6-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara from Tangier: Northern Gateway Circuit

6-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara from Tangier: Northern Gateway Circuit

Discover the complete northern Morocco experience with our 6-day imperial cities and Sahara tour from Tangier, combining the gateway city's cosmopolitan character, the iconic blue city of Chefchaouen, the medieval imperial heritage of Fes, and complete Sahara immersion. Six days provides the ideal duration for experiencing multiple major destinations without excessive daily driving or compressed activities.

Why Choose This 6-Day Tangier Imperial Cities and Sahara Tour?

Complete Northern Exploration: Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, and Merzouga—the essential destinations of northern Morocco in one journey.

Unhurried Pace: Six days allows substantial time in each location rather than rapid transit between sites.

Imperial Heritage: Two of Morocco's great imperial cities (Fes and medina exploration in depth).

Authentic Desert Experience: Two full days at Merzouga for camel trekking, sunset/sunrise experiences, and village interaction.

Landscape Diversity: Coast to mountains to desert—complete geographic spectrum.

Gateway Positioning: Begin from Tangier for easy international access and orientation to Moroccan geography.

Complete 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tangier and Kasbah Exploration

Full day in Tangier, Morocco's cosmopolitan Mediterranean gateway:

• Medina exploration with multicultural influences
• Kasbah palace with panoramic Mediterranean and Atlantic views
• Cape Spartel viewpoint where two seas meet
• Contemporary Tangier and port city character
• Historical sites reflecting centuries of international significance

Evening: Initial orientation to Moroccan geography and culture as you prepare for northern journey.

Accommodation in Tangier.

Day 2: Tangier to Chefchaouen (120 km, 3-4 hours)

Morning departure into the Rif Mountains. Arrive in Chefchaouen mid-morning to full afternoon of exploration:

• The famous blue-washed medina with its distinctive character
• Uta el-Hammam square and surrounding plaza
• Artisan workshops creating traditional crafts
• Spanish Mosque viewpoint overlooking the entire blue city
• Quiet neighborhoods revealing daily life
• Local cafes and tea houses

Evening: Enjoy the tranquility of Chefchaouen, particularly magical as sunset light illuminates the blue buildings.

Accommodation in Chefchaouen riad.

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes (320 km, 6-7 hours)

Early departure from Chefchaouen, traveling through mountain passes toward Fes. The landscape transitions from mountain terrain to agricultural plains as you approach the imperial city.

Afternoon arrival in Fes. Begin exploring the lower medina and orient yourself to this multi-layered medieval city. Evening exploration of the medina's atmosphere, energy, and architectural character.

Accommodation in Fes traditional riad.

Day 4: Full Day Fes Exploration

Comprehensive guided tour of Fes medina, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities:

• Bab Boujloud (ornate main gate) and medina entrance
• Madrasah Al-Attarine with intricate Islamic decoration
• Historic leather tanneries using century-old techniques
• Traditional souks specializing in spices, textiles, metalwork
• Quiet neighborhoods beyond tourist circuits
• Water fountains and community gathering places

Understanding Fes as the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco—a city unchanged in design for over a thousand years where residents navigate medieval streets much as their ancestors have for generations.

Accommodation in Fes riad.

Day 5: Fes to Merzouga (380 km, 8-9 hours)

Long driving day through dramatic landscape transitions. Depart Fes toward Pre-Sahara:

• Ifrane and Cedar Forests with Barbary macaques
• Midelt mountain town
• Progressive landscape transformation to desert
• Erfoud approach toward Merzouga

Arrive at Merzouga late afternoon. Check into traditional Sahara camp. Experience the first desert sunset and evening entertainment.

Accommodation in Sahara camp.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert Day and Marrakech Departure

Early morning camel trekking across Erg Chebbi for sunrise experience. Return for breakfast and rest.

Afternoon: Berber village visit experiencing traditional desert life, crafts, and hospitality.

Late afternoon departure toward Marrakech (approximately 10-11 hour drive). Arrive in Marrakech late evening for orientation.

Alternative: Extend stay in Merzouga for additional desert immersion or modify route based on group preferences.

What's Included

• Professional guide throughout the 6-day journey
• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• Five nights of accommodation (Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga camp, Marrakech)
• All meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
• Guided exploration of all major sites
• Camel trekking with expert desert guides
• Berber village cultural experience
• Evening entertainment in Sahara camp
• All entrance fees and monument costs

Experience Highlights

Cosmopolitan Tangier: Gateway city with unique multicultural character.

Iconic Chefchaouen: The famous blue-washed city in dramatic mountain setting.

Medieval Fes: Imperial heritage city with thousand-year-old medina design.

Authentic Sahara: Camel trekking, Berber villages, and desert immersion.

Comprehensive Journey: Northern Morocco's essential destinations in one circuit.

Physical Requirements

Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Days 3 and 5 involve substantial driving (6-7 hours and 8-9 hours)
• Camel trekking is unique but accessible
• Medina exploration involves walking on historic stone streets
• Most fitness levels can manage with appropriate footwear

Best Times to Visit

Optimal: October to April Daytime Temperatures: 20-30°C Nighttime Temperatures: 5-15°C Avoid: May to September

Practical Information

Starting Point: Tangier Ending Point: Marrakech (optional) Group Size: 4-12 participants Languages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic Total Distance: Approximately 1,200+ km

Conclusion

This 6-day imperial cities and Sahara tour from Tangier provides comprehensive exploration of northern Morocco's most essential destinations—from cosmopolitan Mediterranean gateway through iconic cultural centers to authentic desert immersion.

Book your 6-day northern Morocco tour from Tangier today and experience the complete northern circuit at a comfortable pace.