go on an 8-day authentic journey from Fes, designed to immerse you in the essence of Moroccan culture and foster genuine connections with its people. Your adventure ignites in Fes, a city that immediately captivates your senses with its vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and intoxicating aromas. You’ll explore magnificent mosques, feel the electric energy of its ancient streets, and discover the intricate beauty of local handicrafts, all before venturing further to uncover more of Morocco’s wonders.
Roman Ruins & Imperial Capitals
Your adventure kicks off around 8:30 AM, departing from Fes towards Meknes, a historic imperial city known for its impressive ramparts and grand gates. En route, we’ll step back in time to explore the remarkably preserved ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Upon arrival in Meknes, you’ll admire the monumental Bab Mansour gate, a masterpiece of Almohad architecture, and other key sights. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before our afternoon drive to Rabat, Morocco’s modern capital. Here, you’ll check into your accommodation for the night.
Capital Sights & Coastal Grandeur
After breakfast, delve into Rabat’s charms with a visit to emblematic sites such as the picturesque Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and royal heritage.
Next, we journey to Casablanca to witness the breathtaking majesty of the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest and most opulent, dramatically set by the Atlantic Ocean. Our journey then continues south to the vibrant city of Marrakech, where you’ll check in and settle for the night, anticipating the wonders to come.
The Magic of the Red City
Today is dedicated to exploring the vibrant ‘Red City’ of Marrakech with an expert local guide. Immerse yourself in the magical, bustling atmosphere of Djemaa El-Fna Square, alive with food stalls, musicians, snake charmers, artists, and storytellers.
Your guided tour will also include the serene Majorelle Gardens (a botanical oasis), the iconic Koutoubia Mosque (exterior view), the opulent Bahia Palace with its intricate designs, the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa (an ancient Islamic college), and the fascinating Saadian Tombs. After a day packed with discovery, return to your Marrakech accommodation to relax.
Across the High Atlas to Desert Gateways
Departing Marrakech around 8:30 AM, we journey towards Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Our route traverses the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260m), offering stunning views.
Along the way, we’ll make a stop at the historic Kasbah of Telouet, an intriguing, once-grand palace. Lunch will be enjoyed near the magnificent Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, an iconic ksar (fortified village) and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you’ll then explore. We continue to Ouarzazate for your overnight stay, perhaps with time to see the Atlas Film Studios (optional).
Kasbahs, Rose Valleys & Dramatic Gorges
Our adventure continues with an exploration of the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate, another impressive earthen citadel. Afterwards, we drive towards the Dades Valley, passing through the lush Skoura oasis with its many kasbahs, and Kelaat M’Gouna, the “Rose Capital,” famous for its rose products and annual festival.
Enjoy lunch en route, with an opportunity to see local points of interest or traditional irrigation systems. Finally, we arrive at the stunning Dades Gorges, known for its dramatic “monkey fingers” rock formations and winding roads. You’ll spend the night nestled in this spectacular landscape.
Canyons, Oases & Sahara Bound
After breakfast, we depart the Dades Gorges, potentially taking in more views of the area before heading towards the equally impressive Todra Gorges. Here, towering canyon walls create a breathtaking spectacle, and you’ll have time for a short walk.
Our journey continues towards the Sahara, passing through arid landscapes and small towns like Tinjdad. We’ll stop for lunch before reaching Merzouga. You might also pass through or visit the historic oasis town of Rissani, near Erfoud, known as the ancient capital of Tafilalt.
Upon arrival at your desert camp nestled by the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll be welcomed with traditional mint tea. Then, embark on an unforgettable camel trek to witness a magical sunset over the golden sands. Return to your camp for a traditional dinner and an unforgettable night under the desert stars.
Desert Sunrise & Atlas Foothills
Wake early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise painting the dunes in vibrant colors. After breakfast (and perhaps a shower at the camp), we begin our journey towards Midelt. You’ll pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil-rich marble, where you might see how these ancient relics are crafted into various objects.
Our route then takes us via Errachidia and through the impressive Ziz Valley, a vast oasis renowned for its extensive palm groves, offering stunning photo opportunities. We’ll continue to Midelt, a town often called the “apple capital” of Morocco, nestled at the foot of Mount Ayachi, for your overnight stay.
Monkeys, Mountains & Return to Fez
Today’s journey takes us over the Tizi n’Talghmt pass (often called the “camel pass”). Our next key stop is Azrou, meaning “stone” in Berber, where we’ll pause in the nearby cedar forests to observe the playful Barbary macaques in their natural habitat – a delightful encounter.
Enjoy lunch in the area before continuing towards Ifrane, a charming town often referred to as “Morocco’s Switzerland” due to its alpine-style architecture and cleanliness. In the afternoon, we arrive back in Fez. We will drop you off at your accommodation or the Fez Saïss Airport (FEZ), marking the conclusion of your incredible 8-day journey through Morocco’s imperial cities and the majestic Sahara.
Marrakech: Jemaa el-Fnaa, Saadian Tombs, and Majorelle Garden.
Ait Benhaddou: UNESCO-listed ksar and film locations.
Merzouga: Erg Chebbi dunes and desert camping.
Fes: Al Quaraouiyine University and Chouara Tannery.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Bargaining is expected in souks, but do so respectfully.
Greetings are important; a simple “Salam alaikum” (peace be upon you) goes a long way.
Popular souvenirs include:
Handmade rugs and carpets
Argan oil products
Traditional pottery and ceramics
Spices and teas
Leather goods
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warm layers for cooler desert nights. Modest attire is recommended for visiting religious sites.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring medinas and sturdy sandals for the desert.
Accessories: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf for protection against sun and sand.
Other essentials: A reusable water bottle, camera, power adapter, and personal toiletries.
This tour offers a blend of Morocco’s most iconic experiences:
Cultural immersion: Explore ancient medinas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and traditional Berber villages.
Natural wonders: From the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains and lush valleys, the tour showcases Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
Historical depth: Visit historic kasbahs, ksars, and cities that have played pivotal roles in Morocco’s history.
Authentic experiences: Enjoy camel rides, desert camping, and interactions with local communities.
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, while winters can be chilly in the mountains.
Extend your stay in Casablanca for additional exploration.
Add a day trip to Rabat or Essaouira for a coastal experience.
Upgrade to 5-star accommodations for a more luxurious experience.
