8-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
Enjoy an eight-day journey from Fes to Marrakech through the landscapes of southern Morocco.
Discover Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi dunes and the oases of the Sahara region.
Explore the Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Valley of Roses and historic kasbahs at a relaxed pace.
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt
Depart from Fes and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane before continuing through the cedar forest region. The road crosses mountain scenery and open plateaus before reaching Midelt, located between the Middle and High Atlas ranges. Enjoy the changing landscapes and take suitable stops along the way. Arrive in Midelt in the afternoon, settle into your accommodation and enjoy some free time. This first stage provides a relaxed start before the journey continues towards the Sahara.
Day 2: Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, travel south through the Tizi n’Talghamt pass and towards the Ziz Valley. Discover its palm groves, villages and dramatic landscapes. Continue through Erfoud and Rissani, towns connected to the history of the Tafilalet and the old caravan routes. The road then leads to Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the desert surroundings. Depending on the time, you may have an opportunity to admire the dunes at sunset.
Day 3: Discover Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi Desert
Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region. After breakfast, discover the villages, desert tracks and landscapes around Erg Chebbi. This day gives you more time to understand local life and the traditions of the Sahara. Depending on your selected package, you may enjoy a camel ride or another organised desert excursion. The afternoon is free to relax and admire the dunes. Overnight in your booked accommodation or in a desert camp if this option is included in your confirmed reservation.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Tinghir
After breakfast, travel towards Rissani, a historic trading town in the Tafilalet region. Depending on the day, you may have time to explore its traditional market. Continue to the Todra Gorges, where high cliffs rise above a green oasis. Enjoy a walk through the gorge and admire the natural scenery. The route then continues to Tinghir, surrounded by palm groves and traditional villages. Arrive at your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening in the region.
Day 5: Tinghir – Dades Valley – Valley of Roses
After breakfast, travel through the Dades Valley and discover its rock formations, traditional villages and kasbahs. Continue towards the Valley of Roses, known for its agricultural landscapes and seasonal rose cultivation. The route passes small settlements and changing scenery. Enjoy suitable stops to admire the views and discover the region. Arrive at your accommodation in the Dades or Valley of Roses area and enjoy the evening in this beautiful part of southern Morocco.
Day 6: Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate
Continue your journey through the oases of southern Morocco. After breakfast, travel towards Skoura, a large oasis known for its palm groves and traditional earthen kasbahs. Enjoy time to discover the surroundings and admire the architecture of the region. Continue to Ouarzazate, located at the crossroads of desert and mountain routes. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy free time to explore the town or relax after the day on the road.
Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Region
After breakfast, travel to Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its traditional earthen buildings and narrow lanes, and enjoy views over the surrounding valley. Continue through the landscapes of the High Atlas region. Depending on the selected route and accommodation arrangements, you may stop in a village along the way and enjoy the mountain scenery. Settle into your accommodation for the night before the final drive to Marrakech.
Day 8: High Atlas – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Marrakech
After breakfast, travel towards Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass and enjoy views over the valleys, mountain slopes and traditional villages. Stops may be made at suitable viewpoints depending on traffic and available time. After crossing the pass, descend towards the Marrakech plain. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon or early evening and transfer to your accommodation or the agreed drop-off point. Your eight-day journey from Fes comes to an end.
Included
- Private transport from Fes to Marrakech with a driver.
- Pickup in Fes and final drop-off in Marrakech.
- Fuel and transport expenses for eight days.
- Seven nights of accommodation according to the selected package.
- Meals confirmed by the booked accommodation.
- Desert activities only when included in the confirmed reservation.
Excluded
- Lunches and drinks.
- Monument entrance fees and optional visits.
- Additional excursions and activities not listed in the package.
- Personal expenses and tips.
Frequently asked questions
Does this itinerary include a full day in Merzouga?
Yes, the third day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region.
Which places are visited after the desert?
The route includes the Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Valley of Roses, Skoura and Ouarzazate.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends in Marrakech on the eighth day.
