8 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

• Tour Highlights

  • Airport pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech.

  • Guided exploration of the Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests of Azrou.

  • Camel trek in Merzouga to witness a Sahara sunset.

  • Overnight in a Berber desert camp under the stars.

  • Visits to the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley.

  • Discover the legendary Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.

  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

  Full-day trip to Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast.
  

Day 1: Arrival in Fes

Upon arrival at Fes-Saïss Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our driver and transferred to your hotel or riad in the heart of the Medina. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short guided walk to get your first impressions of this historic city. Fes is Morocco’s spiritual capital, renowned for its maze-like streets, ornate mosques, bustling souks, and rich artisan traditions. Overnight stay in a traditional riad.

Day 2: Fes – Day Trip to Chefchaouen

After breakfast, we set off for Chefchaouen, the iconic blue-washed town nestled in the Rif Mountains. Known as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco,” its winding alleys and indigo-colored walls create a magical atmosphere. You’ll have time to stroll through the medina, relax in the central square of Outa el Hammam, and perhaps hike up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views over the town. Return to Fes in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Today we leave the busy streets of Fes behind and journey south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture and clean avenues. Continuing on, we pass through the cedar forests of Azrou, home to the wild Barbary macaques.

We stop for lunch in the mountain town of Midelt before driving across dramatic landscapes of volcanic rock and desert plateaus. As we approach the Ziz Valley, you’ll admire vast palm groves stretching along the river. By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll switch to camels and ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi just in time for a spectacular sunset. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, enjoying a traditional dinner, Berber music around the campfire, and stargazing.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert Adventure

Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we explore the surroundings of Merzouga in a 4×4. Stops include the seasonal Lake Dayet Srij, often filled with flamingos, and the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa musicians who preserve the traditions of their Sub-Saharan ancestors. We will also meet nomadic families living in the desert and discover fossil fields and old mining areas.

In the afternoon, you can choose between relaxing at your desert hotel or embarking on another camel ride to explore deeper dunes. Dinner and overnight stay either in a hotel near the dunes or in the desert camp for those who wish to extend the experience.

Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After breakfast, we leave Merzouga and drive towards Rissani, a historic trading town once at the heart of the trans-Saharan caravan routes. Its traditional market is a lively place to witness local life. Continuing to Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and marble crafts, we then follow the road through palm groves to reach the breathtaking Todra Gorge. Here, sheer cliffs rise up to 300 meters, making it a paradise for rock climbers and nature lovers. You’ll have time for a walk through the gorge before heading to the Dades Valley, where you’ll stay overnight in a hotel surrounded by dramatic rock formations and lush gardens.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Today’s route is one of the most scenic of the entire journey. After breakfast, we drive through the Dades Valley, famous for its “monkey finger” rock formations and ancient kasbahs. We then continue to the fragrant Valley of Roses, particularly lively in spring when rosewater distilleries are in full production.

Passing through the palm groves of Skoura, we reach Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa” for its famous film studios. Here we visit the Kasbah Taourirt before moving on to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village that has appeared in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

In the afternoon, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). After several photo stops, we finally arrive in Marrakech in the early evening. Overnight in a riad or hotel.

Day 7: Day Trip to Essaouira

After breakfast, we drive west to the Atlantic Coast to visit Essaouira, a charming seaside town known for its relaxed vibe, Portuguese fortifications, and long sandy beaches. Stroll through its medina, shop for local crafts, and taste fresh seafood at one of the harbor restaurants. Essaouira is also famous for its winds, making it a hotspot for surfers and kiteboarders. After a full day of exploration, we return to Marrakech for the night.

Day 8: Marrakech – Airport Transfer

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Marrakech before being transferred to the airport. This marks the end of your 8 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech, filled with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultures.