5 Days – From Fez to Marrakech via the Sahara

5 Days – From Fez to Marrakech via the Sahara

5 Days – From Fez to Marrakech via the Sahara

From the largest medina in the Arab world to Marrakech passing through the dunes of Erg Chebbi

Embark on a magical adventure from Fez, the pearl of Moroccan culture, to the vibrant Marrakech, passing through the majesty of the Erg Chebbi desert. This journey is a perfect combination of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes, ideal for those seeking to experience the essence of Morocco.
Our journey begins in Fez, where we immerse ourselves in an ancient world filled with labyrinthine medinas and streets rich in history. Here, we explore Morocco’s cultural and artisanal legacy, from the fascinating madrasas to the lively tanneries district.
Next, we head south to the dazzling Erg Chebbi desert. We marvel at its vast golden sand dunes and enjoy an unforgettable experience riding camels at sunset. The night in a camp under a starry sky offers us a serene pause and a deep connection with nature.
We conclude our adventure in Marrakech, where the bustling urban life awaits us. From the vibrant markets to the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square, we experience the energy and color of this fascinating city. We discover its hidden gardens, palaces, and delight in the rich local cuisine.
This journey from Fez to Marrakech, through Erg Chebbi, is more than just a tour; it is an experience that captures the diversity and charm of Morocco. For us, it is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourselves in the beauty and authenticity of this enchanting country.

Days of circuit:

5

days

Departure from:

Fez

Arrival at:

Marrakech

The Medina of Fez, known as Fes el Bali, is one of the oldest and best-preserved urban areas in the Arab world.

In the heart of Morocco, the Medina of Fez stands as a portal to another time. This ancient labyrinth, filled with narrow streets and bustling souks, is more than a tourist attraction; it is the living soul of the city, where history and modernity intertwine. The essence of Fez is found in its rich cultural and religious history. The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in the 9th century, is an emblem of the city and symbolizes its legacy as a center of learning. The streets of the Medina resonate with the work of artisans, whose techniques have been passed down through generations, creating leather, metal, and textile products.

In every corner of the Medina, we encounter testimonies of Fez’s cultural diversity. The Mellah, with its historic synagogue, reflects the coexistence of different cultures and religions. The architecture of the Medina, with its ornate buildings and hidden courtyards, offers a beauty that evokes centuries of history.

The Medina of Fez is not simply a place to visit; it is a journey through the history of Morocco, a tour that allows us to experience firsthand the evolution of one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the Arab world.

tour summary
5 Days – From Fez to Marrakech via the Sahara

FEZ

The first day of this fascinating 5-day journey through Morocco will immerse us in the magic of Fez, one of the Imperial Cities that holds the title of the former capital of the kingdom. Upon landing at the airport, you will be greeted by our friendly Spanish-speaking driver, who will take you to your cozy accommodation in the heart of the city. Fez, with its historic medina recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, stands as a cultural and religious monument not only for Morocco but for the world. On this initial day, we will spend time exploring its charms with the help of our official local guide.
We will traverse the intricate network of alleys on a captivating walking tour, revealing the most beautiful and prominent treasures of the historic center. The guided itinerary will include memorable stops, from the venerable Karaouine Mosque and its ancient university to the impressive Bou Inania and Cherratine madrasas. The Mausoleum of Moulay Idris will open the doors to the sacred history of the city.
We will explore the lively tanneries district, where the artisanal tradition of working leather endures. We can also discover the Mellah, the picturesque Jewish quarter, as well as the imposing Royal Palace, where the Golden Gates and their surroundings will dazzle us. We will conclude this day full of discoveries in a charming riad located within the medina, offering you an authentic and unique experience.
  • Fez
  • Accommodation at the contracted Riad

Day 2: Fez – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

On this epic 5-day journey through Morocco, the second day marks the true beginning of our road odyssey. After savoring a delicious breakfast at the riad in Fez, our driver will be ready to take us towards the distant south, where the mysteries of the Sahara Desert await us.
But we won’t rush, as we will stumble upon treasures along the way that deserve to be discovered. The first of these treasures is Ifrane, also known as the “Switzerland of Africa.” We will soon understand why it bears this nickname: the gabled roofs of its buildings bear witness to the frequent snowfalls and rains in this town, situated over 1,700 meters above sea level.
We will take advantage of the humid climate at our next destination, the National Park between Azrou and Ifrane, nicknamed the “Monkey Forest” due to its illustrious inhabitants, the Barbary macaques. These endangered primates have found refuge in the cedars of this forest, and with luck, we will be able to pause to observe their fascinating behavior.
We will cross the imposing Middle Atlas to immerse ourselves in the Ziz Valley, an arid land that gives life to lush palm groves and is considered the largest oasis in Morocco, such as the impressive Tafilalet Palm Grove that we will have the privilege of contemplating.
The final stage of this day will take us to the charming town of Merzouga, the starting point for exploring one of the most astonishing regions of the Moroccan Sahara. Here, the dunes of Erg Chebbi extend majestically, and our accommodation for the night is located nearby, also offering an exquisite dinner to crown this day full of discoveries. Get ready for a unique experience under the desert stars.
  • Breakfast at Riad in Fez
  • Journey to the south of Morocco
  • Ifrane
  • Monkey Forest
  • Middle Atlas
  • Ziz Valley
  • Merzouga
  • Camel trek
  • Dinner in the Berber Camp
  • Accommodation in the camp

MERZOUGA DESERT – KHAMLIA – DESERT NOMADS – MERZOUGA DESERT

On this exceptional day of our journey, we will immerse ourselves in a series of unforgettable experiences that will be etched deep in our hearts. We will start the day with a spectacular sunrise over the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, a true spectacle of lights and shadows unfolding in solemn silence, an experience truly unique and hard to match anywhere else in the world. Once the sun has greeted the new day, we will enjoy an exquisite breakfast in our Berber camp and then head to Khamlia, also known as “the village of the blacks.” In this picturesque village, we will delve into an ancient tradition: Gnawa music, performed by descendants of Sudanese slaves who were brought to this land centuries ago. The rhythms of percussion and the essence of tribal music flow in their blood, a music honored with the prestigious title of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. We will understand the importance of this recognition when we witness one of their captivating live performances. We will continue our day by boarding our sturdy 4×4 vehicles to explore the intricate desert tracks that once challenged the daring drivers of the Paris-Dakar rally. Along this exciting itinerary, we will traverse ancient French and Berber villages, as well as old kohl mines that once provided this precious raw material for the cosmetic industry. We will make a stop at a strategic and elevated point where we can admire the vastness of the Erg Chebbi dunes, a truly imposing landscape. We will also dedicate time to visit a community of desert nomads who, although in the process of settling down, still preserve the traditions and customs of their ancestors. We will have an enriching exchange with them, learning about their lifestyle in such an inhospitable environment. At the end of this day full of wonders, we will return to our chosen Riad.
  • Breakfast at the Erg Chebbi camp
  • Khamlia
  • Paris-Dakar Rally routes
  • Visit to desert nomads
  • Merzouga
  • Dinner and accommodation at the contracted Riad

Day 4: MERZOUGA DESERT – TODRA GORGES – DADES VALLEY

On this day of the unforgettable circuit from Fez to Marrakech via the desert, the experience of waking up takes on a magical character. Rising early to witness the first light of dawn over the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi is an enchantment we do not want to miss.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast in the authentic Berber tents, we will embark on our return to Merzouga on camels or 4x4s, immersing ourselves in the serenity of the desert.
Then, our private vehicle will take us back on the road to surprising places that reveal the true essence of Morocco.
Our first stop will take us to Rissani, a charming desert city that still retains a fascinating historic medina and corners that seem trapped in time, such as its peculiar donkey parking lot.
Continuing our road trip, we will reach Tinghir or Tinerhir, whose name in the Tamazight language means “city of the mountain,” referring to the imposing rock formations that surround it.
Our next stop will be a true spectacle of nature: the Todra Gorges, located a short distance from here. This dazzling canyon, sculpted in the rock by erosion, offers us impressive vertical walls up to 200 meters high in some sections, creating unforgettable views both from the road and on foot. After this unique experience and taking plenty of photos, we will continue our route through the Dades Valley and delve into the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs. In one of the picturesque villages of the region, you will find our cozy riad, where you will enjoy an exquisite dinner and spend the night in a charming, history-filled environment.
  • Breakfast at Riad
  • Merzouga
  • Rissani
  • Tinghir
  • Todra Gorges
  • Dades Valley
  • Dinner and contracted accommodation in Dades

Day 5: DADES VALLEY – VALLEY OF ROSES – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH

After enjoying a delicious breakfast in the charming riad in the Dades Valley, we will head back to our vehicle to embark on a fascinating journey through miles of this impressive natural landscape and the nearby Valley of Roses.
Our first major stop will take us to Ouarzazate, specifically to the magnificent Taourirt kasbah. This ancient Berber fortress also served as the residence of the ‘Pasha’ of Marrakech and still retains elements that transport us to the grandeur and significance of its past construction. Shortly after, we will arrive at another renowned fortified place: the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this location has been a frequent filming site for famous movies and series such as “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Game of Thrones.” It unfolds before us as an extraordinary walled village that captivates any visitor with its stunning panoramic views from the outside and its modest dwellings and stalls that still remain inside.
After marveling at this unique gem, we will continue our road trip to cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which rises over 2,200 meters above sea level. As we ascend and descend, we will be presented with charming local villages and breathtaking panoramic views, with snow-capped peaks in the coldest season of the year.
By the late afternoon, we will arrive in Marrakech, where we will bid you farewell at your Riad or at the airport, hoping that your adventure through Morocco with us has been much more than you expected and that you will return for another tour. There is so much of Morocco to see! Have a safe journey back.
  • Breakfast at Riad in Dades
  • Valley of Roses
  • Ouarzazate
  • Ait Ben Haddou
  • High Atlas
  • Marrakech Airport
Included services

The services included in this route from Fez to Marrakech via the Merzouga desert, detailed below, will allow you to comfortably enjoy the journey.

  • Pick-up in Fez at the hotel, airport, or agreed location
  • Route in a 4×4 vehicle or van, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
  • Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
  • Camel trek to the Berber camp
  • Dinner at the Berber camp
  • Berber party at the Berber camp
  • Accommodation in a Berber tent
  • Breakfast at the Berber camp
  • On-site assistance
  • Guide in Fez
  • At the end, transfer to Marrakech airport or your Riad
Services not included

On the other hand, there are some services that are excluded from the package on this tour:

* Arrival and departure in Fez and Marrakech on international and/or domestic flights.
* Dinner in Fez.
* Lunches during the itinerary.
* Drinks.
* Tips.
* Entrance fees to monuments.

Included services

The services included in this route from Fez to Marrakech via the Merzouga desert, detailed below, will allow you to comfortably enjoy the journey.

  • Pick-up in Fez at the hotel, airport, or agreed location
  • Route in a 4×4 vehicle or van, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
  • Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
  • Camel trek to the Berber camp
  • Dinner at the Berber camp
  • Berber party at the Berber camp
  • Accommodation in a Berber tent
  • Breakfast at the Berber camp
  • On-site assistance
  • Guide in Fez
  • At the end, transfer to Marrakech airport or your Riad
Services not included

On the other hand, there are some services that are excluded from the package on this tour:

* Arrival and departure in Fez and Marrakech on international and/or domestic flights.
* Dinner in Fez.
* Lunches during the itinerary.
* Drinks.
* Tips.
* Entrance fees to monuments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Trips

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Trips

Lorem fistrum for the glory of my mother, be a jarl and take me to the circus. From the meadow ullamco what are you saying usteer is very bad.

Lorem fistrum for the glory of my mother, be a jarl and take me to the circus. From the meadow ullamco what are you saying usteer is very bad.

Lorem fistrum for the glory of my mother, be a jarl and take me to the circus. From the meadow ullamco what are you saying usteer is very bad.

Lorem fistrum for the glory of my mother, be a jarl and take me to the circus. From the meadow ullamco what are you saying usteer is very bad.

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