11-Day Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara Desert

Day 1: Marrakech Arrival & Welcome

Morning: Arrive at Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK), where our representative will meet you with traditional Moroccan hospitality. Afternoon: Transfer to your authentic riad in the medina. Settle in and enjoy welcome mint tea with Moroccan pastries. Evening: Gentle orientation walk around your riad neighborhood. Dinner at your riad featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine. Overnight: Marrakech

Day 2: Marrakech Complete City Tour

Morning (9:00 AM): Begin with the iconic Koutoubia Mosque exterior, then explore the serene Jardin Majorelle and Berber Museum. Mid-Morning: Visit the magnificent Bahia Palace with its stunning courtyards and intricate tilework. Afternoon: Navigate the bustling souks of the medina with your guide - spice markets, leather tanneries, and artisan workshops. Late Afternoon: Discover the historic Saadian Tombs and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna square. Evening: Optional dinner with traditional entertainment at Djemaa el-Fna. Overnight: Marrakech

Day 3: Marrakech → High Atlas → Ait Ben Haddou

Morning (8:00 AM): Depart Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) through the High Atlas Mountains. Mid-Morning: Scenic stops for photos and to visit Berber villages perched on mountainsides. Afternoon: Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for many movies. Late Afternoon: Guided tour of this ancient ksar (fortified village) with its impressive kasbahs. Evening: Sunset views of the ksar. Dinner and overnight in a local kasbah hotel. Overnight: Ait Ben Haddou

Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

Morning: Short drive to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Morocco." Visit the Atlas Film Studios. Mid-Morning: Explore Taourirt Kasbah, a magnificent example of southern Moroccan architecture. Afternoon: Drive through the stunning Road of 1000 Kasbahs to the Dades Valley. Late Afternoon: Arrive at Dades Gorges for a short walk through the dramatic rock formations. Evening: Sunset over the Dades Valley. Dinner at your hotel with valley views. Overnight: Dades Valley

Day 5: Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

Morning: Drive through the Dades Valley with stops at panoramic viewpoints and traditional Berber villages. Mid-Morning: Arrive at Todra Gorges for an exhilarating walk through the dramatic canyon walls. Afternoon: Continue through the desert landscape to Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Late Afternoon: Meet your camel caravan for a magical sunset trek into the Sahara dunes. Evening: Arrive at desert camp. Enjoy traditional dinner under the stars with Berber music around the campfire. Overnight: Sahara Desert Camp (Erg Chebbi)

Day 6: Merzouga Desert Exploration & Nomad Experience

Early Morning: Optional sunrise camel ride to witness the spectacular desert dawn over the golden dunes. Morning: Return to Merzouga for breakfast and shower. Visit Khamlia village to experience authentic Gnawa music. Mid-Morning: 4x4 desert adventure to meet a nomad family in their tent, learn about their traditional lifestyle. Afternoon: Explore the desert oasis, visit fossil sites, and enjoy lunch with a nomad family. Late Afternoon: Free time to relax at the desert camp or explore the dunes on foot. Evening: Second night at the desert camp with special stargazing experience and traditional Berber storytelling. Overnight: Sahara Desert Camp (Erg Chebbi)

Day 7: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt

Early Morning: Final sunrise over the dunes before breakfast and departure from the desert. Morning: Travel north through the dramatic Ziz Valley with its vast palm groves and stunning canyon views. Mid-Morning: Stop at Ziz Gorges for panoramic photos and visit the historic town of Erfoud. Afternoon: Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains with stops at traditional Berber markets. Late Afternoon: Arrive in Midelt, known as the "Apple Capital" of Morocco. Evening: Dinner at your hotel with views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight: Midelt

Day 8: Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes

Morning: Drive through the cedar forests of Azrou, home to the endangered Barbary macaque monkeys. Mid-Morning: Stop to feed and photograph the monkeys in their natural habitat. Afternoon: Visit Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its Alpine-style architecture and clean streets. Late Afternoon: Continue to Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Evening: Arrive in Fes and check into your riad. Orientation walk in the medina. Overnight: Fes

Day 9: Fes Complete Medina Guided Tour

Morning (9:00 AM): Enter the 9,000-year-old medina through Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate). Begin at the famous Chouara Tannery. Mid-Morning: Visit Al-Qarawiyyin University (oldest continuously operating university in the world) and adjacent mosques. Afternoon: Explore the Bou Inania Madrasa, see traditional pottery workshops, and visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts. Late Afternoon: Walk through the Andalusian Quarter and view the exterior of the Royal Palace. Evening: Panoramic sunset views from Merinid Tombs. Dinner in a traditional medina restaurant. Overnight: Fes

Day 10: Fes - Day at Leisure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Options include:

• Shopping in the medina for leather goods, ceramics, and spices
• Visit to a traditional hammam for relaxation
• Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and its historic synagogues Afternoon: Free time for personal interests. Optional cooking class or pottery workshop. Evening: Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the medina. Overnight: Fes

Day 11: Fes Departure

Morning: Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast. Last-minute souvenir shopping or medina exploration. Afternoon: Transfer to Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) for your departure flight, filled with unforgettable Sahara desert memories.