9 Days from Fes to Marrakech via the Desert

Welcome to Fes

Your journey begins in the beautiful city of Fes. Upon your arrival at Fes Sale Airport, you will be welcomed by our driver and transferred to your accommodation.

Take some time to rest and prepare for the exciting adventure that awaits you.

Evening – Overnight in Fes

You will spend the first night in a traditional riad or hotel in Fes.

Today, you will immerse yourself in the history and culture of Fes with a guided tour of its labyrinthine medina.

Morning – Exploration of the Medina

Your local guide will lead you through the winding alleyways of Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO listed medina. You will discover:

• The Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture with intricate carved wood and zellij tilework
• The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD and recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world (exterior view)
• The Chouara Tannery, where leather has been dyed in the same stone vats for over a thousand years
• The Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts, housed in a beautifully restored caravanserai

Afternoon – Souks and Vibrant Markets

Continue your exploration through the vibrant souks that make Fes a jewel of world heritage. You will find:

• The brass and copper souk
• The carpet souk with handmade Berber rugs
• The dye souk with colorful powders
• The clothing souk with traditional djellabas and caftans

You will have free time to shop and explore on your own if you wish.

Evening – Overnight in Fes

Morning – Departure from Fes

We leave Fes behind and head to Erfoud, passing through Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco.

First Stop – Ifrane

We stop in Ifrane, an alpine style town built by the French in the 1930s with red tiled roofs, flower filled roundabouts, and a stone lion carved into the rock.

Crossing the Middle Atlas

Enjoy panoramic views and the change in the landscape as we venture into the Middle Atlas. We will pass through:

• The Cedar Forest, one of the largest remaining cedar forests in Africa
• Wild Barbary macaques, which you can observe from a safe distance
• The Ziz Valley, a dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees

We make several stops for panoramic photographs.

Afternoon – Arrival in Erfoud

We arrive in Erfoud, a town known for its fossil industry. The desert around Erfoud is rich in marine fossils.

Evening – Overnight in Erfoud

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad in Erfoud. Enjoy dinner and rest.

Morning – Journey to Merzouga

Today we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara.

Stop in Rissani – The Ancient Capital

After exploring Rissani, the ancient capital of Morocco, you will embark on an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes of Merzouga.

Rissani was the home of the Alaouite dynasty. The traditional souk is authentic and not tourist oriented. You will see spices, dates, Berber rugs, pottery, and a livestock market on certain days.

Afternoon – Arrival in Merzouga

We arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon.

Late Afternoon – Camel Ride into the Dunes

You will embark on an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes of Merzouga. Each person receives their own camel. Your experienced guide will lead you across the soft golden sand.

The camel trek is timed to arrive at a high dune just as the sun begins to set. Enjoy a magical sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes, the tallest in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters high.

Evening – Night in a Berber Camp

Enjoy a magical night in a Berber camp under the starry Sahara sky. You will be welcomed with mint tea. The camp consists of comfortable tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Shared bathroom facilities are available.

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. After dinner, live Berber music around the campfire.

Early Morning – Sunrise in the Desert

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the golden dunes.

After sunrise, enjoy breakfast at the camp.

You will have a full day to explore the desert. Walk through the dunes, interact with local nomads, and enjoy the serenity of the Sahara.

Activities and Experiences

• Walk through the dunes. Climb the highest dunes for panoramic views.
• Visit nomadic families living in traditional tents. Share mint tea and learn about their way of life.
• Explore Khamlia village to hear traditional Gnawa music.
• Discover hidden oases tucked between the dunes.
• Enjoy another camel ride through different areas of the dunes.

Optional Activities (additional cost)

• Quad biking on the sand dunes
• Sandboarding down the high dunes
• 4x4 excursion to remote desert locations

Afternoon – Relaxation and Second Sunset

Simply relax in the dunes and enjoy the serenity of the desert. Watch the colors of the landscape change as the sun moves across the sky.

Enjoy another spectacular sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Second Night in the Desert

Enjoy another delicious dinner under the stars. Another evening of Berber music around the campfire.

Early Morning – Sunrise and Departure

After enjoying a final sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at the camp, you will ride your camel back to Merzouga village (or take a 4x4 transfer).

Morning – Departure to Todra Gorges

Leaving the dunes behind, we head to the stunning Todra Gorges. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Exploration of Todra Gorges

The Todra Gorges are a spectacular narrow canyon of red rock, carved by the Todra River over thousands of years. The canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high, in some places only 10 meters apart.

You will have time to walk through the canyon, take spectacular photographs, and watch rock climbers.

Afternoon – Journey to Dades Valley

We continue toward the Dades Valley, where you will explore spectacular mountain landscapes and ancient kasbahs.

The Dades Valley is known for its dramatic rock formations, winding river, and traditional Berber villages. You will visit the famous monkey fingers rock formation and ancient kasbahs along the valley.

Evening – Overnight in Dades Valley

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley. Enjoy dinner.

Morning – Journey to Ouarzazate

Before arriving in Marrakech, we will make a stop in Ouarzazate, known as the Door of the Desert.

Exploration of Ouarzazate

Here, you will:

• Visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. Movies filmed here include Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
• Explore the Taourirt Kasbah, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture. The kasbah was once the residence of the Glaoui family, who controlled much of southern Morocco.

Afternoon – Free Time in Ouarzazate

You will have free time to explore Ouarzazate further or simply relax.

Evening – Overnight in Ouarzazate

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad in Ouarzazate. Enjoy dinner.

Morning – Departure to Marrakech

Today we arrive in Marrakech, the vibrant Red City.

Crossing the High Atlas

We cross the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters. The winding road offers spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and Berber villages. We make several stops for photographs.

Afternoon – Arrival in Marrakech

We arrive in Marrakech in the early afternoon. You will have free time to explore the city, shop in the souks, and enjoy delicious Moroccan food.

You may choose to visit:

• Jemaa el-Fna square, the heart of Marrakech
• The Koutoubia Mosque
• The vibrant souks of the medina

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

Unfortunately, today marks the end of our adventure. Take some time to explore Marrakech once more before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight or to continue your travels.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to:

• Visit the Majorelle Gardens
• Explore more of the souks for last minute souvenirs
• Enjoy a final Moroccan meal
• Relax in a traditional hammam

Your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport at the appropriate time.