8-Day Complete Tour: Marrakech, Desert, Fez, and Return to Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you can start exploring Marrakech at your own pace. We recommend visiting the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square in the evening, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere with street performers, food stalls, and local vendors. Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, we begin our journey to the desert. We'll pick you up from your accommodation and head southeast, crossing the Tizi N'Tichka mountain pass in the High Atlas Mountains (2260m altitude). We'll make panoramic stops to admire the breathtaking mountain views. Our first major cultural stop will be at the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, an impressive fortified adobe city with centuries of history, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and featured in many famous films. After exploring this gem and having lunch in the area (lunch not included), we'll continue to Ouarzazate, known as the 'Hollywood of Africa', and then through the beautiful Valley of the Roses (Kelaa M'Gouna) until we reach the Dades Valley. Dinner and accommodation in a charming Riad or hotel in the Dades Valley.

After breakfast, we'll leave the Dades Valley to head towards the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon with rock walls up to 300 meters high, ideal for a walk and photography. We'll continue our journey towards the desert, passing through Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, famous for its fossils. Upon arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon, the camels await us to begin an unforgettable adventure. We'll take a camel ride of approximately 1.5 hours, entering the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to witness a magical sunset. We'll arrive at our Berber camp in the heart of the desert. We'll enjoy a traditional dinner, live Berber music under the stars, and a unique night sleeping in equipped nomadic tents.

Early in the morning, you'll have the opportunity to climb to the top of a dune to contemplate the impressive sunrise over the desert. After breakfast at the camp, you can enjoy a full day in the desert. This extra day allows you to explore the desert surroundings at your own pace. You can visit a Berber nomad family to learn about their traditional lifestyle, explore the village of Khamlia (known for its Gnawa music), take a stroll through the local market in Rissani (if it is a market day), or simply relax and enjoy the tranquility of the desert. Optional activities include sandboarding, 4x4 desert tours, or quad biking (at additional cost). We'll return to the camp for another magical night under the stars with traditional dinner and Berber music.

After watching another spectacular sunrise and having breakfast at the camp, we'll return by camels or 4x4 vehicle (at convenience) to Merzouga. We'll begin the journey north towards Fez. The route passes through Rissani (possible stop at a local market if it coincides), Erfoud, and the vast palm grove of the Ziz Valley. We'll continue through Errachidia and Midelt, where we'll stop for lunch (not included). After lunch, we'll cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the cedar forest near Azrou, where you might see Barbary monkeys, and then through Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco" due to its alpine architecture. We'll arrive in Fez in the late afternoon, with transfer to your accommodation. Overnight in Fez.

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Fez, one of Morocco's four imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, you'll have a full day guided tour of the medina. Visit the Royal Palace (exterior), the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and the famous tanneries where leather is still processed using traditional methods. Explore the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a beautiful example of Marinid architecture, and the Bou Inania Madrasa. Stroll through the narrow alleys of the medina, visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, and discover the famous souks where you can find traditional crafts, ceramics, leather goods, spices, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, one of the oldest universities in the world. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant (optional, not included). Overnight in Fez.

After breakfast, we'll begin our journey back to Marrakech. We'll drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Meknes, one of Morocco's imperial cities, where we can make a brief stop to see the impressive Bab Mansour gate. We'll continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where we can see the Hassan Tower and the Royal Palace (exterior). After lunch (not included), we'll continue through Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, where we can see the famous Hassan II Mosque (exterior). We'll then head south towards Marrakech, arriving in the late afternoon. Transfer to your accommodation in Marrakech. Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you'll have some free time for last-minute shopping or to enjoy a final coffee in one of Marrakech's charming cafes. We'll transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flight, marking the end of your memorable 8-day journey through Morocco.