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Overview:
Duration
12 Days - 11 Night
Departure
08:30 am
Starting Location
Tangier
Ending Location
Tangier
During your twelve-day journey from Tangier’s Atlantic waterfront to the heart of Morocco, you will traverse the emerald Rif Mountains and the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen.
You will also delve into the Roman mosaics of Volubilis and wander the medieval medina of Fes.
Heading south, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga offer camel treks at sunset and starlit nights in a Berber camp, followed by dramatic canyons at Todra and Dades.
Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, you will explore the clay-brick splendor of Ait Ben Haddou, relax in the sea breeze in Essaouira, and conclude your journey amid the royal palaces and bustling souks of Marrakech, Rabat, and Asilah.
Why go
why take a 12 Days Imperial City Tour from Tangier ?
This itinerary seamlessly blends Morocco’s contrasts into one adventure. Chefchaouen’s photogenic blue streets and Volubilis’s ancient ruins highlight the country’s rich history.
Meanwhile, Fes’s living crafts and Merzouga’s desert serenity offer cultural immersion and tranquility. The Todra and Dades gorges reveal geological grandeur, and the Ait Ben Haddou ksar, listed by UNESCO, evokes cinematic legend.
The coastal town of Essaouira adds seaside charm, and Rabat and Asilah blend royal heritage with artistic flair. Each day introduces a new landscape and local story, making this tour the ultimate introduction to Morocco’s diverse beauty.
Tour Highlights
- Take a scenic drive through the Rif Mountains and rolling hills.
- Take photos in the photo-worthy alleyways of Chefchaouen’s blue medina.
- Ancient Roman ruins and mosaics at Volubilis.
- Guided exploration of Fes el-Bali’s medieval medina
- Barbary macaques roam the cedar forest in Azrou
- Sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes
- A traditional Berber camp experience under the desert sky
- Gnawa music performance in Khamlia village
- Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorge.
- Spectacular rock formations in the Dades Valley
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Ksar
- Essaouira's historic port exudes coastal charm.
Itinerary – 12 Days Imperial City Tour from Tangier
Day 1: Tangier Arrival & City Introduction
You’ll arrive in Tangier in the morning. You’ll be met at the port or airport and transferred to your riad. Take time to stroll along the Corniche, which overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar, and explore the vibrant medina, where Andalusian and Moorish influences blend beautifully.
Stop by the Kasbah Museum for panoramic views of the city’s rooftops, then enjoy a leisurely evening at a café in Place de France. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of Tangier and the seaside breeze set the perfect tone for your Moroccan adventure.
Day 2: Tetouan & Chefchaouen Exploration
After breakfast, head east into the lush Rif Mountains toward Tetouan. This city is renowned for its UNESCO-listed medina, which was shaped by Andalusian artisans. Continue winding roads to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous Blue City.
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine lanes painted in shades of blue, browse the local crafts made of wool and leather, and take a break at Plaza Uta el-Hammam.
In the afternoon, hike to the Ras el-Ma spring to enjoy serene mountain views and the soothing sound of cascading water. Chefchaouen’s tranquil charm and photogenic streets make it a highlight of northern Morocco.
Day 3: Volubilis, Meknes & Fes Transfer
Depart from Chefchaouen for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, where well-preserved mosaics depict ancient Roman life. Next, enjoy a short drive to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.
Here, you will find the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the Sahrij es-Swani granaries. Stroll through the tranquil medina and sample local pastries before continuing to Fes.
Arrive in the evening and settle into a traditional riad near the historic Fes el-Bali quarter, ready for your guided exploration the following day.
Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes el-Bali
Immerse yourself in the world’s oldest medieval city as your local guide leads you through narrow alleys lined with vibrant souks, aromatic spice stalls, and hidden courtyards. Visit Al Quaraouiyine University, which was founded in 859 CE, as well as the ornate Bou Inania Madrasa.
Watch traditional leather dyeing at the famous tanneries and admire handcrafted ceramics in artisan workshops. Enjoy sweeping views of the city’s terracotta rooftops from a rooftop café before returning to your riad for a restful evening.
Day 5: Middle Atlas to Merzouga
Head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains and stop in Ifrane, nicknamed “Little Switzerland,” to stroll along its Alpine-style streets.
Then, continue to Azrou’s cedar forest to spot the playful Barbary macaques. Then, descend into the Ziz Valley, where endless date palms line the river canyon.
Stop for lunch midway through the valley. In the late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara.
Embark on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a stunning sunset. Finish the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable desert camp.
Day 6: Merzouga & Sahara Activities
Awaken early to watch the sun rise over the rolling dunes and bathe the sands in soft golds and pinks. After breakfast at the campsite, explore the surrounding desert by 4×4 and visit the village of Khamlia to experience traditional Gnawa music rituals.
Then, continue to the nearby desert springs and black volcanic plains. Return for an afternoon of sandboarding down the dunes.
In the evening, enjoy a second camel ride followed by a festive Berber dinner accompanied by drumming around the campfire.
Day 7: Merzouga to Todra Gorge & Dades Valley
After bidding farewell to Merzouga at sunrise in the desert, drive west toward the lush oases of the Todra Gorge. Walk alongside the crystal stream of the canyon, flanked by 300-meter-tall limestone walls, before enjoying lunch in Tinghir.
Then, follow the scenic “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” into the Dades Valley. Marvel at the striking rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers,” then settle into a cliff-edge riad overlooking the valley at sunset.
Day 8: Dades Valley to Aït Ben Haddou & Marrakech
After breakfast, depart the Dades Valley and head to Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Sahara,” for a photo stop at the Taourirt Kasbah. Then, continue to the Ait Ben Haddou Ksar, a UNESCO-listed red-clay fortress that has starred in films such as Gladiator.
Wander through its narrow alleys and admire the panoramic views from the hilltop. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass and descend into Marrakech, arriving in the early evening. Rest in a central riad.
Day 9: Essaouira Day Trip
Escape to the Atlantic coast on a full-day trip to Essaouira, a breezy fishing town with whitewashed ramparts.
Stroll along the Skala fortress walls, which are lined with cannons. Explore the medina’s blue shutters and art galleries.
Watch local craftsmen carve thuya wood. Enjoy fresh seafood by the port before returning to Marrakech at dusk to have dinner in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.
Day 10: Marrakech Guided Discovery
Your local guide will unveil Marrakech’s top attractions, including the soaring minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the opulent El Bahia Palace, and the hidden Saadian Tombs.
Wander through the colorful souks, where you can shop for textiles, spices, and lanterns. Then, relax in the tranquil Majorelle Garden (optional).
End the day at Jemaa el-Fnaa, where storytellers, musicians, and street food stalls come together to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Then, return to your riad for the night.
Day 11: Marrakech → Casablanca → Rabat Transfer
Depart from Marrakech early in the morning and travel north to Casablanca. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest and most architecturally stunning mosques.
Then, continue to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, where you will see the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Oudayas Kasbah, which overlooks the Bou Regreg River. Take a stroll along the seashore before checking into your hotel for the night.
Day 12: Rabat → Asilah → Tangier Finale
On your last day, drive to Asilah, a charming coastal town known for its white-and-blue medina walls adorned with colorful murals.
Stroll through artisan shops and the serene medina before returning to Tangier. Depending on your schedule, you may want to visit the Caves of Hercules or Cabo Spartel.
Then, we will transfer you to the port or airport for your departure, marking the end of your comprehensive Moroccan odyssey.
Included in the Tour
- You will have a private, air-conditioned vehicle .
- English-speaking driver/guide throughout
- 11 nights’ accommodation (riads and desert camp)
- Airport pickup in Tangier and drop-off in Marrakech
- A camel trek into Erg Chebbi.
- Enjoy a dinner and a party featuring Berber drums at the camp.
- Fuel.
- Taxes, tolls, and service charges are included.
- There will be daily photo stops and cultural experiences with Berber hosts.
Not Included
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Lunches
- Drinks
Tour Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for the desert?
No need! The desert camp provides clean bedding and warm blankets, even in winter.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations?
Many nationalities travel visa-free to Morocco for up to 90 days; check your country’s requirements. Routine vaccines (tetanus, hepatitis A) are recommended.
What happens to your luggage when you ride a camel?
Your luggage remains in the vehicle or is taken to camp while you ride camels with a small daypack.
How private is the tour, and can I customize it?
The tour is fully private—vehicle and guide are exclusively for you. You can add extra nights, detours, or special stops by requesting at least two weeks before departure.
What’s the difference between luxury and standard camps?
Luxury camps feature private ensuite tents with comfortable beds and showers. Standard camps offer traditional Berber tents with shared facilities. Both provide hearty meals and campfire evenings.
Can families with children join?
Yes. Camel rides are slow and safe for kids, and many camps welcome families. Let us know children’s ages so we can arrange suitable tents and camels.
Tour map
Good to Know
- You can expect to be picked up around 8:30 a.m.; your driver will confirm the exact time the afternoon before departure.
- All desert camps provide beds, mattresses and warm blankets - no sleeping bag required.
- Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors?
- Bring layers. Mountain mornings can be chilly, and desert days are hot.
- Carry Moroccan dirhams in small bills, as ATMs are available in major towns.
- Language: Learning a few words of Tamazight or Arabic greetings will help you connect with the locals.
- Dietary needs: Please inform us in advance if you require vegetarian or gluten-free options.
- Safety: The camel trek is gentle, but hold on tight when mounting or dismounting.
- Flexible schedule: Let your driver-guide know if you would like to make extra stops or take photo breaks.
Booking
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Important Note: Customize Your Tour
This tour is just a suggestion – if it doesn’t suit your style, feel free to contact us for a tailor-made Morocco adventure; prices depend on group size and choice of accommodation, with per-person prices decreasing as your group grows.
Feel Free to Contact us anytime