6-Day Luxury Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes via Sahara

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Atlas Mountains Adventure – Cross the dramatic Tizi N’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, witnessing breathtaking panoramic views and traditional Berber villages
• UNESCO Heritage Experience – Explore the legendary Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a stunning example of pre-Saharan architecture and famous filming location
• Cinematic History Discovery – Tour the renowned Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood,” and the historic Kasbah of Taourirt
• Natural Wonder Exploration – Walk through the towering Todra Gorges, featuring dramatic 300-meter-high rock walls and crystal-clear rivers
• Sahara Desert Immersion – Experience a magical sunset camel trek across Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes to a luxury desert camp
• Nomadic Culture Connection – Meet authentic desert nomads and enjoy traditional Gnawa music in small desert villages
• Middle Atlas Journey – Visit the Cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques, and the “Little Switzerland” of Ifrane
• Ancient Medina Discovery – Explore Fes’s medieval medina, visiting the world’s oldest university and historic leather tanneries
• Ziz Valley Panorama – Drive through the spectacular Ziz Valley, witnessing traditional ksours and the engineering marvel of Tunnel Du Légionnaire
• Cultural Immersion – Experience authentic Moroccan hospitality in carefully selected riads and engage with local communities

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate

Journey Duration: 4-5 hours | Distance: 190 km

Begin your Moroccan adventure with an early morning departure from Marrakech, ascending the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the serpentine Tizi n’Tichka Pass. This engineering marvel, reaching 2,260 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking views of terraced mountainsides and traditional Berber villages clinging to the slopes.

After a scenic lunch stop in the mountains, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou. This 11th-century fortified village, perched dramatically above the Ounila River, showcases the finest example of southern Moroccan architecture. Explore its narrow alleys and climb to the fortress top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions, including “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.”

The day concludes in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinema capital, with a visit to the Atlas Film Studios—the world’s largest film studio by acreage—and the historic Kasbah of Taourirt, a 19th-century palace featuring intricate decorations and stunning city views. Overnight in a comfortable hotel, enjoying dinner with views of the sunset over the Anti-Atlas Mountains.

Day 2: Ouarzazate → Dades Gorges → Todra Gorges → Merzouga

Journey Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 360 km

Depart Ouarzazate through the lush Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses (seasonal blooms April–May). Wind through the dramatic Dades Valley, known for its “Monkey Fingers” rock formations, before arriving at the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges. Take time to walk beneath 300-meter limestone cliffs and enjoy lunch in the canyon’s shade.

Continue south through Erfoud—famous for fossils—and arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon. Mount your camel for a 1.5-hour trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a breathtaking sunset. Arrive at your luxury desert camp for a traditional Berber dinner under the stars, accompanied by live Gnawa music and unparalleled views of the Milky Way.

Day 3: Merzouga → Khamlia → Rissani → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes

Journey Duration: 8-9 hours | Distance: 480 km

Rise early to witness a spectacular Saharan sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, visit Khamlia village for a soulful Gnawa music performance, then explore Rissani’s bustling souk—the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling dynasty. Continue north through the palm-lined Ziz Valley and cross the Tunnel du Légionnaire, an engineering feat carved through the mountains.

Pass through Midelt, the “Apple Capital,” and ascend into the Middle Atlas. Stop in Azrou to spot wild Barbary macaques in cedar forests, then visit Ifrane—“Little Switzerland”—with its alpine charm. Arrive in Fes by evening and check into your traditional riad in the medina.

Day 4: Full-Day Fes Medina Exploration

Journey Duration: Full day | Distance: City walking tour

Dedicate the day to exploring Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO-listed medieval medina and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Visit Al-Qarawiyyin University (founded in 859 AD), the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Chouara Tanneries, Nejjarine Fountain, and the Royal Palace gates. Your guide will reveal centuries of spiritual, scholarly, and artisanal heritage as you navigate labyrinthine alleys filled with crafts, spices, and history. Overnight in Fes.

Day 5: Fes → Volubilis → Meknes → Rabat

Journey Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 220 km

Depart Fes for the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO site featuring well-preserved mosaics and triumphal arches. Continue to Meknes, Morocco’s 17th-century imperial capital, to see Bab Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. After lunch, drive to Rabat, Morocco’s modern capital. Visit the Hassan Tower, Mohamed V Mausoleum, and Oudayas Kasbah. Overnight in Rabat.

Day 6: Rabat → Casablanca → Departure or Optional Extension
Journey Duration: 1.5 hours | Distance: 90 km

After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca (or remain in Rabat if preferred). Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque—one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims—before your airport transfer. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation along the Corniche. Your 6-day luxury desert adventure concludes with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry.