Morocco Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Fes

We will start this tour of Morocco’s desert and imperial cities from Fes, one of the oldest imperial cities in the country. During our stay, we will explore the city with a local guide, including a visit to the Royal Palace of Fes.

Next, we will drive to the ancient Berber-Roman ruins of Volubilis (also known as Walili), before continuing to Meknes, another historic imperial city.

From there, we will travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, often called the “Moroccan Switzerland,” and Azrou, where we will visit the famous Cedar Forest of Azrou.

Our journey continues through Midelt and Errachidia, before reaching the spectacular Merzouga Desert. Here we will explore the dunes of Erg Chebbi, enjoy a camel trekking experience, and spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp.

We will also visit Rissani, known for its traditional market and palm oasis.

Our adventure then continues to the dramatic Todra Gorge and the beautiful Dades Valley, known in the Berber language as Asif N’dades. Along the way 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 day trip to Essaouira, then return to explore Marrakech with a local guide.

Next, we will travel to Casablanca, where we will visit the impressive 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 ruins of Volubilis.

Finally, we will return to Fes.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Full Day Exploring Fes

After picking you up from the airport, your hotel, or your riad, we will begin exploring Fes el-Bali with a local guide.

Founded in the 8th century, Fes is one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. Its historic medina dates mainly from the 13th century and is famous for its narrow streets, traditional souks, and artisan quarters.

After the visit, we return to your hotel or riad for the night.

Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi

After breakfast, we travel southeast through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, followed by Azrou, where we will visit the Cedar Forest and see the famous Barbary macaques.

We continue through mountain towns and landscapes where you may see nomadic families living in tents.

After lunch in Midelt, we travel through the Ziz Valley and the Tafilalt Oasis, famous for its palm groves and date production.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where you will be welcomed with traditional Moroccan mint tea before checking into your riad.

Day 3: 4×4 Tour of Erg Chebbi – Camel Trekking

After breakfast, we explore the desert around Merzouga.

Highlights include:

• Merzouga Oasis

• Visiting nomadic families

• The village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music

• The old Mifis Mines

• The desert plateau and Tissardmine Oasis

In the late afternoon, we ride camels into the dunes of Erg Chebbi to watch the sunset.

You will spend the night in a desert camp deep in the dunes, enjoying dinner and a magical night under the Sahara stars.

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

We leave the desert and travel to Erfoud and Tinghir, where we explore the palm grove and traditional irrigation systems.

Next, we visit the spectacular Todra Gorges, where we stop for lunch and enjoy the impressive canyon landscapes.

Later, we continue to the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Boutaghrar – Skoura – Ouarzazate

Today we travel through the Valley of the Roses and the Berber village of Boutaghrar, where we may share tea with a local family.

We continue along the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, stopping to admire traditional kasbahs and stunning landscapes.

Later we reach Skoura Oasis and continue toward Ait Ben Haddou, where many famous films were shot, including Gladiator.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 6: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech

We visit the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou before continuing to the historic Telouet Kasbah.

In the afternoon, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) before arriving in Marrakech.

Overnight stay in a riad.

Day 7: Full Day Exploring Marrakech

Today we explore Marrakech with a local guide.

Highlights include:

• Saadian Tombs

• Historic Kasbah district

• The famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

• The lively souks of the Medina

Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 8: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech

We travel to the coastal city of Essaouira, famous for its historic medina and Atlantic views.

Highlights include:

• Skala du Port

• The fishing harbor

• The medina’s artisan workshops

In the late afternoon we return to Marrakech.

Day 9: Marrakech – Casablanca

We depart for Casablanca, where we will visit:

• Hassan II Mosque

• The Habous Market

• The modern districts of the city

Overnight stay in Casablanca.

Day 10: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes

We travel to Rabat to visit:

• Hassan Tower

• Kasbah of the Udayas

Later we continue to Meknes, visiting:

• Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

• Bab Mansour Gate

• El Hedim Square

Overnight stay in Meknes.

Day 11: Meknes – Fes

Transfer back to Fes to your hotel or the airport for your departure.

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 nights in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast

• Camel ride in the Sahara Desert

• Sandboarding on the dunes

Not Included

• Drinks and lunches

• Entrance fees to monuments and museums

• Flight tickets

• Accommodation in Fes

If you wish to modify any part of the tour, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to customize the itinerary for you.