7-Day Fez to Marrakech Desert Tour

Day 1

Arrival in Fez – transfer to the riad

On arrival, a Spanish-speaking Viajes Almoravid driver welcomes you at Fez airport. If you are already in the city, pickup may instead be arranged at your hotel, station or exact confirmed location. A comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle takes you to the selected riad in or near the medina.

The first day is adapted to the flight schedule. An early arrival may leave free time to rest or take an introductory walk through Fez; after a late arrival, the transfer goes directly to the accommodation for check-in.

You spend the first night in Fez. Breakfast the following morning is included; dinner is at your own expense, and restaurant recommendations can be provided.

Day 2

Fez – guided city visit

After breakfast you meet an official Spanish-speaking local guide to discover Fez, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. The visit focuses mainly on its UNESCO-listed historic medina.

Depending on opening times and the group’s pace, the route may include Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, the exterior of Al Quaraouiyine, the souks and artisan quarters, including the tanners’ district. Monument admission is not included and is paid directly whenever you choose to enter.

The afternoon is free to continue exploring the medina, visit the Mellah, see the Royal Palace gates or shop. You return to the same riad for a second Fez night, with breakfast included and dinner at your own expense.

Day 3

Fez – Ifrane – cedar forest – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi

After breakfast, the driver collects you from the riad for a long yet varied journey south. The first important stop is Ifrane, a mountain town at more than 1,700 metres known for its sloping-roof architecture.

We continue through the Middle Atlas cedar forest. When conditions allow, there may be time to observe Barbary macaques in their natural environment without feeding or disturbing them. We then cross the mountains and descend towards Ziz Valley through viewpoints, palm groves and increasingly arid scenery.

The journey continues to Erfoud, known for fossils and stone workshops. Lunch is at your own expense and workshop visits are optional. In the afternoon we reach Merzouga at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

From Merzouga, a camel ride, normally one camel per traveller, offers sunset views on the way to camp. Guests who prefer not to ride may request a 4x4 transfer in advance, subject to the confirmed package. Berber tea, dinner and a Sahara overnight stay await at camp. The tent category and availability of a private bathroom and shower are clearly stated in the quotation.

Day 4

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Guests who wish may rise early to watch sunrise over Erg Chebbi. Breakfast is then served, followed by time to freshen up. We return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 according to the confirmed service and rejoin the private vehicle.

The first stop is Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet. When the market is open and timing allows, there may be time to experience its traditional atmosphere. We then travel through villages, desert scenery and palm groves towards Tinghir and Todra Gorge. Lunch is at your own expense.

At Todra there is time to walk beneath the high rock walls and experience the canyon. We then continue towards Dades Valley along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.

In the late afternoon we arrive at a selected Dades Valley riad or hotel. Dinner, the overnight stay and breakfast the following morning are included.

Day 5

Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast we continue through Dades Valley and Rose Valley among farmland, Amazigh villages and adobe fortresses. In Ouarzazate, according to timing, there may be an exterior view or optional interior visit of Taourirt Kasbah. Admission is paid directly.

The main visit is the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. There is time to explore its lanes, learn about its architecture and enjoy the views. Lunch and any paid entrances are at your own expense.

In the afternoon we cross the High Atlas through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at more than 2,200 metres, making panoramic stops when weather and road conditions allow, before descending towards Marrakech.

Arrival is expected in the late afternoon or early evening, although traffic, weather and stops may affect the time. You are dropped at the selected riad for the first of two nights, with breakfast included. Dinner is at your own expense.

Day 6

Marrakech – guided city visit

After breakfast, an official Spanish-speaking local guide leads your Marrakech visit. According to opening times and the group’s pace, the itinerary may include the exterior of Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the souks and Jemaa el-Fna square.

Admission to museums and monuments is not included and is paid directly. The guide adapts the route to your interests while introducing the city’s history, architecture and daily life.

The afternoon is free for further visits, shopping, gardens or local cuisine. You spend a second night in the same Marrakech riad, with breakfast included and dinner at your own expense.

Day 7

Marrakech – airport transfer

After breakfast and check-out, the programme is adapted to your flight time. A late departure may leave free time for final shopping or a walk, while keeping the confirmed pickup time in mind.

The driver collects you from the riad or agreed location for the private transfer to Marrakech airport. Pickup is always arranged with sufficient time for departure formalities and traffic conditions.

The seven-day journey from Fez to Marrakech ends at the terminal. The Viajes Almoravid team thanks you for your trust and hopes to accompany you again on another Moroccan journey.