8 Day Casablanca Fes Merzouga Marrakech

Our scenic drive to Fes takes us via the capital, Rabat, through beautiful farmland growing olives, grain, vegetables, and grapes. Before arriving in Fes, we will stop to explore two historic sites. First is the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, the empire’s southernmost outpost. Next, we visit Meknes, founded by Sultan Moulay Ismail, to see the Medersa Bou Inania, the grand Bab Mansour gate, and the impressive Sahrij es-Souani stables and granaries. A rooftop garden café here offers a fantastic city view. We then continue to Fes for hotel check-in.

After breakfast, a licensed local guide will lead you through the world’s oldest living Medina. The tour includes the bustling souks, the Royal Palace gateway, and the 9th-century Karouine Mosque and University. You will also visit the tomb of the city’s founder, Moulay Idriss II. Lunch will be at a traditional restaurant within the old Medina. In the afternoon, the tour continues to the Najarine Fountain, the old Harem Garden, and the Batha Museum. The day concludes with a panoramic view of the city before returning to the hotel.

In the morning we will go into the mountains, to a region known as Imouzzer, which is blanketed in forests of cedar, juniper and cork oak. The area is well known for its abundant wildlife, and many types of birds, wild boar and Barbary apes may be seen on our scenic drive. The road will then start to climb into the Middle Atlas mountains; the slopes may be dotted with the tents and goat herds of nomadic Berbers who call this rugged region home. After a late lunch in Midelt, we continue along mountain roads overlooking the wide flowing Oued Ziz. Passing kasbahs and palm groves, we continue through the adobe-colored city of Er-Rachidia and in the late afternoon arrive into Merzouga, a small town on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert. Overnight in Merzouga.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a tour around the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The itinerary includes a visit to a local house to hear traditional Gnawa music, originally from West Africa. We will also see deserted mines, meet Berber nomads, and explore a palm tree oasis. Returning to Merzouga for lunch, you will have time to relax before the afternoon’s adventure: a camel ride into the golden dunes. We will spend the night at a well-equipped desert camp with drum music under a spectacular star-filled sky. Before dinner, there is an opportunity to climb a high dune for unforgettable sunset photos.

We start early to watch the sunrise over the dunes before riding camels back to Merzouga. After breakfast and a shower at the hotel, our journey continues towards the Dades Valley. The route takes us through Rissani and Erfoud, a town famous for its dates. We then proceed to Tinejdad before visiting the stunning red cliffs of Todra Gorges. The day ends in the dramatic Dades Valley, surrounded by sheer, multi-colored rock formations.

Departing the Dades Valley after breakfast, we drive to Ouarzazate, known as “Moroccan Hollywood.” Here, we visit a cinematographic museum before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, Morocco’s most impressive and well-preserved fortress, featured in films like Gladiator. Afterwards, we head towards the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Crossing via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m), the highest road pass in Morocco, we are treated to spectacular views of valleys, mountains, and Berber villages. We arrive in Marrakech in the evening.

Today is dedicated to exploring Marrakech. Our sightseeing includes the historic Menara irrigation basin and gardens, the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful Majorelle Gardens, the Bahia Palace, and the Dar Si Said jewellery museum. Lunch is optional in the Medina, followed by a walk through the vibrant souks. The day concludes with a sunset drink from a café terrace overlooking the bustling Jemaa El Fna square. Dinner and overnight are at the hotel.