12 Days in Morocco: Tangier, Merzouga, and Marrakech

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Tour summary:

Duration

12 days - 11 nights

Llegada

Tangier

Salida

Marrakech

Type of tour

Private or Shared

12 days to explore Morocco in all its authenticity. From the Mediterranean breeze of Tangier and the mesmerizing blue of Chefchaouen, to the historic labyrinths of Fez and Meknes, passing through the Roman ruins of Volubilis. The Merzouga Desert welcomes you with golden dunes, a camel ride at sunset, and a night under a sky full of stars.

The journey continues through gorges, palm groves, and mud-brick kasbahs, climbing into the High Atlas Mountains before discovering vibrant Marrakech and the Atlantic coast in Essaouira, where history, local crafts, and the ocean breeze create an unforgettable contrast. A well-rounded and authentic journey that combines culture, landscapes, and unique experiences at every stop, designed to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Highlights

Arrival in Tangier and departure for the Rif: the great Moroccan journey begins.
Tetouan and its Andalusian heritage: a white medina nestled among the northern mountains.
Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl: colorful streets and Berber-Andalusian mysticism.
Roman Ruins of Volubilis: Ancient Mosaics from the Roman Empire in Africa.
Meknes, Imperial City: Bab Mansour and the Grandeur of Moulay Ismail.
Guided tour of the medina of Fez: tanneries, madrasas, and the world’s oldest university.
The Cedar Forests of Azrou: Encounter Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.
Ziz Valley: endless palm groves leading to the edge of the desert.
Exploring Merzouga and Gnaoua music in Khamlia: the African soul of the Sahara.
A sunset camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
A night at a Berber camp: a traditional dinner and endless stars in the Sahara.
Todra Gorge: A 300-meter-deep vertical canyon flanked by dizzying cliffs.
Kasbah de Aït Ben Haddou: Patrimonio UNESCO y escenario de Hollywood.
Crossing the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka: Morocco’s most spectacular route.
Exploring Merzouga and Gnaoua music in Khamlia: the African soul of the Sahara.
Essaouira and its coastal medina: a free day surrounded by the Atlantic breeze and Portuguese walls.

Tour categories:

Tour Itinerary: 12 Days from Tangier

Day 1: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

Upon your arrival in Tangier, our team will welcome you to begin the route south. The road winds through the green mountains of the Rif, with a first stop in Tetouan, a city of strong Andalusian influence and a well-preserved historic old town.

We continue to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl, nestled at the foot of the mountain. After check-in at your accommodation, the afternoon is free for you to get lost in its medina of streets painted in shades of indigo and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the Rif. Dinner and overnight stay.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 120 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 2.5 – 3 hours (with stops)
🌅 Main stops	Tetouan (historic medina), Rif Mountains
🏨 Accommodation	Riad or hotel in Chefchaouen (board: dinner and breakfast)

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

We leave Chefchaouen to venture into the historical heart of Morocco. First stop: Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its mosaics, columns and cobbled streets evoke the grandeur of a Roman city that once thrived two millennia ago.

The route continues to Meknes, the imperial city of the 17th century. Its monumental walls, the majestic Bab Mansour gate, the royal granaries and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail speak of the splendor of the Alaoui dynasty. In the afternoon, we arrive in Fez, where a traditional riad awaits us for the night.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 310 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 5 – 6 hours (with stops)
🌅 Main stops	Roman ruins of Volubilis, imperial city of Meknes
🏨 Accommodation	Riad or hotel in Fez (board: breakfast)

Day 3: Guided Tour of the Medina of Fez

A full day dedicated to Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Accompanied by a local guide, we immerse ourselves in Fez el-Bali, the oldest and most fascinating medina in the Arab world.

The tour includes the gate of the Royal Palace, the historic Jewish quarter, the Al Qaraouiyine University (the oldest continuously operating university in the world), the famous tanneries, the Attarine Madrasa and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II. After lunch, we visit a zellige cooperative where artisans create traditional mosaics, and we stop at a viewpoint with panoramic views over the medina. Overnight stay in Fez.

🛣️ Distance	Walking tour
⏱️ Duration	Approx. 5 – 6 hours of guided tour
🏛️ Places to visit	Royal Palace Gate, Jewish Quarter (Mellah), Al Qaraouiyine University, Tanneries, Attarine Madrasa, Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, zellige cooperative
🏨 Accommodation	Riad or hotel in Fez (board: breakfast)

Day 4: Fez – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt – Merzouga

Early departure from Fez heading south. We cross the Middle Atlas, where Ifrane surprises with its alpine-style rooftops. Further along, the cedar forests of Azrou treat us to the spectacle of Barbary macaques leaping between the branches.

We continue through Midelt, known as the apple capital, before venturing into the Ziz Valley, a strip of palm groves that contrasts with the surrounding arid landscape. Views of kasbahs and desert scenery accompany us until we reach Merzouga at dusk. Dinner and overnight stay.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 460 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 7 – 8 hours (with stops)
🌅 Main stops	Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest (macaques), Midelt, Ziz Valley, Errachidia
🏨 Accommodation	Hotel or riad in Merzouga (board: dinner and breakfast)

Day 5: Merzouga Area – Camel Ride – Desert Camp

A full day to explore the Merzouga region. We travel by vehicle through the surrounding landscapes: oases, plateaus and the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa community, where their music and traditions transport us to another era. We continue through areas inhabited by nomadic families, learning about their way of life in the desert.

As the afternoon fades, the most anticipated experience begins: a camel ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The sun sets over the sand as we make our way to the camp. Night in nomadic tents, traditional dinner and the most starlit sky you can imagine.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 50 – 80 km (off-road routes) + camel ride
⏱️ Exploration time	Full day
🏜️ Activities	Visit to Khamlia (Gnawa community), encounter with nomads, sunset camel ride
🏨 Accommodation	Berber camp in Erg Chebbi (board: dinner and breakfast)

Day 6: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Ouarzazate

Sunrise over the dunes. The light bathes the sand in golden hues as the desert awakens. After breakfast, we return by camel to Merzouga to continue the route. We pass through Rissani and Erfoud, with their fossil-rich landscapes, before reaching the Todra Gorges.

We walk between its limestone walls that rise more than 300 meters, a canyon sculpted by the river over millennia. We have lunch in this spectacular setting before continuing towards Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert. Dinner and overnight stay.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 350 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 5 – 6 hours
🌅 Main stops	Sunrise over the dunes, Rissani, Erfoud, Todra Gorges
🏨 Accommodation	Riad or hotel in Ouarzazate (board: dinner and breakfast)

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech

We begin by visiting the Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate, a prime example of traditional architecture. We then head to Aït Ben Haddou, the largest and best-preserved ksar in Morocco, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its mud alleyways have served as the backdrop for countless films.

After lunch, we ascend into the High Atlas via the Telouet route, with its ruined kasbah that was once the seat of the powerful Glaoui clan. We cross the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass (2,260 m) with panoramic stops before descending into Marrakech. Late arrival and overnight stay.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 335 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 5 – 6 hours (with stops)
🌅 Main stops	Kasbah Taourirt, Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, Kasbah of Telouet, Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass
🏨 Accommodation	Riad or hotel in Marrakech (board: breakfast)

Day 8: Guided Tour of Marrakech

A full day to discover Marrakech, the Red City. With a local guide, we visit the main highlights: the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace and the serene Majorelle Gardens.

After lunch near Jemaa el-Fna, we venture into the souks, a labyrinth of colors and scents where artisans work leather, wood and metal. The afternoon is free to keep exploring or simply rest. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

🛣️ Distance	Walking tour
⏱️ Duration	Approx. 5 – 6 hours of guided tour
🏛️ Places to visit	Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens, souks, Jemaa el-Fna Square
🏨 Accommodation	Riad or hotel in Marrakech (board: breakfast)

Day 9: Marrakech – Essaouira

We head towards the Atlantic coast. Along the way, we visit a women’s cooperative that produces argan oil, learning about the traditional production process. We arrive in Essaouira, a former Portuguese fortress and today a medina declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We explore its historic port and its streets of white walls and blue doors. We enjoy a fresh fish lunch and the afternoon is free to stroll along the beach or get lost in the charm of this coastal city. Dinner and overnight stay.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 175 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 2.5 – 3 hours
🌅 Main stops	Argan oil cooperative, arrival in Essaouira
🏨 Accommodation	Riad or hotel in Essaouira (board: dinner and breakfast)

Day 10: Essaouira – Free Day

A free day to enjoy Essaouira at your own pace. You can relax on the beach, take a walk along the coast, or choose from optional activities such as horse or camel rides, quad biking, or water sports like surfing and kitesurfing.

You can also continue exploring the medina, visit local artisan workshops or simply sit on a terrace and watch the seagulls come and go. Dinner and overnight stay.

🛣️ Distance	No transfers
⏱️ Activities	Free day to enjoy Essaouira
🏨 Accommodation	Riad or hotel in Essaouira (board: dinner and breakfast)

Day 11: Essaouira – Marrakech

After breakfast, we make our way back to Marrakech. Arrival is expected around midday, with the afternoon free to rest, do your last-minute shopping or get lost once more in the corners of the Red City. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 175 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 2.5 – 3 hours
🌅 Arrival	Marrakech (midday)
🏨 Accommodation	Riad or hotel in Marrakech (board: breakfast)

Day 12: Marrakech – Transfer to the Airport

At the agreed time, we will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport, where this 12-day journey through the heart of Morocco comes to an end.

🛣️ Distance	Hotel → airport transfer (approx. 10 km)
⏱️ Time	Approx. 20 – 30 minutes
✈️ Recommendation	Depart 3 hours before your flight

100% Customizable Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully tailored to your preferences and travel style. The price varies depending on the accommodation category, the number of travelers, and the duration of the trip. Contact us and we’ll send you a personalized proposal with no obligation.If this itinerary doesn’t quite match what you’re looking for, our team will design a custom trip through Morocco just for you, taking care of every detail to ensure you have a unique experience.

What's included:

Private transportation by 4x4, minivan, or minibus, including driver and fuel
Pickup at the port or airport in Tangier
Departure transfer to Marrakech Airport
Spanish-speaking driver/guide
11 nights' accommodation:

2 nights in Fez (breakfast included)
1 night in Merzouga (dinner and breakfast)
1 night in a Berber camp (dinner and breakfast)
1 night in Ouarzazate (dinner and breakfast)
3 nights in Marrakech (breakfast included)
2 nights in Essaouira (dinner and breakfast)

Does not include:

Gallery

Tour Route:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the itinerary or book a private tour?

Yes, all our tours are 100% customizable. Would you like to spend more time in Chefchaouen? Start from a different location? Are you traveling with your family and need a more relaxed pace? Just ask us for a customized quote, and we’ll create a trip tailored to your style—at no extra cost for the customization.

What's it like at night at the desert camp? Are there showers?

A magical experience with all the comforts. You arrive by camel at sunset. A Moroccan dinner awaits you, along with Berber music around the campfire and comfortable tents equipped with mattresses, blankets, and bedding. The camp has shared bathrooms and hot showers. Authenticity without sacrificing the essentials.

Do I need experience to ride a camel? Is it safe?

No experience necessary. The camels are docile, used to travelers, and the ride is very smooth (unlike horseback riding). Our guide will help you mount and will walk alongside the group. Safe for all ages. If anyone prefers not to ride, they can ride in the support vehicle while the group rides the camels.

What happens to my luggage during the camel ride?

Don’t worry: on the day you arrive in Merzouga, you can leave your large suitcase in the vehicle. Just bring a small backpack with the essentials for your night at the camp. The vehicle will be waiting for you the next day with all your luggage intact.

Are meals included? Are there options for special diets?

Breakfast is always included, as are dinners in the desert and rural areas (Dades, Merzouga). Lunch is not included so you can choose where to eat. As for dietary restrictions—vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, etc.—just let us know in advance and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.

What are the accommodations like? Are they authentic or generic hotels?

We work with charming riads and traditional hotels, all of which feature private bathrooms and heating/air conditioning. No generic hotels on the outskirts. You’ll stay in the heart of the medinas (in cities) or enjoy spectacular views (in the desert and mountains).

What are the accommodations like? Are they authentic or generic hotels?

If your tour ends in Fez, Tangier, or Casablanca, you’ll need to bring all your luggage with you, as you won’t be returning to Marrakech. We recommend traveling with a medium-sized suitcase or a comfortable backpack. If your tour returns to Marrakech, you can leave your large suitcase at the hotel and travel with just the essentials.

What is the difference between the 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 10 , and 12-day tours?

4 Days: Desert Essentials from Marrakech (perfect for a short trip).
5 days: More time exploring the desert or an overnight stay in Marrakech at the start of the trip.
6 days: Includes Marrakech and more time in the south.
7 days: Marrakech – Desert – Fez (combined north and south).
8 days: Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes – Desert – Marrakesh.
10 days: Add Essaouira and spend more time in Marrakech.
12 days: Full itinerary: North, desert, Marrakech, and coast, with one free day.

Not sure which one to choose? Write to us and we’ll give you some advice, no strings attached.

What happens if my flight leaves on the same day we return to Marrakech?

Important: If the last day of the tour involves a long journey (from the desert, Fez, or Chefchaouen), you will arrive in Marrakech between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We recommend booking flights departing at 8:00 PM or later, or better yet, the following day. If your tour ends in Marrakech without travel on the last day (transfer only), there are no scheduling issues. Please contact us regarding your specific situation.

How can I book the tour?

You can book directly through our website or by sending us a message on WhatsApp.💬 Contact us on WhatsApp and we’ll send you all the information about availability, prices, and personalized options.

Request a Reservation

+212 658 860892

Would you prefer a quick response? Contact us directly on WhatsApp and we'll help you right away

What our customers say

excellent

We just got back from our trip, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. Everything was perfectly organized, which allowed us to enjoy ourselves to the fullest without worrying about a thing.

The dromedary excursions in the desert and the quad rides were among the most exciting and fun activities of the trip. In addition, the accommodations exceeded all our expectations: comfortable, clean, charming and located in spectacular locations.
The value for money was excellent. We felt we got much more than we expected.
But what really made this trip special was our guide, Hassan. From the very beginning, he was approachable, friendly, and very professional. He was always looking out for us, making sure we were comfortable, safe, and having a good time at all times. It was a real treat to have someone like him with us!

We recommend this experience 100%. Morocco is an incredible country, and living it with such a careful organization and with a guide like Hassan really makes the difference. Thank you for everything!

We had an unforgettable trip in Morocco with Hassan as our driver and guide. We were a group of five friends touring Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fez, Casablanca, Essaouira and Marrakech, and the whole experience was perfectly organized thanks to him. Hassan was much more than just a driver. He took us to excellent local restaurants, always negotiating fair prices on our behalf and making sure we enjoyed authentic Moroccan cuisine without worrying about overpaying. His knowledge of each city, its culture and history greatly enriched the trip, and he was always willing to explain details and answer all our questions. What we valued most was her flexibility and constant attention. She adapted the itinerary to our needs, to our rhythm and to the group dynamics, always with a professional and close attitude. At all times we felt safe, comfortable and very well cared for. If you are planning to travel Morocco and are looking for a reliable driver, an excellent guide and a person who really cares about making your trip a special experience, we can't recommend Hassan enough.

Hassan and his team are excellent. They were recommended to us by friends and were fantastic. Like all operators, they took a little while to resolve the problem, but Hassan was very flexible with his range of services. He accommodated my needs rather than insisting on doing everything on a high budget. This was very different from others and optimized my budget. The car and driver (Hamid) were first class and the accommodation in the riad and camp was very comfortable. 5 stars.

We have just returned from an incredible trip organized by Haya Viajes and we could not be more grateful for the unique experience we had in Morocco. From the very first moment, the organization was impeccable: every detail was carefully planned, which allowed us to enjoy ourselves to the fullest without worrying about anything. We traveled as a family—two couples with four children—and Hassan made sure that each of us felt comfortable and enjoyed every moment. We discovered the most authentic side of Morocco, exploring traditional villages, bustling markets, and spectacular landscapes. However, the most magical part was undoubtedly our experience in the desert dunes. Spending the night under a starry sky, riding a dromedary, and feeling the immensity of the Sahara was something we will never forget. The children were fascinated, and we were amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the place.

Hassan is not only an excellent organizer, but also a charming person, always willing to share his culture and make us feel at home. If you are looking for an authentic adventure in Morocco, we highly recommend trusting him, a trip that will remain forever in our hearts!

It was the first time my friend and I had traveled to Morocco, and we didn’t know where to start. We got Hassan’s contact information, and from the very beginning he helped us with everything. He picked us up at the airport and took us to our first riad, where we received a very warm and welcoming reception. The next morning we left for the desert with Hassan, who accompanied us throughout the tour, explaining each place and making us feel very comfortable at all times. We visited the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, continued to the Dades Gorges, and ended the day in the desert of Merzouga with a camel ride and a magical night in a Berber camp under the stars. At dawn on the third day, we went on a quad bike excursion in the desert—an experience we highly recommend—and then continued on to Ouarzazate and finally Marrakech. With many meals included and others left to us to enjoy at the places where we stopped, it was one of the trips where I felt most relaxed, enjoying every moment without a care in the world. Undoubtedly, an unforgettable experience.