10 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Upon arrival at Fes Sais Airport, you will be greeted by your private driver/guide and transferred to your riad or hotel in the heart of the old medina. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance for a first stroll through the narrow alleys of Fes, soaking up its rich atmosphere. This day is mainly for rest and adaptation after your journey, while preparing for the exciting adventure ahead. Dinner and overnight in Fes.

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s most fascinating and culturally rich cities. You will explore its labyrinthine UNESCO-listed medina, home to vibrant souks, artisan quarters, and centuries-old monuments. Visit the Royal Palace gates, the old Jewish Quarter (Mellah), the ancient Al Karaouine University (the oldest in the world), and the stunning Medersas of Bou Inania and Attarine. From panoramic viewpoints, admire breathtaking vistas of the city’s rooftops and minarets. The atmosphere of Fes, with its mosaic-covered mosques and lively markets, will transport you back in time. Overnight stay in your riad.

Today you leave Fes and head towards the Sahara Desert. The journey takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping first in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style houses and clean streets. Continue to the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you may spot the famous Barbary macaque monkeys. After lunch in Midelt, the landscapes begin to change dramatically into arid desert scenery, dotted with palm groves and kasbahs. You’ll pass through the spectacular Ziz Valley, a lush oasis surrounded by dramatic cliffs, before arriving at Merzouga in the late afternoon. Here, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi welcome you. Enjoy traditional tea, then relax at your hotel near the desert dunes. Dinner and overnight in Merzouga.

This day is dedicated entirely to the magic of the Sahara. After breakfast, embark on a 4x4 excursion around Erg Chebbi dunes. Visit nomadic families living in desert tents and learn about their traditions. Stop at the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa musicians who will share their unique spiritual rhythms with you. Explore desert oases and fossil-rich areas before returning to your hotel for some rest. In the late afternoon, your camel caravan awaits to take you deep into the dunes. Experience the unforgettable sight of the sun setting over the Sahara, then arrive at your luxury desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music by the campfire, and a night under a blanket of stars in the peaceful desert.

Wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, ride camels back to Merzouga village and continue your journey. The first stop is Rissani, a historic town known for its bustling traditional souk, famous for spices, dates, and handicrafts. From there, travel to Erfoud, where you can visit fossil workshops that display unique pieces of Morocco’s geological history. Continue through lush palm groves until you reach the dramatic Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon with towering cliffs popular among rock climbers. After lunch and a walk in the gorge, drive towards the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of Figs,” with stunning kasbahs and unique rock formations, such as the famous “Monkey Fingers.” Dinner and overnight in a hotel in the Dades Valley.

After breakfast, explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Dades Valley before driving towards the Valley of Roses, famous for its pink blossoms and rosewater distilleries. Continue through palm groves and kasbahs to reach Skoura, a lush oasis dotted with fortified villages. Later, arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where many international films have been shot. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, once home to the powerful Glaoui family. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. Its mudbrick architecture has been the backdrop for famous films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring the kasbah, continue your journey through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 meters. The winding roads and dramatic landscapes make this one of the most scenic drives in Morocco. Arrive in Marrakech by evening, where you will be transferred to your riad. Free time to explore the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square. Overnight in Marrakech.

Today is yours to explore Marrakech at your own pace. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, or the enchanting Majorelle Garden. Lose yourself in the colorful souks, where artisans sell spices, carpets, leather goods, and traditional crafts. In the evening, enjoy the bustling energy of Jemaa el-Fna with its food stalls, musicians, snake charmers, and storytellers. Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, depart Marrakech and head north towards Fes. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of Morocco’s countryside, passing through Beni Mellal and Khenifra. Depending on the season, you may stop at the Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular in the country. Continue through the Middle Atlas, with beautiful valleys and mountain scenery, until you reach Fes in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Fes.

After breakfast, enjoy free time to relax or shop for last-minute souvenirs in Fes. At the agreed time, transfer to Fes Sais Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 10-day Morocco tour filled with culture, history, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes.