Journeys / Blue North, Fes & Sahara
12 days
Blue North, Fes & Sahara
The classic route plus the blue town of Chefchaouen and the Rif mountains.
In short
The classic route, starting in the north
Start in Tangier, two nights in the blue town of Chefchaouen and Volubilis on the way to Fes. Then the Sahara, and three nights to end in Marrakech.
Day by day
Your 12 days
- 1
Arrive in Tangier
Your guide meets you at the airport or the ferry port. Evening walk to the kasbah above the Strait of Gibraltar.
- 2
Into the Rif to Chefchaouen
A short drive into the Rif mountains. Afternoon in the blue medina with a local guide.
- 3
Chefchaouen at your own pace
Early morning photos before the crowds, a walk up to the Spanish Mosque for the view and a free afternoon.
- 4
Volubilis on the way to Fes
A stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss, then on to your riad in Fes.
- 5
Fes el-Bali
A full day in the old medina with a licensed city guide: Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Chouara tanneries and the artisans’ quarters.
- 6
From Fes to the Sahara
Through Ifrane, the cedar forests and the Ziz valley to Merzouga, with stops on the way. Last stretch by 4×4 to the desert camp [it can be split with a night in Midelt].
- 7
A full day in the Sahara
Sunrise from the dunes. Tea with a nomad family near Merzouga. Afternoon free; camel ride at sunset if you want one.
- 8
Rissani and Todra to the Dadès Gorges
The Rissani market on the way, a walk through the Todra Gorge and a night above the Dadès Gorges.
- 9
Aït Ben Haddou and the High Atlas to Marrakech
Through Skoura and Ouarzazate, a stop at Aït Ben Haddou and over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech.
- 10
Marrakech medina
A morning on foot with a local guide: Ben Youssef Madrasa, the souks and the Bahia Palace. Afternoon free for the Majorelle Garden or a hammam.
- 11
Marrakech at your own pace
A free day. Your guide can suggest a cooking class, the Agafay desert at sunset or a long lunch on a rooftop.
- 12
Departure from Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech airport, confirmed the day before by WhatsApp.
Drive times are approximate and include no stops [to confirm with the partner].
Where you sleep
6 stays, 11 nights
Chefchaouen2 nights · Riad in the blue medina
Fes2 nights · Riad in Fes el-Bali
Erg Chebbi2 nights · Selected luxury desert camp
Marrakech3 nights · Riad in the medinaWhat is included
Confirmed before you travel
- Private vehicle and the same guide for all 12 days
- 11 nights in riads, kasbahs and 2 nights in a selected luxury desert camp
- Breakfast every day; dinner at the desert camp [to confirm]
- Licensed city guides in Marrakech and Fes
- Airport transfers, confirmed 24 h before
- Entrance fees in the itinerary [to confirm]
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and most dinners [to confirm]
- Tips (a written guide comes with your proposal)
- Drinks and personal expenses
Questions about this route
Can we add or remove nights?
Yes. This route is a starting point. The most common change is one more night in Marrakech or a stop in Midelt to split the longest day.
Is the desert camp comfortable?
It is a selected luxury camp with a private tent and bathroom [to confirm with the partner]. Nights in winter are cold; the tents have heating [to confirm].
*The Erg Chebbi to Fes day is about 7–8 h with stops. It can be split with a night in Midelt [option to confirm with the partner].
Other journeys