8 Days from Fes Desert and imperial cities

Join us on an unforgettable 8-day journey from Fes through Morocco’s imperial cities, the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the Atlantic coast. This tour combines history, culture, landscapes, and authentic local experiences. You will explore the spiritual city of Fes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the imperial city of Meknes, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, the golden dunes of Merzouga, the stunning Todra and Dades Gorges, the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, vibrant Marrakech, cosmopolitan Casablanca, and the capital city of Rabat before returning to Fes.

Day 1: Full-Day Guided Tour of Fes

Your adventure begins in Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. With a local guide, you will discover the cultural and spiritual heart of the city, including its ancient medina, traditional tanneries, beautiful madrasas, and the famous Al Quaraouiyine University, considered one of the oldest universities in the world.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or riad.

Day 2: Fes – Volubilis – Moulay Idriss – Meknes

After breakfast, we depart for Volubilis, also known as Walili, one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Morocco. Here, you will discover ancient olive presses, mosaics, mansions, arches, and Corinthian columns that reflect the grandeur of Roman civilization and the traces of a later medieval Berber town.

Among the most remarkable sites are the House of Orpheus, the Baths of Gallienus, the Capitol, the Triumphal Arch, and many impressive mosaic floors depicting mythological scenes.

After visiting Volubilis, we continue through the Zerhoun Hills to Moulay Idriss, one of the holiest towns in Morocco and an important pilgrimage destination. Then we head to Meknes, another imperial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Meknes, you will visit Bab Mansour, Place El Hedim, the granaries and stables of Moulay Ismail, the Sahrij Souani basin, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.
Overnight stay in a riad or hotel.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga

After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its clean streets, alpine-style architecture, and cool climate. We continue through forests of cork oak and giant cedar, where Barbary macaques can often be seen near Azrou.

After lunch in Midelt, we cross the Tizi-n-Talghamt Pass and begin descending toward the Ziz Valley, known for its palm groves and dramatic landscapes. We then continue to Erfoud and Rissani, home to vast oases and traditional fortified villages.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert. After a glass of mint tea, you will ride camels across the dunes of Erg Chebbi and enjoy a magical sunset over the sand. Dinner will be served at the camp, followed by traditional Berber music under the stars.
Overnight in a desert camp.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

If you wake up early, you will have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we leave the desert and travel toward Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges, where towering rock walls create one of the most impressive canyon landscapes in Morocco.

After lunch, we continue through the valley and head to the Dades Valley and Dades Gorges, known for their dramatic scenery and traditional Berber villages.
Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, we drive through the beautiful Dades and Rose Valleys, passing charming Berber villages and fields cultivated by local women, with the High Atlas Mountains in the background. We continue through Skoura Oasis and then on to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco.”

Here, you may visit the film studios or cinema museum before heading to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic kasbahs in Morocco. This stunning site has served as the backdrop for many international films and series.

Later, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay in a riad or hotel.

Day 6: Full-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, known as the “Red City” and the southern pearl of Morocco. You will visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square.

You will also explore the colorful souks, where you can admire spices, carpets, leather goods, traditional handicrafts, and many other treasures of Moroccan culture.
Overnight stay in a riad or hotel.

Day 7: Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat

After breakfast, we leave Marrakech and travel to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic capital. Here, you will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and one of the country’s most important architectural landmarks.

Afterward, we continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco since 1912. In Rabat, you will visit the Royal Palace, the Kasbah of the Oudayas, and enjoy panoramic views over the Bou Regreg River. You will also have free time to explore the medina and discover the charm of this elegant coastal city.
Overnight stay in a hotel with breakfast included.

Day 8: Rabat – Fes

After breakfast, we transfer you back to Fes, where your 8-day tour comes to an end.

What’s Included

  • Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional multilingual driver/guide
  • Fuel
  • 6 nights in a hotel or riad with breakfast
  • 1 night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
  • Camel ride in the Sahara Desert and Dades valley
  • Sandboarding in the dunes

What’s Not Included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Flight tickets
  • Entrance fees to monuments and sites
  • Dinners, except in the desert camp
  • Accommodation in Fes before or after the tour

You may also be interested in our other tours from Fes:
If you have more or fewer days, we offer a variety of itineraries to suit your schedule. Check out our 7-day, 10-day, and 5-day tours from Fes to discover even more of Morocco’s beauty and diversity.

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