Circuit from Tangier to Marrakech

9 nights / 10 days

Trip description

This route begins in Tangier , from where we'll travel to Chefchaouen , known as "the blue city ." We'll continue to Fez , its Medina , the envy of the Arab world and a beautiful labyrinth to get lost in. The route will take us through unique places like the towns of Ifrane , known as Little Switzerland , and its forests of giant cedars , until we reach Erfoud , the gateway to the Erg Chebbi desert , a spectacle for the senses, with endless dunes magical aura that only truly exists , allowing us to spend an unforgettable night under the stars . We'll leave the desert and reach the High Atlas , discovering landscapes along the way, stopping to contemplate their beauty , chat with the villagers , and leisurely enjoy their secluded villages and immense gorges . From the mountains to the city : Marrakech , full of colors , dotted with artisans and artists , with wonderful squares and smells that will mark our memory .

Duration

9 nights / 10 days
Places

Tangier, Chefchaouen, Meknes, Fez, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Boumalne Dades, Marrakech
Airport

Tangier / Marrakech
Price

See Details

Duration

9 nights / 10 days
Places

Tangier, Chefchaouen, Meknes, Fez, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Boumalne Dades, Marrakech
Airport

Tangier / Marrakech
Price

See Details

Day 1 of the itinerary

Arrival in Tangier in the morning , where depending on the time of year there may be a time difference .
Once we have passed through passport control and retrieved our luggage , we will meet the driver who will accompany us throughout the journey.
We will head to Cape Spartel , where the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge .
Next, we will visit the Caves of Hercules , located 5 km away .
We will continue towards Chefchaouen , a city located at the foot of the Tisouka (2,050 m) and Megou (1,616 m) , whose name in Berber means "Look at the Horns" , referring to the two ridges that dominate it.
Once in “the blue village” , we will take a tour accompanied by a local guide .
The mix of unfamiliar voices and sounds will guide us through the winding alleyways until we reach the meeting and resting point , Uta el-Hammam Square , where we can observe the coming and going of its people and the beauty of the Great Mosque .
We will continue visiting the Kasbah (built in the 17th century ) and its gardens .
A few steps further on we will find Makhzen Square , we will take an alley to the northeast which will take us to Bab el-Ansar and the Ras el-Maa fountain , one of the most beautiful places in Chaouen .
Later, at our own pace , to the soothing sound of the water , we will walk down to the stream to see how the women do the laundry and how the watermills still work .
This beautiful path will take us to Rif Sebbanin , the washing quarter , with Sebbanin Square and its 15th-century Mosque .
Accommodation and dinner in a Riad in the Medina.

Day 2 of the itinerary

this morning for Meknes .
Along the way we will visit the Roman Ruins of Volubilis , the largest Roman archaeological site in Morocco :
Triumphal Arch
Capitol
House of Bacchus
They form this open-air treasure .
On the way to Meknes , we will pass through the holy city of Moulay Idriss , who converted the local Berber population to Islam before founding Fez .
The city unfolds its beautiful white houses around the mausoleum and remains a spiritual center , a protected place that transports the traveler to other times .
Arrival in Meknes , one of the most beautiful and powerful imperial cities in Morocco .
Visit with a local guide.
Its Medina is smaller and more relaxed than that of Fez , but no less important for that .
Founded in the 10th century by a Berber tribe , it became the country's capital in the 17th century .
It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Even today it is protected by some forty kilometers of walls , where the Bab al Mansour , a monumental gate considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved in the country .
The city is home to imposing monuments and numerous mosques , which is why it is known as "the city of a hundred minarets" .
Once the visit is over, we will head to Fez , about 60 kilometers away .
Accommodation and dinner in a Riad in the Medina or a 4* Hotel.

Day 3 of the itinerary

Today we will visit Fez-el Bali , or in other words, the ancient Medina of Fez , one of the most authentic and best preserved in the Arab world .
We will explore its labyrinthine medieval alleyways bustle of its people , artisan centers , mosques and palaces are hidden .
Fez is undoubtedly the holiest of Morocco's Imperial Cities , as well as the most cultural .
Walking through the Old Town is like stepping back into medieval times .
We will do it accompanied by a local guide , always on foot , since in this Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , access by motor vehicles is prohibited .
In the afternoon we will continue the visit , observing how the different neighborhoods are distributed , always around everyday scenes such as:
the Mosque ,
the Fountain ,
the oven ,
the Baths ,
and the Koranic School .
We will have the opportunity to see the famous tanneries , where they tan hides , and climb to a viewpoint , from where, before sunset, we can hear the last call to prayer .
Accommodation and dinner in a Riad in the Medina or a 4* Hotel.

Day 4 of the itinerary

Today we will leave in a 4x4 vehicle with a driver heading south to cross the Middle Atlas Mountains until we reach Ifrane , a town known as "little Switzerland" because of its great resemblance to that country.
We will cross the famous Giant Cedar Forests and, if we are lucky, we will be able to feed a colony of wild monkeys that live high up in the mountains.
We will pass through the Ziz Valley , with more than ten million palm trees inside, and arrive at Erfoud , a city called "the Gateway to the Desert" .
Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca , listed as unique in Morocco for its peculiar characteristics .

Day 5 of the itinerary

Today will be a day of total desert .
We will travel along one of the tracks used in the Dakar Rally , visiting villages and desert nomads .
We will stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries , which are 360 million years old , and enjoy a picnic in an authentic oasis .
We will continue until we reach the Great Erg Chebbi , the "Desert of Dunes of very fine sand" , where we will change the 4x4 vehicle for dromedaries to go into the heart of the dunes and contemplate an unforgettable sunset .
We will arrive by camel at the Bivouac , where we will stay in tents , like those used by desert nomads .
Accommodation and dinner.
Sleeping “under the stars” is .

Day 6 of the itinerary

"A Date with the Sunrise." It is recommended get up early to walk to the top of the dunes and see the sunrise .
Bedouin breakfast and departure by car to circle the Erg to the abandoned village of Merdani .
We will continue to the Sudanese village of Khamlia , where its inhabitants will treat us to their traditional dances and mint tea .
Later we will go to Rissani* to visit its market , unique in these latitudes, a place where the tribes and nomads of the desert are supplied .
Curious to see their “parking” for donkeys .
Finally, we will climb to a natural viewpoint to say goodbye to the desert with a beautiful panoramic view .
Return to the Kasbah Xaluca to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing .
After the desert experience, it's nice to be able to rest and relax .
Odds:
Heated pool
Jacuzzi
Tennis
Minigolf
Optionally, hammam (Turkish bath) or massage
For the more adventurous, there is the possibility of taking quad bike excursions through the dunes surrounding the hotel or visiting nearby Kasbahs ( optional excursion ).
Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca.
This afternoon, cars with drivers will be available if you wish to continue visiting the area or stroll freely around Erfoud .
*The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays; sometimes these days don't coincide. In that case, we try to reschedule for another day, or sometimes there simply isn't time to visit.*

Day 7 of the itinerary

Departure by asphalt towards Tinerhir , a small and prosperous town that offers a beautiful panorama of contrasts with its pink houses and palm groves , an ideal starting point to delve into the famous Todra Gorges , where we can walk a little following the course of the river .
Later we will continue to Boumalne Dades , a town located in the Valley of the Birds , at an altitude of 1,612 m in the High Atlas Mountains .
In the afternoon we will travel through the Dades Valley to its gorges and arrive at the viewpoint , where we will have tea .
On the way down, we'll stop at the "monkey's paws" .
Accommodation and dinner at the 4* Hotel Xaluca Dades.

Day 8 of the itinerary

Today we will venture along trails deep into the Central High Atlas , discovering spectacular landscapes .
We will visit Berber villages such as Boutaghrar and Amskar time seems to have .
We will see mountains , canyons and valleys , as well as the caves where nomads still live in the mountains.
We will explore the M'Goun Gorges for an unforgettable walk .
Lunch will be at a “Gite d'Etape” .
Accommodation and dinner at the 4* Hotel Xaluca Dades.

Day 9 of the itinerary

In this stage we have about 310 km ahead of us , although they will be rewarded by the spectacular scenery .
Departure towards Marrakech.
Along the way we will visit the Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou , declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the setting for various film productions .
We will cross the Tizi-n'Tichka , also known as the Tichka Mountain Pass , the highest road pass in the country .
We will leave behind the lunar landscape , which will give way to the predominant green and ochre colors .
Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon.
is recommended to make your first contact by visiting the unique Djemaa el-Fna Square , which at this time is filled with reciters, fortune tellers, jugglers, tooth pullers, dancers and snake charmers .
At nightfall small outdoor food stalls are set up , where you can taste typical Moroccan dishes .
Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel.
Note: Last day of 4x4 .

Day 10 of the itinerary

This morning we will visit the Medina of Marrakech on foot with a local guide .
We will begin by admiring the Koutoubia Minaret , the twin of the Giralda of Seville , and continue by visiting the Bay Palace .
We will venture into the narrow streets of the Souk artisans in action : weaving carpets , making slippers ... and we will be able to find an infinite variety of quality crafts .
We will visit a Berber pharmacy , where they will teach us their "little secrets" .
We will go out again to Djemaa el-Fna Square , where the daytime atmosphere is completely different from the nighttime one .
In the afternoon, free time to practice the art of bargaining or discover the most hidden places of the Medina at our own pace.
At the agreed time, transfer to Marrakech airport to catch your return flight .

At Xaluca Tours, all our programs are custom-designed to suit each traveler. Below, you can find the document with indicative prices for this program during peak and off-peak seasons.

👉 View program with detailed prices.

Remember that these prices are only a reference: each trip is quoted individually based on the number of people, dates, accommodation category, and included services.