Moroccan tour : 9 Day desert tour from Fes
Duration
Tour Type
Explore Tours
Included/Exclude
- Private 4x4 vehicle or minibus with A/C for the entire tour.
- Fuel for all transportation.
- 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.
- Cultural activities and entertainment, including Berber drum music.
- 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
Your Moroccan adventure begins upon arrival at Fes-Saiss Airport (FEZ). Our team will greet you and transfer you to a charming Riad located in the heart of the historic Fes Medina. Settle in, relax, and prepare for the start of your exciting 9-day Morocco desert tour.
Discover Fes, one of Morocco's oldest imperial cities, founded in 808 AD. Your guided tour starts at the impressive Golden Gate of the Royal Palace. Afterwards, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Medina from a nearby viewpoint. Immerse yourself in the labyrinthine streets, visiting historic mosques, madrasas (traditional Koranic universities), caravanserais, and significant religious sites. Witness the famous Fes tanneries and explore the artisans' district, observing craftsmen employing age-old techniques. Fes is renowned as Morocco's "city of artisans," and today you'll see why. Spend the night in your Riad, absorbing the unique atmosphere.
After an early breakfast (departing around 8:00 AM), enjoy a scenic excursion to Chefchaouen, famously known as the "Blue City." Nestled between two mountains, this picturesque town captivates with its blue and white-washed buildings. Wander through narrow, winding streets, discover charming squares, and admire ornate fountains. The main square, Uta el-Hamman, features a historic fortress (kasbah) and a distinctive mosque with an octagonal minaret. Chefchaouen's unique blend of Andalusian architecture and Moroccan culture offers a truly enchanting experience. Return to Fes in the afternoon for another overnight stay in your Riad.
Travel from Fes towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, often dubbed "Morocco's Switzerland" for its alpine architecture and cooler climate. Continue to Azrou, a Berber village set within a cedar forest famous for its Barbary macaque monkeys. Journey through diverse landscapes to Midelt, strategically located between the Middle and High Atlas ranges. Cross the dramatic Tizi Talghemt pass ("Camel's Neck"), known for its stark beauty. Drive along the lush Ziz Valley, a ribbon of green palm groves, before reaching Erfoud, a town noted for its fossil discoveries and workshops. Your day culminates at the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Check into your Riad overlooking the mesmerizing Sahara Desert dunes.
Following breakfast, embark on an adventurous 4x4 jeep tour across desert tracks, some previously used in the Paris-Dakar rally. Visit a local nomadic family living in traditional desert style and share a welcoming cup of tea. Discover an oasis featured in the film "Sahara" and visit Khamlia, the "village of the blacks," renowned for its traditional Gnawa music performances. In the afternoon, swap the jeep for a camel and trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Witness a truly unforgettable sunset over the Sahara. Spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp, enjoying a delicious Berber dinner accompanied by drum music under a canopy of stars.
Wake up early to experience the magical sunrise over the desert dunes. Return by camel to Merzouga for breakfast and a refreshing shower. Visit the bustling traditional market in Rissani, notable for its unique donkey trading area. In Erfoud, explore workshops where ancient fossils are skillfully transformed into decorative items. Proceed to the stunning Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon popular with climbers and hikers. Travel through the scenic Dades Valley, often called the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs," passing through the Valley of Roses, known for its cosmetic products. After lunch in the village of Boutghrar, continue your journey through the Dades Valley, where you will have dinner and spend the night in a local hotel.
After breakfast, head towards Ouarzazate, visiting the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, a former residence of the Pasha of Marrakech. Continue to the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous filming location for many movies and series. Travel along a picturesque route featuring traditional straw-built houses and mountain villages. Visit the historic Telouet Kasbah and enjoy lunch nearby. In the afternoon, cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2,260 meters (7,415 feet). Arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech in the late afternoon and check into your Riad.
Enjoy a full day in Marrakech. You have the option of a guided tour to delve into the city's fascinating history and culture. Potential visits include the Saadian Tombs, the beautiful Bahia Palace, and the Koutoubia Mosque with its landmark minaret. Get lost in the bustling souks (markets) filled with crafts, spices, and textiles, and experience the electrifying atmosphere of Djemaa El-Fna Square, especially as it comes alive with food stalls, musicians, and entertainers in the evening. Overnight in your Marrakech Riad.
On your final day, enjoy breakfast at your Riad. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) approximately three hours before your departure time. This concludes your unforgettable 9-day Moroccan desert adventure.
