This 8-day North to South Morocco private tour begins in Tangier and travels through Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, and Marrakech. The route crosses the Rif Mountains to the Blue City of Chefchaouen, followed by visits to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes. In Fes, guided medina walks focus on historic quarters, tanneries, mosaics, and the world’s oldest university. Scenic drives continue through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests, alpine towns, and the Ziz Valley. In Merzouga, a camel trek leads into the Erg Chebbi dunes for an overnight desert camp. The adventure moves on to Todgha Gorge, Tinghir, and the Dades Valley, then follows the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou. The tour ends in Marrakech with guided city highlights, and souk exploration.
Highlights
Explore Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, and Marrakech highlights
Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes
Walk the Fes medina, see tanneries, mosaics, and the oldest university
Cross the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and Ziz Valley
Enjoy a camel trek and overnight stay in the Sahara dunes of Merzouga
Discover Todgha Gorge, Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakech souks
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Arrive in Tangier via airport or ferry port and meet your guide upon arrival. Transfer inland toward the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, known as the Blue City for its blue-washed medina streets.
After arrival, check in at a traditional riad and join an orientation walk to learn the layout of the medina and key landmarks. The afternoon remains open for independent exploration through narrow lanes, local shops, and cafes. In the late afternoon, take a hike to the Spanish Mosque for wide views over Chefchaouen and the surrounding mountains, followed by sunset views over the city.
Day 2: Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes
After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen by private transfer and travel south toward Fes, Morocco’s first imperial city and spiritual center. En route, stop at the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis for a guided walk among mosaics, temples, and ancient streets that reflect early Roman and Amazigh history. Continue to Meknes, a former imperial capital, entering the medina through Bab Mansour. Visits include the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Agdal Reservoir, and Heri es-Souani granaries and stables. After sightseeing, drive onward to Fes and check in at a centrally located riad. The evening remains open for independent exploration or rest.
Note: As of January 2026, many of the monuments in Meknes are currently undergoing extensive restoration and are closed for the foreseeable future. You may choose to skip this stop to have more time in Chefchaouen or Fes, if you wish.
After breakfast, meet the local guide at Riad Farouzi for a full-day exploration of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual capital. Begin with a drive to the Royal Palace, then walk through the old Mellah (Jewish Quarter) to observe its unique architecture and heritage sites. Climb a city tower (Borj) for panoramic views of the expansive Fes medina, the largest pedestrian-only old city in the world. Visit a mosaic house to watch Fassi artisans demonstrate traditional pottery techniques. Continue on a guided walking tour through the medina’s historic streets, artisan quarters, tanneries, and key monuments, including the tomb of Idriss II and Al-Qarawaiyin University. The afternoon is free for personal exploration or enjoying a relaxing hammam.
Day 4: Fes to Merzouga | Atlas Mountains & Ziz River Gorge
After breakfast, the adventure continues by private transfer from Fes toward the Sahara Desert. The route passes through Ifrane, known for alpine-style buildings and the statue of the now extinct Atlas lion. Enjoy a short stop in the European-esque town center for a snack or a coffee before continuing on. Travel continues into the Middle Atlas Mountains and through cedar forests near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques (aka Atlas monkeys). Scenic driving follows across high plains near Midelt, then through the High Atlas via the Ziz River Gorge, offering wide desert views. The landscape shifts to desert on arrival in the Erfoud oasis before reaching Merzouga at the edge of the large Erg Chebbi dunes. A final transfer leads to the desert camp for check-in, a hearty dinner, and time to rest after the long day of travel.
Day 5: Merzouga to Dades Valley | Tinghir and Todgha Gorge
Today, your early morning begins with a sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. A short hike to a nearby dune offers panoramic views of the desert as the sun lights the sand aflame. It is truly a sight not to be missed. After breakfast at the camp, a 4×4 transfer returns you to the desert edge. Travel continues to Dades Valley, with a stop at the ancient irrigation system of the Saghro Mountains. In Tinghir, explore the oasis town with a guided walk through the palmeraie and old Jewish quarter. Next, visit Todgha Gorge and walk through the dramatic canyon. The day ends with check-in and dinner at your Kasbah accommodations, surrounded by the stunning Dades Valley landscape.
After breakfast, the journey continues toward Marrakech with a private transfer along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing the Valley of Roses and reaching Ouarzazate, known as the film hub of Morocco. A stop is made at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, backdrop for many famous movie and television scenes. Here, a guided walk explores the ancient ksar, river crossing, and hilltop granary with wide views of the surrounding landscape. The drive then climbs the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with scenic pauses for photos and tea breaks. Arrival in Marrakech is scheduled for late afternoon, followed by check-in at the riad. The evening remains free to experience the Jemaa el F’na food stalls, the thriving restaurant scene, or a fascinating walk in the medina.
After breakfast, the local city guide meets at the riad for a full-day exploration of Marrakech. The tour includes key monuments such as Bahia Palace, Ben Yousef Madrassa, and Koutoubia Mosque, highlighting the rich history of the Red City. Between visits, the tour explores traditional souks, showcasing centuries-old artisanal crafts and local markets. The guided tour ends around lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free for independent exploration. Evening is ideal for visiting Jemaa el F’na, enjoying street food, and observing the vibrant square from a nearby cafe.
Day 8: Fly Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer from Marrakech to the airport for departure via Marrakech or Casablanca.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 35% (Minimum of USD 400 and fully non-refundable), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by Bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.