- Tour code
MARADV02
- Start
Tangier
- End
Marrakesh
- Min. age
16 years old
- Group size
Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style
Explorer
- Trip pace
Easy
- Language
English
Morocco changes completely every couple of days, and this nine-day trip follows that change from the Mediterranean to the Sahara and back over the mountains.
You begin in Tangier, the port city that faces Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar, then head into the Rif Mountains for an afternoon in blue-painted Chefchaouen before two nights in Fez. A tannery visit and a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed medina show you how the city has worked for centuries.
Then comes the desert: camels or 4x4s carry you into the dunes of Merzouga for a night at camp and a sunrise over the sand, followed by a drive past Todgha Gorge. After crossing the High Atlas on the Tizi n'Tichka pass and stopping at Ait Benhaddou, you'll finish with three nights in Marrakesh, a cooking class, a tea ceremony and free time in the souks.
A few days involve long drives, but the scenery makes up for it, and your Soca Islands Host handles the logistics throughout. Groups are small, from 6 to 16 travelers.
Why This Journey
Getting from Tangier to the Sahara and on to Marrakesh on your own takes careful planning, long road days and plenty of negotiating. This trip strings the highlights into one route, with guides in the medinas, a desert camp already arranged and nights in riads that put you inside the old cities rather than on their edges.
It suits travelers who want contrast, from mountain towns and medieval medinas to dunes and kasbahs, and who like hands-on moments: rug makers near Todgha, a cooking class and tea ceremony in Marrakesh, and six group dinners to share it all.
Where You'll Stay
Tangier (1 night): Dar Nour, a riad in the Kasbah. Fez (2 nights): Riad Fès - Relais & Châteaux, in the medina. Ouarzazate (1 night): Le Berbère Palace. Marrakesh (3 nights): Les Jardins de la Médina, in the Kasbah quarter of the medina. Proposed accommodation (or similar), subject to confirmation. Night 4 is spent at a desert camp in the Merzouga dunes. Rooms are based on two people sharing a double room with two beds.
Getting There
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. The trip starts in Tangier and ends in Marrakesh; arrival and departure airport transfers are included. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
What you will see and do
Ride out into the Sahara dunes and spend a night at a desert camp beneath the stars
Wander Chefchaouen's blue lanes, Fez's ancient medina and the Marrakesh souks
Cross the High Atlas and see Todgha Gorge and UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou
What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Accommodations in double rooms
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
One farewell group activity when possible
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Group transportation
Max 16 travellers per group
What's excluded
- International flights (travellers arrange their own)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities, such as a hammam visit
- Single room supplement (single rooms on request, subject to availability)
- Extra hotel nights before or after the trip
Group itinerary
Your first night is in a riad, a traditional house built around a courtyard, in Tangier's old Kasbah. With some time to yourself, you might track down one of the city's storied old cafés, favorites over the decades of writers and musicians, for a glass of mint tea.
In the evening, the group gathers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
The road climbs into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, Morocco's blue city, with bougainvillea spilling over the walls and artisan shops along steep lanes. A guided walk includes lunch, and there's free time afterward for photos.
In the evening you continue south to Fez.
The morning starts with a private tannery visit, where hides are still dyed in open stone pits as they have been for centuries.
After lunch, you'll dive into the UNESCO-listed medina of Fes el-Bali: alleyways that twist in every direction, artisan workshops, monumental gates and richly decorated mosques and madrasas.
Today you reach Merzouga, where the dunes of Erg Chebbi rise from the desert, and head into the sand by camel or 4x4 to a remote desert camp.
Catch the sunset, climb a dune, try sandboarding, and sit down to a traditional dinner at camp before an evening of tea and stories around the fire.
An early alarm is worth it for the Sahara sunrise and a short walk over the dunes. After thanking your camp hosts, return by camel or 4x4.
The road passes palm groves and the high limestone walls of Todgha Gorge, with a stop to meet a local collective of rug makers. Tonight's stay is a traditional palace-style property in Ouarzazate.
The road climbs the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with photo stops on the way. At Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village on the UNESCO list and a film backdrop for Gladiator and Game of Thrones, you'll take time to explore.
You reach Marrakesh by early afternoon, check in to your riad and have the rest of the day free.
After a slow morning, you'll take part in a hands-on Moroccan cooking class and a traditional tea ceremony, then walk the city with a guide who covers its history, markets and architecture.
Later, explore on your own: the gardens, the souks and the evening food stalls of Jemaa el-Fna are all within reach.
Enjoy a free morning. You might visit Maison de la Photographie and take tea on its rooftop terrace, or relax in a traditional hammam.
In the evening, it's the group's farewell, celebrated over dinner in a stylish Moroccan restaurant.
After breakfast, the trip comes to an end. Say goodbye to your travel companions before your departure airport transfer, or carry on with your own travels.
Accommodations
Here's a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.
Dar Nour
A guesthouse riad in the Kasbah, the walled upper quarter of Tangier's old medina, facing the sea. Its name means House of Light, and from the roof terraces there are views over the medina rooftops, the port and across the Strait toward Spain.
Each room is individually decorated with pieces from the souks, in a mix of rooms, mini-suites and suites.
Hotel websiteRiad Fès - Relais & Châteaux
A riad hotel in the Zerbtana quarter of the Fez medina, made up of restored traditional houses with tiled courtyards, carved plaster and cedar woodwork. The souks, tanneries and monuments of Fes el-Bali are reached on foot through the lanes.
There is a year-round pool, a spa, the Gayza restaurant and bar, and a rooftop terrace over the medina.
Hotel websiteLe Berbère Palace
A five-star hotel in Ouarzazate whose architecture takes its cue from the region's ksour and kasbahs, built with natural materials and local craftsmanship. The town's film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah are close by, and it sits on the road toward the Tizi n'Tichka pass and Ait Benhaddou.
Rooms are set around palm-shaded gardens and a pool, and there is a spa with hammam, sauna and jacuzzi.
Hotel websiteLes Jardins de la Médina
A riad-style hotel on Derb Chtouka in the Kasbah quarter of the Marrakesh medina, set around a 3,000 m² garden with a large outdoor pool, heated in winter. The Saadian Tombs and the El Badi Palace are a short walk away, and Jemaa el-Fna is within easy reach.
There are 36 rooms in four categories, facing either the patio or the gardens, plus a restaurant, a spa and a fitness room, which gives a group space to spread out after the souks.
Hotel websiteRooms
You'll stay at Trip Hotel.
- Included
Shared double
Shared with the person you book with, or a fellow traveller of the same sex.
- +$990 per person
Single room
A room to yourself, subject to availability.
Room prices are per person for the Apr 10, 2027 departure and can differ on other dates. You choose your room when you book.
Tour FAQS
Fly into Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) and out of Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).
Proposed accommodation (or similar), subject to confirmation: Dar Nour in Tangier, Riad Fès - Relais & Châteaux in Fez, Le Berbère Palace in Ouarzazate and Les Jardins de la Médina in Marrakesh. Night 4 is at a desert camp in Merzouga.
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
Yes. Arrival and departure airport transfers are included. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 6 group dinners are included, among them the welcome dinner in Tangier, dinner at the desert camp and the farewell dinner in Marrakesh. Other meals are at your own cost.
Extra nights can be requested, subject to hotel availability; contact our Customer Experience team for a quote.
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3. Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Would you like to learn more or customise our The Morocco Trip trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
Similar trips
The Morocco Trip 9 days, 8 nights
- Travel dates:
Apr 10 – 18, 20279 days · Trip Hotel16 spots remaining$2,999$2,699 USDper person, sharing a room · single room +$990Early bird: 10% off the first 3 placesTaken off at checkout while places last.$300 today, then 3 monthly payments of about $800Or save 5% when you pay in full (the trip price only, not add-ons)
- Travel dates:
Apr 19 – 27, 20279 days · Trip Hotel16 spots remaining$2,999$2,699 USDper person, sharing a room · single room +$990Early bird: 10% off the first 3 placesTaken off at checkout while places last.$300 today, then 3 monthly payments of about $800Or save 5% when you pay in full (the trip price only, not add-ons)
- Travel dates:
Oct 9 – 17, 20279 days · Trip Hotel16 spots remaining$2,999$2,699 USDper person, sharing a room · single room +$990Early bird: 10% off the first 3 placesTaken off at checkout while places last.$300 today, then 9 monthly payments of about $267Or save 5% when you pay in full (the trip price only, not add-ons)
- Travel dates:
Oct 23 – 31, 20279 days · Trip Hotel16 spots remaining$2,999$2,699 USDper person, sharing a room · single room +$990Early bird: 10% off the first 3 placesTaken off at checkout while places last.$300 today, then 9 monthly payments of about $267Or save 5% when you pay in full (the trip price only, not add-ons)
- Travel dates:
Nov 6 – 14, 20279 days · Trip Hotel16 spots remaining$2,999$2,699 USDper person, sharing a room · single room +$990Early bird: 10% off the first 3 placesTaken off at checkout while places last.$300 today, then 10 monthly payments of about $240Or save 5% when you pay in full (the trip price only, not add-ons)
Your impact
With this purchase you are supporting local guides, drivers, hosts, accommodations and businesses.
Secure your spot
Trips 90 days or more away need just a $300 deposit per person. Between 60 and 89 days, it's 50% at booking.
Flexible payment plan
Pay the balance in equal monthly payments. Everything is due 60 days before departure, so trips departing sooner are paid in full at booking.
