8 Day Tour from Fez to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes Airport and Hotel Transfer

Arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Visit the historic city center followed by dinner and an overnight stay in a Riad.

Day 2: Exploring Fes

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour. Fes (founded by Idris I in the 12th century) was the artisanal and religious capital of Morocco and for years the political and cultural center of the Almohad dynasty. It is one of the most interesting Imperial Cities due to its history and craftsmanship, boasting one of the largest medinas in the Arab world. We will visit the madrasas, the souk (spectacular for its variety of spices), Al-Karaouine (the oldest university in the world), mosques, plazas, the Andalusian quarter, the potters’ quarter, palaces, and museums. Return to the Riad for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Middle Atlas – Errachidia – Merzouga

We depart early from Fes toward Ifrane, crossing the Middle Atlas. This town is a popular summer retreat for Moroccans and the King due to its altitude. We continue through towns such as Azrou, Midelt, Errachidia, and Erfoud before reaching the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Finally, we arrive at the foot of the dunes to spend two nights in a bivouac camp nestled in the sand.

Day 4: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Merzouga

After a hearty breakfast surrounded by dunes, we set out to visit desert villages, most notably Khamlia. There, we will witness a live demonstration of Gnawa music; a group of black Berbers originally from Sudan and sub-Saharan Africa will delight us with their spiritual art. We continue our excursion through the Erg Chebbi dunes, stopping to visit local nomads for a traditional tea of hospitality. We conclude our visit at the fossil quarries and the authentic market in the village of Rissani. In the afternoon, we set off on a camel trek through the dunes to witness a stunning sunset. Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

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

Breakfast and departure for Rissani, formerly Sijilmassa, a supply center for the ancient caravans coming from the Sahara. We continue through a dry landscape to reach the Tinghir oasis, arguably one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. We travel up the Todra River to reach its impressive gorges, over 300m high. After a short visit to the village, we take the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” to reach Ouarzazate, one of the most interesting southern cities. It is famous as a cinematic hub, having hosted films such as *Gladiator*, *Troy*, and *The Mummy*. We visit the Taourirt Kasbah. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 6: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech

We take the road toward Ait Ben Haddou, the “Queen of Kasbahs” and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterward, we detour onto one of Morocco’s most beautiful tracks, crossing the High Atlas to reach the Kasbah of Telouet, the former palace of the Glaoui, the Pacha of Marrakech in the 20th century. We continue through the beautiful mountains of Morocco’s highest pass, Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m), until we reach the Imperial City of Marrakech, capital of the Great South. Overnight stay in a Riad.

Day 7: Exploring Marrakech

A day to visit Marrakech’s historic center (Medina), its colorful souks, and the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, known for its vibrant atmosphere day and night. We will see celebrated historical monuments: the Menara Gardens, the Bahia Palace, and El Badi Palace. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 8: Marrakech – Airport Transfer

Depending on your flight departure, we can take brief visits to the gardens or make final purchases in the souk before transferring to the airport. End of the trip.