Your 13-day desert tour from Tangier begins with pickup at Tangier Port or Airport. We drive through scenic landscapes to Chefchaouen—the “Blue City”—where white-washed buildings contrast beautifully with vibrant blue doors and windows. The name “Chefchaouen” means “the horns” in Berber, referring to the surrounding peaks. Explore the medina’s winding streets and enjoy the green backdrop provided by the Laou River. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel or riad.

After breakfast, we depart Chefchaouen and drive through the Maamora Forest toward Meknes—the imperial city that reached its peak under Sultan Moulay Ismail. En route, we visit Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa, featuring remarkable mosaics and ancient architecture. We also pass by the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Continue to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Dinner and overnight in a hotel or riad.

Spend the day exploring Fes with a local guide. Begin at the Golden Gates of the Royal Palace before ascending to a high vantage point to view the medina’s ancient walls. Walk through the labyrinthine streets of Fes el-Bali, visiting mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais. The highlight is the Chouara Tanneries, where you’ll witness the traditional leather-making process. After free time for lunch, visit the artisan quarter where Andalusian-influenced craftsmanship has been preserved for centuries. Dinner and overnight in Fes.

After breakfast, we head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Ifrane—”Moroccan Switzerland”—known for its alpine architecture and cool climate. Continue to Azrou, where we stop in the cedar forest to observe wild Barbary macaques. Drive through the Tizi n’Talghemt Pass (1,907m), with its dramatic purple-hued landscapes, and descend into the Ziz Valley. Pass through Errachidia and Erfoud before arriving at Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Dinner and overnight in a kasbah at the foot of the dunes.

Today, we explore the desert beyond the dunes. After breakfast, we follow tracks once used by the Paris-Dakar Rally to visit nomadic communities and the oasis where “Sahara” starring Penelope Cruz was filmed. We’ll also visit Khamlia village, home to descendants of enslaved people from Sudan, where you’ll enjoy mint tea and learn about their cultural traditions. In the afternoon, switch to camel transportation for a sunset ride into the dunes. Spend the night in traditional Berber tents (khaimas) with dinner, live music, and a spectacular view of the starry desert sky.

After breakfast, we visit Rissani—famous for its bustling market and unique “donkey parking” area where nomadic tribes gather. Continue to Erfoud to explore ancient fossil quarries (380+ million years old). Then, we drive to the Todra Gorges—a narrow canyon with 300-meter red cliffs that attract climbers and photographers. In the afternoon, we continue to the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and “monkey fingers” landscape. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel or riad.

We begin with panoramic views of the Dades Valley before driving through the fragrant Rose Valley (Kalaat M’Gouna), where locals produce rose water and cosmetics. Continue to Ouarzazate—the “Hollywood of Africa”—to visit the famous Atlas Film Studios. Then, explore Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as a filming location for blockbusters like *Gladiator* and *Sahara*. After lunch, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) and arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in a hotel or riad.

Today, explore Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the Menara Gardens with their iconic reflecting pool, the Saadian Tombs (16th-century royal mausoleums), and the Bahia Palace—a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. We’ll see the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s most famous landmark, and finish at Jemaa el-Fna Square—the vibrant heart of the city, alive with storytellers, food stalls, and performers. Dinner and overnight in Marrakech.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Marrakech. Wander through the souks to shop for traditional crafts, relax in a hammam, or visit additional landmarks like the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Your guide can provide recommendations based on your interests. Dinner and overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, we drive through the argan tree forests to Essaouira—a charming coastal town with a well-preserved Portuguese fortification. Explore the medina, visit the harbor where local fishermen bring in their catch, and wander through the colorful souks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also famous for its annual Gnawa Music Festival. Dinner and overnight in Essaouira.

After breakfast, we drive along the Atlantic coast to Oualidia, then continue to El Jadida—a coastal city with impressive Portuguese-era fortifications and the Mazagan Portuguese Cistern. We’ll explore the historic medina before continuing to Casablanca. Dinner and overnight in Casablanca.

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque—the largest mosque in Africa and third-largest in the Arab world. We’ll also see the Corniche Boulevard, Nations Park, and Mohammed V Square. Continue to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, where we’ll view the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and Mohammed V Mausoleum. Dinner and overnight in Rabat.

After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Tangier, following the Atlantic coast through scenic landscapes. You’ll be transferred to Tangier Port or Airport at the scheduled time, concluding our 13-day desert tour from Tangier. We wish you safe travels and unforgettable memories of Morocco.