8 days Tangier Marrakech desert tour

Day 1: Pick up in Tangier – Chefchaouen

 Reception by our guide at the estimated time at the port or Airport of Tangier and we begin our route to Chefchaouen or Chaouen as many call it, located in the only intercontinental natural park declared a natural biosphere reserve. It is a town hanging on the mountain painted in white and blue, populated by wise, friendly and respectful people, and that offers the visitor beautiful urban settings, precious samples of local crafts, and a peace and serenity that today is difficult to find. . Accommodation in a Riad with breakfast.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

 After breakfast we will go to the Roman city of Volubilis, where we will visit the archaeological remains, which are possibly the best preserved Roman site in this area of ​​North Africa. It was included in the Unesco World Heritage List in 1997. Then we will continue to the holy city of Fez, passing through Meknes. It is one of the four cities called imperial together with Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. Fez is considered as the religious and cultural center of the country. It has labyrinthine streets and the Medina of Fez el-Bali (old Fez) is one of the largest medieval sites that currently exist in the world, and the gates and walls that surround it enhance its magnificence. Accommodation in a Riad with breakfast.

Day 3: Visit of the Medina of Fez

 After a rich breakfast at the Riad, we begin our guided tour of the new part of the city of Fez, where we approach the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), then we will go to a viewpoint where we can observe the entire medina from the South Tower and a few Mosques. Then we will have to walk through the medina, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will walk through its winding streets in which the only means of transport for cargo are donkeys. You will see up close the work of potters, forgers, tanners, craftsmen of the loom, etc., the bustle of its people will transport us centuries ago. You will find what is considered the oldest university in the world in which the study of Arabic and religion are its essence, as well as buildings so beautiful that you would never think they were in the middle of that world. We will notice that it is a medieval city and that time has stood still. This experience is truly unique. A marvel! Accommodation in Riyadh.

Day 4: Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midélt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

 We headed south to cross the Middle Atlas Mountains until we reached Ifrane, called “the little Moroccan Switzerland” because of its great resemblance to that country. One of the animals that formerly inhabited here was the Atlas lion, which is why it has become the symbol of the city and to which they have dedicated a stone statue in the center of it. We will take the opportunity to stop and take some photos. We will cross the famous cedar forests We will be able to admire the Great Gouraud Cedar, the largest thousand-year-old cedar in the region and also feed the hundreds of Gibraltar monkeys that inhabit the area. Lunch in Midélt and from here the land becomes arid and full of spectacular geological formations and deep green valleys, such as the Ziz Valley. We will begin to see the typical adobe architecture, palm trees, some distant Kasbahs … we are at the gates of the desert. After an hour after Erfoud we arrive at the impressive Dunes of Merzouga, Arrival at the hotel at the foot of the dunes, to go out in a camel caravan to enter the heart of the dunes and contemplate an unforgettable sunset. We will arrive with the dromedaries at the camp where we will stay in Jaimas ‘’ Tents made with dromedary hair ‘’ like those used by desert nomads. Dinner and night in Jaimas in the heart of the desert under a spectacular blanket of stars.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Rissani Market – Todra Gorges – Dadés Valley

 We will wake up early in the morning, to be able to contemplate another great spectacle among the dunes of the Moroccan Sahara: the sunrise.
Again you will go up in your dromedaries to make another route back to the hotel.
Breakfast and shower, and we continue our way to Rissani, where we will visit its market (if we are lucky and it is one of the Market days: Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday) we will continue the way to Erfoud where there is also the possibility of visiting the fossilized marble factory before continuing towards the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. 1 hour later we will arrive at one of the strongest points of the High Atlas: The Todra Gorges. The channel of the Todra River has formed a gorge of vertical walls of enormous proportions and of great beauty; It is a climber’s paradise and a unique place. Lunch at the site and a half-hour walk would be recommended to see and enjoy the Gorges in detail. In the afternoon we will continue to the Dadès Valley, also known as the Fig Valley, passing through Boumalne Dadés, we will stop at the ‘’ monkey feet ‘’. Dinner and night in the Dades Gorges.

Day 6: Dadés Valley – Ouarzazate – Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

 After having breakfast, we can enjoy one of the best views of the Dadés Valley. We will do it from one of the most strategic places that the mountains offer us. From there we will be able to observe the amount of kasbah that there are and the picturesqueness of each one of them, then exit towards a road dotted with various Kasbah of great interest. After several stops to enjoy the route of the Thousand Kasbah, the Valley of the Roses and the great palm grove of Skoura, we will arrive in Ouarzazate and visit the kasbah of Taourirt, the former residence of the Glaoui or pasha of Marrakech, Film Studios and Museum of the Cinema if you are interested. We will also go to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, where we will visit its famous Kasbah (Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986). In this spectacular setting, several famous films have been shot such as Gladiator, Obelix, Sahara with Penélope Cruz … etc. Lunch in the village and in the afternoon we will leave for Marrakech crossing the mountain pass of Tizi Ntichka with stops to take photos. Here we will leave behind the lunar landscape that will give way to the predominant colors of green, ocher … etc. Arrival in Marrakech, Free time to discover the famous Jamaa el Fna Square, Accommodation in a Riad with breakfast.

Day 7: Guided Tour of Marrakech

 Breakfast in your riad and cultural visit of the city of Marrakech with a guide to discover its fascinating history through the famous Koutoubia (12th century), the Bahia Palace, the Sâadian Tombs (16th century) and Lunch in a typical restaurant in the Medina. Free afternoon to enjoy the Souks and the famous Jmaa El Fna square, Its outdoor activities: jugglers, musicians, fakirs, snake charmers, minstrels … that will awaken all your senses, with their multiple sounds, aromas, flavors and colors that characterize it. Accommodation in riad with breakfast.

Day 8: Marrakech – Airport

 Breakfast and free morning until the agreed time, transfer to the airport where we will accompany you to check in your bags and show you the boarding gate, agree that it is advisable to stay 2 hours in advance, our services end here and the end of the trip.