7 Day Desert Tour from Fes
Duration
7 days
Tour Type
Overview
Included/Exclude
- Private 4x4 vehicle or minibus with A/C for the entire tour.
- English-speaking driver/guide.
- Breakfasts and dinners during the tour.
- Accommodation in a luxury riad in Dades Valley.
- Camel trek in the Merzouga Desert.
- Overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp.
- Lunches.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Entrance fees to historical sites and attractions.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for the driver/guide and local staff.
- Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Tour Plan
Begin your 7-day Moroccan adventure departing from Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco. Your journey starts with a visit to Meknes, an imperial city known for its grandeur and historical significance. Explore the impressive Bab Al-Mansour gate, a symbol of Meknes' architectural splendor. Delve into the royal heritage at the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and wander through the Sahrij Souani basin, an engineering marvel of ancient Morocco.
Continue your journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis, where you'll discover well-preserved Roman ruins, including intricate mosaics and towering columns that tell tales of the city's prosperous past. Your day concludes in Chefchaouen, the famed "Blue City" nestled in the Rif Mountains. Meander through its enchanting blue-painted streets and soak in the serene ambiance of this artistic haven. Relax and unwind in a charming riad, reflecting on the day's cultural discoveries.
Awake to the tranquil blue hues of Chefchaouen and enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast before exploring more of the city's unique architecture and crafts. Depart from Chefchaouen and journey through the scenic Rif Mountains en route to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco.
Discover Rabat's cultural treasures, starting with the imposing Hassan Tower, a masterpiece of Almohad architecture overlooking the Bou Regreg River. Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a stunning example of modern Moroccan craftsmanship, and stroll through the ancient Kasbah of the Udayas with its labyrinthine streets and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy an overnight stay in Rabat, immersing yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Leave Rabat behind and travel along Morocco's picturesque coastline to Casablanca, the bustling economic capital. Marvel at the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with its intricate mosaics and breathtaking ocean views. Explore the vibrant Corniche and soak in the cosmopolitan charm of Casablanca before continuing your journey to Marrakech, the "Red City."
Arrive in Marrakech and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Jemaa El-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage site buzzing with storytellers, musicians, and spice vendors. Check into your hotel or riad and prepare for the cultural wonders awaiting you.
Embark on a guided tour of Marrakech's iconic landmarks, starting with the towering minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, a symbol of the city's spiritual heritage. Explore the intricate architecture of the Bahia Palace, with its lush gardens and ornate courtyards, and visit the Saadian Tombs to admire the intricate tile work and serene atmosphere.
Wander through the bustling souks of the medina, where artisans and traders display their wares amidst a whirl of colors and scents. Experience the serene beauty of the Majorelle Garden, a botanical oasis with exotic plants and vibrant blue accents. Conclude your day with a visit to the bustling Djemaa El-Fna square, where you can sample local delicacies and watch traditional performances against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset.
Today, venture into the rugged landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass with its panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. Stop at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed Kasbah that has served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV productions.
Explore the maze-like streets and mud-brick houses of this ancient fortress, gaining insight into Morocco's rich architectural heritage. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara" and home to the Atlas Film Studios. Discover the cinematic history of the region as you explore film sets and props used in international productions. Overnight in Ouarzazate, surrounded by desert landscapes and majestic kasbahs.
Begin your day with a visit to the lush Rose Valley, renowned for its fragrant blooms and annual Rose Festival. Continue to the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs rise dramatically from the riverbed, offering stunning photo opportunities and a chance to explore at your own pace.
Journey through the villages of Touroug, Tinjdad, and Erfoud, known for their traditional crafts and fossil workshops. Arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara Desert, where you'll embark on a thrilling camel ride into the dunes. Experience the magic of the desert as you witness a breathtaking sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a traditional desert camp, dining under the stars and enjoying Saharan music around a campfire.
Rise early to witness a spectacular Sahara sunrise before riding your camel back to Merzouga. Depart for Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet, where you can explore its bustling souk and discover local handicrafts and spices. Continue your journey through the Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and panoramic vistas, as you make your way to Midelt.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Middle Atlas Mountains before continuing to Ifrane, a charming town often referred to as "Morocco's Switzerland" for its alpine-style architecture and cool climate. Pause to explore the Cedar Forest, home to Barbary macaque monkeys, before concluding your journey in Fes, where your 7-day cultural Moroccan tour comes to an end with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for Morocco's rich history and diverse landscapes.
