9 Days Desert Tours in Morocco Itinerary from Fes

Day 1: Arrival in Fes – Airport Pickup & City Orientation

Welcome to Morocco! Your tour begins with a pickup at Fes-Saïss Airport by your private driver/guide. You’ll be transferred to your riad or hotel in the old medina, where you’ll have time to relax after your journey.

Optional evening activities:

• Explore the local souks

• Sample delicious Fassi cuisine

• Enjoy panoramic views from Borj Nord

Overnight in Fes.

Day 2: Full Day Guided Tour of Fes

Today, enjoy a full-day guided walking tour of Fes el-Bali, the ancient medina and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the spiritual and intellectual heart of Morocco, including:

• Al Quaraouiyine University (world’s oldest university)

• Bou Inania Madrasa

• Chouara Tannery

• Attarine Souk

• Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen)

Learn about Moroccan architecture, religious traditions, and artisanal crafts as you navigate the maze-like streets with your expert local guide.

Overnight in Fes.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, begin your journey to the Sahara Desert, driving south through the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Stops Include:

• Ifrane – The “Switzerland of Morocco”

• Azrou Cedar Forest – Home to wild Barbary macaques

• Midelt – Lunch stop with mountain views

• Ziz Valley – Panoramic views of one of Morocco’s largest palm oases

Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Ride a camel caravan across the dunes of Erg Chebbi to reach your luxury desert camp just in time for sunset.

Evening: Enjoy dinner, Berber drumming, and stargazing in the Sahara.

Overnight in Desert Camp.

Day 4: Explore Merzouga & Surroundings – Nomads, Gnaoua Music & More

Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, enjoy a 4×4 off-road tour of the Merzouga region.

Activities Include:

• Visiting nomadic Berber families

• Exploring Khamlia village (home of Gnaoua music)

• Touring seasonal salt and fossil sites

• Enjoying optional quad biking or sandboarding

Relax and enjoy another magical sunset over the dunes, followed by dinner and live music.

Overnight in Desert Camp or nearby lodge.

Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

After breakfast, depart the desert and visit:

• Rissani, home to a bustling traditional souk

• Drive through Erfoud, famous for fossil workshops

• Explore the stunning Todra Gorges, with its massive canyon walls and lush oasis

Continue to the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where you’ll spend the night in a charming guesthouse with dinner included.

Overnight in Dades Gorges.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Benhaddou

After breakfast, explore more of the scenic southern landscapes, stopping at:

• Rose Valley – Famous for its Damask rose production

• Skoura Oasis – A palm grove dotted with ancient kasbahs

• Ouarzazate – Visit Atlas Film Studios or Taourirt Kasbah

Arrive at Aït Benhaddou, the most famous ksar (fortified village) in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Optional sunset walk to the top of the village for incredible views.

Overnight in Aït Benhaddou.

Day 7: Aït Benhaddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

Today, journey across the stunning High Atlas Mountains, passing traditional Berber villages and scenic valleys.

• Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters)

• Stop for breathtaking photos along the way

• Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon

Settle into your riad and enjoy the buzzing energy of the Red City.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Marrakech

Explore the imperial city of Marrakech with a certified local guide. Highlights include:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

• Koutoubia Mosque

• Bahia Palace

• Saadian Tombs

• Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

• Traditional souks and artisan quarters

Enjoy a farewell dinner in a rooftop restaurant or traditional riad.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 9: Marrakech – Casablanca (Optional Departure)

Depending on your flight time, transfer to Casablanca (approx. 3 hours) for your departure. Optional visit to:

• Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most spectacular mosques in the world

Airport drop-off in Casablanca or Marrakech included.

What’s Included

• Private 4×4 or minivan transport with English-speaking driver

• Airport transfers (Fes and Casablanca or Marrakech)

• 8 nights accommodation in authentic riads, hotels & desert camp

• Daily breakfasts and 5 dinners (including desert nights)

• Camel trekking and 4×4 Sahara excursion

• Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech

• Entrance fees to major monuments

• Bottled water and WiFi in the vehicle