9-Day Tangier to Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert Exploration

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Sahara Desert Tours

Sahara Desert Tours

Sahara Desert Tours

Sahara Desert Tours

9-Day Tangier to Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert Exploration

- Overview :

The 9-Day Tangier to Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert Exploration is a rich and well-balanced journey that connects northern Morocco, historic imperial cities, mountain regions, and the magical Sahara Desert. Starting from Tangier, where Europe and Africa meet, this tour takes you through the Rif Mountains, ancient Roman ruins, Morocco’s most important imperial cities, and deep into the Sahara Desert at Merzouga. The itinerary is designed to give enough time in each destination, allowing travelers to explore medinas, understand local culture, enjoy scenic drives, and experience the calm beauty of the desert. With guided city tours, camel trekking, desert camps, and unforgettable landscapes, this journey is ideal for travelers who want culture, history, and adventure combined in one complete Moroccan experience.

- Highlights :

  • Exploring Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa

  • Visiting Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif Mountains

  • Discovering the Roman ruins of Volubilis

  • Exploring the imperial cities of Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech

  • Guided tours of Fes and Marrakech

  • Traveling through the Middle Atlas Mountains

  • Visiting Ifrane and cedar forests with Barbary monkeys

  • Scenic drive through the Ziz Valley and oasis villages

  • Camel trekking in the Merzouga Sahara Desert

  • Overnight stay in a traditional desert camp under the stars

- Tour Plan :

Day 1: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel, port, or airport in Tangier. You leave the city and travel through northern Morocco, passing Tetouan and small villages along the way. The road climbs into the Rif Mountains, offering green hills and beautiful scenery. By midday, you arrive in Chefchaouen, the famous blue city. You have plenty of time to walk through the blue-painted streets, explore local shops, relax in cafés, and enjoy the calm mountain atmosphere. The afternoon is free for photos and exploration at your own pace. In the evening, you enjoy dinner in the medina and a peaceful night. Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.


Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, you leave Chefchaouen and travel south toward the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Upon arrival, you explore the ancient site, walking among columns, mosaics, and old Roman roads while learning about Morocco’s Roman history. Afterward, you continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. You visit Bab Mansour, walk through parts of the old medina, and see the historic city walls. After lunch, you continue to Fes, arriving in the late afternoon. You check in to your riad or hotel and relax after a full day of travel. Overnight stay in Fes.


Day 3: Guided Tour of Fes

This full day is dedicated to discovering Fes with a local guide. You explore the ancient medina, visiting Al Quaraouiyine University, Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, and the famous leather tanneries. You walk through narrow streets filled with artisan workshops, markets, and daily local life. Your guide explains the city’s long history, traditions, and cultural importance. You also visit panoramic viewpoints overlooking the medina. After a full day of exploration, you return to your accommodation for the night. Overnight stay in Fes.


Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt

After breakfast, you leave Fes and head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The scenery changes from busy city streets to green hills and forest landscapes. You stop in Ifrane, a clean and peaceful town known for its European-style architecture. Continuing to the cedar forests near Azrou, you may see Barbary monkeys in their natural environment. After lunch, you continue through mountain roads and small villages. As the day progresses, the landscape becomes drier, signaling the approach of desert regions. You arrive in Midelt in the afternoon, check in to your hotel, relax, and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Midelt.


Day 5: Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, you leave Midelt and descend into the beautiful Ziz Valley, famous for its long palm groves and oasis villages. You stop at panoramic viewpoints to admire the scenery and take photos. The journey continues through Erfoud, known for fossils and date palms. In the afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Camels are waiting to take you across the Erg Chebbi dunes. You enjoy a peaceful camel ride while watching the sunset over the golden sand. You reach your desert camp in the evening, enjoy dinner, local music, and a night under the stars. Overnight in the desert camp.


Day 6: Merzouga Desert Exploration – Erg Chebbi

You wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, a truly unforgettable moment. After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region. You may visit nomad families, learn about desert life, and explore villages such as Khamlia, known for its traditional music. You have time to walk in the dunes, relax in the quiet desert atmosphere, or enjoy optional activities like sandboarding or a 4×4 desert tour. In the evening, you return to your accommodation near the dunes for dinner and relaxation. Overnight near Merzouga.


Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

After breakfast, you leave the desert and travel to Rissani, a traditional market town with strong desert trade history. You then continue toward the Todra Gorges, where you walk between high canyon walls and enjoy the fresh river air. After lunch, you travel through desert villages and scenic roads toward the Dades Valley. The landscape changes into dramatic rock formations and winding mountain roads. You arrive in the late afternoon, check in to your hotel or guesthouse, and relax. Overnight stay in the Dades Valley.


Day 8: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, you travel through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura palm grove, passing kasbahs and oasis scenery. You arrive in Ouarzazate and continue to visit the famous Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch, you cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping for photos and panoramic views. The road offers dramatic mountain scenery before descending toward Marrakech. You arrive in the evening and check in to your accommodation. Overnight stay in Marrakech.


Day 9: Guided Tour of Marrakech – End of Tour

On the final day, you enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech. You visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and walk through the colorful souks. You finish at Jemaa el-Fna Square, where you can experience the lively atmosphere of the city. Depending on your departure plans, you will be transferred to the airport or your accommodation, marking the end of your Tangier to Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert Exploration.

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