Your Navigate Morocco journey begins with a pickup from Casablanca Airport or your accommodation. The first stop is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and a symbol of Moroccan pride and craftsmanship. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque’s 210-meter minaret is the tallest religious structure in the world, and its interior of hand-carved cedar wood, Italian marble, and intricate zellige tilework is breathtaking. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, making it a truly special start to the journey.
After the mosque, enjoy a short scenic walk along Casablanca’s Corniche, a lively coastal promenade with views of the Atlantic, before setting off on the drive south toward Marrakech. The road passes through a variety of Moroccan landscapes, from coastal plains to fertile farmland, giving you a first taste of the country’s diversity before reaching the Red City.
Arrive in Marrakech by early evening and check into your riad. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at your accommodation or at a nearby restaurant in the medina, and take time to settle in and absorb the first sounds and scents of one of Morocco’s most vibrant cities before a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
After breakfast at your riad, the entire day is dedicated to discovering the wonders of Marrakech with a knowledgeable local guide. Begin in the Marrakech Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring its maze-like streets filled with colorful souks, traditional craftsmen, and authentic Moroccan life. Your guide willlead you through the different quarters of the market, explaining the history and traditions behind each craft and trade, from leatherwork and metalwork to weaving and pottery.
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech and a defining landmark of the city, whose 70-meter minaret has guided travelers for over eight centuries. Continue to the Bahia Palace, a magnificent 19th-century royal residence with grand courtyards, intricately painted ceilings, carved stucco walls, and fragrant orange tree gardens. From there, discover the Saadian Tombs, a royal necropolis hidden for centuries and only rediscovered in 1917, housing the ornate marble tombs of the Saadian dynasty in a setting of extraordinary decorative detail.
In the afternoon, visit the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square, the beating heart of Marrakech and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, where storytellers, musicians, acrobats, and food stalls bring the square to life as the day progresses. End the afternoon at the peaceful Majorelle Garden, a stunning botanical garden of exotic plants and electric blue architecture once owned by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Return to your riad in the evening to rest after a rich and rewarding day.
Overnight stay: Riad in Marrakech
After breakfast, depart Marrakech and begin the scenic drive east across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest paved road in North Africa at approximately 2,260 meters above sea level. The mountain road winds through a series of breathtaking viewpoints, terraced Berber villages clinging to the hillsides, and deep rocky valleys. Stop along the way for panoramic photos and to take in the dramatic scenery that unfolds at every turn.
Descend from the mountains and continue to the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. Built from earthen clay along the banks of the Ounila River, this ancient ksar once served as a vital stop along the trans-Saharan trade routes and has since become one of the most filmed locations in the world, appearing in productions including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, and Lawrence of Arabia. Take time to wander the narrow alleyways, climb to the top of the village for sweeping desert views, and learn about the history of this extraordinary place.
Continue to Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa and the Gateway to the Sahara. Visit the famous Taourirt Kasbah, an impressive fortress that was once home to the powerful Glaoui family, then explore the legendary Atlas Film Studios if time allows. After a break in Ouarzazate, continue east through the dramatic Valley of Roses and into the Dades Valley, marked by winding roads, red rock formations, ancient kasbahs, and lush green oases. Arrive by evening for dinner and an overnight stay in a charming riad overlooking the valley.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
After breakfast, depart the Dades Valley and begin the drive east toward one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural wonders. The road through the Dades Gorge passes towering red rock formations, ancient kasbahs, and the famous Monkey Fingers rock formations near Ait Oudinar before opening out into the broader plains of the south. Continue to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular natural canyon carved by the Todra River through limestone cliffs that rise over 300 meters on either side. At its narrowest point, the canyon walls close in to just a few meters wide, creating a dramatic corridor of sheer rock. Take a peaceful walk along the river through the gorge and enjoy the extraordinary scenery.
Continue the journey south through small Berber villages and ever-changing desert landscapes as the terrain gradually shifts from rocky gorges to open pre-Saharan plains. By late afternoon, the towering orange dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon and the Sahara Desert welcomes you. Your camels will be waiting at the edge of the dunes for a sunset trek across the golden sands. As the sun descends, the dunes glow in shades of amber and rose, and the silence of the Sahara settles around you.
Arrive at your desert camp to a warm welcome of mint tea and traditional Berber bread. Settle into your private tent before gathering around the campfire under a sky full of stars. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner accompanied by the rhythmic beats of live Berber and Gnawa music. Share stories, connect with the culture, and immerse yourself in the extraordinary tranquility of the Sahara.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
Rise before dawn to watch the Sahara sunrise, one of the most peaceful and memorable moments of the entire journey. As the first light of day creeps over the dunes, the desert awakens in shades of gold and pink. After breakfast at the camp, say farewell to the desert and begin the long and scenic drive north toward Fes.
The road out of Merzouga passes through wide open pre-Saharan plains before entering the stunning Ziz Valley, one of the most beautiful and photogenic landscapes in southern Morocco. The valley follows the Ziz River through a long corridor of date palms, ancient mud-brick kasbahs, and small Berber villages. Stop at the panoramic viewpoint high above the valley for sweeping views of the palm groves stretching out below, framed by red rock cliffs and desert mountains, before continuing north through the Foum Zabel tunnel and across the Tizi-n-Talghemt mountain pass.
Continue into the cedar forests around Azrou, where Atlas cedar trees tower above the road and Barbary macaque monkeys roam freely. These charismatic primates are found only in the Atlas Mountains and a small area of Algeria, making this encounter a genuinely special wildlife moment. Continue to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, a spotlessly clean alpine town with stone chalets, manicured parks, and cool mountain air that provides a striking contrast to the desert landscapes of the previous day. Enjoy a short walk through the town before the final stretch to Fes. Arrive in Fes by evening, where your Navigate Morocco driver will drop you off at your accommodation or at Fes Airport, marking the end of your 5-day Moroccan adventure.
End of tour with Navigate Morocco
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This is a fully private tour operated exclusively for you and your travel companions by Navigate Morocco. You will have a dedicated vehicle and driver-guide throughout all 5 days and will not share with anyother group.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Casablanca with a pickup from the airport or your accommodation and ends in Fes with a drop-off at your hotel or Fes Airport, depending on your onward travel plans.
What are the approximate driving times between destinations?
Casablanca to Marrakech is approximately 3 hours. Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate is approximately 6 to 7 hours. Dades Valley to Merzouga is approximately 5 to 6 hours. Merzouga to Fes via the Ziz Valley, Cedar Forests, and Ifrane is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Scenic stops and photography breaks are included throughout each day.
What type of accommodation is included?
You will stay in carefully selected traditional riads in Marrakech and Dades Valley, and a luxury desert camp in Merzouga. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, cleanliness, and authentic Moroccan character.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout the tour, along with 2 dinners (on arrival in Marrakech and at the desert camp in Merzouga). Lunches and other meals are not included, giving you the freedom to explore local restaurants and street food along the route.
Is the camel trek suitable for beginners?
Yes. The camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes is slow-paced and guided by experienced local handlers, making it suitable for all travelers including those who have never ridden a camel before. A 4×4 transfer to the desert camp can be arranged as an alternative if preferred.
Are entrance fees included?
Entrance fees to monuments, kasbahs, and museums are not included in the tour price, giving you the freedom to choose which sites you wish to enter. Your guide will advise on the best options based on your interests and available time.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. Navigate Morocco offers fully flexible itineraries. Extra days, additional stops, hot air balloon rides over Marrakech, spa experiences, or extra nights at any destination can all be arranged. Simply get in touch and we will tailor the experience for you.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes. This tour is suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and small groups. The camel trek, desert camp, and Barbary macaque encounter are particularly popular with younger travelers. The pace of the tour can be adjusted to suit all ages.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
The best months are March to May and September to November, when temperatures are comfortable across all regions of the route. Summer can be very hot in the Sahara Desert and southern Morocco, while winter is cooler but still manageable with appropriate clothing in the mountains.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, light layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Bring a warm layer for cool desert and mountain evenings. A small daypack is ideal for daily excursions and the camel trek, and a scarf is useful for the desert wind and when visiting religious sites.
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Yes. Morocco is generally a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. Traveling with Navigate Morocco’s private guides and dedicated transportation ensures a smooth, secure, and comfortable experience throughout the journey.
