Seven days runs from Tangier to Marrakech by way of the north and the Sahara, taking in a run of the country’s highlights. Along the way you see Cape Spartel and the Cave of Hercules, Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Ifrane, the Merzouga desert, the Todra and Dades gorges, and Ait Ben Haddou.
You start in Tangier with Cape Spartel and the Cave of Hercules, then cross the Rif to Chefchaouen. From there you run through Volubilis and Meknes to Fes for a guided day, then cross the Middle Atlas by way of Ifrane and the Ziz Valley to the desert at Merzouga for a camel trek, a night in the Sahara, and a full 4×4 day. The last leg tracks west through the gorges, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou, and over the High Atlas to Marrakech.
You are collected from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic near Cape Spartel. You begin by exploring the city, including the Cave of Hercules and Cape Spartel. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon you drive inland to Chefchaouen via Tetouan and the Rif Mountains, with stops for the panoramas. Overnight in a hotel.
Approx. 2 hours driving · Overnight: Hotel in Chefchaouen
After breakfast you have free time to wander the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen. You then drive to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its mosaics, columns, and arches. After exploring the ruins, you drive about 30 km to Meknes, to visit Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the royal stables and granaries, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. You then continue to Fes. Overnight in a riad.
Approx. 4 hours driving · Overnight: Riad in Fes
You are collected from your riad after breakfast to explore Fes, 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 / 2–3 hours walking · Overnight: Riad in Fes
After breakfast the tour continues south through Imouzzer to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, then continues to the cedar forest of wild Barbary macaques. You continue to Midelt for lunch, then drive over the Tizi n’Talghamt pass and along the Ziz Valley, with stops for the panoramas.
In the afternoon you reach the Sahara at Merzouga and switch to camels to cross the dunes, pausing on a high dune for the sunset. You continue to your desert camp for Berber drumming around the fire beneath a star-filled sky. Overnight at the camp.
Approx. 7 hours driving · Overnight: Luxury desert camp, Merzouga
After breakfast the day is given to exploring the Merzouga region — sand dunes, a seasonal lake, mines, fossil areas, and palm oases. You start with an off-road drive to an old kohl (eyeliner) mine, then visit nomad families in their woven tents over Berber tea.
You then continue to Khamlia to enjoy Gnaoua music and dance. After lunch, you stroll through a palm grove, then drive to see Merzouga’s seasonal lake, often home to flamingos. You return to Merzouga. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Approx. 2 hours driving · Overnight: Hotel in Merzouga
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast you leave the desert for Rissani, with a lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. You continue to Erfoud for a fossilised-marble workshop.
You then drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to the Todra Gorge, with free time to wander it and have lunch. In the afternoon you continue to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, stopping at the “monkey fingers” rock formations and a viewpoint over the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Approx. 5 hours driving · Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Valley
After breakfast you continue to Kalaat M’Gouna to visit the Roses Valley. You then drive through the Skoura palm grove and reach Ouarzazate to tour the film studios.
You then continue to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village. You cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with stops for lunch and photos. Finally you are dropped off at your riad in Marrakech. This is the end of the tour.
Approx. 5.5 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 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.
The tent at the luxury camp is private and has a private bathroom with hot running water.
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.
Either an SUV (4×4) or a minivan, both air-conditioned. The 4×4 is a Land Cruiser Prado (up to 4 passengers); minivans are a Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo, or similar (up to 8 passengers). For groups larger than 8, a minibus for up to 18 can be provided.
