7-Day Desert Tour from Fes and Imperial Cities in Morocco
Itinerary:
Day 1: Fes Sightseeing.
After breakfast, we'll explore “the oldest living Medina in the world” with a local official guide. Our tour includes the bustling souks (markets), the Royal Palace gateway, the 9th-century Karouine Mosque and University, and the tomb of the city's founder, Moulay Idriss II. Lunch will be at a traditional restaurant in the old Medina. Post-lunch, we will visit the Nejjarine Fountain, the old Harem Garden, and the Batha Museum. The day concludes with a panoramic view of the city.
Day 2: Fes - Ifrane - Midelt - Merzouga.
In the morning, we head to Imouzzer, a region rich with cedar, juniper, and cork oak forests. This area is known for its wildlife, including birds, wild boar, and Barbary apes. Our route ascends into the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing nomadic Berber tents and goat herds. After a late lunch in Midelt, we continue along mountain roads overlooking the Oued Ziz, through Kasbahs and palm groves, arriving in Merzouga by late afternoon. We will spend the night in this gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Day 3: Erg Chebbi Tour by 4×4 – Camel Ride and Night in Desert Camp.
In the morning, we explore the Erg Chebbi dunes by 4x4, visiting a Berber house to enjoy Gnawa music from Ghana and Sudan. We'll see deserted mines, meet Berber nomads, and explore palm tree oases. After lunch in Merzouga, we embark on a camel adventure into the sand dunes, where we'll stay overnight in a desert camp with drum music. This is a perfect opportunity to capture stunning sunset and sunrise photos. We end the day climbing the high dunes to watch the sunset, and we spend the night in nomad tents.
Day 4: Merzouga – Ouarzazate.
We begin the day with a sunrise over the dunes, then return to Merzouga for breakfast and a shower. Our journey to Ouarzazate includes visits to Berber shops offering fossils, carpets, lamps, and leather goods. We will arrive in Ouarzazate in the afternoon, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Day 5: Ouarzazate – Marrakech.
Leaving Ouarzazate in the morning, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, an 11th-century kasbah featured in over 20 films, including Gladiator. After lunch, we travel through the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, reaching Marrakech by evening.
Day 6: Marrakech Sightseeing Tour.
We spend a full day touring Marrakech, starting with the Menara Gardens, which feature a large pool used for irrigating the surrounding fields. Our sightseeing includes the Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, and the Dar Si Said Museum of Jewelry. An optional lunch in the Medina is followed by a stroll through Marrakech's vibrant souks. We conclude the day with a sunset drink overlooking the lively Djemaa El Fna Square from a café terrace. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Marrakech – Fes.
In the morning, we depart Marrakech and return to Fes, concluding our tour.
Note: If our itineraries do not match your preferences, contact us and we will customize a trip tailored to your specific needs.