6 Days from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, Dades and Ouarzazate
Discover Morocco on an unforgettable 6-day private journey from Fes to Marrakech, combining history, culture, mountains, desert landscapes and traditional southern villages. The tour begins with your arrival in Fes, followed by a guided sightseeing tour of the ancient Medina and its most important historical monuments. On Day 3, leave Fes and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains before continuing through the Ziz Valley toward the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Enjoy a camel trek and spend the night among the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Continue the following day toward the spectacular Dades Gorges, then spend another night in Ouarzazate before crossing the High Atlas Mountains and reaching Marrakech. This itinerary is designed to offer a balanced introduction to Morocco, combining guided cultural discovery with an authentic Sahara experience and the spectacular landscapes of southern Morocco.
6 Days from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, Dades and Ouarzazate
Day 1: Arrival in Fes
Welcome to Fes, one of Morocco’s most fascinating imperial cities. Upon your arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport, train station or another agreed meeting point and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax and settle into the city. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a short walk around the surrounding streets or simply rest at your hotel or riad. Fes is famous for its historic Medina, traditional architecture, artisan workshops and rich cultural heritage. Your accommodation provides a comfortable base for the beginning of your Moroccan adventure. In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at your own leisure and prepare for the guided city tour planned for the following day. Spend your first night in Fes.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Fes
After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Fes with a local professional guide. Explore the historic Medina of Fes, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Walk through its narrow streets and discover traditional souks, artisan workshops, historic gates and beautiful architectural details. Visit important cultural and historical sites such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, Al Quaraouiyine area, Nejjarine Square and the famous tanneries. Your guide will explain the history, traditions and cultural importance of the city while helping you discover places that can be difficult to find independently. You will also have time to explore local markets and observe traditional crafts. After the guided tour, return to your accommodation and enjoy a free evening in Fes. Spend your second night in Fes before beginning your journey toward the Sahara the next morning.
Day 3: Fes to Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, leave Fes and begin your journey toward the Sahara Desert. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains and stop in Ifrane, a charming mountain town surrounded by forests. Continue toward Azrou and enjoy the scenery of the cedar forests before crossing the landscapes around Midelt. After lunch, continue toward the Ziz Valley, where panoramic viewpoints offer spectacular views over the palm-filled oasis. The journey continues through Erfoud, known for its fossils and dates, before reaching Merzouga in the afternoon. Upon arrival, begin your camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Ride through the desert while watching the changing colors of the sand as the sun moves toward the horizon. Reach your desert camp before sunset, enjoy a traditional dinner and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Sahara. Spend your third night in a desert camp in Merzouga.
Day 4: Merzouga to Dades Gorges
Wake early to enjoy the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before breakfast at the camp. After breakfast, leave Merzouga and continue toward the Dades Valley. Travel through the desert landscapes toward Rissani and Erfoud before continuing through the changing scenery of southern Morocco. Depending on the route and time available, you can stop at panoramic viewpoints and visit traditional villages along the way. Continue toward the Todra region, where dramatic cliffs, palm groves and mountain landscapes create an impressive setting. The road then leads toward the Dades Valley, famous for its spectacular rock formations and winding mountain roads. Arrive in the Dades Gorges area in the afternoon and enjoy some time to explore the surrounding landscapes or relax at your accommodation. Spend your fourth night in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Gorges.
Day 5: Dades Gorges to Ouarzazate
After breakfast, continue your journey through the beautiful Valley of Roses and along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. The route offers spectacular views of fortified villages, valleys, mountains and traditional kasbahs. Depending on the season, you may stop in the Valley of Roses and visit local villages. Continue toward Skoura, a peaceful oasis surrounded by palm trees and historic kasbahs. After exploring the area, continue to Ouarzazate, often known as the gateway to the Sahara. Ouarzazate is famous for its film studios and historic architecture. You can visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah or enjoy some free time to discover the city. Spend your fifth night in Ouarzazate.
Day 6: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou
After breakfast, leave Ouarzazate and travel toward the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This historic fortified village is one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its traditional architecture and enjoy views over the surrounding landscape. After the visit, continue toward the High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The road offers beautiful mountain panoramas and opportunities for scenic stops and photographs. As you descend toward Marrakech, the landscape gradually changes from mountain terrain to greener valleys and the Marrakech plain. Continue to the Red City and arrive in the afternoon or early evening. Your private driver will drop you off at your accommodation in Marrakech, marking the end of your memorable 6-day journey from Fes to Marrakech through Merzouga, the Dades Gorges and Ouarzazate.
Included
- Private transportation with a professional driver
- 5 nights of accommodation
- 2 nights in Fes
- 1 night in a Merzouga desert camp
- 1 night in the Dades Gorges
- 1 night in Ouarzazate
- Local professional guided tour of Fes
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Sunset and sunrise in the Merzouga Desert
- Visit to Ait Ben Haddou
- Scenic stops along the Middle Atlas, Ziz Valley and High Atlas
- Breakfasts during the tour
- Dinner at the Merzouga desert camp
Excluded
- Lunches and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Tips and optional activities
