9 days from Marrakech to Desert and Fes – sounds like an adventure of a lifetime, doesn’t it? If you’re someone who loves to explore new cultures, meet populate from different backgrounds, and find nature’s beauty at its best, then this trip is tailor-made for you. merely what exactly can you expect from this 9-day journey through Morocco?
1st day: Arrival at Marrakech
We’ll pick you up from the airport upon your arrival and transfer you to a Riad located in Medina – the historical center of Marrakech. It’s just a two-minute walk from the famous Jamaa El Fna square. In the afternoon, you can explore the Medina on your own and visit the square, which comes alive in the evening with narrators, jugglers, diviners, snake charmers, dancers, and tooth removers. Spend the night in the Riad.
2nd Day : Marrakech – High Atlas – Telouat Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou – Ounila Valley – Ouarzazate
Around 8:30 am, we’ll pick you up in a private 4×4 car and drive you over the High Atlas mountains to Ouarzazate. At 2,260 meters above sea level, Tizi Ntichka port is the highest point in our nation. When we go through it, we’ll take in the stunning scenery from the lookout spots. Before driving a narrow route to Telouat Kasbah, we’ll stop to snap photographs of the Berber communities. After visiting the Kasbah, you’ll have free time to enjoy typical food in town. In the afternoon, we’ll continue through the Ounila valley to reach the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, where we’ll visit the famous Kasbah, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
This spectacular stage has been featured in many famous films such as Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, Sahara with Penélope Cruz, etc. After visiting the Kasbah, we’ll head to Ouarzazate, also known as “The gate of the desert.” We’ll have dinner at the hotel where we’ll spend the night.
3rd Day : Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Merzouga Desert – Camel ride and night in the Berber tent
After breakfast we´ll depart towards the Draa Valley where you can see one of the longest rivers in Morocco. On the way we make some stops to take pictures and enjoy the view of the spectacular kasbahs and berber villages that dot the road as well as the beauties of the Draa valley.You´ll have some free time for lunch in Nkob or Alnif, and then, after two hours driving we´ll reach the wonderful Merzouga dunes. “Desert of powdery sand dunes”. We´ll change there our motorized transportation for one of animal traction to go inside the heart of the the desert. When we reach the camp, we accommodate in the tents, that are tents made of camel hair, just like the ones used by nomad families. Dinner and night in the berber tent under a beautiful starry sky.
4th Day : Merzouga Desert – Nomads Families – Tisardmin Oasis – Khamlia Village – Erg Chebbi
This is a complete Desert day. “Date with the sunrise” If you are In the middle of the desert, it`s absolutely worth getting up early to contemplate the most spectacular sunrise you´ve ever seen at the top of a dune close to the camp and enjoy this landscape that is a gift of nature. After sunrise we return to Merzouga on the camels where a hearty breakfast is waiting for us. Then we`ll skirt the Erg Chebbi, great extension of sandy desert where we can find the Big Dune of Morocco. which has more than 250mts high.
We’ll drive along the former “Paris-Dakar” road to the Agelia mountain range, stopping at Tissardmin oasis to explore fossil quarries. Then, we’ll visit nomad settlements and enjoy a panoramic view of Erg Chebbi before arriving at Kamilia Village for tea and a Gnawa music concert. Afterward, you’ll have a free afternoon to enjoy the town or dunes before dinner and overnight at the hotel.
5th day : Merzouga Desert – Ziz Valley – Cedar forests and monkey troupes of Azrou – Fes
After breakfast we start our last day to the north through the Tafilalet palm grove, the biggest in the world. You´ll see thousands of palm trees along the 20km of road. This way leads us to the Ziz valley, which river comes down from the high Atlas and feeds the palm grove. Here we make a stop and from this high viewpoint, enjoy a magnificent view of the valley and the town of Aoufous.
We’ll take a break in Midelt, nestled in the Atlas Mountains, for lunch and relaxation. Then, we’ll journey through the Cedar Woods, where we may spot some monkeys, before reaching Ifrane. Known as the “Moroccan Switzerland,” Ifrane’s pristine streets, gardens, and architecture resemble a Swiss town. It even boasts a ski resort, Michlifen.
About 6 pm we arrive at Fez where we will stay overnight in very nice and comfortable riad
6th Day : Full day exploring Fes
Explore Fes’ hidden treasures on a guided tour of the Medina, including the University of Al Karaouine and the Moulay Idriss mausoleum. See the Nejjarine Fountains, Tanneries, and Royal Palace, and visit the Mellah’s living synagogue. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Medina and stay overnight in your riad.
7th day : Fes – Azrou – Beni Melal – Middle Atlas – Marrakech
Depart for Marrakech via the Atlas Mountains. Visit the wonderful city of Ifrane and explore the traditional mountain architecture. Free time for lunch before continuing to visit a UNESCO cedar forest. You will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Overnight Riad
8th day: Visit to the Medina and Marrakech Historical Monuments
In the morning visit to the Medina at Marrakech with a local guide.
We`ll start admiring the great wall bordering the Medina, the Koutoubia Minaret, this tower is the twin of the one in the Giralda in Seville. Then we`ll visit the Saadines Tomb, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens…etc reaching finally the square Jamaa El Fna where the background is completely different from the night.
In the evening free time to practice your haggling art in the souk or discover hidden places at the Medina. Accommodation at the riad.
9th day : Marrakech – Airport
Breakfast and free time in the morning till the time of departure. Transfer to the airport where we`ll help you with your luggage and show you the boarding door.
End of our services.