6 Days Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

Meet and greet at Fes Airport, followed by a private transfer to your hotel or riad for an overnight stay.

Enjoy a full day dedicated to exploring Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and the spiritual heart of the country.

After breakfast, you will meet your certified local guide and begin your journey inside the UNESCO listed medina of Fes el Bali, one of the largest and best preserved medieval cities in the world. Walk through a maze of narrow alleys where donkeys still replace cars, and every turn reveals a mosque, a fountain, a caravanserai or a traditional workshop.

Your visit includes Al Qarawiyyin University, considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world, as well as the Bouanania or Attarine Madrasa, masterpieces of Marinid architecture with finely carved wood, stucco and zellij tilework.

You will also discover the famous traditional tanneries, where leather is still processed using centuries old techniques, and visit artisan quarters dedicated to pottery, brass work, textiles and wood carving. Along the way, you will explore lively souks filled with spices, perfumes, copperware and colorful fabrics.

From panoramic viewpoints, you will admire an incredible overview of the medina and its sea of rooftops, minarets and ancient buildings. Throughout the day, your guide will share stories about the history, religion, daily life and traditions that make Fes such a unique and fascinating city.

In the late afternoon, return to your hotel or riad and enjoy some free time to relax or continue exploring at your own pace.

Depart from the Imperial City of Fes and begin a scenic journey through some of the most stunning landscapes of central Morocco.

Your first stop is Ifrane, one of the cleanest and most charming towns in the country. Known as “Little Switzerland,” it features alpine-style architecture, lush parks, and a cool mountain climate. The name Ifrane comes from the Amazigh word meaning “caves,” reflecting the region’s natural heritage. The town is also home to Al Akhawayn University, founded in 1997 by King Hassan II of Morocco and King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, where all courses are taught in English.

Continue toward the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may encounter Barbary macaques living freely among the ancient trees. From here, the road leads to Midelt, a peaceful Berber town nestled at the foothills of the eastern High Atlas. You will stop here for lunch, surrounded by dramatic mountain views.

As you leave Midelt, the landscapes begin to shift. Cross the high plateaus near Jbel Ayachi, one of Morocco’s highest peaks at 3,747 meters, then descend toward the vast palm groves of the Ziz Valley. This region is famous for its fortified villages (ksour), lush oases, and winding river that has shaped the valley for centuries.

Continue through Errachidia before reaching Erfoud, a town known for its date production, pottery, and fossil workshops. Millions of years ago, this area was covered by an ancient ocean, leaving behind fossil-rich stone that is still crafted today.

From here, the scenery transforms dramatically as the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. Arrive in Merzouga, where a 4x4 or camel ride will take you across the sand dunes to your desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night under the starry Saharan sky, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the desert.

Begin your day with an early morning camel ride as the sun rises over the golden dunes of Merzouga. It is a peaceful and unforgettable moment in the heart of the Sahara.

After returning to camp for breakfast, we will drive toward Tinghir, passing through the towns of Rissani and Tinjdad. Tinghir is a breathtaking 40-kilometer oasis, home to one of the largest palm groves in Morocco and surrounded by traditional Berber villages.

Enjoy a walk inside the famous Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise more than 300 meters above a narrow riverbed, creating one of the most stunning canyon landscapes in the High Atlas Mountains.

We then continue toward the Dades region, stopping to admire its beautiful valley filled with kasbahs, gardens, and unique rock formations. This area is perfect for memorable photos and quiet moments in nature.

The journey continues toward Kelaat M’Gouna, widely known for its rose fields and its traditional rose-based products, crafted by local cooperatives.

At the end of the day, we head to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco” thanks to its film studios and cinematic desert landscapes, where dinner and overnight stay await.

We begin the day with a visit to the remarkable fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, an architectural treasure dating back to the 11th century. Once an important stop for desert caravans traveling between the Sahara and Marrakech, this ksar stands proudly on a hill overlooking the Ounila River. It features some of the finest examples of traditional Berber earthen architecture, although many structures suffer gradual damage from rain and strong winds. Today, most residents live in a more modern village across the river, yet a few families continue to inhabit the historic ksar, preserving its authenticity.

Aït Benhaddou has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and has served as a filming location for numerous international movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Time Bandits, The Jewel of the Nile, Kundun, Gladiator and Alexander. Its cinematic landscapes and ancient alleys make it one of the most iconic sites in Morocco.

After exploring this magnificent fortified village, we continue our journey west toward Marrakech. Known as the “Land of God” in Amazigh, Marrakech is surrounded by nearly 30 kilometers of historic ramparts and stands as one of the country’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

At 10 am, your local guide will meet you at your hotel or riad to begin a fascinating morning tour of the old medina. You will wander through the bustling souks, which remain the vibrant heart of Marrakech, filled with colors, aromas and traditional craftsmanship.

Continue toward the peaceful courtyards and orange-blossom gardens of the Bahia Palace, an architectural masterpiece built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to high rank within the government. Explore its salons, chambers and intricately decorated halls, each reflecting the elegance of Moroccan design.

Your visit continues to the Marrakech Museum, housed in a former palace and home to a beautiful collection of Moroccan art, sculpture and cultural treasures. From there, make your way to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, whose majestic minaret served as an architectural model for other famous towers, including La Giralda in Seville.

Walk through the winding streets of the medina until you reach the legendary Jemaa el Fna Square, a lively open-air stage filled with storytellers, musicians, artisans and food stalls that bring Marrakech to life each day.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit the lush Majorelle Gardens, created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, or discover the evocative ruins of the Badi Palace, once considered one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. You can also continue strolling through the medina, where every corner reveals new scents, new sights and new discoveries.

Watch skilled artisans at work, practice your bargaining skills in the souks or relax with a mint tea or a flavorful tajine. In the evening, you may return to your hotel or enjoy more time absorbing the magical atmosphere of Jemaa el Fna Square.

6 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels or traditional riads

English speaking driver
Local guides for : fes & marrakech

Daily breakfast for 6 nights
Dinner provided at the desert camp and in Ouarzazate

All taxes
Camel riding
All monuments
Non-included services:
Lunches & drinks
Tipping
Dinner at Fes & Marrakech

Comfortable, modern vehicle provided for all transfers and touring