8 Days Tour from Marrakech to the Desert and Fes

Upon arrival at Marrakech International Airport, our driver will greet you and escort you to your traditional riad in the heart of the medina. Depending on your arrival time, you can already begin to soak up the magical atmosphere of the "Red City" as you stroll through the bustling streets, browse the stalls of the souks, and be captivated by the intense aromas of spices and the rhythmic sound of the drums that enliven the famous Jemaa El-Fna square. The evening will be free to enjoy a typical Moroccan dinner in one of the traditional restaurants or simply relax in the riad.

The entire day will be dedicated to a guided tour of Marrakech. Led by an expert guide, you will visit the city's most important monuments: the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the skyline; the Bahia Palace, rich in mosaics and gardens; the Saadian Tombs, a testament to Moroccan royal history; and the medina, with its intricate streets and artisan workshops. The afternoon will give you free time to relax in the Majorelle Gardens, a peaceful oasis of deep blue, or to enjoy a mint tea at one of the panoramic cafés overlooking the medina.

After breakfast, your adventure toward southern Morocco begins. You'll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, at 2,260 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and small Berber villages. Your first stop will be Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for having hosted numerous film sets. You'll then continue to Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert and home to the famous Atlas Studios, before taking the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," which will lead you to the splendid Dades Valley, characterized by deep canyons and astonishing rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional riad.

The morning begins with a scenic drive through the Dades Gorges, admiring the fortified villages and cultivated fields along the river. We then continue to the Todra Gorges, an impressive canyon with rock walls up to 300 meters high, an ideal place for a rejuvenating walk. After lunch, the journey continues to Merzouga, the heart of the Sahara Desert. In the late afternoon, a camel trek awaits you, taking you through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you'll admire one of the most breathtaking sunsets of your life. The day concludes with a traditional dinner and an overnight stay in a Berber camp under an unparalleled starry sky.

After breakfast in the desert, the day will be dedicated to exploring the Saharan region of Merzouga and its surroundings. On a 4x4 excursion, you will visit nomadic villages still living according to ancient traditions, discovering their hospitality and the secrets of life in the Sahara. A must-see stop will be the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa music, where you can listen to ancestral rhythms and learn about a culture with African roots. In the afternoon, you will return to the camp or hotel near the dunes to relax and enjoy the infinite peace of the desert, immersed in the silence and magic of this unique landscape.

After bidding farewell to the desert, you'll head north through the Ziz Valley, characterized by lush palm groves and picturesque villages. The road will take you to Midelt, a town nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you'll stop for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll cross the cedar forests of Azrou, home to friendly Barbary apes, and continue to Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its Alpine-style architecture and mountain landscapes. In the evening, you'll arrive in Fez, the imperial city and cradle of Moroccan culture, for an overnight stay in a charming riad.

This day will be dedicated entirely to a guided tour of Fez, one of Morocco's oldest and most authentic cities. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore the medieval medina, a labyrinth of narrow streets declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its madrasas, mosques, artisan markets, and famous tanneries. You will admire the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, one of the oldest in the world, visit the weavers' and potters' quarters, and discover the imposing golden gates of the Royal Palace. An intense day that will allow you to fully understand the historical and cultural richness of Fez.

After breakfast, you'll begin the return journey to Marrakech, once again crossing the landscapes of the Middle Atlas and taking advantage of scenic stops to admire the rural villages and take some final photographs of your trip. Along the way, you'll have time to reflect on the most exciting moments: the charm of the kasbahs, the nights in the desert, the hospitality of the local people, and the vitality of the imperial cities. Arrival in Marrakech is scheduled for late afternoon, with transfer to your hotel or directly to the airport, concluding an 8-day tour filled with unforgettable experiences.