5 days tour from Tangier to desert

This 5 days tour from Tangier offers an immersive journey through northern and central Morocco, combining historical exploration, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes. Travelers will discover the bustling port city of Tangier, the stunning blue streets of Chefchaouen, the ancient imperial city of Fes, the golden dunes of Merzouga in the Sahara Desert, the historic city of Meknes, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. This round-trip itinerary provides a mix of adventure, culture, and history, giving travelers a deep understanding of Morocco’s diverse regions. From exploring medieval medinas to riding camels across the Sahara and walking among centuries-old ruins, this tour captures the essence of Morocco in a compact, yet rich, itinerary.

Highlights 5 days tour from Tangier to desert

Explore the blue city of Chefchaouen
Visit the imperial city of Fes and its medina
Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi Desert
Discover Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities
Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Scenic drive through the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains
Experience Berber culture and traditional desert life
Visit Bab Mansour gate and historical kasbahs

5 days tour from Tangier to desert Itinerary

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes

Begin your journey early from Tangier, heading south into the Rif Mountains. The drive takes you through lush valleys, small villages, and scenic countryside, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s rural life. Your first stop is Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue City,” founded in 1471 as a refuge for Muslims and Jews escaping Spain. Wander through its narrow blue-painted streets, exploring local artisan shops and cafés. Visit the Kasbah Museum, a restored fortress with a small ethnographic museum displaying traditional Moroccan artifacts and Andalusian-style gardens. Climb the kasbah towers for panoramic views of the medina and surrounding mountains. After lunch, depart Chefchaouen and continue toward Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Arrive in Fes in the evening, check into your riad, and rest for the night. This first day combines the charm of mountain villages with the vibrant colors and culture of Chefchaouen.

Day 2: Fes Guided City Tour

Spend the full day exploring Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. Begin at the Royal Palace gates, admiring the impressive architecture and intricate decoration. Enter the medina of Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its maze of alleys, traditional workshops, and bustling souks. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859, one of the oldest universities in the world, and learn about its significance in Islamic scholarship. Continue to the Bou Inania Madrasa, renowned for its intricate zellij tilework, carved cedar wood, and grand architecture. Walk through the Chouara Tannery, observing traditional leather dyeing techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries. End the day in the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), exploring synagogues, historical streets, and local markets. This full-day tour provides a deep dive into Moroccan history, culture, and craftsmanship. Overnight in Fes.

Day 3: Fes – Merzouga

Depart Fes early in the morning and journey south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a town known as “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and tree-lined streets. Continue to Azrou, famous for its cedar forests and wild Barbary monkeys. Drive through Midelt and the Ziz Valley, a fertile oasis region dotted with date palms and mud-brick kasbahs. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where you will embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience the vastness of the Sahara as the sun sets over golden sands, arriving at a traditional Berber desert camp. Enjoy a dinner of local cuisine and spend the evening around a campfire, listening to Gnawa music under a star-filled sky. This day offers a combination of scenic mountain landscapes, desert adventure, and authentic Berber culture.

Day 4: Merzouga – Meknes

Wake early to watch the sunrise over the Sahara, capturing the magical colors of the dunes in the morning light. After breakfast at the camp, explore the surrounding desert by 4×4, visiting nomadic communities and learning about their traditional lifestyle. Depart Merzouga and begin the drive north toward Meknes, passing through the Ziz Valley and scenic Middle Atlas landscapes. Arrive in Meknes, an imperial city founded by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Explore the city’s highlights, including Bab Mansour, one of Morocco’s finest gates, and the medina with its historical monuments, traditional souks, and charming streets. Meknes offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to other imperial cities, allowing travelers to appreciate its unique heritage and architecture. Overnight in Meknes.

Day 5: Meknes – Volubilis – Tangier

After breakfast, visit the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 3rd century BC. Walk among ancient mosaics, temples, and arches, learning about the Roman influence on Morocco and the Mauretanian kingdom. Explore the ruins in detail and take in the surrounding olive groves and countryside. After the visit, begin the drive back to Tangier, passing through scenic landscapes and small towns. Arrive in Tangier in the late afternoon, concluding your 5-day tour that spans mountains, medinas, deserts, and ancient ruins. This final day offers a mix of historical insight and scenic travel, providing a fitting end to a journey through northern and central Morocco.