9 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech – Fes and Chefchaouen

Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, you'll be greeted by our team and escorted to your traditional riad located in the heart of the medina. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have some free time to explore the city's vibrant atmosphere. Marrakech is a place that immediately captivates the senses: the intense colors of the souks, the scents of spices, and the music echoing in the famous Jemaa El-Fna square, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. The evening will be an excellent opportunity to savor local cuisine while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Red City. Overnight stay at the riad.

The entire day will be dedicated to a guided tour of Marrakech with an expert local guide who will accompany you through its main historical and cultural sites. You will visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the city's symbol, and the sumptuous Bahia Palace with its ornamental gardens. The Saadian Tombs tell the story of a glorious era, while the souks will showcase the vibrancy of Moroccan craftsmanship. After lunch, you will have free time to stroll through the Majorelle Gardens or relax on a panoramic terrace while sipping mint tea. Marrakech is a blend of tradition and modernity that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

After breakfast, you'll depart south, crossing the High Atlas Mountains along the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters. The landscapes are spectacular, with green valleys, Berber villages, and breathtaking views. Along the way, you'll visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco's most iconic sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also famous for being the backdrop to numerous films. You'll then continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," to admire its film studios and the Kasbah Taourirt. Finally, following the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, you'll arrive in the Dades Valley, known for its gorges and spectacular rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad.

The morning will begin with a hike through the spectacular Dades Gorges, admiring the mountains sculpted by wind and water. You'll then head to the Todra Gorges, an impressive canyon with walls over 300 meters high, a popular destination for hikers and climbers. After lunch, the journey will continue to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, camels will lead you through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for a unique sunset experience. You'll arrive at the Berber tented camp where a traditional dinner, music around the campfire, and an unforgettable night under a starry sky await you.

This day will be entirely dedicated to discovering the desert and its culture. After breakfast, you'll set off by 4x4 to explore the nomadic villages still living according to ancient traditions, visit the fossil mines, and reach the village of Khamlia, where you can listen to Gnawa music played by Mali's original inhabitants. The afternoon will be free to relax among the dunes, go sandboarding, or simply contemplate the peace of the desert. At sunset, the sky will once again be painted with unforgettable colors before another magical night in the Sahara.

After breakfast, you'll leave the desert and head north toward Morocco. You'll cross the Ziz Valley, with its endless palm groves and spectacular landscapes, before arriving in Midelt, a city nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains. After lunch, the journey will continue through Azrou, famous for its cedar forest populated by Barbary apes, and Ifrane, a city astonishing for its European-style architecture, earning it the nickname "the Switzerland of Morocco." In the late afternoon, you'll reach Fes, where a traditional riad awaits you for the night.

The entire day will be dedicated to a guided tour of Fez, considered the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Your local guide will lead you through the medieval medina, one of the largest and best preserved in the Arab world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, one of the oldest in the world, the ornate madrasas, and the famous tanneries where leather is still processed using traditional methods. You will wander through alleys, markets, and artisan neighborhoods that seem frozen in time. The day will conclude with a visit to the gates of the Royal Palace and the Mellah, the Jewish quarter. Overnight stay in a riad.

After breakfast, you'll depart for Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif. The journey will take you through picturesque mountain scenery to this pearl nestled in the mountains. Once there, you'll have the afternoon free to explore its narrow blue and white streets, photograph picturesque views, discover quiet squares, and admire local crafts. Chefchaouen is a city with a unique charm, ideal for relaxing after a busy day of travel. Overnight stay in a riad.

The final day will be dedicated to the return journey to Marrakech. Along the way, you'll pass through rural villages and mountain landscapes that once again demonstrate the great diversity of Morocco. Arrival is scheduled for late afternoon in Marrakech, where you'll be taken to your hotel or directly to the airport, depending on your flight schedule. This day concludes your unforgettable 9-day tour of authentic Morocco.