Tour overview
12 days tour from tangier to sahara: Set out on an enthralling 12-day journey from Tangier and explore Morocco's varied topography and rich history. Tangier, a thriving city renowned for its blend of cultures and ancient charm, is where this extensive tour starts. You will experience the magnificence of Fes, with its well-known medina and historical buildings, as well as the picturesque blue lanes of Chefchaouen and the ancient Roman remains of Volubilis. Every day offers fresh surprises, from the imposing dunes of Merzouga and the breathtaking Todra Gorge to the vibrant alleys of Marrakech and the tranquil seaside resort of Essaouira. Visit Rabat and Casablanca to experience the magnificence of Moroccan history and architecture as you wrap up your journey.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Tangier
Arrive in Tangier, the vibrant gateway to Morocco, where the city’s dynamic energy and rich cultural heritage will immediately captivate you. Begin your exploration in the bustling medina, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of spices and freshly baked bread from the lively stalls. Wander through the narrow alleys and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of local life. Visit the historic Kasbah, a fortress dating back to the 17th century, offering panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Take a moment to relax in one of Tangier’s charming cafes,savoring traditional mint tea as you watch the world go by. As evening approaches, the city’s nightlife comes alive with a variety of dining options, from Moroccan restaurants serving delicious local dishes to bars and clubs where you can experience both traditional and contemporary music. Overnight: Riad / Hotel in Tangier
Day 2: Tanger to Chefchaouen
Distance: 115km
Discover Tetouan's whitewashed medina and Chefchaouen’s blue streets. Relax and explore the local culture Meknes. Overnight: Riad / Hotel in Chefchaouen Medina
Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes
Distance: 200km
Visit Chefchaouen, explore Roman ruins at Volubilis, and historical sites in Meknes before arriving in Fes. Overnight: Riad in Fes Medina
Day 4: Fes Sightseeing
Take a guided tour of Fes, stopping at the Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Attarine Madrasa, tanneries, and the Qarawiyyin Mosque. Overnight: Riad in Fes Medina
Day 5: Fes to Merzouga
Distance: 450.2 km
Travel through the Middle Atlas, stopping in Azrou and Midelt before reaching Merzouga for a desert sunset. Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp
Day 6: Merzouga Activities and Spend Night in Camp
Distance: 190 km
Experience a camel trek and stay overnight in a desert camp, enjoying Berber cuisine and starry skies. Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp
Day 7: Merzouga to Dades
Distance: 190km
Explore Rissani’s souks, hike the Todra Gorge, and relax in the Dades Valley. Overnight: Kasbah Hotel – Dades Valley
Day 8: Dades to Marrakech
Distance: 330km
Visit Ouarzazate and Ait Ben-Haddou before heading to Marrakech. Overnight: Riad / Hotel in Marrakech Medina
Day 9: Marrakech
Explore Marrakech with a guide, visiting Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, and Djemaa Lefna. Overnight: Riad / Hotel in Marrakech Medina
Day 10: Marrakesh to Essaouira.
Day trip to Essaouira, enjoying its beaches and medina before returning to Marrakech. Overnight: Riad / Hotel in Marrakech Medina
Day 11: Marrakesh to Casablanca
Distance: 220km
After breakfast, travel north to Casablanca (approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque —Africa's largest mosque, featuring the world's tallest minaret (210m), exquisite hand-carved marble, and retractable glass ceilings. A guided tour offers insight into its masterful craftsmanship. Continue along the scenic Corniche boulevard, then explore the Mahkama du Pacha (a stunning Hispano-Moorish courthouse) and the vibrant Derb Omar central market. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood dinner by the Atlantic before checking into your hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca (city centre or Corniche)
Day 12: The End of the Tour
Today, before taking you to Casablanca Airport, you have a free morning to shop.
What's included
- Transport AC vehicle Minibus or 4*4, All transportation fuel costs
- Spending one night in nomad desert camp with a Private Tent(Wifi,bed,bedroom available)
- English Speaking guide "Fes and Marrakech Medina" with licensed local guide
- Driver during the tour
- 1 Camel trekking in Merzouga Dunes(for person)
- Pick up & Drop off at your accommodation
- 10 nights' accommodation in the category of hotel chosen.(daily Breakfast,Dinner)
- Daily breakfast and 4 Dinners throughout the tour
Not included
- Airfare {flight tickets}
- Lunches, Drinks
FAQs
Absolutely. Starting from the north in Tangier allows for a "descending discovery" of Morocco. A 12-day itinerary is the ideal duration because it avoids the "marathon" feel of shorter tours. It provides enough buffer to spend 2 full nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes, allowing you to transition from the Mediterranean breeze of Tangier to the deep Sahara sands without spending 10+ hours in a car every single day.The total distance is approximately 800km. While a direct drive would take over 12 hours, our 12-day route breaks this into scenic 3–4 hour segments. We stop in Chefchaouen (The Blue City), the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the spiritual heart of Fes. This strategy ensures you arrive at the dunes refreshed and ready for your camel trek, rather than exhausted from the road.Yes, this is the primary advantage of the Tangier starting point. You get the full "Color Spectrum" of Morocco: the white-and-blue of Chefchaouen, the golden dunes of the Sahara, and the red clay of the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Our 12-day circuit is specifically designed to include the Rif Mountains, the Middle Atlas, and the desert in one seamless loop.You need "Layered Versatility." Tangier and the Rif Mountains can be humid and breezy, while the Sahara has massive temperature swings. We recommend light linen for the daytime and a high-quality fleece or down jacket for the desert nights—even in summer, the sand loses heat rapidly once the sun sets. Don't forget a "Shesh" (turban) to protect against wind-blown sand during your camel trek.Yes. Because this is a Private 12-Day Tour, we prioritize "Slow Travel" for families and seniors. We use modern, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles with ample legroom and schedule frequent "stretch and tea" breaks in the Ziz Valley and cedar forests. For those who prefer not to trek by camel, we provide 4x4 transport directly to the luxury desert camp so no one misses the starlit Sahara experience. Starting in Tangier offers a more "complete" cultural narrative. You enter through the "Gateway to Africa," experiencing the Mediterranean influence before moving into the Imperial Cities and finally the nomadic Sahara. It allows for a one-way "Grand Tour" ending in Marrakech or Casablanca, meaning you never see the same road twice and maximize your 12 days in the Kingdom.
