape gradually changes from mountains to desert.

Overnight in Erfoud or Merzouga.

Day 6: Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Desert

Continue toward Merzouga, stopping in Rissani, an important historic market town and gateway to the Sahara.

Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, where your camel trek begins.

Ride across the golden dunes as the sun begins to set. Reach your desert camp and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner accompanied by local music.

Spend the night surrounded by the silence of the Sahara.

Overnight at a desert camp in Merzouga.

Day 7: Merzouga Desert Experience

Wake early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.

After breakfast, explore the Merzouga region by 4×4. Depending on your interests, the day can include a visit to Khamlia village, known for Gnawa music, local communities, desert landscapes, and areas inhabited by nomadic families.

You can also enjoy optional activities such as sandboarding or a longer 4×4 excursion around the dunes.

Return to your accommodation in Merzouga for another peaceful evening in the Sahara.

Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 8: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Leave Merzouga and travel west through the changing landscapes of southeastern Morocco.

Pass through traditional villages and oasis landscapes before reaching Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural attractions.

Take a walk through the dramatic canyon before continuing toward the Dades Valley, famous for its kasbahs, rock formations, and fertile oasis.

Overnight in the Dades Valley.

Day 9: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, continue through the Valley of Roses and the oasis landscapes of Skoura.

Explore the palm groves and traditional kasbah architecture before continuing to Ouarzazate, often known as Morocco’s gateway to the desert.

Depending on your interests and timing, visit Taourirt Kasbah or one of the city’s film studios.

Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 10: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

Today visit Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore its earthen buildings and narrow pathways before continuing toward Marrakech.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with stops along the route for photographs and mountain views.

Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 11: Full-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

Discover the highlights of Marrakech with a local guide.

Explore the historic medina, souks, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque area, and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

You can also visit traditional gardens and artisan quarters depending on your interests.

The afternoon is free for shopping, relaxing at your riad, or enjoying Marrakech at your own pace.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 12: Marrakech – Departure

After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Marrakech airport or another agreed departure point.

If your international flight departs from Casablanca or Tangier, the itinerary can be adapted with an appropriate transfer.

Your 12-day Morocco journey from Tangier to Merzouga ends here.

Included

• Private air-conditioned 4×4 or comfortable minivan
• Professional English- or Spanish-speaking driver
• 11 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels, riads, and desert camps
• Breakfast daily
• Dinner at the Merzouga desert camp
• Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes
• Local guided tours in Fes and Marrakech
• Visit to Ait Ben Haddou
• Tangier pick-up
• Marrakech drop-off
• Flexible stops for photographs and local experiences

Excluded

• Lunches and drinks
• Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
• Optional activities such as quad biking
• Personal expenses
• Tips for drivers and guides
• Travel insurance
• Anything not specifically mentioned under “Included”