Journey from the gateway of Morocco through legendary imperial cities, ancient Roman ruins, and the vast Sahara — finishing in the rose-red city of Marrakech.
Overview
This 10-day imperial cities tour from Tangier is Morocco’s most complete grand circuit. Starting from Tangier in the north, you’ll weave through the blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, follow in the footsteps of Roman settlers at Volubilis, and immerse yourself in the living medieval medinas of Meknes and Fes — three of Morocco’s four imperial cities. From there, the landscape transforms as you head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains into the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, where a camel trek and overnight desert camp await under a sky full of stars. The return journey winds through the dramatic Todra Gorge, the rose-coloured Dades Valley, and the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains into Marrakech. A private, air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver accompany you throughout the entire route.
Duration
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your imperial cities tour from Tangier begins with a scenic drive south into the Rif Mountains. Arrive in Chefchaouen — Morocco’s famous blue city — and spend two days wandering its iconic blue-washed alleyways, exploring the kasbah, and soaking in the relaxed mountain atmosphere. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Head east, stopping first at the Roman ruins of Volubilis — Morocco’s best-preserved ancient site and a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, to explore its monumental Bab Mansour gate and royal granaries. Arrive in Fes for a guided tour of the world’s oldest living medieval city, including the famous leather tanneries and the ornate Bou Inania Madrasa. Overnight in Fes.
Leave Fes and cross the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, passing through the alpine town of Ifrane and the date-palm oases around Erfoud. Reach Merzouga as the sun lowers over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Mount a camel for a trek deep into the Sahara, arriving at your desert camp for a night of traditional Berber music, a sky full of stars, and silence unlike anything else in Morocco.
Rise at dawn to watch the desert light shift across the dunes before heading west. Stop at the breathtaking Todra Gorge, where sheer 300-metre limestone walls channel a cool river valley — perfect for a refreshing walk. Continue into the Dades Valley, known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, for an overnight stay surrounded by dramatic rose-coloured rock formations and ancient fortified villages.
Journey through the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate, Africa’s film capital. A guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah — one of the most iconic sights in Morocco — is included. Cross the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass through the High Atlas Mountains and descend into Marrakech, where your imperial cities tour from Tangier concludes in the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square.
What’s Included
- ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- ✓Professional English-speaking driver
- ✓Guided visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
- ✓Guided tours in Fes and Meknes
- ✓Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- ✓One night in a traditional desert camp
- ✓All pick-ups and drop-offs at hotels
What’s Not Included
- ✗Hotel or riad accommodations
- ✗Meals and drinks
- ✗Entry fees to monuments and sites
- ✗International or domestic flights
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Personal expenses and tips
Good to Know
Spring (March–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer desert days can exceed 40°C, though nights remain warm and magical.
Easy to moderate. Most sightseeing is on foot over uneven medina surfaces. The camel trek is a relaxed 1–2 hour ride at walking pace — suitable for all ages.
Light layers for cool desert evenings, comfortable walking shoes, high-SPF sun protection, and a scarf or shawl for medinas and sandy winds.
This is a fully private tour — the vehicle and driver are exclusively for your group, allowing flexible pacing and personalised stops along the route.
Accommodations are not included, but we can recommend riads and guesthouses along the route to suit every budget — just ask when booking.
The itinerary is fully flexible. Extra nights in Fes, Merzouga, or Marrakech, or additional stops like Rabat, can be arranged before you book.
Book Your Imperial Cities & Desert Tour
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