5 day tour from Tangier: the north, the imperial cities and the Sahara
Quick answer: this 5 day tour from Tangier is a private trip across Morocco from north to south: Chefchaouen, the Fes medina, the Middle Atlas, a night in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga), the Todra and Dades gorges and the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, ending in Marrakech. It starts any day from your hotel or Tangier port.
Arriving by ferry from Tarifa or Algeciras, or flying into Tangier? This Tangier to Marrakech desert tour is the easiest way to see the best of Morocco in a few days. Instead of returning north, you finish in Marrakech, where you can fly home or continue your holiday.
It’s a private tour from Tangier to the Sahara: only your group, in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver. We adapt the pace to you, with photo stops, authentic places to eat and free time in the medinas. Perfect for couples, families and friends looking for a complete Morocco tour from Tangier.
Highlights of this tour from Tangier
5 day tour from Tangier: day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Tangier – Chefchaouen
We pick you up at your hotel or Tangier port and head into the Rif Mountains. After about 2.5 hours we reach Chefchaouen, the blue city. We stroll through its medina, Outa el Hammam square and the kasbah, then climb to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint for sunset.
Day 2Chefchaouen – Fes
We drive to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual capital, and explore Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Royal Palace gates, the Jewish quarter (Mellah), Al Quaraouiyine university, the madrasas and the famous leather tanneries.
Day 3Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
We cross the Middle Atlas with stops in Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco”, and the Azrou cedar forest. Lunch in Midelt, then down through the palm groves of the Ziz Valley. In the late afternoon we ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset to the camp.
Day 4Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades
Sunrise over the Sahara dunes and camel ride back. We drive via Rissani to the Todra Gorges, with rock walls up to 300 metres high, and continue to the Dades Valley.
Day 5Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Through the Valley of Roses we reach Ouarzazate and visit the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah (UNESCO), filming location of Gladiator and Game of Thrones. We cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) and arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
What’s included in the tour price
✔ Included in the price
- Private air-conditioned transport
- English & Spanish speaking driver
- Pick-up in Tangier (hotel or port) and drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech
- Fuel
- 4 nights: 3 in a riad or hotel and 1 in a desert camp
- Breakfast every day
- Dinner in the desert camp and in the Dades Valley
- Camel ride (one camel per person)
✖ Not included
- Flights and ferry
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Local guide in the Fes medina (optional)
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance
Photos of the 5 day tour from Tangier
Route map: Tangier – Merzouga – Marrakech
Travel with a local agency specialising in the Sahara
FAQ about the tour from Tangier
How much does the 5 day tour from Tangier cost?
The price depends on group size, season and accommodation (standard riads or a luxury desert camp). The more travellers, the lower the price per person. Message us and we’ll send you a free quote.
Can the tour start at Tangier port?
Yes. We pick you up at your hotel in Tangier or at the port (Tanger Med or Tanger Ville) when your ferry from Tarifa or Algeciras arrives.
Is it a private or group tour?
It’s a private tour: only you and your companions, with your own driver, and we can adapt stops, timings and accommodation.
How long is the drive to the desert?
Day 3 (Fes – Merzouga) is the longest: about 8-9 hours with stops in Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt and the Ziz Valley.
When is the best time for this tour?
March to May and September to November. Read our guide on the best time to visit Morocco.
Can I sleep in a luxury desert camp?
Yes. We can book a Merzouga luxury desert camp with a private bathroom in each tent.