6-Day Marrakech Express Tour from Tangier
Tour Description
This fast-paced 6-day tour is the quickest way to get from Tangier to the magic of Marrakech while still experiencing the essential highlights of Fes and the Sahara Desert. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this express journey is packed with unforgettable moments, from the ancient medina of Fes to a camel trek in the golden dunes.
Tour Highlights
- Fast-paced journey from Tangier to Marrakech.
- Experience the cultural capital of Fes.
- Enjoy a sunset camel trek and night in the Sahara desert.
- Visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou kasbah.
Why Choose This Tour?
Perfect for travelers with limited time, this express tour packs in the most sought-after Moroccan experiences: Fes, the Sahara, and Marrakech, all in a convenient one-way trip from Tangier.
Itinerary
Day 1: Tangier → Fes (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
9:00 AM - Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG) or at the port, your private driver will greet you with a sign displaying your name.
9:30 AM - Brief orientation about your express journey to Marrakech. Settle into your comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
10:00 AM - Begin your journey south toward Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital. Travel through the scenic Rif Mountains.
11:30 AM - Stop at a scenic viewpoint in the Rif Mountains for photos and to appreciate the dramatic landscape.
12:30 PM - Lunch break at a mountain restaurant (not included). Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine while taking in the mountain views.
2:00 PM - Continue your journey toward Fes. Pass through traditional Berber villages and agricultural plains.
4:30 PM - Arrive in Fes and check into your traditional riad in the ancient medina.
5:30 PM - Evening orientation walk around your riad's neighborhood to get your bearings in the ancient medina.
6:30 PM - Dinner at your riad or a local restaurant (not included). Relax and prepare for tomorrow's comprehensive Fes exploration.
Day 2: Fes Guided Tour (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
9:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Fes.
9:30 AM - Full day guided tour of Fes with a local expert guide begins. Explore the world's largest car-free urban area.
10:00 AM - Begin at the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather has been produced using traditional methods for over a thousand years. Watch the tanning process from the surrounding terraces.
11:00 AM - Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859 AD and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
11:45 AM - Explore the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Marinid architecture with intricate cedar carvings and zellij tilework.
12:30 PM - Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, housed in a beautifully restored funduq (caravanserai).
1:00 PM - Lunch break at a traditional restaurant in the medina (not included). Try authentic Fassi cuisine such as pastilla or tagine with preserved lemons.
2:30 PM - Continue exploring the medina's souks. Visit the spice market, metal workshops, and textile stalls.
3:30 PM - Visit the Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el Makhzen) and admire its magnificent golden brass doors and intricate tilework.
4:00 PM - Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) with its unique architecture and historical significance.
5:00 PM - Return to your riad. Evening at leisure to explore the medina on your own or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (not included).
Day 3: Fes → Sahara Desert (Merzouga) (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
7:00 AM - Early breakfast at your riad in Fes.
8:00 AM - Depart Fes and begin your scenic journey south toward the Sahara Desert. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
9:30 AM - Stop in Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its European-style architecture and alpine climate. Take a short walk to see the distinctive stone lions.
10:30 AM - Continue through the Middle Atlas, passing through Azrou where you may spot Barbary macaques in the cedar forest.
12:00 PM - Lunch break in the town of Midelt (not included). Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine.
1:30 PM - Continue your journey, entering the High Atlas Mountains. The landscape becomes more dramatic as you climb higher.
3:30 PM - Pass through the Ziz Valley viewpoint. Marvel at the dramatic canyon landscape and the lush palm groves.
5:30 PM - Arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Check into your desert hotel and prepare for the evening adventure.
6:30 PM - Meet your camel caravan for the highlight of your trip. Begin your 1.5-hour camel trek across the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
8:00 PM - Arrive at your desert camp in the heart of the dunes. Enjoy traditional mint tea and learn about Berber desert life.
9:00 PM - Dinner at the camp (included) under the stars, followed by evening entertainment around the campfire with traditional Berber music.
Day 4: Merzouga → Ouarzazate (5:30 AM - 6:00 PM)
5:30 AM - Early morning optional activity: Watch the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes from your camp.
7:00 AM - Breakfast at the desert camp.
8:00 AM - Return by camel to Merzouga village. Freshen up at your desert hotel.
9:00 AM - Depart Merzouga and travel to the Todra Gorges. Drive through the dramatic landscape of the Tafilalt region.
11:00 AM - Arrive at Todra Gorges. Walk through the impressive canyon where crystal-clear water flows between towering limestone cliffs.
12:00 PM - Optional rock climbing experience with professional guides (additional cost) or leisure time at the gorge.
1:00 PM - Lunch break at a restaurant near the gorges (not included).
2:30 PM - Continue to the Dades Valley, known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." Drive along the scenic road with its winding turns.
4:00 PM - Stop at the Dades Gorges viewpoint for photos of the winding road and spectacular canyon views.
5:00 PM - Continue along the famous "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" toward Ouarzazate.
6:00 PM - Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the "Door of the Desert." Check into your hotel.
7:30 PM - Dinner at your hotel (not included). Relax and prepare for tomorrow's journey to Marrakech.
Day 5: Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
8:00 AM - Breakfast at your hotel in Ouarzazate.
9:00 AM - Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a impressive fortified palace that was once home to the Glaoui family, the former rulers of southern Morocco.
10:00 AM - Visit the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies have been filmed. Learn about Morocco's role in international cinema (optional, entrance fee not included).
11:00 AM - Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco's most impressive ksars (fortified villages).
11:30 AM - Guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou. Explore the narrow alleys, climb to the granary for panoramic views, and learn about the earthen architecture techniques.
12:30 PM - Lunch break at a restaurant near Ait Ben Haddou (not included).
2:00 PM - Begin the crossing of the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 meters), the highest mountain pass in North Africa.
3:30 PM - Enjoy breathtaking views of traditional Berber villages clinging to mountainsides.
4:30 PM - Stop at scenic viewpoints along the mountain pass for photos and to appreciate the dramatic landscape changes.
5:30 PM - Begin your descent toward Marrakech. Watch as the landscape transforms from mountainous terrain to the fertile Haouz Plain.
6:00 PM - Arrive in Marrakech, the vibrant "Red City." Check into your riad in the medina or a hotel in the new city.
7:30 PM - Evening at leisure. Explore the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant (not included).
Day 6: Marrakech Departure (Flexible Timing)
Morning - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation in Marrakech.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Final exploration of Marrakech. Options include:
- Visit the Koutoubia Mosque and surrounding gardens
- Explore the Bahia Palace or Saadian Tombs
- Return to the souks for any final souvenir shopping
- Relax at a traditional hammam (spa) for an authentic Moroccan experience
- Visit the Majorelle Garden for a peaceful escape
11:00 AM - Check out from your accommodation.
Flexible Timing - Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) for your departure.
Note: Please allow at least 3 hours before your flight departure time for airport transfer and check-in procedures.
Optional High-Speed Train: For an additional supplement, you can choose to travel from Fes to Marrakech on Day 2 via the high-speed train, reducing travel time and enjoying modern Moroccan comfort.
What to Bring
- A small overnight bag for the desert.
- Comfortable clothes for long travel days.
- A book or music for the road.
- Sunscreen and a hat.
- A power bank to keep your devices charged.
