Overview
This 8-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is the perfect journey for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Morocco’s cultural richness and natural wonders at a relaxed pace. The trip combines imperial cities, traditional Berber villages, sweeping valleys, and the golden sands of the Sahara Desert.
You’ll begin in the spiritual and intellectual heart of Morocco, Fes, where you’ll wander through its UNESCO-listed medina, ancient madrasas, and vibrant souks. From there, the adventure continues across the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains, home to wild Barbary macaques, before descending into the vast palm groves and oases of the Ziz Valley.
In Merzouga, you’ll experience the magic of the Sahara: ride camels through the dunes of Erg Chebbi, watch unforgettable sunsets and sunrises, and spend nights under starlit skies in luxury Berber desert camps. Along the way, you’ll encounter Gnawa musicians, nomadic families, and fossil-rich landscapes, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s diverse traditions and history.
The journey also takes you to the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges, the Valley of Roses, and the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” You’ll explore the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech, a vibrant city filled with colors, scents, and life.
To complete your adventure, you’ll make a coastal escape to Essaouira, a charming fishing town known for its fortified medina, Portuguese architecture, and fresh seafood. By the end of this tour, you will have experienced Morocco’s most breathtaking contrasts: from mountains to desert, valleys to ocean, ancient history to lively cities.
Highlights
- Discover the ancient city of Fes – Explore Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, including its labyrinthine medina, bustling souks, historic madrasas, and the world’s oldest university at Al Karaouine.
- Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains – Travel through cedar forests, alpine-style towns like Ifrane, and Berber villages surrounded by sweeping mountain landscapes.
- Experience the Sahara Desert in Merzouga – Ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, watch breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, and spend magical nights in traditional desert camps under a sky full of stars.
- Meet local communities – Visit nomadic families living in the desert, listen to the spiritual rhythms of Gnawa musicians in Khamlia, and explore lively local markets such as Rissani’s souk.
- Marvel at natural wonders – Admire the spectacular Todra Gorge with its towering canyon walls, stroll through palm groves, and enjoy the lush beauty of the Dades and Rose Valleys.
- Step into Morocco’s cinematic landscapes – Visit Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” and discover the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a setting for countless films and series.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains – Drive along the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass, stopping for panoramic views of valleys, villages, and rugged landscapes before descending into Marrakech.
- Explore Marrakech, the Red City – Lose yourself in the vibrant souks, admire the architecture of palaces and mosques, and feel the energy of Jemaa el-Fna square with its storytellers, performers, and food stalls.
- Coastal escape to Essaouira – Stroll along sandy beaches, explore the fortified medina with its Portuguese and Moroccan architecture, savor fresh seafood, and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.