Day 1: Arrival in Fes – Welcome to the Spiritual Heart of Morocco

Once you land at Fes-Saïss Airport, your driver-guide will be waiting just outside arrivals. If you’re already in the city, we’ll meet you at your hotel or location of choice. From here, you’ll be driven directly to the old medina of Fes — the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco.

As you enter the medina, everything changes. The streets become narrow. The air smells of leather, spices, and fresh mint. You’ll head straight to your traditional riad — a peaceful guesthouse hidden behind high walls. Here, you can settle in, sip some mint tea, and rest for a while.

Depending on your arrival time, you might take a short walk with your guide. Even a brief stroll through the evening medina gives you a first feel of its magic — craftsmen hammering in tiny shops, cats weaving through alleyways, and locals haggling for sweets and olives.

Dinner will be served at your riad. Expect warm Moroccan bread, tagine, and maybe a bowl of harira soup. Tonight, sleep deep in the heart of a city that has stood for over 1,200 years.

Day 2: Guided Exploration of Fes – Sacred Streets and Hidden Wonders

After breakfast at your riad, your guide will meet you for a full-day walking tour of the Fes medina — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest living cities.

You’ll enter through one of the ancient gates and begin your journey into its labyrinth of 9,000 narrow alleys. First, you’ll walk toward the Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen). While you can’t enter, you’ll stop outside to admire its massive golden doors and zellij tilework. Not far from here is the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), where balconies lean over silent lanes — a trace of a once-thriving Jewish community.

From there, head deeper into the medina. Soon, the scent of leather fills the air — that means you’ve reached the Chouara Tanneries. This is one of the oldest leather tanneries in the world. From a high terrace, you’ll look down at men standing in stone pits, dyeing skins by hand using ancient methods. It’s colorful, raw, and unforgettable.

Then continue on foot to the Kairaouine Mosque, built in 859 AD. It is regarded as one of the world’s most ancient universities. While non-Muslims can’t enter, your guide will help you peek through the grand gates to see its peaceful courtyard.

Just nearby, visit the Al-Attarine Madrassa, a small theological school known for its perfect balance and beauty. Its cedarwood carvings, mosaic floors, and calm symmetry make it one of the finest examples of Islamic design in Morocco.

Next, head to the Bou Inania Medersa, another architectural gem. This one is rare — non-Muslims are welcome to enter. You’ll be amazed by the quiet courtyard, marble floors, and the sound of trickling fountains echoing off carved walls.

Around midday, your guide will take you to a local Moroccan restaurant — a tucked-away spot where you can try couscous, tagine, or a steaming bowl of lentil soup. Sit back and watch the medina life go by.
After lunch, walk through the souks — noisy, colorful markets selling spices, lamps, fabrics, and more. Each section of the market has its own specialty. Your guide will help you navigate.

Toward evening, arrive at Bab Boujloud, the famous blue gate. Look closely — the tiles are blue on one side, green on the other, reflecting the sacred color of Islam.

Finally, your driver will take you up to a quiet panoramic spot overlooking Fes el-Bali. As the sun begins to set, the old city glows in golden light, with thousands of rooftops and minarets stretching into the horizon.
After sunset, return to your riad. Enjoy a warm dinner and rest. You’ve just experienced one of the most historic cities in the Islamic world.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

(Approx. 470 km | 8 to 9 hours including stops)
After breakfast at your riad in Fes, your driver will pick you up and you’ll begin your journey toward the Sahara. The road soon begins to climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains. The landscapes become greener, cooler. You’ll notice tall pine trees, flowing rivers, and wide-open skies.

Your first stop is Ifrane — a small, clean town that looks nothing like the rest of Morocco. Nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco”, its alpine architecture and flower-lined streets make it a perfect spot for a short break and some photos.

From here, you continue into the Cedar Forest near Azrou. You’ll stop to stretch your legs under massive cedar trees, where Barbary macaques live in the wild. These friendly monkeys often come close — especially if you have a few nuts. It’s a peaceful moment, surrounded by fresh mountain air.

Back on the road, the forest begins to fade. By midday, you’ll reach Midelt — a small mountain town known for apple orchards and views of the High Atlas peaks. This is your lunch stop. You can enjoy a warm Berber tagine or grilled skewers in a local roadside restaurant.

After lunch, the landscape slowly transforms. You drive over the Tizi N’talghoumte Pass (1,907 meters), where the mountains begin to open into dry plains. You’ll pass Berber villages built from stone and clay, camouflaged into the reddish earth.

Soon, you descend into the vast palm-filled Ziz Valley, near Errachidia. Your driver may stop for a panoramic photo — it’s a dramatic contrast of green oasis and arid hills. From here, the road follows the flow of the river, lined with ksours (ancient fortified villages) and clusters of date palms.

After crossing Aoufous and the fossil-rich town of Erfoud, you’ll feel the air turn warmer, drier. The terrain flattens. The sky stretches wider. You’re entering the Sahara.
By late afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga, a quiet desert village right at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes — Morocco’s tallest sand dunes. At your local riad, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and time to freshen up.

Dinner is served at the riad, with traditional music and local dishes. The stars above begin to fill the sky. You’re now at the gateway of the great desert.

Day 4: Merzouga – Khamlia – Black Desert – Nomad Visit – Camel Trek – Berber Desert Camp

(Local driving + camel trek | Approx. 5–6 hours including breaks)
After breakfast at the riad, your desert adventure begins. Your guide picks you up in a 4×4 for a journey around the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

The first stop is Lake Dayet Srij — if there’s water, you’ll spot ducks, herons, and even pink flamingos in spring. The silence around the lake feels untouched, broken only by birds or a soft desert wind.

From here, you drive to Khamlia village, home to a small community of Gnawa people, descendants of West African slaves. They’ll welcome you with drums, castanets, and soul-stirring spiritual music passed down for centuries. Sit with them, sip tea, and let the rhythms move through you.

Next, you go off-road into the black desert — a rocky, dry area behind the dunes where the sand meets stone. Along the way, you’ll stop at a site of old mineral fossil quarries, and your guide may show you ancient marine fossils trapped in desert rock.

Then it’s time to visit a Berber nomadic family, living in tents in the middle of this vast land. You’ll be welcomed into their tent and served tea. They’ll show you how they live — cooking over open fire, raising goats, and reading the wind and stars.

After this visit, you return to Khamlia for a home-cooked lunch — often couscous or medfouna (Berber pizza), made fresh in a family-run restaurant.

Later in the afternoon, your camel guide arrives. With your scarf tied and bags packed, you mount a camel and begin the slow trek into the dunes. The orange sands of Erg Chebbi shift as the sun drops lower. The silence is deep. The rhythm of the camel’s steps rocks you into calm.

You stop mid-way up a dune to watch the sunset — a golden flame sinking into an ocean of sand.
After sunset, you reach your desert camp, a collection of Berber-style tents tucked between the dunes. Your hosts serve a traditional dinner by lantern light. Later, drums and songs fill the air around the campfire. You can dance on the soft sand or lie back to watch the stars pour across the sky.
Tonight, you’ll sleep in the Sahara, far from the cities — just you, the sand, and the stars.

Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate

(Approx. 370 km | 8–9 hours including visits and stops)
Rise early to witness the sun painting golden hues over the dunes. The soft light turns the sand into gold. You can climb a small dune or just sit quietly and take it in.

After breakfast at the desert camp, you’ll ride back to Merzouga — either by camel or 4×4, depending on your comfort. Once in the village, you’ll meet your driver and begin the day’s journey.

The first stop is Rissani, the former capital of the Tafilalt region and once a major trading post on the caravan route. If it’s a Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday, you’ll visit the lively souk — the biggest in the area. You’ll walk through rows of dates, spices, handmade shoes, jewelry, and even donkey parking areas. It’s raw, local, and full of life.

After exploring Rissani, continue driving along the Tafilalt Oasis, passing green stretches of palm groves and ancient irrigation systems. Your guide may stop at one of the khettaras — underground channels used to move water from the mountains to the fields.

By midday, you’ll reach Tinjdad, a quiet desert town. Stop here for lunch in a small local restaurant — perhaps try grilled meats or a vegetable tagine.

From here, you enter the valley of Tinghir, where the scenery becomes more dramatic. Palm trees fill the valley floor, with red cliffs rising on both sides. Soon, you arrive at the stunning Todra Gorge.

Take time here for a short walk through the canyon. The cliffs rise nearly 300 meters (1,000 feet), and the river runs gently along the bottom. You’ll see local families picnicking and maybe some climbers scaling the rock faces. It’s a peaceful and powerful place.

Back on the road, you begin the scenic drive through the Dades Valley, also known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. The landscapes shift between rugged cliffs and green fields, scattered with small Berber villages made of clay.

As you drive west, you pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, the heart of Morocco’s Valley of Roses. In spring, the town smells of fresh petals, and rose-based products like soaps, perfumes, and oils are sold in every shop.

Continue to Ouarzazate, arriving in the late evening. Before checking in, stop for photos at the Taourirt Kasbah, a massive mudbrick fortress that glows orange in the sunset. Then check into your riad or hotel.
Dinner will be served here, and you can rest after a long, scenic day crossing valleys, cliffs, and kasbahs.

Day 6: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – High Atlas – Marrakech

(Approx. 200 km | 5–6 hours drive + stops)
After breakfast, you’ll start your journey to Marrakech — but first, explore the desert’s film capital. Ouarzazate is known as “the Hollywood of Morocco”, and you’ll stop briefly outside the famous Atlas Film Studios. If you’re interested, you can step inside and explore props and sets used in movies like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones.

Then continue to the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This earthen village stands beside a dry riverbed and looks frozen in time. You’ll walk through narrow alleys, climb stairways, and reach the old granary on top. From here, you can see the whole valley. Many films were shot here — Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, and Babel to name a few.

From Ait Ben Haddou, the road turns north into the Ounila Valley, a hidden route with red rocks, old salt mines, and crumbling kasbahs. You’ll stop in Telouet, a quiet mountain village where one of Morocco’s most beautiful kasbahs still stands: Kasbah Telouet.

This palace belonged to the powerful Glaoui family and was once more important than Ait Ben Haddou. Inside, you’ll find colorful zellij tiles, carved stucco walls, and cedar ceilings — a surprising sight in such a remote place.

Here, you’ll stop for lunch in a small restaurant with views of the valley.
After lunch, begin your drive over the High Atlas Mountains. The road climbs to the Tizi n’Tichka Pass — the highest major road in Morocco at 2,260 meters. The views are incredible, and your driver will stop for photos at scenic spots along the way.

As you descend, the green begins to return. Olive trees, villages, and roadside markets appear. By late afternoon or early evening, you’ll arrive in Marrakech.

Check into your riad in the medina, where dinner awaits. After two days crossing deserts and mountains, tonight you’ll sleep in the red city — full of new stories and sounds.

Day 7: Marrakech Sightseeing

(Full Day – Short Walks + Driving)

After breakfast in your riad, your local guide will meet you at the door. Today is all about exploring the soul of Marrakech, known as the Red City for its pinkish-red walls and buildings made from red sandstone. You’ll begin the day with a gentle drive through palm-lined streets toward one of Marrakech’s most iconic landmarks.

Your first stop is Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in the city. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but you’ll admire its beautiful 77-meter-high minaret from the gardens. It’s a key symbol of Marrakech, seen from nearly every rooftop in the old town. Your guide will share its history and how it influenced architecture across the region.

From here, you’ll walk into the nearby Saadian Tombs, hidden behind high walls until rediscovered in 1917. Inside, your guide will explain how these royal tombs date back to the 16th century, showcasing intricate cedar wood, marble, and colorful tilework. The mausoleum is peaceful and quiet—a place of history and beauty.

Next, you’ll visit the stunning Bahia Palace. Its name means “brilliance,” and once inside, you’ll understand why. The palace is filled with hand-painted ceilings, carved stucco, and serene courtyards. Your guide will walk you through the harem quarters and tell the story of the vizier who built it for his wives and concubines.

Midday, you’ll head to the Majorelle Garden, located a short drive away in the modern part of the city. This garden was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The vibrant blue buildings, exotic plants, and pools make this one of the most photogenic spots in Marrakech. There’s a small Berber museum inside if you’d like to explore. You’ll have time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the shade.

Around lunchtime, your guide can recommend a local Moroccan restaurant, either inside the garden complex or back in the medina, depending on your preference. You might enjoy a traditional dish like chicken tagine with preserved lemon or couscous with vegetables.

After lunch, return to the medina (old city) for a walking tour through its colorful souks. These traditional markets are full of life. You’ll pass through sections for spices, leather, lamps, carpets, metalwork, and more. It’s a great time to ask your guide about local crafts or bargain with vendors if you’re interested in shopping.

From here, your guide will lead you to Bab Agnaou, one of the 19 gates of Marrakech. It once served as the royal entrance and makes for great photos. Then you’ll walk slowly toward Djemaa El-Fna, the famous main square and beating heart of Marrakech.

By late afternoon, the square begins to transform. During the day, it’s open and airy, but as the sun sets, it becomes a stage for street performers, snake charmers, henna artists, herbalists, acrobats, and musicians. Your guide will explain some of the cultural meaning behind these acts.

You’ll then go up to a rooftop terrace café overlooking the square. This is a perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping mint tea. The square glows under golden light, and the atmosphere becomes even more magical.

Later, enjoy your dinner in a nearby restaurant with terrace views. You can try local favorites like lamb mechoui or harira soup, served with warm bread and olives. After dinner, you’ll walk back to your riad with your guide or be driven, depending on its location.
Overnight in the same riad in the heart of the medina.

Day 8: Marrakech – Airport Transfer

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport at your scheduled time. If your flight is later in the day, you can enjoy a relaxed morning in the riad or a short walk through the medina before heading to the airport.
End of your 8-day Morocco tour from Fes to Marrakech.