7-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech

Your Moroccan adventure begins with a warm welcome at your hotel, airport or port in Tangier, affectionately known as "the bride of the North". This iconic city, perched between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, offers a unique blend of European, Arab and African influences. Before leaving Tangier, you will visit several must-see sites, including the majestic Cape Spartel, where the two seas meet, and the legendary Cave of Hercules, a mysterious place steeped in myth and spirituality.

After lunch, we will set off on a scenic drive through the Rif Mountains, passing through the white city of Tetouan, nicknamed "the white dove ." Stops are planned along the way to admire the mountainous landscapes and capture magnificent photos. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in the famous blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the mountains. Check into a comfortable local hotel and spend the night in the heart of this serene and enchanting city.

After breakfast in peaceful surroundings, you will have time to stroll freely through the blue streets of Chefchaouen, a true paradise for lovers of photography and tranquillity. The houses painted in various shades of blue, the flower-filled stairways and the decorated doors give the medina an almost unreal atmosphere.

We then head south to Volubilis, one of Morocco's most important Roman archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will discover impressive remains: columns, temples, villas and beautifully preserved mosaics. After this dive into antiquity, we head to Meknes, the former imperial capital founded by Sultan Moulay Ismail. We will visit its iconic monuments: the majestic Bab Mansour gate, the Sahrij Souani basin, the former royal stables, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. At the end of the day, we will arrive in Fez, the spiritual and cultural jewel of Morocco, where you will stay in a traditional riad in the heart of the medina.

This day is entirely devoted to exploring Fez, a veritable open-air museum renowned for its lively medieval medina, religious schools and artisans. You will begin with an exterior tour of the royal palace, known for its impressive golden gates. Then, you will delve into the labyrinth of the medina of Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest pedestrian medinas in the world.

Accompanied by your local guide, you will discover the city's gems: the Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Merinid architecture; the Nejjarine Fountain, a magnificent example of traditional Moroccan art; the Chouara tanneries, where leather is worked using ancestral methods; and Al Quaraouiyine University, considered the oldest university still in operation in the world. You will also visit the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, before climbing up to an ancient fort for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire medina. Return to the riad for a free and relaxing evening.

Today, you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and enter the natural landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. First stop is Ifrane, nicknamed the "Moroccan Switzerland" for its chalets with sloping roofs, clean streets and flower-filled gardens. Then, stop at the cedar forest of Azrou, where you may encounter the famous Barbary macaques roaming free.

The journey continues across rocky plateaus to Midelt, a small town nestled between the mountains, where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, descend into the spectacular Ziz Valley, with its vast palm groves, kasbahs and Berber villages. At the end of the day, you will reach Merzouga, at the gateway to the Sahara Desert. You will then climb aboard a camel for a memorable sunset ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. The evening will be spent in a Saharan camp, with a traditional dinner, Berber music around the fire, and a starry sky of exceptional purity.

After a magical night in the desert, enjoy breakfast at the camp before exploring the surroundings of Merzouga. The day begins with a visit to an old kohl mine, a remnant of the colonial era, followed by a meeting with nomadic families living in goat hair tents. This will be an opportunity to chat over a glass of tea and discover their simple and resilient way of life.

Next, you will visit the village of Khamlia, inhabited by descendants of slaves from sub-Saharan Africa. You will attend a Gnaoua music concert, imbued with spirituality and African traditions. Lunch with a local family will allow you to sample authentic local cuisine. In the afternoon, take a stroll through a palm grove and, if the season allows, stop at Lake Dayet Srij, frequented by flamingos and other migratory birds. At the end of the day, return to your accommodation in Merzouga for dinner and a night in a comfortable hotel.

Wake up early to watch the sun rise over the dunes, an unforgettable sight. After breakfast and a return trip by camel, you will set off for Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet, known for its lively traditional souk and caravan culture. Next, stop at Erfoud, famous for its marine fossils and fossilised marble.

You will continue through desert and oasis landscapes to the spectacular Todra Gorge, a deep canyon with steep cliffs rising up to 300 metres high. You will have free time to walk along the river and enjoy the coolness and beauty of the place. The road then continues to the Dadès Valley, famous for its rock formations known as "monkey fingers". You will spend the night in a guest house or boutique hotel, with dinner on site.

Your last day is rich in landscapes and cultural discoveries. After breakfast, you will cross the Valley of Roses, with a stop at Kelaat M'Gouna, known for its rose-based handicrafts (rose water, oil, soaps). Then, drive to Skoura, a green oasis dotted with kasbahs, including the famous Kasbah Amridil.

Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, nicknamed "the gateway to the desert", you will have the option of visiting the Atlas film studios or the Taourirt Kasbah. Then, head to the legendary Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for having served as the backdrop for numerous films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

You will then continue your journey through the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2,260 m above sea level), with breathtaking panoramic views. The last stop is at the Telouet Kasbah, former residence of the Glaoui, before descending to the Marrakech plain, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. End of the tour.