9-Day Northern Morocco & Sahara Circuit from Fes

Overview

Experience the complete northern Morocco circuit on this comprehensive 9-day adventure. This tour takes you through mountain blue cities, imperial heritage sites, coastal charm, and finishes with Sahara Desert exploration. Journey from ancient Fes through the picturesque Chefchaouen, coastal Tangier and Tetouan, imperial cities Meknes and Rabat, and culminates with camel trekking and nomadic family encounters in the golden Sahara. Ideal for travelers seeking the full spectrum of Moroccan experiences.

Highlights

• Fes Medina - Ancient scholarly city with leather tanneries and historic mosques
• Fes Royal Palace - Beautiful palace grounds (exterior view)
• Volubilis Roman Ruins - UNESCO World Heritage site with preserved mosaics
• Meknes Imperial City - Grand Bab Mansour gate and royal palace grounds
• Chefchaouen Blue City - Iconic blue-washed medina in Rif Mountains
• Tetouan Coastal City - Mediterranean charm and cultural heritage
• Tangier Port City - Beach town with European-Moroccan influences
• Rabat Capital - Hassan II Mosque courtyard and royal palace
• Todra Gorges - Dramatic canyon landscapes
• Erg Chebbi Sahara - Golden dunes with sunset and sunrise treks
• Berber Camp - Authentic desert experience with nomadic family interactions
• Desert Stargazing - Clear night skies in the Sahara

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fes Exploration

• Morning: Guided tour of the Fes medina
• Visit historic leather tanneries and spice markets
• Explore Bab Boujloud gate and historical mosques
• Visit the Royal Palace exterior
• Afternoon: Continue exploring medina highlights
• Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant
• Overnight in a beautiful riad in Fes
• Distance: Local exploration

Day 2: Fes to Volubilis & Meknes

• Morning: Depart Fes heading west
• Visit ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis
• Explore preserved mosaics and classical structures
• Lunch in a local village
• Afternoon: Arrive in Meknes
• Visit Bab Mansour gate and royal palace grounds
• Explore the medina
• Overnight in a traditional riad in Meknes
• Distance: 60 km | Drive time: 2-3 hours

Day 3: Meknes to Chefchaouen

• Morning: Continue exploring Meknes
• Visit local markets and medina
• Lunch in Meknes
• Afternoon: Drive through scenic Rif Mountains
• Arrive in Chefchaouen
• Evening: Explore the blue medina
• Overnight in a traditional riad in Chefchaouen
• Distance: 160 km | Drive time: 4-5 hours

Day 4: Chefchaouen Exploration

• Morning: Guided walking tour of the blue medina
• Visit Kasbah and Plaza Uta el-Hammam
• Explore artisan workshops and local markets
• Lunch with mountain views
• Afternoon: Hike to viewpoints for panoramic vistas
• Photography at sunset
• Overnight in Chefchaouen
• Distance: Local exploration

Day 5: Chefchaouen to Tangier via Tetouan

• Morning: Depart Chefchaouen heading north
• Drive through Rif Mountains to Tetouan
• Explore Tetouan's medina and Mediterranean blend
• Lunch in Tetouan
• Afternoon: Continue to Tangier
• Visit the beach and European-Moroccan waterfront
• Explore Tangier's medina
• Overnight in Tangier
• Distance: 200 km | Drive time: 5-6 hours

Day 6: Tangier to Rabat

• Morning: Continue exploring Tangier if desired
• Depart Tangier heading south along the coast
• Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way
• Lunch break
• Afternoon: Arrive in Rabat, Morocco's capital
• Visit Hassan II Mosque courtyard
• Explore Rabat's medina and royal palace area
• Walk along the riverside promenade
• Overnight in Rabat
• Distance: 310 km | Drive time: 5-6 hours

Day 7: Rabat to Merzouga

• Early morning: Depart Rabat heading inland
• Drive through scenic Middle Atlas
• Stop in Ifrane and Midelt
• Lunch break
• Afternoon: Pass through Todra Gorges
• Arrive at Merzouga desert camp
• Late afternoon: Sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes
• Dinner and overnight in Berber camp
• Distance: 500 km | Drive time: 10-11 hours

Day 8: Merzouga - Full Desert Day

• Early morning: Sunrise camel trek
• Breakfast at the camp
• Mid-morning: Rest and explore
• Afternoon: Visit a nomadic family encampment
• Learn about Berber desert lifestyle
• Explore the Ziz Oasis
• Optional sandboarding or 4x4 dune exploration
• Overnight in the desert camp
• Distance: Local exploration

Day 9: Merzouga - Desert Farewell or Return

• Early morning: Optional sunrise camel trek
• Breakfast at the camp
• Day spent exploring different desert perspectives
• Optional: Visit Merzouga village market
• Afternoon: Begin return journey or extend stay
• Evening: Arrive at your departure point or accommodation
• Distance: Varies based on departure

What's Included

• All accommodations in traditional riads and desert camps
• Professional English-speaking guide
• All transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
• Breakfast and dinner as specified in the itinerary
• Camel treks in the Sahara
• All entrance fees to monuments and attractions
• Local taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses and tips
• Drinks and additional meals not mentioned
• Optional activities and experiences
• Any items not specifically mentioned as included

Why Choose This Tour?

• Complete Northern Journey - Experience the best of northern Morocco in one tour
• Diverse Experiences - From imperial cities to coastal towns and desert landscapes
• Extended Desert Stay - Two nights in the Sahara for full immersion
• Cultural Immersion - Authentic interactions with local communities
• Expert Guidance - Knowledgeable local guides throughout your journey
• Responsible Tourism - Supporting local communities and sustainable practices
• Unforgettable Memories - Stunning landscapes and cultural encounters at every turn

FAQ

Q: Is this tour too packed? A: The itinerary is well-paced with full days in major cities and the desert. We avoid unnecessary rushing.

Q: How much driving is there? A: Day 1-6: Mixed | Day 7: 10-11 hrs (longest day) | Day 8-9: Local. Frequent stops included.

Q: Can I skip any locations? A: Yes, the tour can be customized. Let us know your priorities and we can adjust accordingly.

Q: What's included in the tour? A: The tour includes all accommodations, professional guide, transportation, breakfast and dinner daily, camel treks, and entrance fees to major attractions. Lunches are not included.

Q: Are the desert accommodations comfortable? A: Yes, desert camps provide comfortable basic accommodations with blankets, mattresses, and authentic hospitality.

Q: Best time to visit? A: October to April for ideal temperatures. Spring (March-May) offers perfect weather.

Q: Is this physically demanding? A: Moderate fitness needed. Walking in medinas, camel riding, and some hiking are involved.

Q: What should I pack? A: Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light jacket, and camera.

Q: What meals are included? A: Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Lunches are not included, giving you the flexibility to explore local cuisine. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Q: Can I do alternatives to camel riding? A: Yes, 4x4 drives and walking tours available in the desert. Inform your guide in advance.

Q: How many people on these tours? A: Groups typically 2-15 people. Private tours for families and small groups available.

Q: Is this tour suitable for seniors? A: Yes, with modifications. The pace can be adjusted for comfort and ability levels.

Q: Can I extend the desert portion? A: Yes, the tour can be extended for more time in the Sahara with additional activities.

Q: Will I experience sunrise and sunset in the desert? A: Yes, multiple moments captured during your Sahara stay with camel treks.