🕻 +212658860892 ✉︎ hayaviajes@gmail.com
🕻 +212658860892 ✉︎ hayaviajes@gmail.com
8-Day Tour of Morocco Including the Desert, Departing from Tangier
Tour summary:
Duration
8 days - 7 nights
Arrival
Tangier
Departure
Marrakech
Type of tour
Private or Shared
This 8-day tour takes you on a comprehensive journey through Morocco, connecting the Atlantic coast with the heart of the desert and the vibrant energy of Marrakech. From the blue hues of Chefchaouen and the Roman ruins of Volubilis to the cultural depth of Fez, each stage reveals a different facet of the country.
The journey continues south, where the landscapes of the Middle Atlas give way to the golden silence of the Sahara. In Merzouga, the sunset over the dunes of Erg Chebbi and the night spent camping under a starry sky become the highlight of the trip. Imposing gorges, fertile oases, and ancient kasbahs accompany the final stretch before crossing the High Atlas and arriving in Marrakech. Eight days designed to offer a balanced, authentic experience, carefully crafted in every detail.
Book with complete confidence
- Atención directa antes y durante tu viaje
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Authentic and safe local experience
- Carefully selected camps and hotels
- Total transparency in each reserve
Highlights
- Reception in Tangier and departure north: the imperial journey begins.
- Tetouan and its Andalusian heritage: the white medina nestled among mountains.
- Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl: painted streets and Berber-Andalusian mysticism.
- Roman ruins of Volubilis: ancient mosaics of the Roman Empire.
- Meknes, imperial city: Bab Mansour and the grandeur of Moulay Ismail.
- Guided tour of the Fez medina: tanneries, madrasas, and the oldest university in the world.
- Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou: alpine architecture and Barbary monkeys.
- Ziz Valley: endless palm groves on the way to the desert.
- Sunset camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- Night in a Berber camp: traditional dinner and stars in the Sahara.
- Todra Gorges: 300 meters of vertical canyon between dizzying walls.
- Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou: UNESCO World Heritage Site and Hollywood filming location.
- Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka: the most spectacular route in Morocco.
- Guided tour of Marrakech: Koutoubia, Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fna square.
Tour Itinerary: 8 Days from Tangier
Day 1: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen
La aventura comienza en Tánger. Nada más recibirte, emprendemos la ruta hacia Chefchaouen, adentrándonos en las verdes montañas del Rif. El camino ofrece una primera parada en Tetuán, cuyas casas blancas y herencia andaluza merecen una breve escala.
Alcanzamos Chefchaouen, la Perla Azul, encajada entre montañas. El resto de la jornada queda libre para perderte por su medina de calles pintadas en tonos añiles, respirar el aire puro del Rif y asomarte a los miradores que dominan la ciudad. Alojamiento en riad u hotel.
| 🛣️ Distancia | Aprox. 120 km |
| ⏱️ Tiempo de conducción | Aprox. 2.5 – 3 horas (con paradas) |
| 🌅 Paradas principales | Tetuán (vista panorámica), montañas del Rif |
Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
We leave Chefchaouen and head south. Our first stop takes us back two thousand years: Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological site, features mosaics and columns that tell the story of a prosperous city from the Roman Empire.
The route continues to Meknes, one of the four imperial cities. Its monumental walls, the imposing Bab Mansour, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail reflect the splendor of the 17th century. In the afternoon, arrival in Fez, the country’s spiritual capital. Accommodation in a riad.
| 🛣️ Distance | Approx. 310 km |
| ⏱️ Driving time | Approx. 5–6 hours (with stops) |
| 🌅 Main stops | Roman ruins of Volubilis, imperial city of Meknes |
Day 3: Tour of the Medina of Fez
You don’t just visit Fez: you walk through it, smell it, and listen to it. Accompanied by a certified local guide, we venture into Fez el-Bali, the oldest and most fascinating medina in the Arab world. Its 9,000 labyrinthine streets hold treasures such as Al Qaraouiyine University, the oldest functioning university in the world.
We explore the traditional tanneries, where the smell of leather mingles with centuries of history. We visit the potters’ quarter and peek into workshops where artisans keep centuries-old crafts alive. A total immersion in the essence of Morocco. Accommodation in a riad.
| 🛣️ Distance | Walking tour |
| ⏱️ Duration | Approx. 4–5 hours guided tour |
| 🏛️ Places to visit | Gate of the Royal Palace, pottery district, Fez el-Bali, tanneries, madrasas |
Day 4: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Cedar Forest – Erfoud – Sahara Desert
We got up early to leave Fez and head south. First surprise: Ifrane, with its Alpine-style rooftops and European-style boulevards, looks like it was plucked straight from the Swiss Alps. Further on, the cedar forests of Azrou treat us to an encounter with Barbary macaques, frolicking among the branches.
The landscape changes after Midelt. The Ziz Valley appears with its endless palm groves, signaling the desert’s approach. We pass through Erfoud and Rissani to reach Merzouga at sunset. A camel ride takes us into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where the Berber camp awaits us with dinner and a night under the stars.
| 🛣️ Distance | Approx. 460 km |
| ⏱️ Driving time | Approx. 7–8 hours (with stops) |
| 🌅 Main stops | Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest (macaques), Midelt, Ziz Valley, Erfoud |
| 🐪 Camel ride | Approx. 1.5 hours to the camp |
Day 5: Sahara Desert – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
We got up early to leave Fez and head south. First surprise: Ifrane, with its Alpine-style rooftops and European-style boulevards, looks like it was plucked straight from the Swiss Alps. Further on, the cedar forests of Azrou treat us to an encounter with Barbary macaques, frolicking among the branches.
The landscape changes after Midelt. The Ziz Valley appears with its endless palm groves, signaling the desert’s approach. We pass through Erfoud and Rissani to reach Merzouga at sunset. A camel ride takes us into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where the Berber camp awaits us with dinner and a night under the stars.
| 🛣️ Distance | Approx. 460 km |
| ⏱️ Driving time | Approx. 7–8 hours (with stops) |
| 🌅 Main stops | Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest (macaques), Midelt, Ziz Valley, Erfoud |
| 🐪 Camel ride | Approx. 1.5 hours to the camp |
Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
We set off along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, crossing the Valley of Roses and the Skoura oasis, where palm trees line ancient mud-brick fortresses. We arrive in Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, before turning off toward Aït Ben Haddou.
This ancient ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the setting for countless films. Its dirt alleyways invite you to get lost within its walls. After the visit, we ascend into the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Panoramic views accompany the descent to Marrakech, where our accommodation awaits.
| 🛣️ Distance | Approx. 335 km |
| ⏱️ Driving time | Approx. 5–6 hours (with stops) |
| 🌅 Main stops | Valley of the Roses, Skoura Oasis, Ouarzazate, Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, Tizi n’Tichka Pass |
Day 7: Guided Tour of the Medina of Marrakech
A day dedicated to exploring Marrakech with a local guide. We begin at the Koutoubia, whose minaret dominates the city skyline. We continue on to the Bahia Palace, a jewel of Andalusian architecture, and the Saadian Tombs, where the founders of the dynasty are buried.
The Ben Youssef Madrasa dazzles us with its decoration and marble courtyard. The morning culminates at Jemaa el-Fna, Africa’s most famous square, where storytellers, musicians, and food stalls create a unique spectacle. The afternoon is free to continue exploring. Accommodation in a riad.
| 🛣️ Distance | Walking tour |
| ⏱️ Duration | Approx. 4 hours of guided tour |
| 🏛️ Places to visit | Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Jemaa el-Fna Square |
Day 8: Marrakech – Transfer to the Airport
After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, a private transfer will take you to Marrakech Menara Airport. End of this eight-day journey through the heart of Morocco.
| 🛣️ Distance | Hotel → airport transfer (approx. 10 km) |
| ⏱️ Time | Approx. 20–30 minutes |
| ✈️ Recommendation | Depart 3 hours before your flight |
100% Customizable Itinerary
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
- 7 nights' accommodation:
- 1 night in Chefchaouen with breakfast
- 2 nights in Fez with breakfast
- 1 night at a Berber camp in Merzouga (dinner and breakfast)
- 1 night in the Dades Valley (dinner and breakfast)
- 2 nights in Marrakech with breakfast
- Camel ride in Merzouga
- Special Berber dinner in the desert
- Official local guide in Fez and Marrakech
- Bottled water (one bottle per person per day)
Does not include:
- International flights
- Tips and personal expenses
- Admission to monuments
- Lunches
- Drinks with meals
Gallery
Tour Route:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the itinerary or book a private tour?
Yes, all our tours are fully customizable. Would you like to spend more time in Chefchaouen? Start from a different location? Are you traveling with your family and need some adjustments? Just ask us for a customized quote, and we’ll create a trip tailored to your preferences.
How do I handle my luggage during the camel ride in the desert?
It’s very simple: on the day you arrive in Merzouga, you’ll leave your large suitcase in the vehicle. You’ll only bring a small backpack with the essentials for the night at the camp. The vehicle will be waiting for you the next day with all your luggage.
Do I need experience to ride a camel?
None. The camels are docile, used to travelers, and the ride is very smooth. Our guide will help you mount the camel and accompany the group. You’ll enjoy the sunset over the dunes without any difficulty.
¿Cómo es la noche en el campamento del desierto?
A magical and unforgettable experience. You arrive by camel at sunset. A traditional Moroccan dinner awaits you, along with Berber music around the bonfire and a night in comfortable tents with mattresses and blankets. The camp has bathrooms and hot showers. In the morning, the sunrise over the dunes is spectacular.
What exactly do the tours include? Are there any unexpected extra costs?
Our prices include private transportation, a driver-guide, fuel, accommodations as per the itinerary (always with breakfast, and dinners in the desert and rural areas), a camel ride, and water every day. They do not include flights, lunches, admission to monuments, tips, or beverages. Everything is clear from the start—no surprises.
Is it safe to travel in Morocco with Haya Viajes?
Absolutely. We’ve been organizing trips for travelers from all over the world for years. Our driver-guides are experienced professionals who know every route and ensure your safety and comfort at all times. Plus, you’ll travel in modern, air-conditioned vehicles.
Can I leave my large luggage in Marrakech if the tour ends in Fez or Tangier?
It depends on the tour:
-
If the tour ends in another city (Fez, Tangier, Casablanca), you must bring all your luggage because you won’t be returning to Marrakech.
-
If the tour returns to Marrakech, you can leave your suitcase at the hotel and travel with only the essentials.
Check each itinerary and we’ll confirm it for you.
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 with no travel on the last day (just a transfer to the airport), there is no issue with timing.
How can I book the tour?
Request a Reservation
What our customers say
excellent
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!
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!
Book with complete confidence
- Atención directa antes y durante tu viaje
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Authentic and safe local experience
- Carefully selected camps and hotels
- Total transparency in each reserve
About Us
Haya Viajes is a local agency specialized in organizing tours and excursions in Morocco, with more than 13 years of experience in the tourism sector. Our team works to offer authentic, comfortable and well organized trips, allowing travelers to discover the desert, the imperial cities and the most breathtaking landscapes of the country. Our mission is to create unforgettable experiences and accompany each traveler to enjoy Morocco with confidence and peace of mind.
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Contacto
- +212 658 860892
- +212 658 860892
- hayaviajes@gmail.com
- Ksar Hassi Labied Merzouga 52202
