9 Days Tour from Tangier to Merzouga

9 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier to Merzouga Desert

Embark on a 9 Days / 8 Nights Morocco tour from Tangier to Merzouga and discover the best of Morocco: Imperial Cities, blue medinas, breathtaking mountains, and the golden Sahara dunes. This private journey takes you from Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, and Rabat to the Erg Chebbi Desert, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakech, offering an authentic blend of culture, history, and adventure.

Highlights of the Tangier to Merzouga Desert Tour:

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Morocco’s rich culture, historical landmarks, and Sahara adventures in just 9 days.

👉 Customize your Tangier Desert Tour: At Explore Morocco Holidays, all itineraries are flexible and can be adapted to your travel style, budget, and dates.

Description

Discover Morocco in 9 unforgettable days! From the blue streets of Chefchaouen to the ancient medina of Fes, the magical Sahara Desert of Merzouga, and the vibrant city of Marrakech. Ride camels at sunset, sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp, explore Kasbahs, valleys, and Imperial cities.

What’s Included

Not Included

9 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier to Merzouga Desert Itinerary

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes

Begin your adventure upon arrival at Tangier airport or port. Travel through the stunning Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue City” renowned for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture. Enjoy a guided walking tour before heading to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Savor a delicious meal and relax with an overnight stay in Fes.

Day 2: Fes Guided Tour

Cultural center of Morocco. Take a guided stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the Fes Medina, also known as Fes el-Bali. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited medina. Highlights include:

The Royal Palace, famous for its golden gates

The Karaouine Mosque and University, founded in the 9th century

The Medersa Bou Inania and Nejjarine Fountain

The famous tanneries, where leather is dyed using traditional methods

Bustling souks filled with craftsmen and spice vendors

A panoramic view of the Medina from above

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Fes.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

After breakfast, head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pause in Ifrane, a picturesque alpine-style town often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Journey onward to the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary apes.
After lunch in Midelt, travel through the Ziz Valley, renowned for its palm groves and old kasbahs. Pass through Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and date production, before arriving in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a desert hotel overlooking the dunes.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert Excursion & Camel Trek

After breakfast, take a 4×4 desert tour around the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Visit Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people, and experience their unique spiritual music. Take a break to meet a nomad family who live in traditional tents, and visit the desert oases and Dayet Srij Lake, especially when it’s full. In the afternoon, start your camel ride through the desert. Ride over the golden sand dunes as the sun goes down, turning the sky into beautiful colors of orange and pink. When you get to your fancy desert camp, you’ll be greeted with tea and dinner. Spend the evening beneath the stars, listening to Berber drums and singing around a campfire. Overnight in a private tent.

Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Tazarine – Nkob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

Get up early to see the amazing sunrise over the sand dunes. After having breakfast and taking a camel ride back, head toward Rissani, an old trading town that was once a stop for caravans and is also where the Alaouite dynasty originated. Before heading to Alnif and Tazarine, make sure to visit their traditional souk. Drive through the beautiful Draa Valley, which is Morocco’s longest valley, and enjoy the view of palm trees and kasbahs along the way. Cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains and reach Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Have dinner and stay overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 6: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the Atlas Film Studios, which were used to film movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, and then head to the Kasbah of Taourirt. Head to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most renowned kasbah and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch, drive through the High Atlas Mountains using the amazing Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), enjoying the wide views and seeing Berber villages along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening. Overnight in a riad.

Day 7: Guided Tour of Marrakech

ou’ll spend a whole day exploring Marrakech, known as the “Red City.” With your local guide, you’ll sojourn:

Menara Gardens and Majorelle Gardens, which were designed by Yves Saint Laurent

The Koutoubia Mosque, which is famous for its tall minaret

The Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs

The Dar Si Said Museum, which exhibits Moroccan art and jewelry

The traditional souks and areas where artisans breed

Your day will begin at Jemaa el-Fna Square, where you can experience street performers, snake charmers, storytellers, and food vendors.

Day 8: Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat

Leave Marrakech and drive to Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, and admire its imposing presence overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Head to Rabat, the country’s main political capital. Visit:

The Royal Palace (outside)

Hassan Tower and the tomb of Mohammed V

The Andalusian-style Oudayas Kasbah, which looks out over the Atlantic Ocean

Have dinner and stay overnight in Rabat.

Day 9: Rabat – Asilah – Tangier

After breakfasthead north along the Atlantic coast to the seaside town of Asilah, known for its whitewashed Medina, bright murals, and calmlaid-back vibe. You have free time to walk around and take in the beautiful coastal views. Continue to Tangier, where your 9-day Morocco tour starting from Tangier to the Merzouga Desert ends. Transfer to airport/port for departure.

Destination Overview of 9-Day Tour from Tangier to Merzouga Tangier

Tangier

Explore Tangier, the gateway to Morocco. Discover its Kasbah, medina, Hercules Caves, and breathtaking views where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.

Chefchaouen

“Discover Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco. Explore its blue medina, Rif Mountains, Kasbah, and enjoy an unforgettable authentic Moroccan experience.”

Volubilis

Visit Volubilis, Morocco’s ancient Roman city. Explore its stunning mosaics, grand temples, and the impressive Triumphal Arch at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meknes

Explore Meknes, Morocco’s imperial city. Discover the grand Bab Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, bustling medina souks, and the ancient ruins of nearby Volubilis.

Fes

Discover Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital. Wander its UNESCO-listed medina, visit Al Quaraouiyine University, marvel at vibrant tanneries, and admire historic Islamic landmarks.

Ifrane

Visit Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Experience its alpine charm, ski resort atmosphere, cedar forests, and refreshing climate in the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Azrou Monkey Forest

Explore Azrou Monkey Forest in Morocco. See wild Barbary macaques, walk among cedar trees, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Middle Atlas.”

Ziz Valley

Discover Morocco’s Ziz Valley. Explore its lush palm oases, traditional Berber villages, dramatic gorges, and the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Erfoud 

Visit Erfoud, the gateway to Morocco’s Sahara. Discover its rich fossil heritage, lush date palm oases, camel trekking adventures, and stunning desert landscapes near the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Merzouga Desert

Explore Merzouga, the gateway to Morocco’s Sahara. Experience camel trekking, spend nights in desert camps, witness the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoy unforgettable sunsets, and immerse yourself in Berber culture.

Rissani

Discover Rissani, the gateway to Morocco’s desert. Explore its traditional souks, vibrant camel markets, the ancient ruins of Sijilmassa, and authentic Berber culture near Merzouga.

Draa Valley

Explore Morocco’s Draa Valley. Discover its lush palm oases, centuries-old kasbahs, traditional Berber villages, and breathtaking desert-to-mountain scenery.

Ouarzazate

Discover Ouarzazate, the gateway to Morocco’s Sahara. Visit the ancient ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, tour Atlas Studios, explore Kasbah Taourirt, and marvel at the stunning desert scenery.

Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou

Visit Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco’s iconic desert fortress. Explore its historic earthen architecture, rich Berber heritage, and renowned film locations.

High Atlas Mountains

Explore Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Hike up Mount Toubkal, cross the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, visit traditional Berber villages, and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Marrakech

Explore Marrakech, Morocco’s Red City. Wander through Jemaa el-Fnaa, explore the historic medina, shop in vibrant souks, tour grand palaces, and relax in the stunning Majorelle Garden.

Casablanca

Discover Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Tour the majestic Hassan II Mosque, stroll along the Corniche, explore the bustling medina, and experience the city’s vibrant culture.

Rabat

Explore Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, see the Hassan Tower, pay respects at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and enjoy the scenic Atlantic coast.

Asilah

Visit Asilah, Morocco’s charming coastal town. Stroll through the medina, admire vibrant murals, browse artisan shops, and take in breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views.