3-Day Desert Tour from Fez to Marrakech

FEZ ⤍ IFRANE ⤍ CEDAR FOREST ⤍ MIDELT ⤍ ZIZ VALLEY ⤍ MERZOUGA DESERT

Today, you will be picked up from your riad/hotel in Fez and drive toward the Sahara Desert. The first stop is in the city of Ifrane, which is known for its beautiful landscapes, clean streets, and European-style architecture. It is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its resemblance to Swiss towns, with its alpine-style houses and snowy winters.

Next, we drive to the Cedar Forest, which provides a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Barbary macaques. Lunch will be at a nice local restaurant in Midelt. Then, we move to Ziz Valley, where we enjoy the mesmerizing landscapes of the valley. We make a short stop for a cup of coffee at the mountain summit, where you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Ziz Valley.

Later, we continue our journey to the final stop of the day, Merzouga, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy fascinating panoramic views of the high sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Once we arrive, you will meet the camel driver, who will take you to the desert camp.

Enjoy wonderful views as the sun sets over the sand dunes, followed by a traditional dinner under the stars, accompanied by local traditional folk music and dancing around the campfire.

MERZOUGA DESERT ⤍ RISSANI ⤍ TODRA GORGES ⤍ DADES VALLEY

In the morning, you’ll enjoy a memorable experience as you climb the dunes to watch the sunrise (optional). Then, return to the camp to enjoy a warm traditional breakfast.

Next, we depart the authentic south and continue toward the Dades Valley. Our first stop of the day is Rissani Town, where you’ll visit the famous Rissani Souk, one of the oldest and most authentic traditional markets in the region, with a rich history dating back several centuries. Explore the lively market and discover a variety of traditional products, local goods, spices, handicrafts, and other authentic Moroccan items.

The next stop will be the Todra Gorges. It’s a spectacular stop along the route, featuring high limestone cliffs rising up to 300 m. The landscape of this area, even in summer, leaves a deep impression. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in the Todra Valley.

The last stop of the day is the Dades Valley, where we visit an impressive geological formation known locally as the “Monkey Fingers.” We then follow the winding road through the spectacular Dades Valley, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and breathtaking scenery. The Dades Gorge was carved by the Dades River and lies between the Atlas Mountains and the Anti-Atlas Mountains.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Dades Valley.

DADES VALLEY ⤍ ROSES VALLEY ⤍ ATLAS STUDIOS ⤍ AÏT BENHADDOU KASBAH ⤍ HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS ⤍ MARRAKECH

After breakfast, we drive toward Marrakesh. Our first stop of the day is Kalaat M’Gouna, also known as the Valley of Roses, which provides insight into the local Berber culture and way of life. The town is famous for its rose cultivation and production. Every May, Kalaat M’Gouna hosts the Rose Festival, a vibrant celebration of the local rose harvest.

The next stop is Atlas Studios, one of the most famous film studios in Morocco. Explore the impressive sets and locations where many international movies and productions have been filmed. Later, we head to the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and one of Morocco’s most famous sites. Once we arrive, it will be time for lunch, where you can enjoy a memorable meal.

Aït Benhaddou is a fortified historic kasbah and was a major stopping point on the ancient caravan route between Marrakesh and the Sahara. Many famous movies and productions have been filmed at this historic site, including Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, The Message, and the critically acclaimed series Game of Thrones. Next, we continue our journey through the Tizi n’Tichka Mountain Pass at an altitude of 2,260 m. We make a short stop to take some great photos and enjoy a moment of rest.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Marrakech.