8-Day Tour of Morocco Including the Desert, Departing from Tangier

Home »Tours from Tangier »8-Day Grand Tour: Tangier, Fez, the Sahara, and Marrakech

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

  • 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

Does not include:

Gallery

Viaje de 8 días por Marruecos con desierto desde Tánger
Viaje de 8 días por Marruecos con desierto desde Tánger
Fez en un tour desde Tánger por Marruecos, descubriendo la medina histórica en una ruta cultural llena de tradición
Paseo en camello por el desierto de Marruecos entre las dunas del Sahara, experiencia imprescindible en tours al desierto de Merzouga
Desierto de Marruecos con dunas del Sahara y paisajes únicos, experiencia imprescindible en tours en Marruecos y rutas al desierto
Fez Marruecos con su medina histórica y calles tradicionales, destino imprescindible en viajes a Marruecos y tours culturales

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

What our customers say

excellent

Arian
Arian
@Arian Z
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!
Carlos
Carlos
@Carlos r
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.
Smiley San
Smiley San
@Smileysan
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.
Nuria P
Nuria P
@Nuria
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!
Alfonso c
Alfonso c
@TYalfonsoc
Era la primera vez que viajábamos a Marruecos, una amiga y yo, y no sabíamos por dónde empezar. Conseguimos el contacto de Hassan y desde el primer momento nos ayudó en todo. Nos recogió en el aeropuerto y nos llevó a nuestro primer riad, donde nos dieron una bienvenida muy familiar y acogedora. 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 took a quad excursion in the desert, an experience we recommend to everyone, and then we continued on to Ouarzazate and finally Marrakech. With many meals included and others free to enjoy the places where we stopped, it has been one of the trips in which I have felt more relaxed, enjoying every moment without worries. Undoubtedly, an unforgettable experience.

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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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