7 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga

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Day 1: Discover Fez

We will start the 7-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech with a city journey. You make your way to Fez el Bali, the city’s old town. One of the premier centers for Islamic and Jewish culture and education during the Middle Ages was Fez. Its mosques enjoy widespread acclaim, and its religious institutions and libraries are legendary. Your guide will tell you tales about the city’s past as you stroll through the narrow lanes and winding streets, past donkeys carrying heavy loads of merchandise, and discover the souk’s specialty areas. Where the sounds of hammering copper, the clucking of chickens, the aroma of spices, and old khans, madrassas, and dye pits can be heard, along with stalls selling fruits, herbs, and soups. The Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries, and the magnificent Funduk Najjarine, a beautifully preserved 18th-century inn, are all worthwhile stops on a day spent exploring the old city.

Day 2: Fez – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga

On the 2nd day of this Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech, you will swap out the city’s intensity for the High Atlas Mountains’ tranquility. To reach the small town of Midelt, you have to travel south through a variety of breathtaking landscapes, including fertile valleys, cedar and pine forests, and arid, rocky terrain. This market town, which is located at an altitude of just over 1500 meters between the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains, was initially constructed as a base for mining in the region. It’s the ideal place to take a break from the long journey to the Sahara and makes a great starting point for a short walk through the valley to a nearby village. Your guide will decide on a route that takes full advantage of the breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks almost touching the sky, based on the group and the weather. As you, make your way back to your lodging, stroll through apple tree plantations to unwind and recharge for tomorrow’s trip to the Sahara.

Day 3: Merzouga – Sahara Camp

Continue your desert tour from Fes to Merzouga this morning, pass through a variety of landscapes, including the Erg Chebbi and its 150-meter-tall towering dunes, as you pass through barren mountainside deserts and lush valleys. This area has a frontier-like atmosphere despite being at the end of a sealed road and only 20 kilometers from the Algerian border. After leaving your belongings at your camp for the night next to a modest hotel, you will ride camels into the Sahara Desert’s edge while taking in a breathtaking sunset. The dunes are beautiful, especially when the evening light reflects off them and brings out the colors. You will experience authentic camping tonight, get to sample some delectable regional fare, gather around an open fire, listen to upbeat music, and dance beneath the stars.

Day 4: Merzouga – Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate

You have a full day to discover the splendor of this largely unexplored Moroccan backcountry, and walking is the best way to do it. There are a few circuits in the area; you can choose to complete one that is 10 kilometers long and will take about 4 hours, but your leader can modify the route based on the group’s preferences. The hike will start after a brief transfer, where you will meet your local guide. Anyone with a basic level of fitness can access the undulating trail, though it can be challenging in some spots. In the neighborhood, stop for tea and visit an Amazigh (Berber) family. Few visitors to Morocco get the chance to experience this kind of insight into the Amazigh way of life. Take advantage of the opportunity to tell stories and learn about family life in the Dades Valley while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and Rose Valley. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs is accessible by leaving the Dades Valley. You should start by visiting the privately owned Kasbahs in Skoura Oasis, such as the ornately decorated Kasbah Amridil with its mud-brick walls. We will overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

On the fifth day of your Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech, you will visit Ait Ben Haddou, a hilltop area that has not undergone much change since the 11th century. One of Morocco’s most beautiful grand Kasbahs can be found there, and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia are just a few of the many movies and television shows that the website has been featured in. You can meander through the Old Town’s winding streets as you ascend the hill to take in some picturesque views. After that, enjoy a satisfying lunch at Tawesna, a riverside tea house in the neighborhood, which includes freshly baked Amazigh bread, soup, Moroccan sweets, and, of course, some mint tea. Working at this nonprofit allows women to support both themselves and their families. The women take great pride in sharing their experiences and giving guests a true Amazigh experience as they make tea and pastries with organic ingredients they purchase from nearby cooperatives. Leaving Ait Ben Haddou after breakfast, take a long, winding drive through the Atlas Mountains. You can take your time and stop for a few photos if you would like due to the breathtaking scenery. Ouirgane is where we are headed today. This charming village offers visitors a distinct and less-traveled base for walking because of its concealed location in the serene High Atlas Mountain foothills. The winter and summer have mild temperatures, and both are enjoyable. A wide variety of birds can be seen nearby, you can take a stroll through the nearby red-earth hills and pine forests, or you can just unwind at a refreshing 1000 meters above sea level with the stunning Jebel Toubkal in the distance. Have a conversation with your leader about some fantastic hiking options for this afternoon.

Day 6: A full Day in Marrakech

Today, after breakfast, you will meet with a local guide who will help you experience the magic of Marrakech as you embark on a morning tour of the old Medina through the humming souks that are the heart of the city. Discover the numerous salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace, as well as the serene courtyards that are scented with orange blossoms. It is forbidden for non-Muslims to enter the Koutoubia Mosque, but the structure’s renowned minaret is a remarkable sight. Follow your original route back to Jemaa el-Fna through the old Medina, stopping along the way to sample some of the amazing freshly squeezed orange juice from a nearby stall. You will undoubtedly agree that this orange juice is among the best you have ever tasted. You can continue your exploration throughout the day. Furthermore, you could go to Le Jardin Secret, a traditional Medina garden with a stunning courtyard, or you could return to the Medina and practice what you are haggling. Your leader will be able to suggest some fantastic local eateries for your farewell dinner on the last night of your desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.

Day 7: Marrakech to Airport

The following breakfast, your Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech ends. You can depart whenever you want; checkout time is typically around noon. The pick-up time will be communicated to you if you have scheduled a private airport transfer. If you want to stay longer and explore Marrakech, you can reserve additional accommodations in advance.