8 days through the desert, Marrakech, and Fez

8 days through the desert, Marrakech, and Fez

In this route, you’ll have the opportunity to visit two of the most visited cities for their significant cultural heritage. Additionally, this location provides us with the chance to cross the beautiful Atlas Mountains and delve into the depths of the Sahara Desert, where you’ll witness the impressive dunes of Merzouga and even sleep in the desert in traditional tents under the spectacular starry sky.

Itinerary

DAY 1: TRANSFER TO FEZ HOTEL

Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Accommodation in Fez.

DAY 2: EXPLORE FEZ

After breakfast, we will begin the tour of the oldest of the imperial cities and spiritual center of the country. We’ll start with a panoramic view from one of the hills surrounding the city, then visit the bronze gates of the Royal Palace. We’ll explore the Medina to visit Medersas (Qur’anic study centers), workshops in the artisans’ quarter, divided by guilds, and highlight the spectacular tanners’ quarter. Accommodation in Fez.

DAY 3: FEZ – IFRANE – AZROU – MONKEY FOREST – MERZOUGA DESERT

From Fez, we’ll pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Africa. The next stop will be Azrou, passing through the national park known for its cedar trees where the famous monkeys of the area are found. Then, we’ll travel through the Ziz Valley to Erfoud, known for its fossils. Arrive at the desert where we will take a camel ride through the desert to reach the heart of the desert where we will be welcomed, according to Sahara tradition, with Berber tea, dinner, and a drum party at the Sahara camp.

DAY 4: MERZOUGA DESERT – TODRA GORGES – DADES VALLEY

You’re in the desert! Today, it’s essential to wake up early to watch the sunrise from the top of the dunes. After breakfast, we’ll leave the dunes behind and head towards Tinghir where we’ll visit the Todra Gorges, an ancient sewer system from the 15th century. We will also take a look at the palm grove of Tinghir, then continue to the Todra Gorges where we will rest. Next, we will walk through the town and the Boumalne Dades valley to reach the Dades Gorges. There, the river has eroded the rocks to create a beautiful landscape. Dinner and accommodation in the Dades valley.

DAY 5: DADES VALLEY – OUARZAZATE – AIT BENHADDOU – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH

We will cross the Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses to reach Ouarzazate, where we will visit the Taourirt Kasbah. After 25 km of road, we will see the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for being the setting of blockbuster movies like “Lawrence of Arabia,” “The Sheltering Sky,” or “Babel.” We’ll then cross the Tichka Pass (High Atlas) to return to the “Red City,” Marrakech, where you can explore the city at night. Accommodation in Marrakech.

DAY 6: EXPLORE MARRAKECH

After breakfast, we have a guided tour of Marrakech: Starting with the Koutoubia Minaret, (12th century), sister to Seville’s Giralda. Then to the Saadian Tombs (16th century), highlighting its central vault of Carrara marble. Next, the Bahia Palace (19th century), an example of aristocratic life in the Muslim Medieval period, particularly its ambassador’s hall with its cedarwood ceiling. Finally, we’ll head to the “Jemaa el F’naa Square” Declared: UNESCO World Heritage Site. (The city tour starts at 09:00 and ends around 13:00) Free afternoon. Accommodation in Marrakech.

DAY 7: MARRAKECH – CASABLANCA – FEZ

After breakfast, we’ll head to Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s second-largest mosque after Mecca and Medina. This architectural masterpiece was built over the water, and its minaret, the world’s tallest, rises against the Atlantic Ocean, offering a silhouette worthy of admiration. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our tour to reach Fez around 19:00. Accommodation in Fez.

DAY 8: TRANSFER TO MARRAKECH AIRPORT

At the scheduled time, we will transfer you to Marrakech airport. END OF OUR SERVICES AND SAFE TRAVELS BACK HOME (2 hours before the flight).

NOTE: AN EXTRA DAY CAN BE ADDED TO THIS ITINERARY, TO SPEND TWO NIGHTS IN THE DESERT FOR AN EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE NOMADS LIVING IN THE DESERT AND DO MORE ACTIVITIES. THE PACKAGE CAN BE QUOTED IN DIFFERENT OPTIONS, HOTEL CATEGORIES FROM STANDARD TO LUXURIOUS, GROUP TRAVEL WITH MORE PEOPLE OR PRIVATE.