9 days - Imperial cities and desert route
Nine days from Tangier to Marrakech with time for every stage: Tetouan, two nights in Chefchaouen, the imperial cities of Fez and Marrakech, a night in the Merzouga desert and the kasbah country of the south.
About this tour
This is the most relaxed version of the north-to-south journey. It follows the same road, from Tangier to Marrakech via Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Fez and the desert, but with extra days to enjoy each place rather than just pass through.
The two great imperial cities on the route, Fez and Marrakech, get time of their own: a full day in the medina of Fez and a final day in Marrakech. Add two nights in Chefchaouen and a night among the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Highlights
Tangier and the medina of Tetouan.
Two nights in Chefchaouen to explore the blue city and its surroundings.
Fez and Marrakech, two of Morocco's imperial cities.
A night in the Merzouga desert.
The Todra gorges, the Dades valley and Aït Ben Haddou.
Who is this route for?
For travellers who want to see the essentials of Morocco without rushing, with time to wander the medinas and rest between long stages. A good option for families or a first visit to the country.
Good to know
Some stages, such as Fez to Merzouga or the desert heading south, still involve quite a lot of driving.
In Fez and Marrakech, exploring the medinas with a local guide is recommended.
The itinerary is a guide: the order of stops and the pace may change with the season, road conditions and what is agreed when booking.
Included services, the type of accommodation and the conditions are set out in your personalised quote.
Keep planning your trip
Places on this route: Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Fez, Merzouga and Marrakech.
Worth reading before you travel: The imperial cities of Morocco: Fez, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat and Tangier and Tetouan: northern Morocco before Chefchaouen.
For the price, or to adapt the route to your dates, message us on WhatsApp and we will prepare a quote.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tangier
Arrival in Tangier and, depending on the time, a walk through the medina, the kasbah and the viewpoints over the strait.
Night in Tangier.
Day 2
Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen
Visit to the Andalusian-influenced medina of Tetouan.
Continuation to Chefchaouen and night in the town.
Day 3
Chefchaouen
A day to enjoy Chefchaouen calmly: Outa el-Hammam square, the kasbah and the streets of the upper town. In the afternoon you can walk up to the Spanish mosque for a view over the town.
Second night in Chefchaouen.
Day 4
Chefchaouen – Fez
Drive to Fez through the landscapes of the Rif.
Arrival in Fez and night in the city.
Day 5
Fez
A full day in Fez el-Bali, the walled medina: souks, tanneries, madrasas and artisans' workshops. Exploring it with a local guide is recommended.
Second night in Fez.
Day 6
Fez – Middle Atlas – Merzouga
Drive south through the Middle Atlas, with possible stops in Ifrane and Azrou, and through the Ziz valley.
Arrival in Merzouga, sunset on the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night in the desert.
Day 7
Merzouga – Todra gorges – Dades valley
Sunrise on the dunes and drive west to the Todra gorges.
Night in the Dades valley.
Day 8
Dades valley – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Drive through kasbah country to Aït Ben Haddou and over the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka.
Arrival in Marrakech and night in the city.
Day 9
Marrakech
A last day to explore Marrakech: Jemaa el-Fna square, the souks, the Ben Youssef madrasa or the Majorelle gardens, depending on your preferences and the time available.
End of the route.
Places on this tour
Related experiences
Frequently asked questions
Which imperial cities are visited?
The route includes Fez and Marrakech, two of Morocco's four imperial cities. If you would like to add Meknes or Rabat, mention it when you request a quote.
How does it differ from the seven-day route?
It follows the same road, but with two extra days: a second night in Chefchaouen and a final day in Marrakech. The pace is more relaxed.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, with more days the pace is easier. Even so, there are some long driving days, especially to and from the desert.