Desert Tour – 5 Days from Tangier to Marrakech with Hampstead-Tours

Description

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen

Meet your private driver in Tangier and begin your journey through the scenic Rif Mountains, passing Tetouan and charming mountain villages. Arrive in Chefchaouen — Morocco’s “Blue Pearl” — and visit Ras El Ma spring, where water gushes directly from the mountain. Stroll through the medina’s quiet alleys, admire traditional handicrafts, and take in the city’s unique Andalusian-Jewish influenced architecture. Dinner and overnight in a 4-star local riad or hotel.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Fes

Travel through the Rif Mountains, passing Meknes, Morocco’s 17th-century imperial capital. Stop at Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, the holiest town in the country, and explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Continue to Fez, Morocco’s oldest imperial city. Enjoy a traditional Fassi dinner and overnight in a 4-star riad.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Sahara Desert (Merzouga)

After breakfast, depart Fez toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Imouzzer, then in the cedar forests near Azrou to see the centuries-old trees and playful Barbary monkeys. Continue to Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine architecture. Lunch in Midelt before heading south to Merzouga — the gateway to the Sahara. Upon arrival, mount your camel for a sunset ride across the dunes. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, music around the campfire and gaze at the star-filled sky. (Breakfast & dinner included.)

Day 4: Erg Chebbi Dunes – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake up early to witness sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and a refreshing shower back at the Merzouga hotel, drive through Rissani — home of Morocco’s ruling dynasty — and on to the spectacular Todra Gorges with their towering orange cliffs. Continue to the lush Dades Valley, a green oasis along the desert edge. Dinner and overnight in a 4-star hotel/guesthouse by the river. (Breakfast & dinner included.)

Day 5: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, travel through Skoura to visit the famous Amridil Kasbah, then on to Ouarzazate, known as “Hollywood of Africa.” Stroll through its souks and visit the Atlas Film Studios, where movies such as Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Babel were filmed. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, exploring its ancient palaces and authentic architecture. Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch before crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech — Morocco’s “Red City” — in the late afternoon to conclude your tour.

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What’s Included

• Meet & greet at Tangier Airport, port, or your accommodation

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle for 5 days

• Licensed, multilingual chauffeur/driver

• 4 nights’ accommodation as per the itinerary (riads, hotels, desert camp)

• Camel ride at sunset in the Sahara

• Local tour guides in Chefchaouen, Fez & Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou / Ouarzazate

• Fuel, tolls, monument fees, and local taxes

Not Included

• Beverages (including water)

• Lunches and dinners not specified

• Flights & travel insurance

• Tips (optional)