12 days tour from tangier to sahara: Set out on an enthralling 12-day journey from Tangier and explore Morocco’s varied topography and rich history. Tangier, a thriving city renowned for its blend of cultures and ancient charm, is where this extensive tour starts. You will experience the magnificence of Fes, with its well-known medina and historical buildings, as well as the picturesque blue lanes of Chefchaouen and the ancient Roman
remains of Volubilis. Every day offers fresh surprises, from the imposing dunes of Merzouga and
the breathtaking Todra Gorge to the vibrant alleys of Marrakech and the tranquil seaside resort of Essaouira. Visit Rabat and Casablanca to experience the magnificence of Moroccan history and architecture as you wrap up your journey.
| DEPARTURE LOCATION | Rabat | ||||
| DESTINATION LOCATION | Tangier | ||||
| INCLUDED |
11 nights’ accommodation in the category of hotel chosen.(daily Breakfast,Dinner) | ||||
| NOT INCLUDED |
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Additional information
| Price : | from 850 $/€ per person (for a group of 4-8 people). |
|---|---|
| private couple Price : | from 1,100 $/€ per person (for a private couple/2 people). |
1
Day 1 : Tangier
Arrive in Tangier, the vibrant gateway to Morocco, where the city’s dynamic energy and rich cultural heritage will immediately captivate you. Begin your exploration in the bustling medina, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of spices and freshly baked bread from the lively stalls. Wander through the narrow alleys and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of local life. Visit the historic Kasbah, a fortress dating back to the 17th century, offering panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Take a moment to relax in one of Tangier’s charming cafes,savoring traditional mint tea as you watch the world go by. As evening approaches, the city’s nightlife comes alive with a variety of dining options, from Moroccan restaurants serving delicious local dishes to bars and clubs where you can experience both traditional and contemporary music
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Day 2 : Tanger to Chefchaouen >> distance: 115km
Discover Tetouan’s whitewashed medina and Chefchaouen’s blue streets. Relax and explore the local culture Meknes
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Day 3 : Chefchaouen to Fes >> distance: 200km
Visit Chefchaouen, explore Roman ruins at Volubilis, and historical sites in Meknes before arriving in Fes.
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Day 4 : Fes Sightseeing
Take a guided tour of Fes, stopping at the Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Attarine Madrasa, tanneries, and the Qarawiyyin Mosque.
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Day 5 :Fes to Merzouga >> distance: 450.2 km
Travel through the Middle Atlas, stopping in Azrou and Midelt before reaching Merzouga for a desert sunset.
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Day 6 : Merzouga Activities and spend night in camp >> distance: 190 km
Experience a camel trek and stay overnight in a desert camp, enjoying Berber cuisine and starry skies.
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Day 7 : Merzouga to Dades >> distance: 190km
Explore Rissani’s souks, hike the Todra Gorge, and relax in the Dades Valley.
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Day 8 : Dades to Marrakech >> distance: 330km
Visit Ouarzazate and Ait Ben-Haddou before heading to Marrakech.
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Day 9 : Marrakech and Essaouira >> distance: 180 km
Day trip to Essaouira, enjoying its beaches and medina before returning to Marrakech
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Day 10 : Exploring Marrakesh city.
ExploreMarrakech with a guide, visiting Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, and Djemaa el-Fna square.
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Day 11 : Marrakesh city to Rabat >> distance: 320km
Travel to Casablanca to see Hassan II Mosque, then explore Rabat’s Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
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Day 12 :the end of the tour
Today, you going to transferred (punctually) to the airport.
Absolutely. Starting from the north in Tangier allows for a “descending discovery” of Morocco. A 12-day itinerary is the ideal duration because it avoids the “marathon” feel of shorter tours. It provides enough buffer to spend 2 full nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes, allowing you to transition from the Mediterranean breeze of Tangier to the deep Sahara sands without spending 10+ hours in a car every single day.
The total distance is approximately 800km. While a direct drive would take over 12 hours, our 12-day route breaks this into scenic 3–4 hour segments. We stop in Chefchaouen (The Blue City), the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the spiritual heart of Fes. This strategy ensures you arrive at the dunes refreshed and ready for your camel trek, rather than exhausted from the road.
Yes, this is the primary advantage of the Tangier starting point. You get the full “Color Spectrum” of Morocco: the white-and-blue of Chefchaouen, the golden dunes of the Sahara, and the red clay of the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Our 12-day circuit is specifically designed to include the Rif Mountains, the Middle Atlas, and the desert in one seamless loop.
You need “Layered Versatility.” Tangier and the Rif Mountains can be humid and breezy, while the Sahara has massive temperature swings. We recommend light linen for the daytime and a high-quality fleece or down jacket for the desert nights—even in summer, the sand loses heat rapidly once the sun sets. Don’t forget a “Shesh” (turban) to protect against wind-blown sand during your camel trek.
Yes. Because this is a Private 12-Day Tour, we prioritize “Slow Travel” for families and seniors. We use modern, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles with ample legroom and schedule frequent “stretch and tea” breaks in the Ziz Valley and cedar forests. For those who prefer not to trek by camel, we provide 4×4 transport directly to the luxury desert camp so no one misses the starlit Sahara experience.
Starting in Tangier offers a more “complete” cultural narrative. You enter through the “Gateway to Africa,” experiencing the Mediterranean influence before moving into the Imperial Cities and finally the nomadic Sahara. It allows for a one-way “Grand Tour” ending in Marrakech or Casablanca, meaning you never see the same road twice and maximize your 12 days in the Kingdom.
