Early morning departure from Marrakech, heading 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 spectacular switchbacks with sweeping views of rocky peaks, deep valleys, and Berber villages perched on the hillsides. Stop along the way for panoramic photographs before beginning the descent toward the pre-Saharan plains of the south.
The first major stop of the day is the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic fortified villages in Morocco. This ancient ksar, built entirely from red earthen clay, has stood as a key stop along the trans-Saharan trade routes for centuries and has appeared in productions including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy. Your guide will walk you through the narrow alleyways and take you up to the top granary for sweeping views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Continue through Ouarzazate for a lunch stop before heading east through the Valley of Roses, passing through Kelaat M’Gouna where Damask roses are cultivated and celebrated every May during the famous Rose Festival. Continue into the Dades Valley, arriving in the late afternoon. The winding roads of the Dades Gorge, the dramatic red rock formations, and the ancient kasbahs clinging to the cliffsides make this one of the most beautiful overnight settings in southern Morocco. Check into your riad for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
After breakfast, begin the day with a drive through the Dades Gorge, passing the famous Monkey Fingers red rock formations near Ait Oudinar before the valley opens out into the broader southern plains. Continue east to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular natural canyon carved by the Todra River through limestone cliffs that rise over 300 meters on either side. Take a refreshing walk along the river through the gorge before continuing south through Erfoud, a desert town known for its fossil-rich black marble workshops, toward Merzouga.
By late afternoon, the towering orange dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. Your camels will be waiting at the edge of the desert 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 completely around you. Arrive at your luxury desert camp to a warm welcome of mint tea and Berber bread. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under a sky full of stars, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of live Berber music around the campfire.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
Rise before dawn to witness the Sahara sunrise, one of the most peaceful and unforgettable moments of the entire journey. As the first light creeps over the dunes, the desert awakens in shades of gold and pink. After breakfast at the camp, the full day is dedicated to exploring the rich culture and landscapes of the Merzouga desert region.
Begin with a visit to a nomadic Berber family in their tent and gain a genuine insight into their quiet, self-sufficient way of life. Continue to the fossil mines near Merzouga, where millions of years of prehistoric marine life are embedded in the local rock. Head next to Khamlia village, home to the descendants of sub-Saharan Africans brought to Morocco during the 16th and 17th centuries, who have preserved the ancient tradition of Gnawa music. A live performance by local musicians in this small desert village is one of the most memorable cultural encounters of the entire tour.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free for optional activities. ATV quad biking across the Erg Chebbi dunes is the most popular choice, offering a thrilling way to explore the desert from a different perspective. Sandboarding and 4×4 excursions are also available. Alternatively, the afternoon can be spent relaxing, walking among the dunes, or watching the light change across the desert as the day winds down. The second night is spent in a comfortable riad or hotel in Merzouga, a welcome contrast to the desert camp with full bathroom facilities and a relaxed setting to prepare for the long drive north tomorrow.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
After breakfast in Merzouga, leave the desert behind and begin the full-day drive north to Fes. This is the longest driving day of the tour but one of the most scenically varied, taking you through a remarkable succession of landscapes from the desert plains of the south to the forests and mountains of the Middle Atlas before arriving in one of Morocco’s most extraordinary cities.
The drive north from Merzouga passes through the historic town of Rissani, the ancient former capital of the Tafilalt region. If your visit falls on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), a brief stop at the Rissani souk offers an authentic glimpse into local desert trade and daily life before continuing into the Ziz Valley. This is oneof the most beautiful and photogenic landscapes in southern Morocco, the Ziz River winding through a long corridor of thousands of date palms, ancient mud-brick kasbahs, and small Berber villages. Stop at the panoramic viewpoint high above the valley for sweeping photographs before continuing through the Foum Zabel tunnel and across the Tizi-n-Talghemt mountain pass.
Continue north into the Middle Atlas Mountains, where the scenery shifts dramatically from desert plains to rolling hills and cedar forests. A stop near Azrou offers a chance to see the famous Barbary macaque monkeys roaming freely among the ancient cedar trees, one of Morocco’s most charming wildlife encounters. Continue through Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, a spotlessly clean alpine town with European-style stone chalets and cool mountain air, for a short coffee stop before the final stretch north to Fes. Arrive in Fes in the evening and check into your traditional riad in the heart of the old medina, ready for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Overnight stay: Traditional riad in Fes
After breakfast at your riad, your local expert guide will meet you and begin the full guided cultural tour of Fes el-Bali, the ancient walled medina of Fes and one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval cities in the world. With over nine thousand alleyways, centuries-old monuments, and artisan workshops that have been operating for generations, Fes rewards a guided visit far more than an independent exploration. A good guide does not just show you where to go. He opens doors you would never find on your own.
Begin with Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859 AD and recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. Continue to the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning 14th-century theological school featuring intricate zellige tilework, elaborately carved stucco walls, and ornate cedar wood ceilings that represent some of the finest decorative craftsmanship in Morocco. Head to the world-famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather has been dyed using the same natural pigments and traditional methods for over a thousand years. View the vivid circular dye vats from the rooftop terraces of the surrounding leather shops, one of the most visually striking experiences in all of Morocco.
Round off the afternoon with a walk through the artisan workshops where coppersmiths, weavers, potters, and ceramicists practice their crafts as they have for generations, and enjoy some free time to browse the souk for souvenirs or relax at a traditional cafe with a mint tea. Return to your riad in the evening for dinner and a final overnight stay in the heart of one of Morocco’s most extraordinary cities.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
Your final morning in Fes is yours to enjoy at your own pace depending on your flight schedule. Take a last walk through the medina, enjoy a final mint tea at a rooftop cafe overlooking the ancient city, or simply relax at your riad before departure.
Your final morning in Fes is yours to enjoy at your own pace depending on your flight schedule. Take a last walk through the medina, enjoy a final mint tea at a rooftop cafe overlooking the ancient city, or simply relax at your riad before departure.
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 for all 6 days and will not share with any other group.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Marrakech with a pickup from your hotel, riad, or Marrakech Menara Airport. It ends with a departure transfer from your Fes riad to Fes Airport on Day 6. Simply share your flight details at the time of booking and we will organize the timing accordingly.
Is Day 4 a long drive?
Yes, the drive from Merzouga to Fes is approximately 6 to 7 hours in total. However, it is broken up with several stops including Rissani, the Ziz Valley viewpoint, the Azrou cedar forest, and Ifrane, making it a scenic and varied day rather than a tiring one. Departing Merzouga after breakfast ensures a comfortable arrival in Fes by early evening.
Why are there two nights in Merzouga?
Two nights in Merzouga allows for a genuinely immersive desert experience. The first night in the luxury desert camp provides the full sunset camel trek and campfire experience. The full day on Day 3 allows proper exploration of the desert including nomadic families, Khamlia village, and the fossil sites, with the second night in a comfortable riad providing a relaxed base with full facilities.
What does the guided Fes tour on Day 5 cover?
The guided Fes tour is led by a licensed local expert and covers the main highlights of Fes el-Bali including Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Chouara Tanneries, and the artisan workshops. The tour takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and gives you a genuine understanding of the city’s history, architecture, and living craft traditions.
What type of accommodation is included?
You will stay in a riad in Dades Valley, a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, a comfortable riad or hotel in Merzouga, and a traditional riad in Fes for two nights. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, cleanliness, and authentic Moroccan character.
Are the ATV quad bikes included?
ATV quad biking is an optional activity available at an additional cost paid locally on the day in Merzouga. It is not included in the base tour price. Your driver-guide will arrange it for you if you wish to try it.
What meals are included?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Lunches are not included, giving you the freedom to explore local restaurants and street food along the route.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. Navigate Morocco offers fully flexible itineraries. Stops, pacing, accommodation preferences, and optional activities can all be adjusted to match your group’s interests and schedule.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, light layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Bring a warm layer for cool evenings in the mountains and desert. 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 in Fes.
