Whether you arrive by ferry or by plane, our tours from Tangier take you south to the Sahara and on to Marrakech in your own private vehicle. Tangier is the front door to Morocco for anyone coming from Spain. Our Morocco tours from Tangier pick you up where you arrive — at the city port, at Tanger Med, at the airport or at your hotel — and drive you south through Chefchaouen and Fes to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, ending in Marrakech.
Every tour from Tangier is private: your own vehicle, your own English-speaking driver, and a private tent with its own bathroom in the desert. Below you will find the routes we run, how we handle ferry and flight arrivals, and how to choose between five and seven days.
On the way from Chefchaouen to Fes you stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its floor mosaics.
Our tours from Tangier at a glance
| Tour | Days | Route | Desert nights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour via Chefchaouen and Fes | 5 | Tangier → Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Fes → Merzouga → Todra → Dades → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech | 1 | Crossing north to south quickly |
| 7-Day Tangier to Marrakech Tour with Two Nights in the Sahara | 7 | As above, plus Meknes, a guided day in Fes and a free day in the dunes | 2 | A full week at a comfortable pace |
| Custom 10- or 13-day itinerary from Tangier [CONFIRM] | 10–13 | Built around your interests (see below) | 1–2 | Travellers with more time |
Going the other direction — starting in Marrakech and finishing in the north? See the 6-day Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour via Fes, which can end with a transfer to Tangier for your ferry [CONFIRM].
Arriving in Tangier: which port, and where we meet you
Tangier has two ferry ports, and they are not in the same place. This is the most common source of confusion for travellers coming from Spain, so check your ticket carefully.
| Arrival point | Where it is | Typical crossings | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanger Ville port | In the city, below the medina | Mostly from Tarifa [CONFIRM current routes] | Short walk to the city; quick pick-up; Chefchaouen about 2 hours away |
| Tanger Med port | About 40–50 km east of Tangier [CONFIRM] | From Algeciras and other Spanish and European ports [CONFIRM] | A large commercial port; exit and passport checks can take time; adds roughly an hour to Day 1 [CONFIRM] |
| Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport | South-west of the city [CONFIRM distance] | Flights from Spain and other European cities | Straightforward meeting in the arrivals hall [CONFIRM] |
| Tanger Ville railway station | In the new town [CONFIRM] | Trains from Rabat and Casablanca | Useful if you are already in Morocco [CONFIRM pick-up offered] |
| Your hotel or riad | Anywhere in Tangier | — | Best option if you arrive the night before |
Ferry tickets sold “to Tangier” can arrive at either port. If your ticket says Tanger Med, you are landing well outside the city. Tell us exactly what your ticket shows.
What to send us before you travel
- The port you leave from in Spain and the port you arrive at in Morocco.
- The ferry company and scheduled departure and arrival times (or flight number).
- Whether you travel as foot passengers or with a car.
- The number of travellers and the amount of luggage.
- A mobile number that works in Morocco, ideally with WhatsApp.
With this information, your driver tracks your arrival and waits at the agreed meeting point [CONFIRM how long the driver waits and how delays are handled].
Timing your crossing
- Morning arrivals work best. You reach Chefchaouen in the afternoon with time to walk the town.
- Arriving late in the day? Consider a night in Tangier first and start the tour the next morning [CONFIRM we can add this].
- Check the clock. Ferry timetables use local time. Spain and Morocco are sometimes on the same time and sometimes an hour apart, and Morocco changes its clocks during Ramadan. Confirm both times on your ticket.
- Wind in the Strait. Strong winds occasionally delay or cancel crossings, especially fast ferries. If your crossing changes, message us on WhatsApp and we will adjust the plan [CONFIRM rebooking policy].
Travelling with your own car?
Our tours use our own vehicles and drivers. If you are bringing a car on the ferry, tell us when you enquire so we can talk about where to leave it during the tour [CONFIRM secure parking options and any cost].
5 or 7 days: how to choose between our tours from Tangier
Both tours follow the same line from Tangier to Marrakech. The difference is how much time you spend in Fes and in the desert.
| 5-day tour | 7-day tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Time in Fes | One evening and one night | Two nights with a guided medina day [CONFIRM guide] |
| Meknes | Not included | Short stop |
| Desert | One night in a private tent | Two nights, with a free day in the dunes |
| Longest drive | Fes → Merzouga, about 460 km | The same, but followed by a rest day |
| Days with 6+ hours of driving | Two | Two, spread across a longer week |
| Best for | Travellers short on time | Families, first-time visitors, slower travellers |
| Price | €660 pp (2 travellers) | €940 pp (2 travellers) |
Our honest advice: if you have a week, take the week. The extra days fall exactly where the 5-day tour feels rushed — Fes and the Sahara. If five days is your limit, the 5-day tour is still a complete crossing; you just need to be ready for two long driving days.
Longer itineraries from Tangier (10 to 13 days)
With more time, we can combine the Tangier start with routes from our longer itineraries [CONFIRM which are offered from Tangier]. Popular additions include: – The Atlantic coast: Asilah, Rabat or Casablanca on the way south, or Essaouira at the end. – A slower Sahara: two nights in Merzouga plus the southern route through the Draa Valley, Agdz and N’Kob. – More mountains: an extra night in the Dades Valley or the High Atlas. – More cities: time in Meknes, Fes and Marrakech without rushing.
Our 10-day and 2-week Morocco itineraries from Casablanca show what longer routes look like. We can rebuild either one with a Tangier start. Tell us how many days you have and what matters most to you.
Tangier or Casablanca: where should you start?
- Coming by ferry or flying into Tangier: start here. You save the transfer south.
- Flying long-haul into Casablanca: our Morocco tours from Casablanca avoid a long detour north and still include Chefchaouen on some routes.
- Planning to leave Morocco by ferry: start in Marrakech and finish in the north with the 6-day Marrakech to Chefchaouen tour.
What all our tours from Tangier include
- Pick-up at Tanger Ville port, Tanger Med port, the airport or your hotel
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus, fuel and road taxes
- English-speaking driver for the whole trip
- Riads and hotels, plus a night (or two) at Mouhou Luxury Camp in Erg Chebbi — every tent has its own shower and toilet
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Camel trek to the camp (or a 4×4 transfer if you have back or knee problems)
- Campfire with Berber drum music
- Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
Not included: lunches, entry fees [CONFIRM], local guides unless stated, ferry and flight tickets, travel insurance and tips.
How prices work for tours from Tangier
All tours from Tangier are private, so you pay for a vehicle and driver for your group only. Your price per person depends on: – Group size — the vehicle cost is shared, so larger groups pay less each. – Number of days and the accommodation level you choose. – Season — spring, autumn and holidays are busiest. – Pick-up point — Tanger Med is further from the route than the city port [CONFIRM extra charge, if any].
| Tour | 2 travellers (pp) | 4 travellers (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Tangier to Marrakech | €660 | €410 |
| 7-Day Tangier to Marrakech | €940 | €590 |
| Custom 10–13 days | On request | On request |
Deposit, payment methods and cancellation terms: [CONFIRM]. There is no online checkout — we send you a written quote first.
Frequently asked questions
Do you run shared group tours from Tangier?
Our tours from Tangier are private only [CONFIRM]. Shared small-group tours start from Marrakech or Fes. If you are on a tight budget, you could travel to Fes by train and join a shared tour there — ask us for the options.
Which port is easier to arrive at, Tanger Ville or Tanger Med?
Tanger Ville is in the city and usually quicker to leave. Tanger Med is a large port well outside Tangier, and exit formalities can take longer. Both work for our tours; the pick-up time on Day 1 simply changes.
Can we start the tour from Tangier and finish in Fes instead of Marrakech?
Yes, on request. A shorter loop from Tangier through Chefchaouen to the desert and back to Fes is possible [CONFIRM]. Most travellers prefer to end in Marrakech because it has more international flights.
Will we have time to see Tangier itself?
Not on the standard routes — they leave Tangier on Day 1. If you want to see the medina, the Kasbah or Cap Spartel, add a night in Tangier before the tour [CONFIRM].
What if our ferry is cancelled because of the weather?
Message us as soon as you know. We will move the pick-up to the next crossing and adjust the itinerary where possible [CONFIRM policy for changes and any costs]. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Can you collect us at Tangier train station?
If you are already in Morocco and arrive by train, a station pick-up can be arranged [CONFIRM].
Day 1 after a ferry arrival: how it usually runs
The first day sets the tone for tours from Tangier, so here is what to expect when you come off the boat. Timings depend on your crossing and port [CONFIRM].
- Arrival: foot passengers walk off the ferry and through passport control. Keep your passport and ferry ticket in your hand luggage, not in your suitcase.
- Meeting your driver: your driver waits at the agreed point, usually with a name sign. If you cannot find each other, send a WhatsApp message with a photo of where you are standing.
- Leaving Tangier: the drive south starts straight away. Morning arrivals usually reach Chefchaouen in the afternoon.
- Chefchaouen evening: check in, then walk the blue lanes as the day cools down. Dinner is at your riad or a restaurant nearby.
Before you cross: a practical checklist
Small details make the first hours easier on all our tours from Tangier.
- Passport: check it is valid for your whole stay and has a free page. Entry rules depend on your nationality, so confirm them with official government sources before you travel.
- Money: Morocco uses the dirham. Carry a bank card that works abroad and a little cash for the first day; your driver can stop at an ATM in town.
- Phone: a Moroccan SIM card or an eSIM makes WhatsApp contact with your driver simple.
- Luggage: keep a small day bag for Chefchaouen and the desert night, and a main bag that stays in the vehicle.
- Drones: Morocco restricts drones, and they can be held at customs. We suggest leaving yours at home.
North to south: what changes on the way
One of the joys of crossing Morocco from the Strait to the Sahara is how much the country changes in a few days. Travellers on tours from Tangier often say the contrast is the highlight.
- The Rif and Chefchaouen: green hills, cooler air and a mountain town painted blue and white.
- Volubilis, Meknes and Fes: Roman ruins, imperial gates and the great medina of Fes.
- The Middle Atlas: cedar forests, apple orchards and, in winter, sometimes snow.
- The Sahara: dry heat by day, cold nights and the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- The south and Marrakech: kasbah valleys, gorges and finally the bustle of the Red City.
Packing for a trip that starts by the sea
Packing is trickier on tours from Tangier than on trips that stay in one region, because you meet several climates in one week.
- Layers you can add and remove: a T-shirt, a long-sleeved top and a warm fleece
- A light rain jacket from October to April, when the north can be wet
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees, which are comfortable and respectful in smaller towns
- A scarf and sunglasses for wind and sand in the desert
- Comfortable walking shoes for the medinas of Chefchaouen and Fes
Travelling from Spain with children
Many families combine a holiday in Andalusia with one of our tours from Tangier. A short ferry crossing feels like an adventure for children, and the trip south has plenty of variety.
To keep the days manageable, we suggest a morning crossing and the 7-day tour, which gives a free day in the desert. Tell us your children’s ages so we can talk about car seats and family rooms [CONFIRM availability]. The camel ride is usually a favourite; a 4×4 transfer to camp is always possible instead.
Ending your trip: from Marrakech onwards
All our standard tours from Tangier finish in Marrakech, which has the widest choice of international flights. If you are flying home the day after the tour, a hotel near the medina or close to the airport keeps the last morning simple.
Want to return to Spain by ferry instead? Tell us when you enquire. A route that starts in Marrakech and ends in the north may suit you better, or we can talk about a custom plan [CONFIRM].
More questions about tours from Tangier
Can we pay in euros?
Our quote explains which payment methods we accept [CONFIRM PAYMENT METHODS]. On the road, prices are in dirhams; some places accept euros, but change is given in dirhams, so carrying local cash is easier.
Is Chefchaouen worth a night, not just a stop?
Yes. The town is at its most beautiful in the early evening and early morning, when the day visitors have left. We plan an overnight there on our standard routes [CONFIRM for the 5-day tour].
What is the weather like in the Strait in winter?
Crossings run all year, but winter brings more wind and more chance of delays. Leave some flexibility on your arrival day and keep our WhatsApp number to hand.
Do tours from Tangier include Asilah or the Atlantic coast?
Not on the standard 5- and 7-day routes. Asilah and the coast can be added to a longer custom itinerary [CONFIRM].
Can we add a guide in Chefchaouen?
Yes, a local guide can be arranged for a walk through the medina [CONFIRM availability and fee]. Many travellers are also happy to explore on their own, as the town is small and easy to walk.
Are tours from Tangier a good choice for a first visit to Morocco?
Yes. Your driver handles the logistics, from the port to each riad, and you see the main regions of the country in one trip. Many first-time visitors find it a calm way to start.
How far ahead should we book?
For spring, autumn and holiday periods, we suggest contacting us a few weeks ahead, because riads and camp tents fill up [CONFIRM]. Booking your ferry first gives us the exact arrival time we need to plan.
Ready to plan your trip from Tangier?
Send us your ferry or flight details, dates and group size. We will reply with the best route and a written quote.
Check availability & get a quote · Ask on WhatsApp: +212 667 850 421
We answer between 8:30 and 20:00 Morocco time. Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]. Browse all private Morocco tours and multi-day itineraries.
Morocco Desert Excursions is a local company founded by Sahara natives from Merzouga.
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