10 Days from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert

Introduction :

This 10-day, 9-night journey from Fes to Marrakech offers a rich crossing of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes and cultural highlights. From the Sahara Desert and the Middle Atlas mountains to the Cedar Forest, valleys, gorges, and the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the route blends natural beauty with history and tradition. The experience also includes camel trekking and one night in a Berber desert camp, with time to discover Marrakech and the Atlantic charm of Essaouira along the way.

Program details :

Day 1: Arrival in Fes
On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel or riad.

Day 2: Full day exploring Fes
The journey begins with a guided visit of Fes, Morocco’s historic imperial city. Starting at the Royal Palace gate, the tour continues to a ceramics cooperative to observe traditional craftsmanship. You will then wander through the Medina’s narrow lanes, visit the Jewish Quarter and the Tanneries, and explore key cultural and historical landmarks, including Al Qarawiyyin University. In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic view over the Medina before discovering the modern district known as New Fes.

Day 3: Fes – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, depart toward the Sahara, passing through Ifrane and the cedar forests inhabited by wild monkeys. This scenic route offers excellent photo opportunities in Morocco’s wilderness. After lunch in a Berber village, continue across the Atlas Mountains with views of Midelt and Erfoud, where the first signs of the Tafilalet oasis appear. The day ends in the Merzouga Desert, followed by a camel ride to your desert camp for the night.

Day 4: Merzouga – Nomad Families – Khamlia
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back to meet your driver. Spend the day exploring the desert region, visiting nomad families and Khamlia, the Gnaoua village, where traditional music brings a memorable cultural touch. After this experience, enjoy a traditional Berber pizza before returning to your hotel or riad.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, travel to Rissani, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, and visit the local souk. Continue to Tinghir and the famous Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. After lunch, drive through the Dades Valley and admire the rock formations known as monkey toes. Overnight in Dades Valley.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Amridil Kasbah – Ouarzazate
In the morning, leave Dades Valley for Ouarzazate, passing oases and traditional kasbahs. The route continues through the Valley of Roses and palm groves before visiting the well-known Amridil Kasbah. Later, drive to Ouarzazate for the night.

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi N’Tichka – Marrakech
After breakfast, continue toward Marrakech. Stop for a panoramic view of Taourirt Kasbah and pass by the Atlas Studios. Then visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a famous filming location. After lunch in the village, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’tichka pass at 2260 meters before arriving in Marrakech for drop-off.

Day 8: Full day in Marrakech
This day is reserved for an optional private guided tour of Marrakech with an official local guide. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Medina and its souks, Ali Ben Youssef School, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Gardens. Overnight in a riad in the Medina.

Day 9: Day trip to Essaouira
Travel from Marrakech to the Atlantic city of Essaouira. Discover the port, ramparts, old Medina, and the Scala. At the port, you may enjoy fresh grilled fish in a local restaurant. With its relaxed atmosphere and Portuguese-style streets, Essaouira invites you to stroll and unwind before returning to Marrakech in the evening.

Day 10: Marrakech – Airport
Transfer to the airport. End of the 10-day tour from Fes to Marrakech.

Included :

• Private transport: 4×4, minibus or bus / air-conditioned vehicles
• Multilingual driver/guide
• Car fuel
• 8 nights in hotel or riad with breakfast
• 1 night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
• Camel ride in the desert
• Sandboarding

Not included :

• Drinks
• Dinner in Marrakech
• Lunches
• Monument ticket