6-Day trip from Fes to Marrakech with Merzouga and Atlas Mountains
Tours From Fes
Duration: 6 Days
2 Person Minimum
Overview
This 6-day tour from Fes to Marrakech is a perfect blend of culture, landscapes, and Sahara desert adventure, offering a balanced pace and immersive experiences.
Start your journey by exploring the ancient medina of Fes, including the historic University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest university in the world. Discover traditional souks, tanneries, and cultural landmarks that make Fes one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities.
Travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, before continuing along the lush Ziz Valley toward Merzouga.
Enjoy an unforgettable camel trekking experience across the dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend a magical night in a luxury desert camp under the stars.
Continue through the impressive Todra Gorge and Dades Valley before visiting the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech.
End your trip with a guided exploration of Marrakech, including the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa and its vibrant atmosphere.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a complete Morocco experience with both cultural depth and desert adventure.
Tour Plan
Today, will meet you at your arrival time at the airport and transfer to a nice riad in the old medina. After Check In you will start exploring Fes the “the Sprititual City of Morocco”. You will explore Medina and its alleys; visiting most of the sites with cultural and historical interest - including the famous Al Karaouine Mosque and University (the oldest in the world), the Medrasa Bouanania, the Tanneries and the Najjarine fountain. After lunch, we will drive you outside the Medina to see the Royal Palace gate, walk through the Jewish quarter “the Mellah”, and then visit the pottery cooperative. In the afternoon, we will drive you to one of the fortresses to experience an amazing panoramic view of the whole Medina of Fes. Overnight accommodation at the same riad
After breakfast in your riad, you’ll start travelling southeast to Merzouga via Midelt and Errachidia. Your first stop will be at Ifran, referred to as "the Switzerland of Morocco", and then to Merzouga via Midlet and the Ziz Valley. During this journey you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas mountains. Stopping at the famous cedar forest - the largest in Morocco – where you may well sight Barbarian apes. You’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city Er Rachidia. After lunch in Midelt, your journey continues along the luxuriant Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way. We will drive through welcoming Berber villages to Erfoud, then get to Merzouga desert where you will start your guided camel ride, led by an experienced camel man to explore within the sand sea of Merzouga and see the sunset. Overnight at our desert camp where you will have your dinner camp fire and drums party. The camp is equipped with flush toilets and hot showers inside your private tent. (HB) ( Sand boards are available at the camp , you,can use them for free if you like to do sand boarding )
Your camel guide will wake you up early in the morning to watch what well may be the best sunrise in your life ,appreciating the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast at the camp you’ll leave for Tinghir and Todgha gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. Here you’ll have the opportunity to walk a little bit along it’s valley. We’ll drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Overnight accommodation will be in a riad or a guesthouse in the heart of the Valley (dinner and breakfast).
After breakfast, we’ll drive through the Dades Valley towards Kalaat M'Gouna and Ouarzazate. The route through Dades Valley is named the way of thousand Kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip. We’ll stop at Kalaat M'Gouna, “the rose city”, to purchase the rosewater, which will make your linen smell good a long time after your trip is over. Continue to Ouarzazate, “the Hollywood of Africa”. Lunch will be at the famous Ait Benhaddou kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco. It is recognized by UNESCO as a world patrimony. It is famous as a backdrop for many films, including 'Lawrence of ArabLawrence of Arabia', 'Gladiator'. Our journey will continue through the majestic Tizi n'Tichka pass (2260 m) over the High Atlas Mountains where you can stop also to explore the process of making the Argan oil at the women's cooperatives before arriving to Marrakech where you will spend the night at a nice riad.
After breakfast at the riad, you will enjoy a morning guided tour of Marrakech "the Red City of Morocco”. Your guide will ensure that you see all the sites with historical and cultural interest, including the Koutoubia Minaret; the Saadian tombs; the beautiful Palace of Bahia and the Ben Youssef Coranic School. Finally, end the morning by walking through the medina alleys -getting a chance to admire all of the different artisans performing their crafts before arriving at the famous Jamaa El Fna Square. Lunch at a restaurant near the square, and then in the afternoon you can visit the Majorelle gardens, and have a short tour at Gueliz -the new city of Marrakech. After that you will have free time to walk through the square entertained by magicians, story-tellers, tooth-pullers and food sellers. Overnight accommodation will be at the same riad with breakfast.
Today we will drive you to the airport at any time you want.
Included
- Travel in private tour with a comfortable AC 4x4 or Van
- Experienced English speaking driver
- Fuel
- accommodation at nice riads with dinner and breakfast, except in Fes and Marrakech the dinner is not included
- One night at a nice luxury desert camp with dinner and breakfast
- The camel ride to spend the night in the desert ( 1 camel per person )
Exclude
- Dinner in Fes and Marrakech
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Tips
Extra Info
🔹 Extra Information
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Departure City: Fes
Ending City: Marrakech
Tour Type: Private One-Way Tour
Transportation: Air-conditioned 4x4 or Minivan
Accommodation: Riads + Luxury Desert Camp
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to Travel: March to May, September to November
Languages Available: English
🔹 Good to Know
Airport pickup in Fes is included
Guided tour of Fes medina included
Camel trekking takes about 1–1.5 hours each way
Luxury desert camp included
Sandboarding often available at the camp
Dinner not included in Fes and Marrakech
Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Temperature differences between desert and cities can be significant
Luggage transported separately during desert excursion
🔹 Highlights
Guided tour of Fes medina
Visit University of Al Quaraouiyine
Scenic drive through Middle Atlas Mountains
Stop in Ifrane and Azrou
Explore Ziz Valley
Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
Overnight in Sahara desert camp with dinner & music
Watch desert sunset and sunrise
Walk through Todra Gorge
Discover Dades Valley
Visit Ait Benhaddou
Cross Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Guided tour of Marrakech
🔹 Optional Add-ons
Quad biking in Merzouga
Sandboarding experience
Upgrade to premium desert camp
Private Marrakech guided extension
Extra night in Marrakech
Currency:
The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). On average, 1 Euro (EUR) equals approximately 10 to 11 dirhams, 1 US Dollar (USD) equals around 9 to 10 dirhams, and 1 British Pound (GBP) equals approximately 12 to 13 dirhams, depending on current exchange rates. In all major cities, you can withdraw cash using international Visa, MasterCard, and other widely accepted bank cards. There are also numerous exchange offices available at airports, city centers, and tourist areas. Please note that exporting Moroccan dirhams outside the country is prohibited, so it is recommended to exchange or withdraw only the amount you need.
Local Time:
Morocco generally operates on GMT+1, with slight adjustments during certain times of the year, particularly during Ramadan. Compared to countries such as France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, or Spain, there may be a one to two-hour time difference depending on the season. For travelers from the United Kingdom, Morocco often shares the same time zone or differs by one hour. Visitors from the United States or Canada should expect a larger time difference depending on their departure city.
Passport and Visa:
Citizens of many countries including France, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several other European nations are required to hold a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the date of entry into Morocco. For short-term tourist stays, a visa is generally not required for these nationalities. However, entry requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, so it is strongly recommended to check with your local Moroccan embassy or consulate before traveling.
Health:
No specific vaccinations are required for most international travelers visiting Morocco. However, it is recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations. The best precaution remains prevention: drink bottled water, avoid poorly preserved food, and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Morocco’s major cities offer good healthcare facilities, and pharmacies are widely available throughout the country.
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