5 days SAS Morocco trip from Tangier

The first day of your 5 days SAS Morocco trip from Tangier

Begin your Semester at sea Morocco trip with meeting your driver/guide at Tangier Port and begin your Semester at Sea Morocco adventure. Travel to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous Blue City, where you’ll have time to explore the colorful streets, take photos, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city. After Chefchaouen, continue toward Fes, with scenic views along the way. Arrive in Fes, check in to your accommodation, and enjoy a relaxing evening before the next day’s journey toward the Sahara Desert.

Accommodation: Hotel/Riad in Fes
Approximate driving time: 5-6 hours

The second day of your 5 days Semester at sea Morocco trip from Tangier

After breakfast, leave Fes behind and begin your journey south toward the Sahara Desert, traveling through the spectacular landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, a charming mountain town known for its European-style architecture, green spaces, and cool mountain atmosphere. Take some time to stretch your legs, explore the area, and capture some photos before continuing into the mountains.

Next, stop at the Cedar Forest, one of the most beautiful natural areas of the Middle Atlas. Here, you’ll have the chance to see the famous Barbary macaques up close and enjoy a refreshing break surrounded by cedar trees and mountain scenery.

Continue south through changing landscapes as the mountains gradually give way to the dramatic desert scenery. Along the way, discover the spectacular Ziz Valley, with its winding river, palm-filled oasis, and impressive rocky landscapes. This is a great opportunity to stop, take photos, and appreciate how dramatically Morocco’s scenery changes throughout the journey.

You’ll also have a fun cultural stop where you can try traditional Moroccan and Berber outfits, take memorable group photos with your classmates, and enjoy a complimentary henna tattoo, a perfect way to experience a little of Morocco’s local culture.

Continue toward Merzouga and the Sahara Desert as the landscape transforms into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Once you arrive, get ready for an unforgettable camel ride through the dunes at sunset, with time to stop for photos and enjoy the incredible desert views. Try sandboarding on the golden dunes before continuing to your Sahara camp. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with traditional Moroccan mint tea, check in to your private tent, and have time to relax and freshen up. In the evening, gather around the campfire for a fun night with local Berber hosts, traditional drums, music, and dancing, followed by stargazing under the clear Sahara sky before spending the night at the camp.

Accommodation: Sahara Desert Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Approximate driving time: 8–9 hours

The third day of your Semester at sea Morocco trip 5 days from tangier

After breakfast at the camp, get ready for a full day of Sahara Desert exploration by 4x4 jeep. Drive across the Erg Chebbi dunes and discover the different landscapes of the desert as you make your way to visit a local nomadic family. Meet the nomads, learn about their traditional way of life, and experience how families have adapted to living in the Sahara.

Continue your 4x4 adventure to Khamlia Village, a small desert village famous for its Gnaoua music and culture. Meet local musicians and enjoy their traditional rhythms while experiencing the welcoming atmosphere of the village.

After your cultural experiences, stop for lunch before heading back toward the desert camp area. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the swimming pool, cooling off and enjoying some free time with your classmates in the middle of the Sahara.

As the afternoon turns into evening, get ready for another exciting desert adventure with an ATV or dune buggy ride across the golden dunes at sunset. Race across the desert, enjoy the incredible scenery, and watch the sun go down over the Sahara before returning to the camp.

Return to the Sahara camp for your second night, where you can relax, enjoy the desert atmosphere, and spend another unforgettable evening under the stars. This day of your semester at sea Morocco trip will be the highlight of the whole experience.

Accommodation: Sahara Desert Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Approximate driving time: 3 hours

The Fourth day of your 5 days Morocco desert trip for Semester at sea students

After breakfast at the Sahara camp, leave the golden dunes behind and begin your journey toward the dramatic landscapes of southern Morocco. Your first stop is Rissani, a historic desert town known for its traditional market and authentic local atmosphere. If your visit falls on Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the lively local souk and see the traditional side of desert life.

Continue to Erfoud, famous for its fascinating fossil heritage. with optional Visit to a local fossil workshop where you can discover ancient ammonites and trilobites found in the region and see how these impressive fossils are transformed into decorative pieces and souvenirs.

Continue through the changing landscapes toward the spectacular Todra Gorges. Take a break beneath the towering canyon walls, walk through the dramatic gorge, and enjoy the incredible scenery, one of the most impressive natural landscapes in Morocco.

Continue to the Dades Valley, traveling through beautiful oasis landscapes, palm groves, traditional villages, and unique rock formations. Make scenic stops along the way, including the famous Monkey Fingers, where naturally sculpted rock formations create an unforgettable backdrop for photos.

By the evening, arrive at your accommodation in the Dades Valley, where you can relax after your Sahara adventure and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.

Accommodation: Hotel/Riad in Dades valley
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Approximate driving time: 5–6 hours

The fifth day of your 5 days Semester at sea trip to Morocco

After breakfast, begin the final day of the semester at sea Morocco trip by leaving the Dades Valley and continue through the beautiful landscapes of southern Morocco. Travel through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura Oasis, passing traditional villages, palm groves, and the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs before reaching Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara and a famous filming location for movies and TV productions.

Continue to Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic UNESCO-listed sites. Explore the ancient fortified village, walk through its narrow passages, and learn about its history and its appearances in famous productions such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven.

After visiting Ait Benhaddou, continue across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass at an elevation of around 2,260 meters. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints along the way and take in the dramatic mountain landscapes before descending toward Marrakech.

Arrive in Marrakech in the evening. At this point, SAS students can choose the option that works best with their schedule: Drop of at the train station where you can take the trip back to the ship or transfer directly to Tangier Port to rejoin the ship, or stay in Marrakech and enjoy the city for the evening. If staying in Marrakech, you can spend the next morning enjoying the city or add an optional hot air balloon experience, before being transferred to the train station for your journey back to Tangier and the port. Ending this 5 days SAS Morocco trip from Tangier with life time memories.

Accommodation: Hotel/Riad in Marrakech
Meals Included: Breakfast
Approximate driving time: 6–7 hours