Overview of Morocco in 8 Days from Marrakech to Tangier
This 8 day in Morocco from Marrakech to Tangier via Fez is one of the best ways to experience Morocco’s most iconic landscapes in a single trip. During this 7 days/ 6 nights tour, we start from Marrakech, the Red City and one of Morocco’s imperial cities, and we will cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 meters), stop at the legendary Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou (UNESCO-listed), where iconic films such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, and Babel were filmed. Then, we will continue through Ouarzazate “Hollywood of Africa” and the oasis roads toward the Dades Valley. After that, we wil it’s on to the dramatic canyon walls of Todra Gorge, before heading the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. There, you’ll ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes, witness the sunset over the desert, and spend a night in a desert camp under the stars with dinner, drumming around a campfire.
Furthermore, we will visit Erfoud, known as the capital of dates and rich in fossils, then cross the Ziz Valley towards Midelt, the capital of apples, and the cedar forest of Azrou (often with Barbary macaques), and a stop in Ifrane, known for its clean streets and alpine feel, before arriving in Fez, the cultural capital of Morocco. Then, we’ll head to Meknes, one of the imperial cities, and visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Chefchaouen, the Blue City, where we’ll wander its blue streets, and conclude our journey in Tangier.
Top Highlights of the 8 Day Sahara Desert and Blue City Adventure
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N Tichka pass 2260 meters high
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore Kasbah Amridil and Telouet kasbah
- Visit the Film Studio and Taourirt kasbah in Ouarzazate
- Discover Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses
- Explore the rock formation" Monkey Fingers''
- Walk inside the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge ( 320 m )
- Camel trek in the Merzouga Sahara Desert
- Overnight stay in a luxury desert camp
- Discover fossil workshops in Erfoud
- Drive through Ziz Valley and walk through the Cedar Forest & Take some shots with Barbary Monkeys
- Visit the historic Bab Mansour, explore the lively Place El Hedim, and discover the Dar Jamai Museum in the imperial city of Meknes
- Visit Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco
- Explore the blue city of Chefchaouen & Walk through its blue washed alleys
- Finish the journey in Tangier
Detailed 8 Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech to Tangier via Fes
On the first day of your 8 Days tour in Morocco from Marrakech to north, your driver will meet you at the airport or your accommodation in Marrakech in the morning, and start the drive south through the High Atlas. We’ll stop at viewpoints along Tizi n’Tichka (2260 meters high) for photos and a short break. Next, we will pass through the Ounila Valley, enjoying panoramic views of the Valley of Paradise. Then, we will visit the Telouet kasbah, known for its Andalusian architecture and ornate cedar wood ceilings (optional stop). Afterward, we will stop along the way at an argan oil cooperative.
After that we will head to Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, an ancient fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage site, and Best place for Filmmakers, where many movies have been filmed like Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Jesus of Nazareth. After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" and the "Gateway to the Sahara". Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
After breakfast at your accommodation, we will enjoy an exploration tour of Ouarzazate, where we will visit the 17th-century Kasbah of Taourirt and Studio Atlas, the world's largest natural studio, where several films such as Jewel of the Nile and series such as Game of Thrones and Prison Break have been filmed.
Next, we'll taking the road of 1000 kasabh to reach the oasis of Skoura where you'll visit Kasbah Amridil, and then Kelâat M'Gouna, known as the Rose Capital, where you will visit a local rose cooperative (optional) and if you book during the Rose Festival, you can also visit it (usually held in May, depending on the harvest season). Afterwards, we will drive to the peaceful Dades Valley, where you will visit the rock formation known as "Monkey's Fingers" and the wavy road of Tisadrine. Then, your driver will take you to your accommodation for the night. Overnight stay and dinner in Dades.
After breakfast, we head toward Tinghir and stop at the impressive Todra Gorge. This stunning valley, with its towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 320 meters, is located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains and a preferred place for mountain climbers. Enjoy a walk between its towering cliffs and palm oasis scenery and enjoy Moroccan mint tea by the river.
We then continue through desert towns and ancient caravan routes, stopping in Tinejdad for lunch. After that, we will head to the village of Melaab, where we will visit a local cooperative to learn about Berber culture and try on a Berber wedding costume, and experience henna tattooing (optional). Then, we will drive to Erfoud, known as the date capital, where we will visit a fossil museum.
By late afternoon, we reach Merzouga, where your camel guide will be waiting. Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset over the desert sands. Then, we continue to the desert camp where you can sandboard, have dinner, and enjoy Berber music and dance performances around the campfire. Overnight in a desert tent under the stars.
Wake up for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga, a sight not to be missed.; it's well worth it. Then return to your desert camp for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, travel back to Merzouga by camel, where your driver awaits. we explore the Merzouga region by 4x4. Depending on your mood and timing, the day can include:
- A visit to an ancient eyeliner mine
- Visiting a nomadic family to learn about their way of life over tea and Berber desert pizza in a relaxed and fun atmosphere
- A stop in a village to enjoy Gnaoua music, whose origins trace back to countries like Sudan, Mali, and Chad
- Return to Merzouga for lunch in the late afternoon
- A visit to Lake Merzouga, also known as Lake Flamingo or Tifert (a seasonal lake)
- Visit the green oasis of hassilabied in the heart of the Sahara Desert, and enjoy the sounds of desert birds in the shade of the dense palm trees
- An experience of quad biking or dune buggy riding across the Merzouga sand dunes (optional)
By late afternoon, you’ll return to Merzouga or hassilabied where, we will spend the night in a hotel/riad near the dunes, perfect for a shower, a relaxed dinner, and a good sleep.
After breakfast at the desert camp, we leave Merzouga and stop in Rissani, known for its traditional Souks days and historic atmosphere. You will explore its souk, which is especially lively on certain days of the week (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday), when nomads come to buy and sell their goods. Then, we visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif (optional visit).
After that, we head north, where we will cross the Ziz Valley, known for its palm oasis stretching along the valley and its stunning scenery, perfect for taking memorable photos. Then, we will cross the Tizi n'Telghamt Pass. Next, we will continue to Midelt, known as the "Apple Capital", where we will stop for a break and lunch.
After lunch in Midelt, we continue through the Middle Atlas landscapes toward Azrou, famous for its cedar forest, where you may see Barbary macaques (it can be fed). Afterward, we pass through Ifrane, known for its clean streets and cool climate and Alpine-style houses, this is why it is often called the "Switzerland of Morocco". Late in the afternoon or evening, we will arrive in Fes. Overnight stay and dinner in Fes.
In the morning, after breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Fes, Morocco's oldest imperial city and its cultural and intellectual capital. We begin at the 9th-century Andalusian Mosque, then we will visit Bab Bou Jeloud, famous for its stunning blue and green mosaics, built in 1913. Next, we enter the Medina of Fez, also known as Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through its narrow alleyways.
After that, we will visit the Dar el Makhzen, also known as the Royal Palace, where you can take stunning photos in front of its ornate golden gates. Afterward, we visit Al Quaraouiyine University, considered the oldest university in the world. Then, we visit will the Attarine Madrasa and the Bou Inania Madrasa, followed by a stop at the Dar Batha Museum.
Next, we explore the Mellah of Fez, the old Jewish quarter of Fez and visit the famous Chouara tannery, where animal hides are used to make clothing, shoes, bags, and more. Afterward, we’ll head towards the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fez, and the Nejjarine Fountain.
Following that, we will explore a traditional pottery workshop in Fez, where you will watch skilled artisans creating mosaic tiles and decorations on ceramic plates. In the late afternoon, we will take you to the Borj Nord to enjoy a panoramic view of the Medina of Fez before transferring you to your accommodation in Fez. Dinner and overnight stay in Fes.
After breakfast, we head toward northern Morocco. On the way, we stop at Volubilis, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Morocco, dating back to the 3rd century BC, where, we will explore Roman ruins such as the triumphal arches, mosaics, the Capitoline Temple, the court, and the public square.
Next, we will drive to Meknes, one of Morocco's imperial cities, where, we will visit the historic Bab El Mansour Laalej, built in the 18th, as well as the historic Lahdim Square (similar to Jemaa El-Fna Square in Marrakech), where snake charmers and dancers perform. Then, we will visit the Dar Eljamîi Museum.
After lunch in Meknes, we will drive through the Rif Mountains, with their lush green vegetation, where you can enjoy the scenery, panoramic views, and stop to take photos. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Chefchaouen, known as the Blue City, where you will have plenty of time to wander its blue streets, shop, take photos, and visit local artisan workshops if you wish. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Chefchaouen.
After breakfast, we'll begin a short tour of Chefchaouen, visiting the Chefchaouen Medina and The majestic Kasbah of Chefchaouen, built in 1471, as well as the Spanish Mosque. We'll then continue our journey to Tangier, enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way, and stop at the Akchour Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Morocco. There, we will visit the waterfalls and "Jisr Allah" (Bridge of God), a unique natural rock formation resembling a bridge. Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, the sound of flowing water, and take memorable photos.
Afterward, we'll continue our tour to Tangier. Upon arrival, we'll transfer you to your accommodation or the airport. End of your 8 day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech.
Includes/Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
- Private transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle (4WD or minivan, depending on group size)
- Experienced local English, Italian, French, or Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel and all road costs
- 7 nights accommodation (hotels, riads)
- Night in a luxury camp in Merzouga with a private toilet and shower
- Camel trek in the Sahara desert (one camel per person), or 4x4 transfer available on request
- Dinner x 2
- Breakfast x 7
- Desert excursion by 4WD
- Free sandboarding in the desert
- Luggage transfer to the desert camp
- Scenic stops and photo breaks along the route
- The opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish
The Cost Excludes
- Lunches
- Flight tickets
- Personal spending
- Entrance fees (if required)
- Beverages
- Tips (optional)
- Optional activities (quad biking, buggy, etc.)
FAQs : 8 Day Morocco Tour from Marrakech to Tangier
This is a private tour, fully customized to your travel style and pace.
Yes, if you are comfortable with long drives. We can adapt stops and pace to your group.
Yes, this tour is designed to give a complete introduction to Morocco, including cities, mountains, and desert.
Spring and autumn offer the best weather for both desert and city sightseeing.
Comfortable clothes, a warm layer for the evening, sunscreen, and good walking shoes.
The camel trek usually lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, including a sunset stop.
No. If you prefer, we can arrange a comfortable 4×4 transfer to the desert camp instead.
You can choose between a standard camp or a luxury camp with private bathroom facilities.
Morocco is a large country, and some days include long scenic drives with plenty of stops along the way.
Your luggage will be safely transported to the desert camp by 4×4 vehicle (4WD), so you can enjoy the camel ride comfortably with only a small backpack for personal items.
Both are comfortable. Luxury camp usually means private bathroom/shower and more spacious tents.
Yes, there is electricity, and the Wi-Fi network quality is good from time to time, but don’t worry, this is part of your desert adventure.
Booking your desert tour is simple. You can contact us through WhatsApp, email, our contact form, or social media. Once we confirm your itinerary and travel dates, we will request a small deposit to secure your reservation.
We accept payments by PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer. The remaining balance can be paid in cash at pick-up or by credit card with a small 5% processing fee.
You can cancel your tour free of charge if you inform us more than 15 days before the start date. In this case, your deposit will be fully refunded.
If the cancellation is made within 15 days, the deposit will be retained to cover preparation and reservation costs.