7-Day Morocco Tour From Fes to Marrakech through the Sahara

Tour Details

Day 1: From Fes – Merzouga – Ifrane – Azrou – Dades Valley

Depart from Fes early and head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, often nicknamed the Switzerland of Morocco, known for its alpine-style homes and fresh mountain air.

Continue to Azrou, home to cedar forests and the playful Barbary monkeys. The drive leads through Midelt, famous for apple orchards, then descends into the Ziz Valley, where palm groves stretch for miles.

As you approach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, the scenery changes dramatically, dunes rise on the horizon, and the golden desert welcomes you. Dinner and overnight stay near the dunes.

Day 2: Discovering the Sahara – Villages, Music & Nomads

Wake to a stunning sunrise over the desert, followed by breakfast at your accommodation. Then set out by 4×4 to explore the Sahara region, its black volcanic plateaus, fossil sites, and traditional desert villages.

In Khamlia, enjoy the rhythmic performance of Gnawa musicians, whose ancestral songs reflect African heritage and spirituality. Continue your journey to meet nomadic families, learning about their traditions, hospitality, and way of life in the desert.
In the afternoon, mount your camel for a journey across the dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the sun sets, arrive at your desert camp to enjoy dinner by the fire, accompanied by traditional drumming and a breathtaking starlit sky.

Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

After breakfast, return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga village. Continue toward Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, and then through Tinejdad, where you can stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the spectacular Todra Gorges, a natural canyon with towering red cliffs that attract climbers and photographers alike. Walk along the riverbed before heading to Boumalne Dades, set amid the picturesque Dades Valley, dotted with palm groves, kasbahs, and dramatic rock formations. Overnight in a charming local hotel or riad.

Day 4: Dades – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, continue along the Road of the Thousand Kasbahs, passing through Kalaat M’Gouna, the “City of Roses,” famous for its fragrant rose products.

Drive through Skoura Oasis, with its palm groves and ancient fortified homes, then reach Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood,” where many famous films were shot.

Visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar and one of the most impressive examples of earthen architecture in the world. After exploring, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, descending into the colorful city of Marrakech by evening.

Day 5: Exploring Marrakech

Spend the day discovering the “Red City.” Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and the elegant Bahia Palace. Wander through the maze of the medina, where traditional artisans craft leather goods, lanterns, and carpets.

Explore the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a stunning 14th-century school, and relax in the serene Majorelle Gardens.

In the evening, experience the magic of Jemaa el-Fna Square, alive with food stalls, storytellers, musicians, and performers, the beating heart of Marrakech.

Day 6: Coastal Escape to Essaouira

Embark on a day trip to the laid-back coastal town of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its blue-and-white medina and Atlantic charm. En route, stop to see goats climbing Argan trees and visit a women’s cooperative producing Argan oil.

Once in Essaouira, explore the Skala fortress, stroll along the beach, and visit the lively port. Enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean before returning to Marrakech in the evening.

Day 7: Departure – Casablanca or Marrakech Airport

Enjoy breakfast at your riad or hotel before transferring to Casablanca or Marrakech Airport for your flight home.

As your journey ends, take with you lasting memories of Morocco’s contrasts, from the tranquil Sahara nights to the vibrant energy of Marrakech and the peaceful Atlantic breeze of Essaouira.