Discover Morocco from north to south on this 5 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech, travelling through Chefchaouen, Fes, the Middle Atlas Mountains, Merzouga and Ait Ben Haddou. The journey combines historic medinas, changing mountain landscapes and an unforgettable night among the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Unlike the faster four-day itinerary, this journey is part of our wider collection of Morocco tours from Tangier, which includes a complete day in Fes before continuing toward the Sahara.
It is ideal for travelers who want to see northern Morocco, explore an imperial city and experience a Merzouga desert camp without returning to Tangier.
| Day | Route | Distance | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tangier–Chefchaouen–Fes | Approx. 310 km | Fes |
| 2 | Guided sightseeing tour of Fes | Local travel | Fes |
| 3 | Fes–Ifrane–Ziz Valley–Merzouga | Approx. 470 km | Desert camp |
| 4 | Merzouga–Todra Gorge–Dades Valley | Approx. 270 km | Dades |
| 5 | Dades–Ait Ben Haddou–Marrakech | Approx. 325 km | Marrakech |
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Starting point: Tangier hotel, airport or ferry port
Finishing point: Marrakech hotel or riad
Tour type: Private and customizable
Total distance: Approximately 1,375 km
Your 5 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech begins with an early pickup from your hotel, Tangier Airport or the ferry port. Travel through the green Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, one of Morocco’s most distinctive mountain towns.
Enjoy free time to explore the blue medina, Outa El Hammam Square, the colourful local shops and the small waterfall at Ras El Maa. After lunch, continue through the countryside toward Fes. Arrive in the evening and settle into a traditional riad inside or near the old medina.
An early start is recommended so you can enjoy approximately three hours in Chefchaouen without reaching Fes too late.
Distance: Approximately 310 km
Driving time: Around 5–6 hours, excluding stops
Overnight: Riad or hotel in Fes
After breakfast, meet a knowledgeable local guide and begin exploring Fes, Morocco’s historic cultural and spiritual centre. Start with panoramic views of the city before seeing the Royal Palace gates and the traditional Jewish quarter.
Continue on foot through Fes El Bali, where narrow streets lead between artisan workshops, food markets and historic religious buildings. Depending on opening hours, visit Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine Square and the famous tanneries. You can also see Al Quaraouiyine from the accessible exterior areas.
After exploring Fes, the journey continues along the route followed by our popular 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech
The guided visit allows travelers to understand the history, craftsmanship and daily life of the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fes instead of using the city only as an overnight stop. The late afternoon is free for relaxing or exploring independently.
Driving: Short local transfers
Overnight: Riad or hotel in Fes
Meals: Breakfast
Leave Fes early and travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane before continuing toward the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques may sometimes be seen in their natural environment.
After lunch near Midelt, cross mountain plateaus and descend toward the palm-filled Ziz Valley. Stop at a panoramic viewpoint before continuing through Erfoud to Merzouga, where the Erg Chebbi dunes begin.
In the late afternoon, ride a camel across the dunes and stop for sunset photographs. A 4×4 transfer is available for travelers who prefer not to ride. At the camp, enjoy dinner, local music and a peaceful night beneath the Sahara sky.
Distance: Approximately 470 km
Driving time: Around 7½–8½ hours
Overnight: Desert camp in Merzouga
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Wake early for an optional sunrise over the dunes before breakfast. Return from the camp by camel or 4×4 and begin travelling toward Rissani. A visit to its traditional market can be included when the market schedule and timing allow.
Continue through desert towns and palm oases toward Tinghir. At Todra Gorge, take a short walk beside the river and beneath the dramatic canyon walls. This is also a convenient place to stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, continue toward Boumalne Dades. Stop at viewpoints overlooking the valley and see its unusual rock formations before checking into your hotel or guesthouse. Dinner is served at the accommodation.
Distance: Approximately 270 km
Driving time: Around 4½–5½ hours
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Dades Valley
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, travel through the Valley of Roses and continue toward Ouarzazate. The route follows landscapes of palm groves, traditional villages and historic kasbahs before reaching Ait Ben Haddou.
Explore the fortified Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, recognised for its traditional earthen architecture. Imagine Morocco recommends departing Dades early so the visit can take place before the busiest lunch-period tour buses whenever road conditions allow.
After lunch, cross the High Atlas Mountains using the Tizi n’Tichka route. Stop at panoramic viewpoints before descending toward Marrakech, where the tour finishes at your hotel, riad or another agreed location.
Distance: Approximately 325 km
Driving time: Around 6–7 hours
Arrival: Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening
Meals: Breakfast
The 4 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech route reaches the same major destinations but leaves almost no time to explore Fes. This five-day itinerary adds a full guided visit without changing the classic three-day desert journey between Fes and Marrakech.
Five days is still a relatively fast way to cross Morocco. Travelers wanting more time in Chefchaouen, shorter driving days or additional Merzouga activities should consider the 6 Day or 8 Day tours from Tangier.
This route was designed with the experience of the Imagine Morocco team, including local members from the Merzouga region. The itinerary explains the real driving times, overnight locations and sightseeing possibilities instead of presenting every stop as a full visit.
Imagine Morocco can also arrange local desert experiences, accommodation upgrades and direct phone or video consultations before booking. Exact hotels, room types, desert-camp facilities and included meals are confirmed in every quotation.
Prices for our 5 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech start from €495 per person, based on four travellers choosing standard accommodation. The final price depends on the number of travellers, travel dates and selected accommodation category.
Standard options provide clean local accommodation with essential facilities, while mid-range packages normally include comfortable riads and private en-suite rooms. Luxury packages use upgraded properties and a more refined en-suite desert camp.
Yes. Imagine Morocco can customize this private five-day itinerary to match each customer’s arrival time, interests and preferred pace.
We have organized tours from the Tangier region for many years, with pickup available from Tanger Med International Port, Tangier City or Medina Port, Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, or your hotel or riad in Tangier.
The route can also be adjusted to suit your preferences—for example, spending more time exploring Chefchaouen, changing accommodation categories or coordinating the departure with your flight or ferry schedule.
Yes, five days allows time for Chefchaouen, a complete Fes visit and the Merzouga Desert. However, travelers should expect several long driving days.
No. Chefchaouen is visited on the way to Fes. An overnight stay can be added by extending the itinerary to six days.
Yes. Pickup can be arranged from the airport, ferry port or a Tangier hotel. A morning pickup is recommended.
Yes. Standard, mid-range and luxury accommodation categories are available. Facilities and the exact camp should be confirmed in the quotation.
It can be arranged for families, but parents should consider the long drive from Fes to Merzouga. A private tour allows additional comfort stops.
Spring and autumn generally offer comfortable weather. Summer is very hot around Merzouga, while winter nights can be cold in the mountains and desert.
Yes. Tangier and the north in general are good starting points for traveling deeper into the country.
