7-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Tour from Tangier: Extended Northern Morocco Journey

7-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Tour from Tangier: Extended Northern Morocco Journey

Experience Morocco comprehensively with our 7-day imperial cities and Sahara tour from Tangier, the ideal duration for travelers seeking genuine immersion across multiple regions. This extended itinerary begins from Tangier's cosmopolitan gateway, includes the iconic blue city of Chefchaouen, the medieval imperial heritage of Fes, complete Sahara immersion at Merzouga, and dramatic mountain scenery of Todra Gorge—delivering a truly complete Moroccan experience.

Why Choose This 7-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Tour?

Complete Regional Coverage: Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, and mountain scenery in one unhurried journey.

Optimal Timing: Seven days provides the perfect balance between comprehensive experiences and vacation duration constraints.

Depth Over Rush: Multiple days in key destinations allow genuine cultural immersion rather than rapid site verification.

Multiple Landscape Types: Coast, mountains, desert, and valleys—the complete Moroccan geographic spectrum.

Imperial Heritage: Intimate exploration of Morocco's cultural heart in Fes.

Authentic Desert Experience: Full Merzouga immersion with camel trekking, sunrises, and village interaction.

Complete 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tangier Exploration

Full day discovering Morocco's Mediterranean gateway:

• Medina with multicultural influences
• Kasbah palace and Mediterranean panoramas
• Cape Spartel viewpoint
• Historical sites and contemporary city
• Cultural orientation to Morocco

Accommodation in Tangier riad or hotel.

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

Morning departure into Rif Mountains. Arrive mid-morning with afternoon exploration of Chefchaouen:

• Blue-washed medina and distinctive character
• Artisan workshops and traditional crafts
• Uta el-Hammam square
• Spanish Mosque viewpoint
• Neighborhood exploration

Evening in Chefchaouen's magical ambiance.

Accommodation in Chefchaouen riad.

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

Departure through mountain passes. Afternoon arrival in Fes. Begin medina exploration as energy permits.

Accommodation in Fes riad.

Day 4: Full Day Fes Medina Exploration

Comprehensive guided exploration of the imperial city:

• Bab Boujloud and medina layout
• Madrasah Al-Attarine and Islamic architecture
• Historic leather tanneries
• Traditional souks and crafts
• Water fountains and gathering places
• Neighborhoods beyond tourist circuits

Understanding Fes as Morocco's cultural heart—medieval city design and continuous habitation since the 9th century.

Accommodation in Fes riad.

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

Long driving day through landscape transitions:

• Ifrane and Cedar Forests
• Pre-Sahara terrain
• Mountain passes and elevation changes
• Arrival at Merzouga late afternoon

Check into Sahara camp. Experience first desert sunset.

Accommodation in Sahara camp.

Day 6: Full Day Merzouga Sahara Immersion

Early morning camel trekking across Erg Chebbi dunes for sunrise experience—many describe as profoundly transformative.

Return for breakfast and rest during hot afternoon.

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

Sunset from the dunes. Evening entertainment with Gnaoua musicians and traditional camp ambiance under star-filled skies.

Accommodation in Sahara camp.

Day 7: Merzouga to Todra Gorge or Marrakech Departure

Option A - Mountain Immersion: Departure toward Todra Gorge (280 km, 6 hours). Experience the dramatic 300-meter canyon cliffs and scenic mountain landscapes. Afternoon exploration and scenic photography. Option to continue toward Marrakech or return toward Fes.

Option B - Direct to Marrakech: Departure toward Marrakech (650 km, 10-11 hours). Long driving day but direct routing to the imperial south.

What's Included

• Professional guide throughout the 7-day journey
• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• Six nights of accommodation (Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes x2, Merzouga, final destination)
• 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
• Todra Gorge exploration (if selected)
• All entrance fees and monument costs

Experience Highlights

Cosmopolitan Gateway: Tangier's unique multicultural character.

Iconic Blue City: Chefchaouen's distinctive character and mountain setting.

Medieval Imperial Heritage: Fes's cultural significance and ancient medina design.

Desert Sunrise Transformation: The spiritual experience of Sahara awakening.

Mountain Drama: Todra Gorge's spectacular geological formations.

Berber Culture: Direct interaction with desert communities.

Physical Requirements

Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Days 3 and 5 involve substantial driving
• Camel trekking is accessible for most levels
• Medina walking on historic streets
• Most fitness levels can manage with appropriate preparation

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 Points: Todra area or Marrakech (traveler choice) Group Size: 4-12 participants Languages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic Total Distance: 1,200-1,500+ km depending on route

Conclusion

This 7-day imperial cities and Sahara tour from Tangier delivers the complete Moroccan experience—northern gateway, cultural heritage centers, authentic desert immersion, and mountain beauty in an unhurried journey.

Book your 7-day northern Morocco tour from Tangier today and experience Morocco's most essential destinations at the pace that allows genuine immersion.