Tangier to Marrakech via Desert – 8 days

Charmed by Chefchaouen’s blue-painted streets, you will be

Tangier is the gateway between Africa and Europe. You can visit the Medina (old quarter) in the vicinity of the Spanish border. Or, take a paseo and enjoy a stroll on the promenade. You can also travel straight to the blue-hued Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains. You can take the scenic route and stop along the way to visit the Cascades of d’Akchour. Chefchaoen is a charming town with narrow streets and beautiful buildings. You can find Plaza Outa el Hammam to open a cafe or restaurant and watch the people eat.

The Grand Mosque, though not allowed to be entered by non-muslims, is worth a visit. You can explore the Kasbah (old Fortification) from there and visit the museum, garden, and some of its old prison cells. To enjoy the panoramic view of the Blue City, follow a path beyond the city walls to Hotel Atlas . You can also climb up to the top of the building. You can also follow the street east, passing over the Ras el Ma Spring. Continue climbing the path (20-30 mins) until you reach an abandoned white Spanish Mosque. As the sun sets behind Chefchaouen, take a last look at Chefchaouen.

Hike duration: 2-3 hours

Merenid Tombs

Before heading to Fes, get up early and take photos of the empty streets. You can stop at the UNESCO-protected Volubilis ruins, which is the Roman’s furthest point in Africa. Explore the complex and see merchant houses, temples, and many other mosaics. For a more intimate introduction to Fes’ first historical imperial city, continue on to Meknes. The main attractions are the Ville Imperiale, the Imperial City, and the medina. Make sure you visit the Bab al-Mansourgate and the Mausoleum Of Moulay Ismail.

Continue east towards Fes, your second imperial capital. Fes, with its large and confusing old medina is worth exploring. You can drive up the hill and visit the Merenid Tombs to enjoy the panoramic view of Fes and the surrounding areas. You will find your Riad (a traditional Moroccan home with an indoor garden) at the top of the hill. Here you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Fes is overlooked by the Merenid Tombs

Fes, the oldest of the four Imperial Cities in Morocco, is also the most fascinating and interesting to explore. It is home to the largest medina in all of the Arab countries and has remained relatively unchanged since its founding over 1000 years ago. It is often considered the country’s cultural capital. It is composed of three parts: Fes el Bali, Fes el Jdid and Ville Nouvelle, which are medina quarters. Begin your half-day journey by meeting your guide. You will be learning about the culture and history of the country as you walk through the narrow streets and medinas.

Begin in Fes el Bali, at the bab Boujeloud Gate. Then enter the main thoroughfare for Talaa Kebira. As you travel past shops and souqs (markets), notice the Spanish- and Tunisian-influenced architecture. Watch centuries-old techniques being used at the Chouara Tannery . Then, take a look at the intricate zellij tilework from the 14th century Al Attarine madrasa. Next, visit the Mellah (old Jewish quarter & cemetery) in Fes el Jdid. Ville Nouvelle is a great place to see a dramatic shift in architecture if you have the time.

A camel caravan travels the Sahara in a camel caravan

Get up bright and early to travel south towards Merzouga. You will pass the Col du Zad pass at 7,146 feet (2,178 m) and climb through the cedar forests in the Middle Atlas mountain ranges. You will be able to see the Barbary Macaque monkeys. After that, you’ll stop for lunch at Midelt (the « apple city ») and enjoy the nearby Moulouya River. Continue on over the Tizi n’Talremt pass to the Ziz Val, which is known for its hidden oases or palm tree clusters. You will pass many fortified houses called ksars, which were built to protect valuable wares such as gold, salt, and spices.

Continue on to Erfoud. This area is well-known for its fossil mining and date festival. You can visit a local collective and learn more about the process as well as meet local artisans. Continue on to Erg Chebbi. This large sea of sand dunes covers an area of 13.5 miles (35 km). The massive dunes are never stationary and move with the wind. Upon reaching Merzouga, climb atop your camel to ride through the dunes to your already-prepared-for-you camp. You can watch the sunset from a nearby sand dunes before you return to your camp to enjoy a delicious dinner by the campfire.

Create your tour

Kela’a M’gouna, and the snow-peaked Atlas Mountains in the distance

Before you rent a sandboard, catch the sunrise. To visit a traditional Saharan village, its inhabitants are originally from Mali, leave the dunes behind and go to Khemliya. Continue on to Rissani. Rissani is a market town and home to a livestock auction. It also has a « donkey parking area ». This site is worth hearing and experiencing. You will reach the 984 foot (300 m), deep Todra Gorge. Enjoy the time you have to explore the gorge, and then relax in the refreshing waters of the Todra river.

Explore the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Many of these Kasbahs are in decline, but some local families still live there. Nomads may be seen tending to their livestock. Go west to Kela’a M’gouna. This area is known for its Festival des Roses. Here you will find extensive cultivated farmland, dotted with fragrant rosebushes. Continue on to Ouarzazate to reach the Sahara Desert gateway, which has been popularized by the film industry. Take a studio tour to see the desert landscapes of the area featured in many films.

In the early evening, the Koutoubia Mosque with its minaret glows on

Continue on to Morocco’s most renowned kasbah, Ait Benhaddou. The old Ksar, a walled city, dates back to the 11th century, when it was an important point along the trans-Saharan trading route. Explore the narrow streets and passageways in this traditional mud-brick town. You can continue on the winding road to the High Atlas mountain tops, including the highest peak, Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) To admire the views over the mountains, stop near the Tizin’Tichka Pass (2,260 m)

To learn more about olive processing, stop by an Argan Oil Cooperative Taddert before you descend down the High Atlas to see the changing scenery. After arriving in Marrakech’s Red City, check into your hotel. You can then spend the rest of the day as you wish. Orient yourself around Marrakech’s main square, Jemaa el–Fna. To its west, visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. The minaret can be missed at 253 feet (77m). The attached gardens are perfect for late afternoon strolls when the sun sets on the minaret.

Jemaa el-Fna is Africa’s busiest square. Here you will find the bustling activity of musicians, snake charmers and performers. Enjoy the show by eating at a nearby café or buying something to eat.

Wander Marrakech’s souks

Marrakech, also known as the « Red City », is a major economic hub. Its red sandstone buildings and walls are over 1000 years old. Marrakech is Berber-based and used to be a major trading center for the Atlas mountain tribes. A caleche is a unique way of touring the medina. It’s a horse-drawn carriage that you can board and adjust to your surroundings. The foundouks were medieval inns that provided shelter and supplies for merchants and travelers. You can visit them today as large shopping areas, residences, or workshops.

Explore the intricate labyrinthine souks hidden behind regular shops and restaurants. Souk el Attarin and Souk Chouari have a variety of spices and woodwork. Souk Smata has traditional Moroccan slippers called babouche. To see traditional dyeing techniques used for cloth and yarn, visit Souk Des Tenturier. Next, take a look at the fine example Moroccan Islamic architecture found in the Ben Youssef Malasa. This 16th-century Koranic school features carved cedar ceilings and sculpted plaster.

Admire the incredible detail in Marrakech’s Saadian Tombs

Depending on your flight details you might want to visit the kasbah region south of Jemaa el-Fna. Visit the Saadian Tombs once you arrive. You will be amazed at the 500-year-old craftsmanship involved in its construction. As you make your way through the malah, stop at the sunken gardens of 17th-century Badi Palace and then to the 19th century Bahia Palace. You might want to visit the Dar Di Said Museum, also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts, to view exhibits of clothing, jewelry, and beautiful Hispano-Moorish decorations of cedar wood.