Tangier to Marrakesh via the desert

After breakfast, we will go visit Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa. Stretching along the Maghreb coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier offers a unique blend of cultures. Several influences have shaped the city for centuries, attracting artists, spies, and eccentric foreigners.
After lunch drive to Chefchaouen. Upon arrival, time at leisure.
Dinner (Optional) and overnight at the hotel.
OPTIONS : Meals and activities (cf. extras).

After breakfast, you'll take a brief tour of Chefchaouen. One of Morocco's prettiest towns which is beautifully perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif Mountains. The old medina is a delight of Moroccan and Andalusian influence with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and narrow lanes. Chaouen has been nominated in the top ten most beautiful cities in the world by Conde Naste Traveler(#6).
After lunch, drive to Fez, an imperial city also known as the 'Moroccan Versailles' , a stop to visit the UNESCO listed Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Dinner (Optional) and overnight at the hotel.
OPTIONS : Meals and activities (cf. extras).

The whole day will be devoted to exploring the many beautiful and fascinating sights of Fes, the oldest cultural and spiritual imperial city of Morocco, founded in 789 B.C by MoulayIdriss II. Highlights will include the Medieval Medina, the Medersas (an Islamic teaching university), the El Qaraouiyyin Mosque and the sumptuous Nejjarine fountain, the impressive labyrinth of the souks have been declared by UNESCO to be one of the world’s cultural treasures.
The tour also allows photo stops at the imposing gate of Bab Boujloud, the splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine, the ancient ramparts, and the beautiful front entrance of the Royal Palace.
Overnight at the hotel.
OPTIONS : Meals and activities (cf. extras).

Full day drive across the cedar forests and picturesque scenery of the Middle Atlas Mountains to Erfoud, stopping at the hill station of Ifrane referred to as the "little Switzerland of Morocco“,Azrou; home to Barbary monkeys and stop in Midelt for lunch . Then Travel through the Ziz valley and reach the gateway of Rissani and Erfoud.

Departure for a 4x4 adventure to Merzouga to enjoy a memorable sunset in the dunes of the Sahara.
Overnight under tents in the dunes of Merzouga.
OPTIONS : Meals and activities (cf. extras).

Early in the morning, we will enjoy a camel ride while witnessing one of the world's most sumptuous sunrises ascending over the Merzouga Dunes.
Return to the camp for breakfast and drive to Tinghir via Tinjdad where we will visit the Musee Lalla Mimouna – an open-air museum displaying the history and culture of the local region, an educational project set up by a local artist.
In Tinghir, you will enjoy an exceptionally beautiful view of the top of Todgha canyon and beautiful green gardens as well as the meeting of nomads.

After lunch, we will drive towards Ouarzazate via the Dades Valley with its thousand Kasbahs and stop at Kelaat Mgouna, known for its roses. Two distilleries in the region produce rose water and essences widely used in perfumery.
Overnight at the hotel.
OPTIONS : Meals and activities (cf. extras).

Breakfast at the hotel.
We will visit the Kasbah of Tifoultout, it’s one of the most beautiful Kasbahs of Glaoui then continue to the Atlas and CLA film studios, where hundreds of Hollywood movies have been shot, before heading to Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive 11th century structure, which has been declared by UNESCO to be a historical treasure. After lunch (at leisure), we will depart for Marrakech via the Tichka pass which offers an impressive landscape in the heart of the Atlas Mountains chain.
Overnight at the hotel.
OPTIONS : Meals and activities (cf. extras).

Breakfast at the hotel.
A guided cultural tour of Marrakesh begins with the lush botanical Majorelle Gardens which are privately owned by Yves St. Laurent foundation where we will stop for a stroll.
We continue to the old medina buried within the imperial walls. Here we will visit the key historical landmarks, beginning with the 14th century Ben Youssef Medersa which used to be a koranic school and is noted for its extraordinary latticework interior decor.
We continue to visit the nearby 19th century Menebhi palace, owned by a Moroccan vizier. Today it houses the Musée de Marrakech, a private museum with rotating displays of Moroccan art.

After lunch,we continue into the 12th century Kasbah (fortress) where we see the distinctive carved gate Bab Agnaou and continue to the 16th-century monument site of the Saadian Tombs before walking through the Mellah (Jewish quarter) to visit the aristocratic Bahia Palace. Finally, a stroll through the colorful souks of Marrakech and the famous Jemaa El Fna Square.
Overnight at the hotel.
OPTIONS : Meals and activities (cf. extras).

Breakfast at the hotel.
This is the end of our 9-day Morocco tour. On request: Transfer & assistance can be provided for your private transfer to Menara airport or any national airport.
Cf. intercities transfer rates.