Route: Fes → Ifrane → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Fes
Arrival in Fes airport or train station. Transfer to your riad in the medina. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a guided introduction walk through the historic alleys and artisan quarters. Overnight in a traditional riad.

Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Journey south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop at Ifrane, Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” and continue to Azrou’s cedar forests, home to Barbary macaques. Cross the Ziz Valley with its sweeping palm groves before reaching Merzouga. At sunset, ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes to your luxury desert camp. Dinner under the stars and overnight in the Sahara.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration
Wake early for a spectacular sunrise. Today, explore the desert by 4×4: visit nomadic families, the village of Khamlia (famous for Gnawa music), fossil sites, and seasonal lakes. Optional activities like sandboarding or quad biking. Return to camp for a traditional dinner. Overnight in the desert camp.

Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Depart Merzouga via Erfoud, known for fossils and marble workshops. Continue to the dramatic Todra Gorges for a scenic walk between the towering canyon walls. Drive along the Valley of Roses to Dades Valley. Overnight in a kasbah or riad overlooking the valley.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou
Travel through Skoura’s palm groves to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood,” and visit a film studio if desired. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a fortress village featured in many films and series. Overnight in a guesthouse near Ait Benhaddou.

Day 6: Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass. Stop for panoramic views and traditional mountain villages before descending into Marrakech. Evening free to explore the medina. Overnight in Marrakech riad.

Day 7: Marrakech City Discovery
Full-day guided tour of Marrakech. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and explore the vibrant souks. Experience the lively Jemaa el-Fna square by night. Optional extras: Majorelle Gardens, hammam spa, or a cooking class. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 8: Marrakech – Departure
Free time for shopping or relaxing before transfer to Marrakech airport for departure.