Ten days runs the length of the country from Marrakech to Tangier, taking in the coast at Essaouira, the imperial cities, the Sahara, and the blue town in the Rif. Along the way you see the highlights of Marrakech and Essaouira, the High Atlas and the Tizi n’Tichka pass, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Amridil Kasbah, the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, and the Merzouga Sahara, explored by 4×4.
You open in Marrakech, then head to the coast at Essaouira and back for a guided day in Marrakech. From there you cross the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou, run through Ouarzazate and the Roses Valley to the Dades Valley, then through the Todra Gorge to Merzouga, with a camel trek at sunset and a full 4×4 day in the region. The return leg tracks north through Rissani, the Ziz Valley, the cedar forest and Ifrane to Fes for a guided day, then Meknes, Volubilis, and Chefchaouen, ending with the transfer to Tangier.
The trip begins with a pick-up from Marrakech airport, followed by a brief drive through the city. You are then transferred to your accommodation for an overnight stay in a traditional riad.
Approx. 15 min driving · Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
After breakfast you head west to the coastal city of Essaouira, with a stop to see an argan plantation and a local cooperative and, with luck, the goats up in the trees. You reach Essaouira, formerly Mogador, with free time to visit the fishing port, the old ramparts lined with cannons, and the atmospheric old medina. Overnight in Essaouira.
Approx. 3 hours driving · Overnight: Essaouira
You return to Marrakech to discover the city’s most iconic landmarks with a local guide. The tour takes in the nineteenth-century Bahia Palace, the well-preserved Ben Youssef Madrasa, the medina and its souks, the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square, and the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in the city.
Approx. 3 hours driving + 3 hours walking · Overnight: Marrakech
You drive through the High Atlas and the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with stops for the panoramas and Berber villages.
Your next stop is the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a 40-minute hike up to explore it. You then head to Ouarzazate, the gate of the desert. Free time for lunch, then you continue to the Roses Valley through the palm grove of Skoura, and drive to Boumalne Dades for the night (dinner included).
Approx. 6 hours driving · Overnight: Hotel in Boumalne Dades
After breakfast you drive through the scenic Dades Valley, stopping at a panoramic viewpoint. You then continue to the spectacular Todra Gorge, with free time to walk through it, then through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with free time for lunch along the way.
In the afternoon you reach the golden dunes of the Merzouga Sahara, where your camels await. You set off on a camel trek, pausing on a high dune for the sunset, then continue to a luxury desert camp, welcomed with Berber hospitality. Dinner with drumming and dancing around the fire. Overnight at the camp.
Approx. 5 hours driving · Overnight: Luxury desert camp, Merzouga
An early start is a must, to watch the sunrise over the desert. You return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga. The day is given to the Merzouga region — dunes, a wild lake, mines, fossil grounds, and oases.
You drive off-road to an ancient eyeliner mine, then visit a nomad family over Berber tea. Next is Khamlia village for Gnaoua music and dance. Free time for lunch. Afterwards you walk in a palm grove, then drive to the wild lake of Merzouga, the flamingo lake. Dinner and overnight in a riad next to the dunes.
Approx. 2 hours driving · Overnight: Riad next to the dunes, Merzouga
After breakfast you leave the desert for Rissani, with a large souk (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays). After the souk you continue to Erfoud for a fossilised-marble workshop.
You then drive along the Ziz river, stopping for a view of the Ziz Valley. Free time for lunch in Midelt or on the way. You continue to the cedar forest of the Barbary macaques, then visit Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco. You reach Fes for the night, with a free evening in the medina.
Approx. 7 hours driving · Overnight: Riad in Fes
You are collected from your accommodation in Fes after breakfast to explore the country’s cultural and spiritual heart. A driving tour covers the Royal Palace Gate, the Mellah, the Borj Sud fortress view, and the Ceramic Village and School. The walking tour of the medieval medina with a local guide takes in the Al Attarine Madrasa, the University and Mosque of Al-Qarawiyyin, and the colourful Chouara tanneries.
Approx. 30 min driving / 3–4 hours walking · Overnight: Riad in Fes
After breakfast you set off to visit Meknes, the Ismaili capital, where you take in Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the royal stables, the granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Free time for lunch. You then drive 30 km to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After exploring the ruins, you continue north through Ouazzane to Chefchaouen, the blue city in the Rif Mountains, with the evening free to soak in the atmosphere. Overnight in a local riad.
Approx. 4 hours driving · Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen
After breakfast you drive through the scenic Rif Mountains to Tangier airport, marking the end of your trip. Depending on your flight time, you may have free time to wander the blue lanes of Chefchaouen or take a short city tour in Tangier.
Approx. 2 hours driving
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It is a private experience: only the travellers who make the enquiry take part, with no one else joining. Our focus is on high-quality, personalised trips, which is why we mainly run private tours.
The tent at the luxury camp is private and has a private bathroom with hot running water.
The camel ride runs from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on which camp you stay in. If you’d rather not ride, the camp has a 4×4 that carries people and luggage in and out. ATVs can also be arranged at extra cost.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best, with mild, pleasant weather across most regions. Winter is good too, especially in the south and the desert.
Yes, this tour is suitable for individuals of all ages. The vehicles are new and comfortable and we make regular stops throughout.
