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Semester at Sea will stop in Tangier, Morocco, during both its Spring (April 2026, 137th Voyage) and Fall (September 2026, 138th Voyage) trips, giving students the chance to explore Morocco from Tangier as their gateway. The country of Morocco has a lot of history, culture, and beautiful scenery, from busy medinas and old kasbahs to beaches on the Mediterranean and tasty Moroccan food. Students can enjoy guided tours of Tangier, day trips to the Blue City of Chefchaouen, visits to the historic city of Fes, the lively streets of Marrakech, and trips into the Sahara Desert with camel rides and overnight desert camps. In order to give Semester at Sea students a fun, safe, and memorable experience in Morocco, Desert Discovery Tours has created special tours with flexible itineraries, local guides, and safe transportation for both spring and fall trips.
Desert Discovery Tours is the leading provider of Morocco experiences for Semester at Sea students, offering customized tours designed to fit the unique schedule and needs of both Spring (April 2026, 137th Voyage) and Fall (September 2026, 138th Voyage) Semester at Sea voyages. We provide safe and reliable transportation, including private vehicles for travel from Tangier and back, ensuring that students can explore Morocco comfortably and securely. Our expert local guides bring Morocco’s history, culture, and traditions to life, offering engaging insights at every stop from Tangier and Chefchaouen to Fes, Marrakech, and the Sahara Desert. With flexible itineraries, we adapt to the Semester at Sea schedule, allowing students to enjoy the most important destinations without feeling rushed. We have a lot of activities in Morocco that are safe, educational, and fun for students. These include day trips, overnight camps, camel treks, and cultural activities. By choosing Desert Discovery Tours, Semester at Sea students can maximize their Morocco stop, combining hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures across the country while making the most of their study abroad journey.
Upon arrival at Tangier Port, meet your Desert Discovery Tours driver and begin your student-friendly Morocco adventure. Travel through the Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, the world-famous “Blue City.” Enjoy free time to explore the narrow blue-painted alleys, soak in the relaxed atmosphere, and take memorable photos. Overnight stay in a charming riad with dinner available on request.
Depart Chefchaouen and drive to the imperial city of Fes, one of the oldest medieval cities in the world. Meet your licensed local guide to explore the historic medina, artisan quarters, tanneries, mosques, and markets. Learn about Moroccan culture, traditional crafts, and centuries-old architecture. Free evening to enjoy dinner and wander the lively streets of the old city.
Travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and Berber villages toward the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, take a camel trek across the sand dunes at sunset and check into your desert camp. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, local music, and stargazing in the peaceful desert setting. Overnight in a comfortable private tent.
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, experience optional desert adventures such as quad biking or dune buggy tours. Later, depart the desert and drive through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for date palm groves and dramatic landscapes. Arrive in Midelt, a quiet mountain town, for dinner and an overnight stay.
Continue north through cedar forests and small villages toward Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Enjoy a short visit to major landmarks, including Bab Mansour Gate and El Hedim Square. Continue to Tangier, arriving in the late afternoon
Upon arrival at Tangier Port, you will be greeted by your private driver and begin your journey south to Marrakech. The drive offers stunning views of northern Morocco, passing through scenic landscapes and small towns. Upon arrival in Marrakech, check into your comfortable riad or hotel. The evening is free to stroll around the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square or explore the colorful Medina, giving Semester at Sea students a first taste of Morocco’s vibrant culture.
After breakfast, depart early from Marrakech and travel through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. Visit the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before continuing through Ouarzazate towards the Sahara Desert. This route highlights Morocco’s diverse landscapes, making it ideal for SAS 137 and SAS 138 students to observe geography and cultural transitions. Arrival in our Merzouga luxury desert camp occurs in the late afternoon, where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars.
Spend the day fully immersed in the Sahara Desert. Begin with an early morning camel trek to watch the sunrise over the golden dunes. After returning to camp for breakfast, students have the option to participate in quad biking, buggy dune tours, or Camel trekking for an adventurous exploration of the desert landscape. The afternoon can be spent relaxing in the camp, enjoying local Berber culture, or observing the desert ecosystem, perfect for hands-on learning in SAS 137 and SAS 138. The second night in the desert includes dinner accompanied by traditional music around the campfire.
After breakfast, depart the desert camp and drive north towards Fes, passing through the scenic Ziz Valley and the town of Midelt. Along the way, students can stop to photograph dramatic landscapes and visit local kasbahs, learning about Morocco’s rural culture and history. Arrival in Fes is in the evening, where you will check into your riad or hotel and prepare for the next day’s city exploration.
Start the day with a guided tour of Fes, including the medina, the historic Al Quaraouiyine University, and the traditional leather tanneries. After exploring Fes, travel to the blue city of Chefchaouen, where students can wander through the charming streets and photograph the famous blue-washed buildings. Continue onward to Tangier, arriving in the evening for check-in at the port or for departure. This final day provides an overview of northern Morocco’s unique cultural and architectural styles, completing an enriching Semester at Sea land experience.
Join our Morocco Semester at Sea students on desert tours, adventure is a big part of the fun. Popular desert activities include Sandboarding, riding quads or buggies in Erg Chebbi for an exciting off-road experience, and exploring the Sahara with a 4×4 Jeep tour Adventure. These activities add excitement and energy to your student trip, perfect for groups looking to combine learning with adventure. Each option is safe and guided by experienced Guides.