Arriving in Tangier by ferry or plane and planning a 5 day tour from Tangier? Five days is enough for a memorable first look at Morocco, but you have to choose a direction. One route heads south to the Sahara and ends in Marrakech. The other stays in the north, with slow days in Chefchaouen and Fes, and ends in Casablanca. This guide compares them so you can choose what matters most to you.
Quick answer: if the desert is your dream, book the 5-day desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Merzouga. It crosses the whole country, from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Erg Chebbi dunes. If you prefer culture and shorter drives, book the 5-day northern Morocco tour from Tangier to Casablanca, with a full guided day in Chefchaouen and another in Fes.
5 Day Tour from Tangier: The Two Routes Compared
| Book | Tangier to Marrakech (Sahara) | Tangier to Casablanca (north) |
|---|---|---|
| Start and end | Tangier → Marrakech | Tangier → Casablanca |
| Night 1 | Chefchaouen | Chefchaouen |
| Night 2 | Fes | Chefchaouen |
| Night 3 | Desert camp | Fes |
| Night 4 | Dades Valley | Fes |
| Sahara | Yes, Erg Chebbi | No |
| Longest day | Day 3, about 7.5 hours | About 4.5 hours |
| Best for | First-time visitors who want the desert | Culture lovers, slower travel |
Both routes start the same way: Cape Spartel, the Hercules Caves and Chefchaouen. After that, the Sahara route speeds up through Fes to the dunes, while the northern route slows down with guided days in the medinas.
Route A: Day by Day from Tangier to Marrakech
Day 1: Cape Spartel, the Hercules Caves and Chefchaouen
First, you visit Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and the Hercules Caves. Then, you drive into the Rif Mountains to the blue town of Chefchaouen. About 3 hours of driving.
Day 2: Volubilis, Meknes and Fes
Next, you explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes, then reach Fes. About 4.5 hours of driving.
Day 3: Ifrane, Midelt and the Merzouga camp
Then, you cross the Middle Atlas through Ifrane and the cedar forest, follow the Ziz Valley and ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset. About 7.5 hours of driving.
Day 4: Rissani, Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley
After sunrise, you visit Rissani, walk through Todra Gorge and sleep in the Dades Valley. About 4.5 hours of driving.
Day 5: The Rose Valley, Ouarzazate and Marrakech
Finally, you pass the Rose Valley, Skoura and Ouarzazate, then cross the High Atlas to Marrakech. About 7 hours of driving.
Route B: Day by Day from Tangier to Casablanca
Day 1: Cape Spartel, the Hercules Caves and Chefchaouen
The first day matches Route A, with a night in Chefchaouen.
Day 2: A guided day in Chefchaouen
Instead of leaving, you explore the blue medina with a local guide, at an easy pace, and enjoy the views over the Rif.
Day 3: Volubilis, Meknes and Fes
Next, you visit Volubilis and Meknes on the way to Fes. About 4.5 hours of driving.
Day 4: A guided day in Fes
Then, you spend a full day in the medina of Fes with a licensed guide: the tanneries, madrasas and craft workshops. Read our Fes medina guided tour guide.
Day 5: Rabat and Casablanca
Finally, you drive to Rabat, the capital, and continue to Casablanca, home of the Hassan II Mosque. About 4.5 hours of driving.
Which 5 Day Tour from Tangier Should You Choose?
- Dreaming of the dunes? Only the route to Marrakech includes the Sahara.
- Prefer short drives? The northern route never drives more than about 4.5 hours a day.
- Flying home from Casablanca? The northern route ends there. Read our guide to Morocco tours from Casablanca airport.
- Continuing south? The Sahara route leaves you in Marrakech, ready for the coast or the Atlas.
- Traveling with children? The northern route is gentler. Read our tips for Morocco with kids.
Is Five Days Enough from Tangier to the Sahara?
Yes, but it is an active trip, because Tangier is far from the desert. If you want more time in the dunes or the medinas, the 6-day desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Fes or the 7-day Sahara desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech add extra days. The 8-day itinerary from Tangier to Marrakech is even more relaxed. For the bigger picture, read our guide from Tangier to Marrakech.
Chefchaouen: One Night or Two?
On the Sahara route, you see Chefchaouen in the evening and the next morning. On the northern route, you get a full guided day, which is ideal for photography. Read more in our guide to a Chefchaouen day trip from Tangier or Fes.
What Is Included in Our 5 Day Tours from Tangier
All our tours are private. They include your own air-conditioned vehicle and driver, four nights of accommodation, and breakfast each day. The Sahara route adds the camel trek and dinner at the camp. Lunches, drinks and entrance fees are not included. You can upgrade to the luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Best Time for a 5 Day Tour from Tangier
Spring and autumn are ideal for both routes. The north is greener but rainier in winter, while desert nights are cold. In summer, the north stays pleasant, but the desert is very hot. Read our guides to Morocco in winter and the best time to visit Morocco, or the official Tangier guide.
What to Pack
- A light rain jacket for the north in winter
- A warm layer for desert nights on the Sahara route
- Comfortable shoes for the hilly lanes of Chefchaouen and Fes
- A small overnight bag for the camp
- Cash for lunches and tips
See our list of what to pack for the Morocco desert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the Sahara route if you dislike long drives: day 3 is long, so consider six or seven days.
- Arriving late on day 1: if you come by ferry, take a morning crossing.
- Skipping a guide in Fes: the medina is a maze, and a licensed guide saves time.
5 Day Tour from Tangier FAQ
Can I reach the Sahara on a 5 day tour from Tangier?
Yes. The route to Marrakech includes a night in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Which 5 day tour from Tangier has the shortest drives?
The northern tour to Casablanca, with no day longer than about 4.5 hours.
Do both tours visit Chefchaouen and Fes?
Yes. Both routes include Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes and Fes.
Can you pick me up at the ferry port?
Yes. We can meet you at the Tangier port or the airport.
Is the tour private?
Yes. You travel only with your group, in your own vehicle with a professional driver.
Book Your 5 Day Tour from Tangier
In short, a 5 day tour from Tangier lets you choose between the Sahara and the imperial north. Pick the route to Marrakech for the dunes, or the route to Casablanca for slower days in the medinas. Tell us your dates and we will plan the rest. Starting in Marrakech instead? Read our 5 day tour from Marrakech guide.
Plan this trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or see all our tours from Tangier.
