Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey across Morocco, where rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together in one exceptional experience.
This tour begins in the imperial city of Fes, where you will explore its ancient medina and discover its deep cultural heritage. From there, travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing charming towns, cedar forests, and panoramic valleys on your way to the Sahara Desert.
In Merzouga desert, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience riding camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, witnessing magical sunsets and sunrises, and spending a night under the stars in a Berber desert camp.
Continue your journey through dramatic natural landscapes, including the Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley, before reaching Ouarzazate and the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah famous for its cinematic history.
The adventure then takes you to Marrakech, where you will explore its vibrant souks, historic monuments, and lively atmosphere. You will also enjoy a relaxing excursion to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its laid-back charm and Atlantic views.
This tour offers the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and relaxation—an ideal way to experience the true essence of Morocco.
Highlights
- Explore two imperial cities: Fes and Marrakech
- Unique Sahara Desert experience in Merzouga with overnight in a desert camp
- Stunning sunset and sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Breathtaking landscapes: Atlas Mountains, Ziz Valley, Todra & Dades Gorges
- Discover the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Day trip to the Atlantic coast: Essaouira
- Guided tours in the medinas of Fes and Marrakech
Day 1: Arrival in Fes
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Upon arrival in Fes, we will pick you up at the scheduled time and transfer you to your hotel or riad, ideally located in the heart of the medina, the historic part of the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to enjoy a first introduction to Fes. Overnight stay in a hotel or riad.
Day 2: Full-Day Guided Tour of Fes
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>After breakfast, begin a fascinating guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities and its capital for more than 350 years. Explore the medina and discover its hidden treasures, known best by the locals. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world, as well as the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the famous tanneries.
After lunch, enjoy a visit to the exterior of the Royal Palace and stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter, known as the Mellah, where you may also visit one of the few remaining synagogues in Morocco. The tour also includes a stop at a traditional ceramic workshop and a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire medina. Overnight stay in your hotel or riad.
Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
After breakfast, depart toward the southeast through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop will be in Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” followed by Azrou, where you will visit the famous cedar forest, the largest in Morocco, and see the Barbary macaques.
Continue south through picturesque villages and landscapes, with the possibility of seeing nomadic families living in tents. Stop in Midelt for lunch, then travel across the high plains as the scenery gradually changes and the first signs of the desert begin to appear near Errachidia.
Your journey continues through the lush Ziz Valley and the vast Tafilalet palm grove, renowned for its date production and as the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco’s current royal family, arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where you will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before checking into your riad.
Day 4: Merzouga Exploration – Camel Trek – Desert Camp
After breakfast, discover the Merzouga region. Visit the Gnawa community, descendants of people brought from sub-Saharan Africa, and learn about their music and traditions.
In the afternoon, return to Merzouga to relax before beginning your camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, accompanied by an experienced camel guide. Enjoy the magical sunset in the desert before arriving at your Berber camp, where dinner and an unforgettable overnight stay await.
Day 5: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Tinghir – Dades Valley
Wake up early to witness what may be one of the most spectacular sunrises of your life. After sunrise, ride your camel back to Merzouga, appreciating the ever-changing colors of the Erg Chebbi dunes along the way.
Breakfast at your riad, depart for Rissani, Tinghir, and the Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. After lunch in the heart of the gorge, continue through the Dades Valley, where you will admire impressive rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers” and kasbah-style scenery. Overnight stay in a charming hotel overlooking the Dades Valley.
Day 6: Dades Valley – Skoura – Kasbah Amridil – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, continue through the Dades Valley toward Kalaat M’Gouna and Ouarzazate. This route, often called the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” offers countless opportunities for beautiful photographs.
Stop in Kalaat M’Gouna, the “Rose City,” where you can purchase local rosewater and other rose-based products. Continue to Skoura to visit Kasbah Amridil, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in southern Morocco and a remarkable example of traditional architecture. Arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech
After breakfast, travel to the famous ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. This extraordinary fortified village has served as the setting for many films and series, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and The Jewel of the Nile.
After the visit, continue to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which rises to 2,260 meters and is the highest mountain pass in Morocco. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes and stop for photos of Berber villages and mountain scenery. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon and check in at your riad in the medina. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 8: Day Trip to Essaouira
After breakfast, depart for the charming coastal town of Essaouira, approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Marrakech. Once there, explore the medina, wander through its artisan-filled streets, and admire its unique atmosphere.
Known as the “City of the Wind,” Essaouira is popular with surfers and is famous for its relaxed seaside charm. Its architecture still reflects the influence of Portuguese occupation, while its blue doors and whitewashed walls give it a distinctive character. You will also stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative to learn about the production of this famous oil, known for its culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal uses. Free time for lunch in the medina or at the port before returning to Marrakech in the afternoon. Overnight stay in your riad.
Day 9: Guided Tour of Marrakech
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, discovering its most important historical and cultural landmarks. Visit the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian Tombs, the beautiful Bahia Palace, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Continue through the lively medina, where you will see local artisans practicing their crafts. Before reaching the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square. In the afternoon, visit the Majorelle Gardens and enjoy a short tour of Gueliz, the modern district of Marrakech. In the evening, you may choose to return to Jemaa el-Fna to experience its vibrant atmosphere filled with storytellers, musicians, performers, and food stalls. Overnight stay in your riad.
Day 10: Marrakech – Airport Transfer
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. End of our services.
Included:
- Private transportation with air conditioning
- Professional driver/guide
- Fuel
- 8 nights in hotels or riads with breakfast
- 1 night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding in the dunes
Not Included:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Dinnes in Fes and Marrakech
- International flights
- Dinners in Fes and Marrakech
Planning your trip with flexibility?
If you have one day less, explore our 9-day tour. If you can add one more day, we highly recommend our 11-day tour from Fes for a richer experience.