Overview
12 days Grand Tour from Tangier description
Discover the charm of Morocco on our 12 days Grand Tour from Tangier, an all-encompassing journey through the country's most captivating destinations. Beginning in the coastal city of Tangier, we explore the historic town of Asilah, the capital city of Rabat, and the economic hub of Casablanca, immersing you in Morocco's blend of tradition and modernity.
Continuing to Marrakech, the "Red City," you'll wander through the Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the lively souks, before heading into the High Atlas Mountains. Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and the Dades and Todra valleys, before reaching Merzouga for a camel trek and a night at a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
The route then turns north through the Ziz Valley to Fes, Morocco's spiritual capital, for a full day exploring its ancient medina. From there, we visit Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis before reaching the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen for a full day and night. The Grand Tour closes with a return drive via Tetouan to Tangier, having covered nearly all of Morocco's essential destinations in a single, private 12-day journey.
Day By Day
12 days Grand Tour from Tangier itinerary
Your overnights in Casablanca, Marrakech, the Dades Valley, Merzouga, the desert camp, Fes, and Chefchaouen are confirmed in advance — this is a guide to how the twelve days unfold.
Day 01
Tangier – Asilah – Rabat – Casablanca
We'll meet you at the port or airport in Tangier to begin your Grand Tour. Drive south along the Atlantic coast to Asilah, a whitewashed fishing town known for its ramparts and mural art. Continue to Rabat, Morocco's capital, with a stop to see the Hassan Tower and Kasbah of the Oudayas, before arriving in Casablanca for the night.
Summary
- Coastal town of Asilah and its ramparts
- Hassan Tower and Kasbah of the Oudayas in Rabat
- Overnight: hotel, Casablanca
Day 02
Casablanca – Marrakech
Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, before departing for Marrakech. Arrive in the "Red City" in the afternoon and settle in at your riad for the night.
Summary
- Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Overnight: riad, Marrakech
Day 03
Marrakech Sightseeing
A full day of guided sightseeing in Marrakech, taking in the Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace, before exploring the souks and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Summary
- Majorelle Gardens and Koutoubia Mosque
- Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace
- Souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square
Day 04
Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Valley
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping to visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a former caravan stop and well-known film location. Continue via Ouarzazate and Skoura's palm groves to the Dades Valley for the night.
Summary
- Tizi n'Tichka pass across the High Atlas
- UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
- Ouarzazate and the Skoura palm groves
- Overnight: guesthouse, Dades Valley
Day 05
Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
Drive the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" to Tinghir, then visit the Todra Gorges with time for a short walk through the canyon. Continue via Erfoud and Rissani to Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara, for the night.
Summary
- Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Todra Gorges walk
- Overnight: hotel, Merzouga
Day 06
Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Camel Trek
Tour the dunes and desert villages, meeting nomad families and visiting Khamlia village for its traditional Gnawa music. In the afternoon, set off on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset, before dinner and an overnight stay at the desert camp.
Summary
- Nomad families and Khamlia's Gnawa music
- Sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Overnight: desert camp, Sahara
Day 07
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Fes
Rise early for sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back to the hotel for breakfast. Drive north via the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Ifrane's cedar forests, arriving in Fes for the night.
Summary
- Sunrise over the dunes and camel ride back
- Ziz Valley, Midelt, and the Ifrane cedar forests
- Overnight: riad, Fes
Day 08
Fes Sightseeing
A full day exploring the medina of Fes, Morocco's oldest imperial city, including the Royal Palace, the Jewish quarter, Al-Qaraouine University, the tanneries, and traditional craft workshops.
Summary
- Royal Palace and the Jewish quarter
- Al-Qaraouine University and the tanneries
- Traditional craft workshops
Day 09
Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
Visit Meknes, the historic capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue north through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen for the night.
Summary
- Meknes, historic capital of Moulay Ismail
- Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Overnight: riad, Chefchaouen
Day 10
Chefchaouen Sightseeing
A full day exploring Chefchaouen's blue-washed medina, its Spanish-style square, and the Spanish Mosque viewpoint above the town for panoramic views.
Summary
- Chefchaouen's blue-washed medina
- Spanish Mosque viewpoint
Day 11
Chefchaouen – Tetouan – Tangier
Drive back to Tangier via Tetouan, taking in the Rif Mountain scenery one last time before arriving for your final night in Morocco.
Summary
- Return drive via Tetouan
- Overnight: hotel, Tangier
Day 12
Tangier Departure
Transfer to Tangier airport or port for your departure, marking the conclusion of your Grand Tour of Morocco.
Summary
- Private transfer to Tangier airport or port
- End of services
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is the 12 day Grand Tour from Tangier private?
Yes. This is a private tour with your own driver-guide and vehicle for the full 12 days, not a group tour.
Does the tour include camel trekking in Merzouga?
Yes. A camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes is included, followed by an overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp.
Does the itinerary include Chefchaouen and Fes?
Yes, the tour includes a full day of sightseeing in both Fes and Chefchaouen, plus a stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.
Where does the 12 day Grand Tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in Tangier, looping through Casablanca, Marrakech, the Sahara Desert, Fes, and Chefchaouen before returning.
How is the 12 day tour different from the 10 day tour from Tangier?
The 12 day Grand Tour adds Asilah, Rabat, and Casablanca at the start, a dedicated day of sightseeing in Marrakech before heading to the desert, and a full day and night in Chefchaouen on the return leg, and it loops back to Tangier instead of ending in Marrakech.
