Best 8-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

After breakfast, you will go on a walking tour of Marrakech with a local guide to see its famous attractions. First, you will visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the biggest mosque in Marrakech. It has a tall tower that can be seen from many parts of the city.

Then, you will visit the Bahia Palace, which means “brilliance.” It is a large palace from the 19th century that shows the beauty of Moroccan architecture. After that, you will visit the Saadian Tombs, where old kings and their families were buried many years ago.

Next, you will walk through the narrow streets of the medina and explore the traditional souk. You will enjoy the colors, smells, and busy atmosphere. Later, you will visit Jemaa El-Fna square, a lively place with musicians, storytellers, and food stalls.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Majorelle Garden, a peaceful place with blue buildings, flowers, and bamboo paths. It was created by a French artist in the 1920s and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. After the tour, you can return to your riad or enjoy the evening in the medina on your own.

We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning to start the trip from Marrakech to the Dades Gorges. On the way, we will stop at a women’s cooperative, where you can see how argan oil is made and learn what it’s used for.

Then, we will drive through the High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road in Morocco at 2,260 meters. We will stop there to enjoy the views and take a short break.

Next, we will visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO site and film location for movies like Gladiator. After exploring the kasbah, we will continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and visit the Oscar Studios.

We will pass through the Valley of the Roses, where you can enjoy a tea break and visit a local shop that makes rose products (optional).

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the Dades Gorges, where you will check into your hotel and rest for the night.

Today, you will travel south toward Merzouga, the highlight of our 8 day Morocco tour from Marrakech. Along the way, we will stop at the Todra Gorges, a beautiful place with high cliffs and a small river. You will have time to walk around and enjoy the views.

Next, we will visit an old underground water system that still helps water the oasis of Fzna. It’s an important part of desert life.

In the afternoon, we will arrive in Merzouga, where your camel will be ready. You will ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and stop to watch the sunset.

At night, you will stay in a desert camp, enjoy dinner, listen to Berber music, and sleep in a private tent.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise on one of the sand dunes—it’s an amazing way to start the day. After breakfast at the camp, your desert tour around Merzouga starts.

First, we will visit the Morocco National 4×4 Museum to see old off-road and racing cars. Then, we will go to Khamlia village to enjoy live Gnawa music, a traditional style played by locals with roots in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Next, we will drive into the desert to visit the old Mifis mine, where the French used to dig for minerals. 10 minutes away, we will stop at a nomad family’s tent. They will offer you tea, and our driver will give you information on how they live in the desert.

In the afternoon, we will visit a small oasis and see how people use a foggara—an old underground water system that brings water to the land and helps keep it green.

After the tour, we will drop you off at the riad in Merzouga to relax for the evening.

Today, we will travel from Merzouga to Fes, passing through some of the most beautiful parts of Morocco.

The first stop is Erfoud, a town known for its fresh date fruits. We will visit the local market, where you can taste different kinds of dates and see how important they are to the area.

Then, we will drive through the Ziz Valley, full of palm trees. We will stop at a viewpoint so you can enjoy the view and take some photos.

Next, we will pass through the cedar forest in the mountains. This is home to the Barbary macaques—small monkeys that often come close and are fun to see. You can take pictures or even feed them if you like.

Before reaching Fes, we will stop in Ifrane, a city with clean streets and parks. You will have time to take a photo with the famous lion statue carved from stone.

In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Fes and drop you off at the riad.

Today, you will explore the old city of Fes with a local guide who will show you its most interesting places. You will start with a visit to the Royal Palace, known for its beautiful golden gates and detailed design. Then, you will have a short walk through the old Jewish quarter, called the Mellah.

Next, you will enter the old medina of Fes through the famous blue gate, Bab Boujloud. Inside the medina, you will visit Al Karaouine University, the oldest university in the world, and the Al Attarine Madrasa, a beautiful old Islamic school.

You will also visit the Chouara Tannery to see how people make leather the old way. Then, you will go to pottery and ceramic workshops to watch how local crafts are made by hand.

After the tour, we will take you back to the riad. You will have the evening free to relax or take a walk and enjoy the old city on your own.

This is the last day of our Morocco 8 day desert tour from Marrakech. Our driver will pick you up and take you to the airport in time for your flight.