6-Day Northern Morocco Discovery from Tangier

6-Day Northern Morocco Discovery from Tangier

Tour Description

Immerse yourself in the unique culture and beauty of Northern Morocco with this 6-day tour from Tangier. This itinerary focuses entirely on the north, taking you to the coastal town of Asilah, the white city of Tetouan, and giving you ample time to soak in the magic of Chefchaouen. It’s the perfect trip for those who want to explore the Rif Mountains and the Atlantic coast at a relaxed pace.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the artsy, coastal town of Asilah.
  • Visit Tetouan, the Andalusian 'White Dove' city.
  • Enjoy a full day to soak in the magic of Chefchaouen.
  • Guided tour of Tangier's historic kasbah and medina.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is for those who want to explore the unique culture of Northern Morocco in-depth. By skipping the long drives to the south, you get more time to relax and immerse yourself in the art, history, and beauty of the Rif Mountains and Atlantic coast.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tangier Arrival & Tour (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 Northern Morocco discovery tour. Settle into your comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

10:00 AM - Begin your exploration of Tangier, Morocco's gateway to Africa.

10:30 AM - Visit Cap Spartel, the dramatic headland where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy spectacular views and learn about the strategic importance of this location.

11:15 AM - Explore the mythical Caves of Hercules, a natural cave with an opening shaped like the African continent. Learn about the legends associated with this ancient site.

12:00 PM - Lunch break at a local restaurant in Tangier (not included). Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the Mediterranean.

1:30 PM - Visit the Kasbah of Tangier, the old fortified district with its narrow streets and historic buildings.

2:30 PM - Explore Tangier's vibrant medina with its unique blend of Moroccan and European influences. Wander through the souks and discover local crafts.

3:30 PM - Visit the American Legation Museum, the first American public property outside the United States, and learn about Tangier's international diplomatic history.

4:30 PM - Stroll along the Boulevard Mohamed VI for stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar. On clear days, you can see the coast of Spain just 14 kilometers away.

5:30 PM - Check into your charming riad in Tangier. Settle in and refresh after your journey.

6:30 PM - Evening at leisure. Enjoy dinner at your riad or a local restaurant (not included) while soaking in the atmosphere of this international city.

Day 2: Tangier → Asilah (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

9:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Tangier.

10:00 AM - Depart Tangier and travel down the Atlantic coast to Asilah, the charming art-filled seaside town.

11:00 AM - Arrive in Asilah and explore its distinctive white-washed medina with blue accents. Discover the numerous murals and street art that adorn the town's buildings.

11:30 AM - Learn about the annual Asilah Arts Festival that transforms this fishing village into an open-air gallery every summer.

12:00 PM - Visit the historic ramparts offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Portuguese fortifications.

12:30 PM - Lunch break at a seaside restaurant in Asilah (not included). Enjoy fresh Atlantic seafood while overlooking the ocean.

2:00 PM - Stroll along the beautiful beach promenade and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

3:00 PM - Explore the local art galleries and craft shops. Meet local artists and learn about Asilah's thriving arts scene.

4:00 PM - Free time for personal exploration. Options include:

  • Visit the Portuguese fortress and learn about Asilah's maritime history
  • Relax on the beach and enjoy the coastal atmosphere
  • Shop for unique souvenirs in the medina's craft shops

5:00 PM - Check into your hotel or riad in Asilah. Evening at leisure to explore the town further or enjoy dinner (not included).

Day 3: Asilah → Tetouan (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)

8:30 AM - Breakfast at your accommodation in Asilah.

9:30 AM - Morning exploration of Asilah. Visit local craft workshops and learn about traditional pottery and textile production.

10:30 AM - Depart Asilah and travel to Tetouan, known as the "White Dove" for its distinctive white architecture.

11:30 AM - Arrive in Tetouan and explore its UNESCO World Heritage medina. Discover the unique Spanish-influenced architecture that sets this city apart from others in Morocco.

12:00 PM - Visit the Tetouan Museum of Moroccan Arts, housed in a former fortress, to learn about the region's rich cultural heritage.

12:45 PM - Explore the royal palace and the Hassan II Square, the heart of the city with its beautiful fountains and gardens.

1:30 PM - Lunch break in Tetouan (not included). Enjoy Andalusian-influenced cuisine unique to this region.

3:00 PM - Visit the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts to see demonstrations of traditional Moroccan crafts.

4:00 PM - Explore the modern part of Tetouan and learn about its role as a cultural center.

5:00 PM - Check into your hotel or riad in Tetouan. Evening at leisure to explore more of this elegant city or enjoy dinner (not included).

Day 4: Tetouan → Chefchaouen (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

9:00 AM - Breakfast at your accommodation in Tetouan.

10:00 AM - Depart Tetouan and travel into the scenic Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, the famous "Blue City" of Morocco.

11:30 AM - Stop at a scenic viewpoint in the Rif Mountains for photos and to appreciate the dramatic landscape.

12:00 PM - Lunch break at a mountain restaurant (not included). Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine while taking in the mountain views.

2:00 PM - Arrive in Chefchaouen and check into your traditional riad in the medina.

2:30 PM - Begin your exploration of the enchanting blue-washed streets. Your guide will explain the history of why the walls are painted blue.

3:30 PM - Visit the main square, Place Outa el Hammam, with its 15th-century kasbah and waterfall.

4:00 PM - Climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the entire blue city and surrounding Rif Mountains.

4:45 PM - Explore the local markets and artisan workshops. Discover traditional wool products, woven blankets, and leather goods unique to this region.

5:00 PM - Evening at leisure to explore Chefchaouen at your own pace. Enjoy dinner at your riad or a local restaurant (not included).

Day 5: Chefchaouen Exploration (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen.

9:00 AM - Full day to immerse yourself in the magic of Chefchaouen. Options for your day include:

Option 1: Cultural Immersion

  • 9:30 AM: Visit local cooperatives supporting women artisans
  • 10:30 AM: Learn about traditional weaving and pottery techniques
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina (not included)
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Ras El-Ma waterfall just outside the city
  • 4:00 PM: Hike to nearby viewpoints for different perspectives of the city

Option 2: Photography & Relaxation

  • 9:30 AM: Early morning photography session in the blue streets when they're quiet
  • 11:00 AM: Coffee break at a traditional café in the main square
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at your leisure (not included)
  • 3:00 PM: Relax at your riad's rooftop terrace with a book
  • 5:00 PM: Sunset photography from the Spanish Mosque

Option 3: Active Exploration

  • 9:30 AM: Guided hike to the surrounding mountains
  • 11:30 AM: Visit local farms and learn about mountain agriculture
  • 1:00 PM: Picnic lunch in the mountains (not included)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit a traditional Berber village
  • 4:30 PM: Return to Chefchaouen for relaxation

6:00 PM - Evening at leisure. Enjoy dinner at your riad or explore more of Chefchaouen on your own (not included).

Day 6: Chefchaouen → Tangier Departure (8:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen.

9:00 AM - Final morning in the blue city. Options include:

  • Last-minute souvenir shopping in the medina's craft shops
  • Visit any missed viewpoints or hidden corners
  • Relax at a café with a final Moroccan mint tea
  • Take final photographs of the most photogenic spots

10:30 AM - Check out from your riad.

11:00 AM - Depart Chefchaouen and begin your scenic journey back to Tangier.

12:00 PM - Stop at a scenic viewpoint in the Rif Mountains for final photos and to appreciate the beautiful countryside.

1:00 PM - Pass through agricultural plains and traditional Berber villages, enjoying the rural Moroccan landscape.

2:00 PM - Arrive in Tangier. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel, the port, or Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG), marking the end of your Northern Morocco discovery tour.

Note: Please allow sufficient time for your departure based on your flight or ferry schedule.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • A camera for the highly photogenic towns.
  • A light jacket for coastal breezes.
  • An appreciation for art and a slower pace of travel.
  • Swimsuit in summer months.