Imperial cities Tour From Tangier To Marrakech Via Sahara

You’ll be warmly welcomed with a pick-up from either the airport or the Maritime Port of Tangier. From there, we’ll embark on a scenic 3-hour drive that takes you through Morocco’s stunning mountains and valleys, offering breathtaking views of the landscape along the way.

As we journey toward the charming city of Chefchaouen, known for its distinctive blue-painted buildings and vibrant streets, you’ll have opportunities to capture beautiful photographs and soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Upon our arrival, we’ll drop you off at a lovely riad, where you can unwind and take in the serene ambiance. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to explore this picturesque city at your leisure. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets, visit local shops, or relax at a café while enjoying the enchanting views of the Rif Mountains.

Chefchaouen offers a unique blend of culture and tranquility, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and experience the charm of this hidden gem.

You will have a free morning to explore the enchanting Chefchaouen at your leisure. This tranquil city offers a perfect respite while providing a glimpse into the essence of Morocco, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking something more authentic.

Nature lovers will delight in the easily accessible Rif Mountains, where scenic trails invite you to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes. Meanwhile, shoppers can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the boutique shops, where you can find everything from hand-spun pottery to artisanal soaps crafted right in the city—perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.

Whether you choose to wander the clean, winding streets of the medina, embark on a picturesque hike through the mountains, or simply relax with a book and a refreshing cup of fresh mint tea, your morning in Chefchaouen is bound to be magical. With the city’s small size and serene atmosphere, you won’t need a guide; it’s easy to navigate and enjoy at your own pace.

At 1 PM, we’ll depart for Fez, with a scenic drive that will take approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you can unwind and savor dinner at your riad, reflecting on the memorable experiences of the day.

On this 5 days tour, at 8 AM, we depart from the riad to delve into the rich history of Fez, guided by an expert who will lead us through the winding alleys of the medina for about 2.5 hours.

In Fez medina, you’ll find yourself walking through 1,300 years of Moroccan heritage. This area has recently begun to feel the effects of globalization and an increase in tourism, yet the magic of Fez endures. The city stands as a testament to centuries of history, culture, and tradition.

The oldest part of Fez, Fez el-Bali, is renowned as the world’s largest car-free urban space and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, where the hustle and bustle of narrow passageways contrasts with the tranquil, reflective interiors of mosques and historic buildings. This dynamic interplay gives Fez its unique charm, making it a must-see destination in Morocco.

By 10:30 AM, we’ll begin our journey southward, making a short stop in the picturesque town of Ifrane. Nestled at an altitude of 5,460 feet in the Middle Atlas, Ifrane is known for its Swiss alpine feel and beautiful natural surroundings. The area boasts three protected natural zones: Ifrane National Park, the Cedar Forest, and the Ifrane Game Reserve. Here, you’ll find vast forests of giant cedars and playful colonies of Barbary macaques, reminiscent of those found in Gibraltar.

Due to its altitude, Ifrane experiences abundant snowfall in winter and a pleasantly cool climate in summer, adding an “exotic touch” to our journey toward the desert.

After our time in Ifrane, we’ll head to Midelt for lunch. This charming town lies nestled between the Middle Atlas and Grand Atlas, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Post-lunch, we will continue our scenic drive through the majestic Middle Atlas mountains until we reach Merzouga. We’ll arrive before nightfall, where your camels will be waiting to take you on a memorable 1-hour trek through the stunning desert dunes to our camp.

Dinner will be served under a starlit sky in a traditional tent, providing a truly immersive experience in the heart of the desert. After dinner, feel free to join in around the crackling bonfire, where local music will create a magical ambiance, completing your unforgettable day in Morocco.

Rise early to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises atop a dune in the Merzouga desert. As the sun casts its golden rays across the landscape, enjoy a moment of tranquility and take in the mesmerizing colors of the desert. After this unforgettable experience, savor a delicious breakfast to fuel your day ahead.

Once you’re ready, prepare for another hour-long camel ride back to the meeting point in Merzouga, where our driver will be waiting for you.

We’ll embark on a scenic journey through the Draa Valley, where you’ll traverse stunning mountain landscapes, transitioning from the Anti-Atlas to the lush Fint Oasis.

The Fint Oasis, located 10 kilometers south of Ouarzazate, is often referred to as the “desert’s garden.” As you approach this verdant paradise, it may seem surreal that such greenery and life can flourish amidst the dry, desolate terrain of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Suddenly, a massive, lush palm grove emerges on the horizon, teeming with vibrant plant and animal life, as well as charming village scenes.

This oasis is composed of four traditional villages that beautifully blend Sub-Saharan, Moroccan, and Berber cultures. Here, you can witness the simplicity of life as donkeys and other beasts of burden roam the streets, and women wash clothes in the river, embodying a way of life that has remained largely unchanged over the years. While the Fint Oasis may be relatively unknown outside of Morocco, it has served as a stunning backdrop for several Hollywood films.

It is in this idyllic setting that we will enjoy a delightful dinner and rest for the night, immersing ourselves in the serene beauty of the Fint Oasis.

After a refreshing breakfast at our Riad in Fint Oasis, we’ll hit the road towards the vibrant city of Ouarzazate, often referred to as “the gate of the desert.” This city and its surroundings are famed as a popular filming location for many international movies due to its stunning landscapes and unique light quality, enjoying over 300 days of bright sunshine each year.

Ouarzazate has hosted the filming of numerous iconic films, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Man Who Would Be King (1975), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Asterix and Obelix (2004), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna (2011), and The Hills Have Eyes (2006).

After exploring the famous film studios, we will continue our journey towards Marrakech, passing through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains via the picturesque Tizi n’Tichka pass. This stretch of road is renowned for its stunning views, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s natural beauty.

We will take a break for lunch at a pleasant restaurant along the mountain road, where you can enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine while soaking in the surrounding scenery.

As we drive, you’ll notice several traditional villages nestled among the mountains, with houses made of stone or beaten earth, surrounded by terraced fields and walnut trees. The local inhabitants continue to engage in agriculture, preserving a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

We anticipate arriving in Marrakech by the end of the day, where you can unwind and reflect on the incredible journey through Morocco’s enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage.