Description:
Embark on a five-day journey from Fes to the Sahara Desert, designed to showcase the best of Morocco. Our itinerary, featuring top sights, ensures an immersive experience of the country's rich culture and diverse landscapes, from the ancient Medina to vibrant Marrakech, culminating in the majestic Sahara Desert.
Highlights:
Navigate the maze-like medieval streets of Fes
Discover the beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains
Ride a camel into the shifting sands of the Sahara
Explore bustling markets and souks in Berber cities
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Fes – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert.
Start your journey from your riad in Fes, heading southeast along the historic caravan routes to Merzouga. Traverse the Middle Atlas and Upper Atlas Mountains, with a stop in the largest cedar forest to see barbary apes. Enjoy lunch in Midelt before continuing through the Ziz Valley and the renowned Tafilalet date palm estate. The landscape transforms as you approach the high desert of Er Rachidia. Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon and enjoy a welcoming mint tea.
Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Erg Chebbi.
After breakfast, explore the countryside around Merzouga. Visit the Gnawa people, once slaves from Sudan, and experience their unique music and lifestyle. Nearby, the seasonal Merzouga Lake attracts a variety of birds. Discover Rissani’s souk, a bustling market where the king’s family originated and caravans from Mali’s Timbuktu converge. In the afternoon, embark on a camel trek with an experienced guide, crossing the mesmerizing sand dunes. Enjoy dinner at a desert camp equipped with Western-style bathrooms.
Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges.
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, then return to Merzouga. After breakfast, journey to Rissani, Tinghir, and the Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. Enjoy lunch in the canyon before heading to the Dades Valley to marvel at its impressive sand castles and unique rock formations known as “monkey feet.” Spend the night in a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Dades Valley.
Day 4: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate.
Travel through the Dades Valley, often called the "way of a thousand Kasbahs," offering countless photo opportunities. Stop in Kalaat Mgouna, the "rose city," to purchase rosewater that will leave a lasting fragrance on your linens. Continue to Ouarzazate, visiting the Amridil Kasbah, a historical site from the 18th century. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning ksar that has served as the backdrop for films like Gladiator and The Mummy. After exploring the kasbah, travel through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest in Morocco at 2,260 meters. Enjoy panoramic views of Berber villages along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening and check into your riad in the Medina for an overnight stay.