3-Day Rif Mountains Tour from Tangier to Fez: Chefchaouen

Tangier to Fez across three days: coastal towns, Roman ruins, and mountain medinas

A 3-day guided tour from Tangier to Fez that winds through the Rif Mountains and stops in Chefchaouen, the blue-washed medina town. Day one takes you south from Tangier through the coastal town of Assilah to Fez; day two explores Fez's medina and souks, then detours to the Roman ruins at Volubilis and the gates of Meknes before climbing to Chefchaouen for the night; day three wanders Chefchaouen's streets and markets before the drive back to Tangier. Private transport, guide, meals and riad accommodation are included throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Tangier to Fez via Assilah

• Depart Tangier early morning
• Stop and explore Assilah medina
• Admire Assilah murals and ramparts
• Lunch at local restaurant in Assilah
• Drive through countryside to Fez
• Check into accommodation in Fez
• Dinner at local restaurant in Fez
• Overnight stay in Fez

Day 2: Fez, Volubilis, Meknes, Chefchaouen

• Guided tour of Fez medina
• Visit Bou Inania Madrasa and Al-Qarawiyyin University
• Explore Fez souks
• Lunch at local restaurant in Fez
• Drive to Volubilis and visit ruins
• Brief exploration of Meknes gates and medina
• Arrive and check into Chefchaouen accommodation
• Dinner at local restaurant in Chefchaouen
• Overnight stay in Chefchaouen

Day 3: Chefchaouen and Return to Tangier

• Explore Chefchaouen blue streets and markets
• Enjoy mountain views and relaxed atmosphere
• Lunch at local restaurant in Chefchaouen
• Drive back to Tangier
• Optional brief Tangier tour or shopping
• Arrive at drop-off location

The experience

The route strings together four distinct places, each one a stop in its own right. You leave Tangier early and drive inland, pausing in Assilah to walk the medina's colorful ramparts and eat lunch at a local restaurant before continuing south to Fez. That first night you stay in a riad in Fez's old city, giving you the evening to settle and the next morning to explore on foot with a guide: the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al-Qarawiyyin University anchor the medina tour, and the souks fill the gaps between them.

Day two branches out. After lunch in Fez you drive to Volubilis, the Roman site known for its mosaics and historical weight, then loop through Meknes to see its historic gates before climbing north into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. The blue city sits at altitude and moves at a different pace. The evening meal and overnight stay give you time to absorb it. On the final morning you walk the blue-washed streets and visit the local markets, the mountain views frame everything, then drive back down to Tangier, with an optional brief tour of the city if the schedule allows.

The guide speaks English, Spanish, French or German, and travels with you the whole way. Private transport means the van holds your group only, and meals at local restaurants are built into each day rather than left to chance. Small groups and flexible itineraries are the stated approach, so the pace adjusts to the people in the van.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the three days.
• WiFi on board.
• guided tours in Chefchaouen and Fez led by an English, Spanish, French or German-speaking guide.
• all meals (lunch and dinner each day, plus breakfasts at the riads).
• two nights in traditional riads (one in Fez, one in Chefchaouen).
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:00 and 12:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cap Morocco

Is this one for you?The private van and fixed itinerary mean you move as one group without coordinating separate transport or planning stops. The guide handles the route and timing, and meals are already arranged. This suits travelers who want the structure and company of a guided journey without the logistics of renting a car or booking restaurants along the way.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

13 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

What is the Bou Inania Madrasa in Fez, and what do you actually see there?

The Bou Inania Madrasa is a 14th-century Islamic school in Fez's medina, known for its carved cedar, zellige tilework and carved plaster. On the guided tour you walk through its courtyards and chambers to see the craftsmanship up close.

How much time do you spend in Chefchaouen, and what is there to do?

You arrive in Chefchaouen on the evening of day two and have the full morning of day three to explore. The medina's streets are painted blue, and you wander through them, visit the local markets and take in the mountain views that surround the town.

Does the tour stop at Volubilis, and why is it worth seeing?

Yes, Volubilis is a stop on day two between Fez and Chefchaouen. It is an ancient Roman site known for its well-preserved mosaics and historical significance, and you visit it as part of the afternoon drive toward the mountains.

What meals are included, and where do you eat?

Lunch and dinner are included each day at local restaurants: seafood or traditional Moroccan dishes in Assilah, local fare in Fez and Chefchaouen. Breakfasts are part of your riad stays.

Is the tour private, or do you travel with other groups?

The tour runs as a private group in a single van with your own guide, so the transport and attention are not shared with other bookings. Small group size is the stated approach.