OVERVIEW
This 5-day tour is the ultimate, comfortable way to experience the spectacular journey from Marrakech to Fes. Instead of rushing the cross-country drive, this itinerary lets you fully immerse yourself in Morocco’s diverse landscapes at a relaxed pace. It splits the route with overnight stays in Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley, and a luxury desert camp—adding the impressive Kasbah of Telouet, the Amridil Kasbah in the Skoura palm oasis, and the sweeping Ziz Valley to the itinerary.
Crucially, it includes a full day dedicated entirely to exploring the Erg Chebbi region, visiting nomad families, and experiencing Gnawa music before ending your adventure in the imperial city of Fes via the alpine landscapes of the Middle Atlas.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
HIGHLIGHTS
Tour ITINERARY
DAY 1: MARRAKECH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → AIT BEN HADDOU → OUARZAZATE
Your tour begins with an early pick-up from the airport or your accommodation in Marrakech. The journey starts with a breathtaking drive through the High Atlas Mountains and the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass. Stops will be made for panoramic views of the dramatic landscapes before paying a visit to the historic Kasbah of Telouet.
The route continues to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kasbah has served as a backdrop for numerous famous productions, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and the Game of Thrones series. After exploring, you’ll head to Ouarzazate, often referred to as “The Gate of the Desert.” Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Ouarzazate.
DAY 2: OUARZAZATE → SKOURA → ROSE VALLEY → DADES VALLEY
After breakfast, the day begins with an exploration of Ouarzazate. You will visit the Atlas Studios—where many famous movies were filmed—and the Taourirt Kasbah, a spectacular ancient mud castle and one of the oldest Ksars in Morocco. From there, the drive heads east into the lush palm groves of Skoura to visit the Amridil Kasbah.
Continuing on, you’ll pass through Kelaa M’Gouna, home to the famous Rose Valley. The region holds an annual Rose Festival in May and is renowned year-round for its locally made rose water, oils, and cosmetics. You will then drive through Boumalne Dades into the Dades Valley, stopping at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the valley and at the fascinating “monkey fingers” rock formations. Dinner and overnight at a well-rated hotel in Boumalne Dades.
DAY 3: BOUMALNE DADES → TODRA GORGE → ERFOUD → MERZOUGA SAHARA
After breakfast, the journey continues to the Todra Gorge. Here, the Todra River has carved a grand canyon through the mountains, creating a dramatic, high red-cliff canyon that is a favorite spot for rock climbers. You will have free time to wander through the gorge before the drive continues past the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with a stop for lunch on the way.
In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Sahara desert of Merzouga. Here, you will switch from your vehicle to camels for a ride across the sandy desert. A stop will be made atop a high dune to enjoy a magical sunset before continuing to your luxury desert camp. Dinner at the camp is followed by Berber drum music and dancing around the campfire under a vast, star-filled sky. Dinner and overnight in the luxury camp.
DAY 4: FULL DAY IN THE MERZOUGA REGION
Waking up early is highly recommended to contemplate the beautiful desert sunrise. After breakfast, you will return to Merzouga by camel (or 4×4) where your driver awaits. The entire day is dedicated to exploring the diverse region of Merzouga.
Your 4×4 will take you off-road to visit an ancient galena (eyeliner) mine, followed by a visit to a nomadic family. You will learn about their lifestyle while sharing Berber tea in their handmade woven tent. Next is the village of Khamlia, whose inhabitants originate from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger; here you will enjoy live Gnawa music and dance performances. After free time for lunch at a local restaurant, you will take a stroll in a palm grove and drive to the wild, seasonal Merzouga lake (also known as the flamingo lake). Dinner and overnight in a local hotel.
DAY 5: MERZOUGA → RISSANI → MIDELT → CEDAR FOREST → IFRANE → FES
After breakfast, you will leave the desert and head to Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani remains a major trading center with a lively traditional souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll through the souk, the drive continues to Erfoud, where you will visit a local workshop showcasing fossilized marble.
The route heads north along the Ziz River with a stop for panoramic views over the Ziz Valley. After free time for lunch in Midelt, you will continue into the Middle Atlas Mountains, arriving at the dense cedar forests where you can see and feed the wild Barbary macaques. Afterward, you will visit Ifrane, famous for its cool climate, alpine-style houses, and winter snow—earning it the nickname “The Switzerland of Morocco.” Finally, you will be dropped off at your accommodation or the airport in Fes, concluding your tour.
Paying for your tour is straightforward. A small upfront deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot — this can be sent via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The outstanding balance is then settled directly with your driver or guide on the first day of your trip, accepted in euros, US dollars, or Moroccan dirhams.
Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While major hotels and larger establishments tend to accept credit cards, smaller markets and towns generally operate on a cash-only basis, so it’s advisable to carry local currency.
Absolutely. The tour can be fully tailored to match your preferences — whether that means adding extra destinations, upgrading your accommodation, or switching to alternative transport such as a private 4×4 vehicle.
Yes, camel rides are commonly included in desert tour packages, typically used to cross the dunes on the way to your overnight camp.
Camel rides are a standard part of desert experiences and are used to reach the overnight camp by crossing the dunes.
Guests stay in traditional Berber-style tents within a desert camp setting. Amenities include comfortable bedding, warm blankets, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp category), and a shared dining area for meals and socializing.
The policy varies based on how far in advance you cancel relative to your departure date. A booking deposit is required to hold your reservation, and partial or full refunds may apply depending on the notice given.
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