12 days Desert tour from Tangier
About This Tour
This is an efficient and comprehensive 12-Day Moroccan Grand Circuit that starts and ends in Tangier. The itinerary provides a deep dive into Morocco’s most iconic regions, moving from the charming northern cities (Chefchaouen) and the history of Fes to the dramatic landscapes of the Sahara and Atlas Mountains, before concluding with the energy of Marrakech and a coastal loop back through Rabat. The inclusion of a day trip to the UNESCO site of Essaouira perfectly contrasts the interior’s atmosphere with the laid-back Atlantic breeze.
Customization Note: At DesertGateTours, we craft unforgettable Moroccan experiences. If our standard tours don’t match your vision, we’ll design one that does.
Contact us to share your dream trip, and we’ll create a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and budget. Your perfect Moroccan adventure awaits—we’re here to make it real.
Highlights:
- Time spent in the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen and exploration of the Imperial City of Meknes (Bab el-Mansour).
- Visiting the best-preserved Roman ruins at Volubilis.
- In-depth guided tours of the ancient medinas of Fes (Tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin) and Marrakech (Djemaa el-Fna, Bahia Palace).
- A camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset/sunrise, plus cultural immersion with Gnawa music and nomadic families.
- Walking the colossal cliffs of the Todra Gorge, viewing the formations in the Dades Valley, and traversing the High and Middle Atlas Mountains.
- Exploring the fortified village of Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and the medina of Essaouira.
- Visiting the modern wonder of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and touring the capital’s landmarks in Rabat (Hassan Tower).
- The seamless loop from Tangier through the entire country and back via the beautiful coastal town of Asilah.
Program Itinerary
Arrival in Tangier
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival in Tangier, your guide will greet you at the port or airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this legendary gateway city, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Tangier to Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl
After breakfast, we drive into the majestic Rif Mountains. Our destination is the captivating Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. The afternoon is free for you to explore its serene, blue-washed streets and tranquil squares at your own pace. Overnight in a local Riad.
Chefchaouen to Fes – Roman Ruins and Imperial Meknes
We depart for Fes this morning. Our first stop is Volubilis, an impressive archaeological site with the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Afterwards, we visit the imperial city of Meknes to see the grand Bab el-Mansour gate. We arrive in Fes in the evening to spend the night in a medina Riad.
Guided Tour of Fes – The Ancient Medina
An expert local guide will lead you through Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart. You will explore the labyrinthine alleys of the ancient medina, visiting the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), the historic Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the famous Chouara Tanneries. Overnight in Fes.
Fes to Merzouga – Atlas Crossing
Today’s journey takes us south. We pass through Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you can see Barbary macaques. After lunch in Midelt, we descend through the lush Ziz Valley oasis before arriving at the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga.
Merzouga – Desert Immersion and Camel Trek
Today is dedicated to the Sahara. We visit Khamlia village for a spiritual Gnawa music performance and meet nomadic families. In the afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a breathtaking sunset. Your night is spent in a desert camp under a canopy of stars.
Merzouga to Dades Valley – Gorges and Canyons
Wake up for a spectacular sunrise over the Sahara. After breakfast, we journey to the Todra Gorge, the tallest canyon in Morocco, for a walk between its towering cliffs. We then continue to the scenic Dades Valley, famous for its unique “monkey fingers” rock formations, for an overnight stay.
Dades Valley to Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou and High Atlas
Our journey continues to the legendary Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famed film location. After exploring, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass, arriving in the vibrant “Red City” of Marrakech in the evening.
Day Trip to Essaouira – Coastal Refresh
Today offers a refreshing change of pace with a day trip to the Atlantic coast. We explore the charming, windswept city of Essaouira, a UNESCO site known for its fortified medina, bustling fishing port, and relaxed, artistic vibe. We return to Marrakech in the evening.
Guided Tour of Marrakech – The Red City
A full-day guided tour unveils the magic of Marrakech. Discover the opulent Bahia Palace, the historic Saadian Tombs, and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna square and the labyrinthine souks.
Marrakech to Rabat – Coast and Casablanca
We journey north to the capital. A stop in Casablanca allows us to marvel at the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. We then continue to the elegant city of Rabat for our overnight stay.
Rabat to Tangier – Departure
After exploring Rabat’s highlights, including the Kasbah of the Oudayas and the Hassan Tower, we drive up the coast to the beautiful, white-washed town of Asilah. We then complete our circuit, returning to Tangier for your transfer to the port or airport.
Expedition Media Gallery
A visual glimpse of the spectacular landscapes awaiting you.
Inclusions & Trip Details
What's Included
- Transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- English/French-speaking driver/guide
- 11 nights of accommodation(breakfasts and dinners are included)
- Camel trek in the desert
Not Included
- Lunches, drinks, and personal snacks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips for drivers and camp staff
- Travel insurance
Interactive Route Map
Explore your complete journey route on this interactive map. Select any destination marker to discover what awaits you on each day.
Route Milestones
Frequently Asked Questions
What luggage and clothing should I pack for this trip?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes for medina cobbles and dunes, loose breathable cotton layers for daytime exploration, and a warm fleece or jacket for crisp desert evenings and mountain passes. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are essential.
Can this itinerary and accommodation level be customized?
Yes, absolutely! Every Desert Gate Tours package is 100% private and customizable. We can adjust the pacing, departure city, hotel tiers (Standard Riads, Comfort Boutique, or 5-Star Luxury Glamping), and add unique stops to match your travel dreams.
Where does pickup and drop-off take place?
We provide seamless door-to-door pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel, riad, or airport in Tangier. Your private English-speaking driver/guide will greet you warmly with personalized signage.
Are special dietary requirements catered for?
Yes, all partner riads and our Sahara desert luxury camp chefs cater happily to vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free dietary requirements. Simply let us know your preferences during booking.
How do reservations and deposits work?
After submitting your inquiry, our local travel specialists in Marrakech will confirm availability and send your official itinerary voucher. A modest deposit secures your dates via credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer, with the balance paid safely upon arrival.
