6 Day Tour from Fez to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Pickup from your Hotel, Riad, or Airport. We depart for Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” where we will stop to photograph the stone Lion, carved by a German soldier during WWII in honor of the last Atlas Lion. We cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Azrou to see the region’s largest ancient cedar and the monkeys that inhabit the forest. We continue toward Midelt and cross the fascinating Ziz Valley, stopping for lunch to enjoy Berber hospitality. Finally, we arrive in Merzouga to mount camels for a trek through the dunes to watch the sunset from a high peak. We settle into our nomad camp for dinner and traditional Berber music under the stars.

Day 2: Exploring Merzouga – Desert Activities

After breakfast, we set out on a desert excursion following the original “Paris-Dakar Rally” route. We will visit desert nomads to share tea with a local family and see the oasis where films like *Sahara* (starring Penélope Cruz) were filmed. We will also visit Khamlia, known as the “village of the blacks,” a community settled by people originally brought from Sudan. After lunch, our next adventure begins: a camel safari into the heart of the dunes to witness another spectacular sunset. Tonight will be special; we sleep in typical Berber tents (jaimas) and enjoy dinner to the sound of drums under a starry sky. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Erfoud Fossils – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

We rise early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise. After breakfast, we return to Merzouga by camel before departing for Rissani. We will visit the largest traditional market in the region, then continue to Erfoud to visit a marble and fossil factory. Our journey takes us through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to reach the Todra Gorges—a riverbed forming vertical limestone cliffs that are a major attraction for rock climbers. After lunch and a walk through the gorges, we continue to the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 4: Dades Gorges – Kalaat M’Gouna – Ouarzazate

Wonderful panoramic views await us as we travel through the M’Gouna Valley, famous for its rose products and the Rose Festival held every May. We follow the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” toward Skoura and have lunch at a restaurant in Ouarzazate. After a rest, we visit the Taourirt Kasbah, the former residence of the Pacha Glaoui. In the afternoon, we visit the film studios, the setting for famous biblical epics and many modern international blockbusters. Overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

We continue our route toward Ait Ben Haddou to visit its famous Kasbah, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. Many films such as *Gladiator*, *The Mummy*, *Asterix & Obelix*, and *The Jewel of the Nile* were filmed here. After free time for lunch, we head toward Marrakech, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass at nearly 2,300m. To make the day even more spectacular, we follow the ancient caravan route through the Ounila Valley, featuring kasbahs built into caves and the historic Kasbah of Telouet. Finally, we arrive in Marrakech to visit Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Overnight stay in a hotel or Riad.

Day 6: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech

We visit the Menara gardens before heading to the west coast to visit the ancient Portuguese port formerly known as Mogador. This coastal fishing town preserves its defensive walls and systems used against sea invaders. Its windy climate makes it a top attraction for surfers. We will stroll through streets filled with handicrafts and spices. The city is famous for its Gnawa spiritual music festival, and you can enjoy fresh seafood prepared at local stalls. Return to Marrakech for the night.