Private 9 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier to Marrakech

After a delightful breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your driver to begin exploring Tangier. Today is dedicated to discovering the unique culture of this northern Moroccan city, a historical crossroads where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and Europe subtly blends with Africa. Your visit allows you to explore Cape Spartel, the impressive Palace of the Sultan, the ancient Necropolis, the mythical Caves of Hercules, the historic Kasbah, and the bustling Medina and Souk. Once you arrive at the souk, you will have free time to walk through the streets. After this half-day exploration, you will have lunch in a typical Moroccan restaurant to savor the best Moroccan dishes. Following lunch, you will continue your tour to Chefchaouen. This popular tourist destination, often called Chaouen by Moroccans, is renowned for its proximity to Tangier and its unique charm. Its name, derived from the Berber word for horns (Ichawen), refers to the shape of the mountain tops above the town. One distinction possessed by Chefchaouen is its blue-rinsed houses and buildings, creating a truly picturesque setting. Chefchaouen is also a popular shopping destination, offering many native handicrafts not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The local goat cheese is also a popular delicacy. You’ll spend the evening soaking in the serene and artistic atmosphere that makes Chefchaouen so unique. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a journey towards the ancient imperial city of Fez. Your route will take you through the picturesque Rif Mountains, offering enchanting views. Your first significant stop will be the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis. This ancient Berber and Romanized city, once the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s rich past. Wander through its remarkably preserved mosaics and grand architectural remnants, imagining life in this thriving Roman outpost.

Next, you’ll continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, famous for its imperial past. Here, you’ll visit the old Medina, which is surrounded by a large line of wall, and marvel at the grandeur of Bab Mansour, a huge door with intricate voice and mosaic tile, serving as the gateway to this ancient imperial city. You can also explore the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, who made Meknes his capital in the seventeenth century, featuring beautiful courtyards and fountains. In the afternoon, you will continue your tour to Fez, the oldest city in Morocco. Overnight at your hotel/Riad in Fez.

After breakfast in your Riad, prepare to step back in time as you begin your exploration of Fez, the oldest imperial city in Morocco, founded in the eighth century by Moulay Idriss II. Fez is a vibrant tapestry of culture, traditions, and gastronomy, proudly referred to as the country’s cultural capital. This guided tour will lead you through the labyrinthine alleys of its ancient medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Prepare to be enchanted by the sights, sounds, and aromas of this living museum.

Your immersive exploration will include:

The Royal Palace Gate: Admire the magnificent golden gates, a stunning example of Moroccan craftsmanship.

The Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud): An iconic and beautifully decorated gate leading into the Medina.

The Jewish Quarter (Mellah): Explore the first Mellah ever built in Morocco, dating back to the 14th century, discovering its unique architecture and rich history.

Al-Qaraouine University: Visit the oldest continuously operating university in the world, a beacon of learning for centuries.

The Tanneries: Witness the iconic Chouara Tannery, where leather is still processed using traditional methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. The vibrant dye pits and the bustling activity offer a fascinating, albeit aromatic, insight into an ancient craft.

Moulay Idriss Mausoleum: Pay respects at the sacred tomb of Fez’s founder.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the tiles cooperative to witness the intricate art of Moroccan mosaic making. Conclude your day with a wonderful panoramic view over the entire Medina of Fez, offering a breathtaking perspective of this sprawling ancient city. Overnight at the same Riad.

After breakfast, your adventure takes a dramatic turn as you leave the subtle charm of Fez behind and journey towards the majestic Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Your drive will lead you through the captivating landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll traverse vast Cedar forests, renowned worldwide for their ancient trees and unique ecosystem. Keep an eye out for the playful Barbary apes that inhabit these forests!

Your route continues through Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture and pristine environment, offering a delightful contrast to the traditional Moroccan towns. You’ll also pass through Azrou, a typical Zayan Middle Atlas Berber village, providing insights into local life. Your journey continues to Midelt along the magnificent hills and mountains of the Atlas. After lunch in Midelt, you’ll be traveling through the fascinating Tiz Ntalghamt pass and the spectacular Ziz Gorge, taking in views of the High Atlas plateau, seeing how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the province of the south-east Errachidia city. Afterwards, you’ll travel along the fantastic Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way to Erfoud and Rissani. Arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of mint tea. Then, prepare for an exhilarating camel ride into the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert of Merzouga to reach your desert camp, where you will spend the night. Overnight in a Berber tent in the middle of Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes.

Today promises one of the most magical moments of your journey: a Sahara desert sunrise. Wake up very early in the morning to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon as the first rays of light kiss the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, creating an unforgettable panorama. After soaking in the breathtaking views, you will return to the camp for breakfast. Then, you’ll peacefully camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga. While enjoying this morning ride, you couldn’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. Once you arrive in Merzouga, you will meet your driver again to continue the tour to Dades Valley.

You will have an optional stop in Rissani to visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Chref, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, and then you will continue to Erfoud to visit the fossilized marble factory. Your journey then leads to the dramatic Todra Gorges. After lunch in this impressive mountainous place, you can enjoy a half-hour walk to see the gorges calmly, guided through the palm grove and the Jewish quarter. Todra Gorges is known for its highest, narrowest canyons in Morocco, a climber’s paradise and a truly unique place. In the evening, we will drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Overnight accommodation will be in a fancy guest house overlooking the Dades Valley.

After breakfast in your accommodation, you will start traveling through the Dades Valley towards Ouarzazate. The road through Dades Valley is called the “way of the thousand Kasbahs” – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip. You will stop at Kalaat M’Gouna, the center of the Rose Valley, where you will have the option to visit the cooperative for the roses and purchase rosewater. Continue to Ouarzazate, often dubbed the “Hollywood of Africa,” a city that serves as a gateway to the Sahara and a popular filming location for numerous international movies. Overnight in a Riad in Ouarzazate.

Your day begins with a journey from Ouarzazate to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a magnificent testament to ancient Berber earthen architecture. Explore its historic alleys, where many famous movies have been filmed, and admire the panoramic views of caravan roads stretching towards the distant peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. This site truly embodies the enduring spirit of ancient Berber civilization.

You will then continue your drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tichka Pass (2,260 m.a.s.l.), stopping at breathtaking panoramic viewpoints to capture the stunning vistas. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to explore the process of producing Argan oil – existing only in Morocco – by Berber women in their cooperative. After lunch in Marrakech, you will be dropped off at your hotel/Riad in Marrakech. Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast in your Hotel/Riad, you can start exploring Marrakech, the “Red City of Morocco.” You will visit the most important sites of historical and cultural interest, ensuring you see the very best this captivating city has to offer.

Your guided tour will include:

The Majorelle Gardens: Step into an oasis of tranquility and vibrant color, a stunning botanical garden and artistic landscape.

The Koutoubia Tower: Marvel at the majestic minaret of Marrakech’s largest mosque, a prominent landmark.

The Saadian Tombs: Discover the beautifully adorned tombs of the Saadian dynasty, a hidden gem of Moroccan history.

The Bahia Palace: Be awestruck by the “Palace of the Beautiful,” a stunning example of Moroccan and Islamic architecture.

Djemaa el-Fna Square: Immerse yourself in the lively main square, a bustling hub of activity, storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.

After lunch at a restaurant near the square, you will walk through the souks and view hundreds of handicrafts. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to wander by yourself and explore other parts of the city. Marrakech’s vibrant energy promises an exhilarating buzz that never stops.

Finally, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Marrakech Airport if you have a flight that day, or dropped off at your hotel in Marrakech if you are extending your stay. Vivid Morocco Tours hopes you leave with cherished memories of your unforgettable journey through Morocco!