1st day : Arrival to Tangier – Chefchaouen
Your five-day desert tour itinerary's opening day. We pick you up from your lodging, the Tangier airport, or the port. called "the bride of the North" as well. The city is situated northwest of Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea converge. We will start by touring the lovely city, Hercules Cave, and Cape Spartel. Lunchtime free time. After there, we travel inland through Tetouan and the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. There will be stops to get panoramic views. Hotel accommodation for the night in Chefchaouen.
2nd day: Chefchaouen- the Roman ruins of Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
After breakfast, feel free to wander in the beautiful alleyways of the blue city of Chefchaouen, the 5-day desert tour continues to visit the ancient Roman ruins Volubilis, it is well preserved, as it is recognized as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, it has many beautiful mosaics scattered here and there, along with beautiful ancient pillars and archways. After strolling in the ruins, we drive 30 km to visit one of the imperial cities, Meknes the Ismaili capital, in which we visit Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal stables, the granary and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Then we head to Fes. Overnight stay in a riad.
3rd day: Fes – Ifrane – Cedars forest- Midelt – Ziz valley – Merzouga Sahara
After breakfast, we drive south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane. The city is famous for its low temperature, snow, and also the alpine-style architecture houses. No wonder it is called the Switzerland of Morocco. Then we continue to the cedars forest, where the Barbary macaques live. Feel free to feed them while wandering in the forest. Later, we continue to Midelt, where we will have free time for lunch. Then we drive through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass, and along the Ziz valley, with stops for panoramic views. In the afternoon we reach the Sahara desert of Merzouga. Where you switch to camels and cross the sandy desert, with a stop on top of a high dune to enjoy the sunset. Then continue to the camp which is a combination between the traditional tents of nomads and the luxury a hotel has. Where you can enjoy the Berber drums music while dancing around the campfire, under the vast open sky of stars. Accommodations are in place.
4th day: Merzouga Sahara – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Wake up early in the morning is a must-do, in order to contemplate the beautiful sunrise. Free time for breakfast. Then we leave the desert to visit Rissani town, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani is still a major trading center in the region. With a large souk lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll in Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud, where we visit one of the workshops of fossilized marble. Then we drive through Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves to reach the Todra Gorges. The course of the Todra River has carved out a grand canyon through the mountains. This high red cliff-sided canyon is an ideal place for rock climbers. Feel free to wander in the gorges and appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Free time for lunch in a restaurant. Then we continue to the Dades valley through Boumalne Dades. Inevitable stops at the “monkey fingers” rock formation, and on a spot atop of a mountain overlooking the Dades valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
5th day: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Palm Groves of Skoura – Ouarzazate Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah- Telouet – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, we continue to Kalaa Magouna, to visit the Rose Valley. A Rose Festival is held annually in May, where the locals offer their rose products, from perfumes, rose water, and oil, to cosmetic products. We then drive through the palm groves of Skoura and visit the Kasbah of Amredhyle. Then we reach Ouarzazate. Where we visit the studios in which famous movies were shot and also visit the Taourirt Kasbah. We then depart to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. A fortified village recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Furthermore, the Kasbah has appeared in many movies including Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy…etc. And also TV series including Game Of Thrones. After that, we visit the Telouet Kasbah. Then we continue to Marrakesh by going through the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, and the High Atlas Mountains. Stops will be made for lunch and to take pictures at interesting spots. Finally, we drop you off at your accommodation in a Riad in Marrakesh. End of the tour. End of the 5 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Tangier Itinerary.
