From Fez to Marrakech in 7 days via the desert

Day 1

Arrival in Fez – transfer to the riad

Upon your arrival, a Viajes Almoravid driver who speaks your language will meet you at Fez Airport. If you are already in the city, we can also arrange pick-up from your hotel, train station or another confirmed meeting point. The transfer will be made in a private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the selected riad in or near the medina.

The programme for this first day will be adapted to your flight schedule. If you arrive early, you will have free time to rest or take a first walk around Fez; if you arrive late, we will go directly to your accommodation for check-in.

You will spend your first night in Fez. Accommodation includes breakfast the following morning; dinner is not included, and we can recommend restaurants according to your preferences.

Day 2

Fez – Guided City Tour

After breakfast, you will meet an official local English-speaking guide to discover Fez, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. The tour will focus mainly on the historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Depending on opening hours and the pace of the group, the visit may include Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, the exterior of Al Quaraouiyine, the souks and artisan districts, including the famous tanneries. Entrance fees to monuments are not included and will be paid directly if you choose to enter.

The afternoon will be free to continue exploring the medina, visit the Mellah, see the gates of the Royal Palace or go shopping. You will return to the same riad for your second night in Fez, with breakfast included and dinner at your own expense.

Day 3

Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi

After breakfast, our driver will pick you up from the riad to begin a long but varied journey south. The first important stop will be Ifrane, a mountain town located at more than 1,700 metres above sea level and known for its sloping-roof architecture.

We will continue through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. When conditions allow, we may observe Barbary macaques in their natural habitat, always without feeding or disturbing them. We will then cross the mountains and descend towards the Ziz Valley, passing viewpoints, palm groves and increasingly arid landscapes.

The route will continue to Erfoud, known for its fossils and stone workshops. Lunch will be at your own expense during the journey, and any workshop visits will be optional. In the afternoon we will reach Merzouga, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

From Merzouga, you will take a camel ride, normally one camel per person, to enjoy the sunset and reach the desert camp. Guests who prefer not to ride can request a 4×4 transfer in advance, subject to the confirmed package. At the camp, you will be welcomed with Berber tea and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the Sahara. The tent category and availability of a private bathroom and shower will be clearly specified in the quotation.

Day 4

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Those who wish can wake up early to watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi. Breakfast will then be served, followed by time to freshen up. We will return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, depending on the confirmed service, to meet our vehicle again.

The first stop will be Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet. When it coincides with a market day and the schedule allows, we can experience its lively traditional atmosphere. We will then continue through villages, desert areas and palm groves towards Tinghir and the Todra Gorges. Lunch will be at your own expense.

At Todra we will stop for a walk between its impressive rocky cliffs and to admire the canyon. Afterwards, we will continue towards the Dades Valley, along the famous Route of the Thousand Kasbahs.

At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at the selected riad or hotel in the Dades Valley. Dinner will be served there and you will spend the night; breakfast the following morning is also included.

Day 5

Dades Valley – Valley of the Roses – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, we will continue through the Dades Valley and the Valley of the Roses, passing agricultural landscapes, Amazigh villages and adobe fortresses. We will reach Ouarzazate, where, depending on the schedule, we can view the Taourirt Kasbah from the outside or visit its interior. Entrance is optional and paid directly.

The main visit of the day will be the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have time to walk through its narrow streets, discover its architecture and enjoy the views. Lunch and entrance fees to paid areas are at your own expense.

In the afternoon, we will cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, located at more than 2,200 metres above sea level, making panoramic stops whenever weather and road conditions allow. We will then descend towards Marrakech.

Arrival is expected in the late afternoon or evening, although this may vary depending on traffic, weather and stops. We will drop you off at the selected riad, where you will spend the first of two nights with breakfast included. Dinner is at your own expense.

Day 6

Marrakech – Guided City Tour

After breakfast at the riad, an official local English-speaking guide will accompany you on a tour of Marrakech. Depending on opening hours and the pace of the group, the itinerary may include the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the souks and Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Entrance fees to museums and monuments are not included and will be paid directly. The guide will adapt the tour to your interests and help you understand the history, architecture and everyday life of the city.

The afternoon will be free to continue sightseeing, shop, discover the gardens or enjoy the local cuisine. You will spend the second night in the same riad in Marrakech, with breakfast included and dinner at your own expense.

Day 7

Marrakech – Airport Transfer

After breakfast and check-out, the programme will be adapted to your flight schedule. If your departure is late, you can use your free time for some last-minute shopping or a walk, while keeping the confirmed pick-up time in mind.

Our driver will collect you from the riad or agreed meeting point for the private transfer to Marrakech Airport. We always recommend allowing sufficient time for departure procedures and traffic conditions.

At the terminal, this seven-day route from Fez to Marrakech will come to an end. The Viajes Almoravid team will say goodbye, thanking you for your trust and hoping to accompany you again on another journey through Morocco.