A 5-day Northern Morocco itinerary works best as a one-way route. Spend one night in Tangier, two in Chefchaouen and at least one in Fes. Explore Tangier on Day 1 and drive to Chefchaouen on Day 2, with an optional stop in Tetouan. Day 3 is for the Blue City and the Rif, Day 4 takes you to Fes, and Day 5 belongs to the Fes medina.
This is a suggested route, not a fixed package. We adjust it to how you arrive and leave: a flight into Tangier, a ferry from Spain, an onward trip to the Sahara or a flight home from Fes. The pace leaves time to walk, eat and sit in a square. You won’t be ticking off five cities in five days.
Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes in 5 Days at a Glance
| Day | Route | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tangier | Kasbah, medina, Grand Socco, American Legation, Cap Spartel | Tangier |
| 2 | Tangier to Chefchaouen, optional Tetouan stop | Tetouan medina, Rif mountain roads, first evening in the Blue City | Chefchaouen |
| 3 | Chefchaouen and surroundings | Blue medina, Ras el Maa, Spanish Mosque viewpoint, optional Akchour | Chefchaouen |
| 4 | Chefchaouen to Fes | Countryside south of the Rif, evening arrival in Fes | Fes |
| 5 | Fes | Fes el Bali, madrasas, Chouara tannery terraces, Fes el Jdid | Fes, or onward travel |
Why go north to south? Tangier is the natural entry point for ferries from Spain and for flights into Ibn Battouta Airport. Fes is a practical exit. From Fes you can fly out, take the train, or continue toward the Middle Atlas and the Sahara.
Day 1: Tangier Sightseeing
Tangier deserves a full day, even though most short itineraries rush through it. Start in the Kasbah, the walled upper town. The Kasbah Museum occupies the former sultan’s palace, and the terraces look across the Strait of Gibraltar toward Spain.
Walk down through the medina to the Petit Socco, then out to the Grand Socco, where the old town meets the modern city. Inside the medina, the Tangier American Legation Museum tells the story of the city’s long diplomatic past.
In the afternoon, drive west to Cap Spartel, the headland where the Strait opens onto the Atlantic. The Caves of Hercules are nearby. End the day on the cliffside terraces of Café Hafa with mint tea and a view of the water.
Practical tip: if you land after midday, focus on the Kasbah and medina and skip Cap Spartel. It sits west of the city, away from the road to Chefchaouen. Our Morocco tours from Tangier can start on whichever day you arrive.
Day 2: Tangier to Chefchaouen, With an Optional Stop in Tetouan
Today you leave the coast for the Rif Mountains. The one real decision is whether to stop in Tetouan on the way.
Stopping in Tetouan. Tetouan’s medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shaped by Andalusian families who settled here after leaving Granada. Its whitewashed lanes feel quieter and more local than Tangier’s. Places to see:
- Place Hassan II, beside the Royal Palace
- the old souks
- the traditional crafts school, where students learn zellij tilework, carved wood and painted ceilings
The stop adds a few hours to the day, so leave Tangier in the morning if you want it. If you would rather reach Chefchaouen with time to settle in, skip it. You can also explore the city on one of our Morocco tours from Tetouan.
Arriving in Chefchaouen. The road climbs through green hills and small Rif villages before the blue town appears on the mountainside. Check into your riad, then walk to Outa el Hammam, the main square below the kasbah. It is the easiest place to get your bearings on the first evening. For current road estimates, see our Morocco driving times and distances guide.
Day 3: Chefchaouen and the Rif Mountains
Go out early. Chefchaouen is quietest before the day visitors arrive, and the morning light is softer on the blue walls.
In the medina, visit the kasbah and its small museum and garden. Then follow the lanes up to Ras el Maa, the spring at the edge of town where the river runs past the old washing places. In the late afternoon, take the short uphill path to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint. It is the classic spot to watch the town change colour at sunset.
Optional: Akchour. If you want nature instead of a second slow day in town, go out to Akchour in Talassemtane National Park. Trails follow the river to waterfalls and to a natural rock arch known as God’s Bridge. Water levels vary by season, so wear shoes with good grip and ask locally before hiking. For more ideas, read our guide to the 25 best things to do in Northern Morocco.
A note on respect. Chefchaouen is a living town, not a backdrop. Ask before photographing people, and before photographing doorways with families inside. Keep your voice down in residential lanes.
Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fes
After breakfast, head south. The road leaves the Rif and crosses farmland and olive country before reaching Fes. With a private driver you can stop for coffee or photos whenever you like; by bus the journey is direct.
Aim to arrive in the afternoon. Cars cannot enter Fes el Bali, so you walk the last stretch from one of the medina gates. Riad staff or a porter with a cart usually help with luggage. Before dinner, go up to the Borj Nord or the Merenid Tombs for the view over the old city as the call to prayer rolls across the rooftops.
Can you add Volubilis and Meknes today? You can, but it turns this into a long day of driving and sightseeing. If the Roman ruins and Meknes matter to you, add a sixth day. Another option is our 5-day Northern Morocco tour, a loop that includes them along with Rabat and Casablanca.
Day 5: The Historic Medina of Fes
Fes el Bali, the old medina, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a car-free maze of lanes. Give it the whole day, and take a licensed local guide, at least for the morning. A good guide keeps you oriented and explains what you are looking at.
A classic route starts at Bab Bou Jeloud, the blue-tiled gate, and goes down through the medina:
- Bou Inania Madrasa, with carved cedar, stucco and zellij.
- Al Attarine Madrasa, smaller and beautifully detailed.
- Al Qarawiyyin, the historic mosque and university. Non-Muslims see it from the doorway.
- Nejjarine Square and its fountain, beside the woodwork museum.
- Chouara Tannery, seen from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops. Morning is the most active time.
In the afternoon, cross to Fes el Jdid to see the gates of the Royal Palace and walk through the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter.
If your onward flight or train leaves the next day, stay a second night in Fes rather than rushing out after a full medina day. If you have more time, see our Morocco tours from Fes and best private day trips from Fes.
Where to Stay on This 5-Day Northern Morocco Itinerary
| City | Nights | Where to base yourself | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier | 1 | Kasbah or upper medina riad; a hotel near the seafront for easier car access | Walkable to the sights; sea views from many terraces |
| Chefchaouen | 2 | Riad inside the medina, close to Outa el Hammam | Early mornings and evenings in the blue lanes are the point of staying |
| Fes | 1 to 2 | Riad in Fes el Bali; a hotel in the Ville Nouvelle if you prefer car access | Staying inside the medina saves time on Day 5 |
Riads are converted family houses built around a courtyard, usually with a roof terrace. In the medinas, expect stairs and no car at the door. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, tell us early. We can choose places with step-free access or a car drop-off nearby. We confirm specific hotels and riads once your dates are set, because availability changes by season.
Getting Around: Private Driver, Bus, Train or Self-Drive
Northern Morocco With a Private Driver
A private driver is the most flexible way to do this route. You get door-to-door transfers, the option to stop in Tetouan or detour to Akchour, and help with luggage at the medina gates. It also takes care of the hardest parts of the trip: parking near the medinas and driving mountain roads.
Public Transport Between Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes
- No train to Chefchaouen. The railway does not reach the town, so the Tangier to Chefchaouen and Chefchaouen to Fes legs are by road.
- Buses. CTM and other companies run buses on both legs. Popular departures can sell out, so book ahead and check the current timetable on the operator’s website.
- Train between Tangier and Fes. Rail links the two cities, which helps if you skip Chefchaouen or return to Tangier for a ferry. Check ONCF for current schedules.
- Grand taxis. Shared taxis run between Tetouan and Chefchaouen and are a common local option.
If you are weighing the options, our guide on how to get around Morocco compares them in detail. If you would rather drive yourself, see our Morocco self-drive tour.
Practical Travel Tips
- Shoes: Chefchaouen is steep and Fes el Bali is uneven. Bring comfortable shoes with grip.
- Cash: carry some dirhams for small cafés, tips and souk purchases. All three cities have ATMs, but not on every lane.
- Seasons: spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking. Winter in the Rif can be cold and wet, and summer afternoons in Fes are hot.
- Fridays: some shops in the medinas close around midday prayers.
- Guides: use licensed guides in Fes. Ask your riad or tour operator to arrange one, and don’t accept offers in the street.
Who This 5-Day Itinerary Suits
This route suits you if:
- you are coming from Spain or southern Europe and have a long weekend plus a couple of days
- you care more about medinas, crafts and mountain towns than about the desert
- you want a slower first trip to Morocco, with two nights in Chefchaouen instead of one
- you are combining Morocco with Andalusia, Gibraltar or a cruise call in Tangier
It is not the right route if seeing the Sahara is your priority. In that case, start from Fes or Marrakech and give the desert at least three days. Our Morocco tours from Fes combine the north with Merzouga.
Arriving by Ferry From Spain: How to Adapt the Route
Your arrival port changes Day 1.
- Tarifa to Tangier Ville. These ferries arrive at the city port, a short drive from the medina. You can start sightseeing the same day.
- Algeciras to Tanger Med. Most Algeciras ferries arrive at Tanger Med, roughly 40 to 50 km east of the city. Allow time for the road transfer into Tangier. Or go straight toward Tetouan and Chefchaouen and see Tangier at the end of the trip instead.
If you need to sail back to Spain, turn the route into a loop. On Day 5, travel from Fes back to Tangier by train or private transfer, then sail the next morning. This works best as a 6-day trip, with a night in Tangier or Asilah before the crossing.
Check ferry schedules with the operators close to your travel date, because crossings can be cancelled in rough weather. We can arrange for a driver to meet you at either port. For more on the crossing, read our guide to the ferry from Spain to Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for Northern Morocco?
Five days is enough for Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes at a comfortable pace. It is not enough to add Volubilis, Meknes, Rabat and the coast without long driving days. If you want those too, plan for seven days or more.
How many nights should I spend in Chefchaouen?
Two nights is ideal. With one night, you arrive in the afternoon and leave the next morning. Two nights give you a full day for the medina, the Spanish Mosque viewpoint and, if you like, a trip out to Akchour.
Is it worth stopping in Tetouan on the way to Chefchaouen?
Yes, if you enjoy medinas and crafts. Tetouan’s UNESCO-listed medina is quieter than Tangier’s and has a strong Andalusian character. The stop adds a few hours, so start early. Skip it if you prefer a relaxed first evening in Chefchaouen.
Is there a train from Tangier to Chefchaouen or from Chefchaouen to Fes?
No. The railway does not reach Chefchaouen, so both legs are by road. You can take a bus, a grand taxi for part of the way, or a private driver. There is a rail link between Tangier and Fes.
Can I visit Chefchaouen as a day trip from Fes or Tangier?
You can, but you spend much of the day on the road and miss the early mornings and evenings that make Chefchaouen special. On a 5-day trip, staying overnight is the better choice.
Can I start in Fes and end in Tangier instead?
Yes. The route works in reverse, which suits travellers who fly into Fes and take a ferry to Spain at the end. Keep two nights in Chefchaouen either way.
What is the best time of year for this itinerary?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking in the medinas. Summer is busy, and Fes gets hot. Winter is quieter, but the Rif can be cold and rainy, so pack layers.
How much does a private Northern Morocco tour cost?
It depends on group size, season, accommodation level, and whether you add guides and extra days. We quote each trip individually. Our Morocco private tour cost guide explains what shapes the price.
Plan Your Private Northern Morocco Tour
Every trip we run on this route starts from your dates, your arrival point and your pace. Tell us when you arrive, whether by ferry or by air, and what matters most to you. We will send back a private itinerary for Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes, with or without an extension to the Sahara.
Message us on WhatsApp at +212 754 095 458 or email journeyviamorocco@gmail.com, or use our contact page. You can also browse all our Morocco tours from Tangier.
About the author: Jawad is the Amazigh founder of Journey Via Morocco, a locally owned travel company based in Marrakech, and has been guiding travelers across Morocco for more than ten years. All of the company’s guides are officially licensed. Read what past travelers say on our reviews page.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Transport timetables, ferry schedules and opening hours change, so check them close to your travel date.
