This 8 Days Morocco Tour from Marrakech takes you from the red city of Marrakech across the High Atlas and the Sahara Desert to the spiritual capital, Fes. You explore Marrakech and Fes with local guides, visit Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges, and spend a full day in the Merzouga desert with a night in a desert camp among the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
On arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport your driver will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to your riad or hotel in the heart of the city. Depending on your arrival time you are free to relax or take a first stroll around the famous Jemaa el-Fna square and the surrounding souks. Overnight in Marrakech.
After breakfast you meet your local guide for a full day exploring the red city. You will visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the ornate Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Ben Youssef Madrasa, then wander the colourful souks with their spices, carpets and craftsmen. In the evening you can return to the buzzing Jemaa el-Fna square with its food stalls and street performers. Overnight in Marrakech.
We leave Marrakech in the morning and drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), stopping for panoramic views over Berber villages and kasbahs. We visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — the backdrop of films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia — then continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”.
Passing Kalaat M’Gouna, the valley of roses, and Skoura with its palm groves, we reach the Dades Valley, where we spend the night.
After breakfast we drive to the Todra Gorges, a massive canyon with 300-metre limestone walls where we stop to walk and have lunch. We then continue via Tinghir and Erfoud — known for its date palms and fossils — to reach Merzouga in the late afternoon.
Here a camel caravan takes us over the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset to our desert camp, where we enjoy a traditional dinner, music around the fire and a night under the stars.
Today is a full day to discover the Merzouga desert at a relaxed pace. After sunrise and breakfast we visit the village of Khamlia to hear the Gnaoua music of its people, then explore the dunes of Erg Chebbi by 4×4, meeting nomad families and learning about their way of life.
We also visit spots such as Dayet Srji lake, the old mines and the village of Hassi Labied, before returning to camp for another sunset, dinner and a night in the desert.
After a final desert sunrise and breakfast we set off north towards Fes. We cross the Ziz Valley and climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in the cedar forests around Azrou to look for the wild Barbary macaques, and pass through Ifrane, an alpine-style town nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco”. We arrive in Fes in the evening. Overnight in Fes.
After breakfast you meet your local guide for a full day in Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. You will explore the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting the Al-Qarawiyyin university, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the famous Chouara tanneries and the lively souks and craft workshops. Overnight in Fes.
After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, your driver will transfer you to Fes–Saïss Airport for your departure. End of our services.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is fully private with your own driver-guide and vehicle, and the itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
Are flights included?
No, international flights are not included. The tour begins with an airport pick-up and ends with an airport drop-off on the final day.
What kind of accommodation is used?
A mix of hand-picked riads and hotels in the cities plus a night (or more) in a desert camp near Merzouga. Breakfasts are included, along with dinner at the camp.
Do we have local guides in the cities?
Yes, official local guides are included for the main city tours (such as Marrakech and Fes) to help you get the most out of each medina.
