Many travelers enter Morocco through Tangier, by ferry from Spain or by plane, and fly home from Marrakech. Between the two lies the whole country: the Rif mountains, the imperial cities, the Middle Atlas and the Sahara. Here is the best route, and how many days you need.
The classic north-to-south route
- Chefchaouen (about 2 hours from Tangier): the Blue City in the Rif.
- Volubilis and Meknes: Roman ruins listed by UNESCO and an imperial city.
- Fes: the medieval medina, best explored with a local guide.
- Ifrane, Azrou and Midelt: cedar forests and Middle Atlas landscapes.
- Merzouga: camel trek and a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Todra and Dades Gorges: canyons and kasbahs.
- Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou, then the High Atlas to Marrakech.
5, 7 or 10 days?
- The 5 Day Tour from Tangier to Marrakech covers the essentials with long days on the road.
- The 7 Day Tour from Tangier to Marrakech adds a guided day in Fes and a more relaxed pace. This is our recommendation.
- The 10 Day Morocco Tour from Tangier adds a guided visit of Marrakech and Casablanca for a complete loop.
Arriving in Tangier? Let us drive you all the way to Marrakech through the Sahara.
See the tour details or message us on WhatsApp +212 771 979 097 / contact@indreamstravelmorocco.com for a free quote.
Practical tips
- Ferries from Tarifa arrive in Tangier city port, while those from Algeciras usually arrive at Tangier Med, about an hour from the city. Send us your arrival details for the pick-up.
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons for this route, which crosses mountains and desert.
- Pack for all climates: cool in the Rif and Atlas, hot in the south.
Before you leave Tangier
If you arrive a day early, Tangier deserves a visit: the Kasbah with its views over the Strait of Gibraltar, the old American Legation, the cafes where writers and artists gathered, and, just outside the city, Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
Why not just take the train?
The high-speed train connects Tangier to Casablanca quickly, and you can continue to Marrakech by train. It is efficient, but you would miss Chefchaouen, Fes, the Middle Atlas and the Sahara. A road trip with a driver turns the journey itself into the best part of your holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Tangier to Marrakech?
About 7 to 8 hours by motorway, but the scenic route through Fes and the Sahara takes 5 to 10 days.
Is Chefchaouen worth visiting?
Yes. Its blue streets and mountain setting make it one of the most charming towns in Morocco, and it is right on the way from Tangier.
Can the tour start from the ferry port?
In most cases yes. Send us your ferry or flight details and we will confirm the pick-up place and time.