We will start this tour of the desert and imperial cities from Fes, the old imperial city of Morocco. We will visit Fes with a local guide, including the Royal Palace of Fes.
Then we will drive to Volubilis (also known as Walili), the ancient Berber-Roman ruins, and continue to Meknes.
Next, we will head toward the Middle Atlas Mountains via Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland,” and Azrou, where we will explore the Cedar Forest of Azrou. After that we will continue to Midelt and Imtghren.
We will then travel to the Merzouga Desert, with a tour around the dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will enjoy a camel trekking experience and spend the night in a Berber desert tent.
We will also visit Rissani and its traditional market, as well as the palm oasis.
Our journey will continue to the Dades Gorges and the Dades Valley, also called Asif N’dades in the Berber language. We will pass through the Valley of the Roses, Skoura Oasis, and Ouarzazate, including a visit to the famous Ait Ben Haddou.
We will cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass before arriving in Marrakech.
From Marrakech, we will take a one-day trip to Essaouira, then return to Marrakech to explore the city with a local guide.
Next, we will travel to Casablanca, where we will visit the Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the world.
We will also visit Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower in Rabat, the capital of Morocco.
Afterward, we will visit Meknes, including the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Berber-Roman city of Volubilis (Walili).
Finally, we will return to Fes.
Day 1: Full day exploring Fes with a local guide, including visits to the ancient medina, traditional souks, and historical sites.
After picking you up at the airport, your hotel, or your riad, you will begin your visit to the Fes el-Bali with a local guide.
From there, you will explore the city of Fes, one of the oldest imperial cities in Morocco’s history, founded in the 8th century. The medina dates mainly from the 13th century and is famous for its narrow streets and traditional craftsmen working in different quarters.
After the visit, we will return so you can spend the night in your hotel or riad.
Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga -Erg Chebbi.
After breakfast, we will depart for a tour to the southeast through the Middle Atlas Mountains via Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland.” We will then continue to Azrou, where we will stop at the famous Cedar Forest of Azrou, the largest cedar forest in Morocco, to see and play with the Barbary macaque.
From here we will drive further south, passing through several towns. Along the way, you may see nomads living in tents in the mountains. We will arrive in Midelt for lunch.
After lunch, we will continue through the vast open high desert. You will notice how the scenery gradually changes, revealing the first signs of the Sahara as we approach Errachidia (also known locally as Imtghren).
The journey continues along the beautiful Ziz Valley and the Tafilalt Oasis, famous for its date palm groves and date cultivation. This region is also the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling royal family of Morocco.
You will arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where you will be welcomed with a glass of traditional Moroccan mint tea before checking in to your riad.
Day 3: 4×4 Tour around the dunes of Erg Chebbi – camel Trekking .
After breakfast, we will explore the dunes around Merzouga. We will visit the Merzouga Oasis, meet nomadic families living in traditional desert tents (haimas), and continue to the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music and cultural heritage.
We will also visit the old Mifis Mines, explore the desert plateau, and discover the Tissardmine Oasis. After the excursion, we will return to our accommodation around 3:00 p.m.
Later in the afternoon, we will ride camels into the dunes of Erg Chebbi to watch the sunset.
We will then continue to a desert camp about two hours away, deep in the heart of the dunes, where we will spend the night in traditional Berber tents (bivouacs).
A magical night in the Sahara awaits you!
Day 4: Merzouga – Tineghir –Todra Gorges – Dades Valley.
We will leave the dunes behind and head toward Erfoud, continuing to Tinghir, where we will visit the traditional Foggara irrigation system, an ancient water distribution system dating back to the 15th century.
We will also explore the beautiful Tinghir Palm Grove.
After that, we will arrive at the spectacular Todra Gorge, where we will stop to rest and have lunch.
Later, we will continue through the Boumalne Dades and the Dades Valley to reach the famous Dades Gorges, where the river has carved dramatic rock formations, creating a beautiful landscape.
Dinner and overnight stay will be in a charming hotel.
Day 5: Dades valley – Boutaghrart – Skoura – Ouarzazate
In the morning, we will start driving along a track that leads to the Valley of the Roses and the magnificent Berber village of Boutghrar, where we will share tea (often called “Berber whisky”) with a local family.
We will then continue along the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs. Along the way, we will stop to observe traditional kasbahs, beautiful landscapes, valleys, and sometimes nomadic families living in caves.
Later, we will arrive in Skoura Oasis and then head toward the famous Ait Ben Haddou, where many international films were shot, including Gladiator, Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, and Sahara.
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 6: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Telouet – Marrakech
We will visit the marvelous Ait Ben Haddou, a famous fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, we will continue to visit another historic kasbah, Telouet Kasbah.
In the late afternoon, we will return to Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), enjoying its beautiful mountain landscapes along the way.
We will spend the night in a traditional riad in Marrakech.
Day 7: Full day to visit Marrakech with local guide .
Today we will explore the city of Marrakech and its main historical monuments. We will walk through the ancient Medina of Marrakech, visit important sites such as the Saadian Tombs, and admire the historic kasbah area.
We will also discover the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa, the vibrant heart of the city, known for its markets, storytellers, musicians, and street performers.
During the visit, you will understand why Morocco is considered one of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations.
Overnight stay at the same riad in Marrakech.
Day 8: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech .
In the morning, we will travel from Marrakech to Essaouira, a journey of approximately two and a half hours.
Upon arrival, we will visit the Wooden Crafts Museum, housed in a historic palace. We will also explore the Sentry Tower and the Skala du Port, from where we can enjoy stunning views of the coast, nearby islands, and the city itself.
The Marina Gate links the city with the harbor, where auctions of freshly caught fish take place.
We will also wander through the narrow streets of the medina, observing local craftsmen working with wood, jewelry, and other traditional arts, often situated beneath the city’s bastions.
In the late afternoon, we will return to Marrakech and spend the night in the same riad as the previous two nights.
Day 9: Marrakech – Casablanca
After breakfast in the morning, we will depart from Marrakech and head toward Casablanca.
Upon arrival, we will visit the Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the world. We will also explore the medina, discover the modern parts of the city, and visit the Habous Market, where you can buy souvenirs and gifts.
We will spend the night in a hotel in Casablanca.
Day 10: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes
After breakfast, we will depart for Rabat to visit the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas.
After exploring Rabat, we will drive to the city of Meknes, which reached its golden age under Sultan Moulay Ismail.
We will then visit the nearby Volubilis (also known as Walili in Berber), located about 27 km from Meknes, and take a walk around this ancient Berber-Roman city.
After the visit, we will return to Meknes to explore the city on foot, including the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, El Hedim Square, and Bab Mansour.
We will spend the night in a hotel or riad in Meknes.
Day 11: Meknes – Fes.
We will drive you back to Fes, either to your accommodation or to the airport for your departure flight.
Tour Inclusions:
-
Private transport in air-conditioned vehicles: 4×4, minibus, or bus (depending on group size)
-
Multilingual driver/guide
-
All fuel for the vehicles
-
8 nights in hotels or riads
-
2 night in a desert camp, including dinner and breakfast
-
Camel ride in the desert
-
Sandboarding on the dunes
Not Included:
-
Drinks and lunches
-
Entrance fees to monuments and museums
-
Flight tickets
-
Accommodation in Fes
In case you want to modify any of these tours, just be in contact with us beforehand and we will make it happen.