Best Morocco Holiday
6-Day Morocco Tour: Fes, Sahara Desert & Marrakech (Private)

6-Day Morocco Tour: Fes, Sahara Desert & Marrakech (Private)

Tour Description

This 6-day tour is the essential Moroccan experience, perfectly designed for those starting in Fes and ending in Marrakech. It combines guided tours of the two most important imperial cities with an unforgettable journey through the south, including a magical night in the Sahara desert. If you want to see the best of Morocco in under a week, this is the tour for you.

Tour Highlights

  • Guided tours of two imperial cities: Fes and Marrakech.
  • A magical night in a Sahara desert camp with camel trekking.
  • Journey through the Atlas Mountains and stunning gorges.
  • Visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou kasbah.

Why Choose This Tour?

This is the ideal tour for travelers who want to see the best of Morocco in under a week. It efficiently connects the two major cities of Fes and Marrakech with an unforgettable desert adventure in between.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fes Arrival & Imperial City Guided Tour

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

  • Arrival & Check-in (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
    • Airport Pickup (9:00 AM)
      • Arrive at Fes-Saïss Airport (FES)
      • Meet your professional English-speaking driver
      • Private transfer to your Fes hotel or riad
      • Welcome with traditional Moroccan mint tea
    • Hotel Check-in (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
      • Check into your accommodation in Fes
      • Time to freshen up and prepare for city exploration
      • Orientation to Fes and its historical significance

Fes Guided Tour (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM) - Royal Palace Gate (11:00 AM - 11:30 AM) - Begin at the impressive Royal Palace Gate - Learn about Fes as Morocco's first imperial City - Photo opportunities of this historic entrance - Jewish Quarter (11:30 AM - 12:00 PM) - Explore the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah) - Learn about the Jewish community's rich history - Visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue - Walk through narrow medieval streets - Famous Tanneries (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) - Visit the renowned Chouara Tannery - See traditional leather-making process - Experience the distinctive smell of leather production - Photo opportunities overlooking the tannery from above - Lunch Break (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM) - Lunch at traditional restaurant in Fes - Moroccan cuisine with local specialties - Time to rest and prepare for afternoon exploration

Afternoon Exploration (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM) - Bou Inania Madrasa (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM) - Visit the beautiful Bou Inania Madrasa (Islamic school) - Admire stunning Marinid architecture - Learn about Islamic education and craftsmanship - Photo opportunities of this historic monument - University Quarter (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM) - Explore the University Quarter - See Al-Qarawiyyin University (oldest continuously operating university) - Learn about its role as Islamic learning center - Visit historic libraries and Islamic schools - Medina Free Time (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM) - Free time to explore the 9,000-year-old medina - Shopping opportunities in traditional souks - Personal exploration at your own pace - Prepare for tomorrow's journey

Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM) - Dinner (7:00 PM - 8:30 PM) - Dinner at traditional restaurant in Fes - Authentic Moroccan cuisine with local specialties - Experience Fes dining culture - Evening Stroll (8:30 PM - 9:00 PM) - Gentle evening walk through the illuminated medina - Experience the magical atmosphere of Fes at night - Final photos of the spiritual capital

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Fes

Day 2: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga Desert

Morning (7:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

  • Breakfast & Departure (7:30 AM - 8:00 AM)

    • Breakfast (7:30 AM - 8:00 AM)
      • Traditional Moroccan breakfast at your accommodation
      • Fresh bread, honey, olives, cheese, and fruit
      • Moroccan mint tea and coffee
      • Depart Fes (8:00 AM)
      • Leave Fes in comfortable air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle
      • Begin journey south toward the Sahara
      • Meet your driver and guide for the adventure

  • Ifrane Visit (8:30 AM - 9:30 AM)

    • Stop in Ifrane, known as "Switzerland of Morocco"
    • Explore Alpine-style architecture and clean streets
    • Photo opportunities at the famous lion statue
    • Learn about this unique mountain town's history
    • Azrou Cedar Forests (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM)
    • Drive through ancient cedar forests of Azrou
    • Spot endangered Barbary macaques in their natural habitat
    • Photo opportunities with these playful monkeys
    • Learn about forest ecology and conservation efforts

  • Middle Atlas Crossing (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

    • Continue through Middle Atlas Mountains with panoramic views
    • Witness dramatic landscape changes from forests to semi-desert
    • Photo stops at mountain viewpoints

Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) - Lunch in Midelt (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) - Arrive in Midelt, known as the "Apple Capital" of Morocco - Lunch at traditional restaurant with mountain views - Fresh local cuisine featuring regional specialties - Time to rest and prepare for desert journey

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 7:00 PM) - Journey to Desert (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM) - Continue journey toward desert landscape - Witness terrain transformation to arid conditions - Pass through traditional Berber villages - Merzouga Arrival (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) - Arrive at Merzouga village - First glimpse of magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes - Meet your camel guide and prepare for sunset trek - Begin sunset camel trek into the Sahara - 1.5-hour magical journey through golden sand dunes - Professional photography opportunities during golden hour - Arrive at luxury desert camp as sunset begins

Evening (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM) - Desert Camp Welcome (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM) - Welcome at luxury desert camp with traditional mint tea - Check into private tent with comfortable amenities - Time to freshen up after camel trek - Traditional Berber Dinner (8:00 PM - 9:00 PM) - Multi-course authentic Moroccan feast under the stars - Traditional tagine, couscous, fresh bread, and mint tea - Vegetarian options available - Evening Entertainment (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM) - Live Berber music around crackling campfire - Traditional drumming and storytelling - Learn about desert culture and nomadic traditions - Stargazing in crystal-clear desert sky

Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley

Morning (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

  • Sunrise Experience (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM)

    • Optional Sunrise (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM)
      • Optional early wake-up for spectacular desert sunrise
      • Photography session in magical morning light
      • Witness dunes transform colors at dawn
      • Professional guidance for best sunrise photo locations
    • Camel Return & Breakfast (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM)
      • Morning camel ride back to Merzouga village
      • Different route with new photo opportunities
      • Breakfast at Camp (8:00 AM)
      • Traditional Berber breakfast with fresh ingredients
      • Fresh Moroccan bread, honey, olives, cheese, and fruit
      • Moroccan mint tea and coffee

  • Depart Merzouga (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

    • Leave Desert Behind (8:30 AM - 10:30 AM)
      • Leave the desert behind and begin journey north
      • Travel through changing landscapes from desert to mountains
      • Photo opportunities of diverse terrain
    • Todra Gorges Arrival (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
      • Arrive at spectacular Todra Gorges
      • Walk along the river between towering 300m canyon walls
      • Photo opportunities of dramatic rock formations
      • Optional rock climbing observation
      • Refreshment break at riverside café

  • Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

    • Lunch at Todra (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
      • Lunch at restaurant near Todra Gorges
      • Traditional Moroccan cuisine with local specialties
      • Time to rest and prepare for valley exploration

  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

    • Dades Valley Journey (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
      • Continue to Dades Valley with dramatic rock formations
      • See famous "monkey fingers" rock formations
      • Photo stops at panoramic viewpoints
      • Visit traditional kasbahs along the valley
    • Hotel Check-in (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
      • Arrive at hotel overlooking beautiful Dades Valley
      • Check into comfortable room with valley views
      • Time to rest and relax after desert experience
      • Dinner & Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
      • Dinner at hotel with traditional Moroccan cuisine
      • Enjoy sunset views over the valley
      • Free evening to relax and prepare for tomorrow's journey

Overnight: Hotel in Dades Valley

Day 4: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

  • Breakfast & Departure (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

    • Breakfast (8:00 AM - 8:30 AM)
      • Traditional Moroccan breakfast at your hotel
      • Coffee and fresh mint tea
      • Depart Dades Valley (8:30 AM - 9:00 AM)
      • Leave Dades Valley for journey south
      • Travel through changing landscapes
      • Photo opportunities along the route
    • Ouarzazate Arrival (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
      • Arrive in Ouarzazate, "Hollywood of Morocco"
      • Learn about the film industry and movie locations
      • Orientation to this desert gateway city

  • Midday (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

    • Taourirt Kasbah Visit (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
      • Visit impressive Taourirt Kasbah
      • Learn about the Glaoui dynasty and kasbah architecture
      • Photo opportunities of this historic fortress
    • Lunch in Ouarzazate (11:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
      • Lunch at restaurant in Ouarzazate
      • Traditional Moroccan cuisine
      • Time to rest and prepare for afternoon journey

  • Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

    • Ait Ben Haddou Journey (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
      • Drive to the magnificent Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
      • Learn about its UNESCO World Heritage status
      • Discover its role in Hollywood movies (Gladiator, Game of Thrones)
    • Ait Ben Haddou Exploration (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
      • Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou and check into your hotel
      • Guided tour of this ancient fortified village
      • Explore narrow alleys and traditional architecture
      • Sunset photography of the ksar
      • Dinner & Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
      • Dinner at hotel or local restaurant
      • Traditional Moroccan cuisine
      • Final evening in this historic village

Overnight: Hotel in Ait Ben Haddou

Day 5: Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

  • Breakfast & Final Exploration (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

    • Breakfast (8:00 AM - 8:30 AM)
      • Traditional Moroccan breakfast at your hotel
      • Final morning in the desert region
      • Coffee and fresh mint tea
    • Final Ait Ben Haddou Exploration (8:30 AM - 9:30 AM)
      • Additional time to explore the ancient ksar
      • Final photo opportunities of this UNESCO site
      • Shopping for local crafts and souvenirs
      • Learn about traditional crafts and techniques

  • High Atlas Crossing (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

    • Begin scenic drive to Marrakech
    • Enter the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains
    • Climb the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m)
    • Photo stops at panoramic viewpoints
    • Witness traditional Berber villages perched on mountainsides

  • Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

    • Mountain Views (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
      • Continue through the High Atlas with breathtaking views
      • Photo opportunities of terraced fields and mountain agriculture
      • Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
      • Lunch at mountain restaurant with panoramic views
      • Traditional Moroccan cuisine

  • Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

    • Descent to Marrakech (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
    • Begin descent from the High Atlas Mountains
    • Witness the landscape transform from mountains to plains
    • Pass through traditional Berber villages
    • Final photo opportunities of the journey
    • Marrakech Arrival (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
      • Arrive in the vibrant "Red City" of Marrakech
      • First impressions of this magical city
      • Drive through the city to your accommodation
    • Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
      • Hotel Check-in & Dinner (6:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
      • Check into your Marrakech hotel or riad
      • Welcome with traditional mint tea
      • Dinner (7:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
      • Dinner at your accommodation
      • Traditional Moroccan cuisine
      • Introduction to Marrakech's unique atmosphere
      • Evening Activities (8:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
      • Optional evening exploration of Marrakech
      • Visit Djemaa el-Fna square and experience its energy
      • Dinner at traditional restaurant in Marrakech
      • Begin your Marrakech experience

Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech

Day 6: Marrakech Guided Tour & Departure

Morning (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

  • Complete Marrakech Tour (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

    • Breakfast (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM)
      • Traditional Moroccan breakfast at your accommodation
      • Fresh bread, pastries, honey, and mint tea
      • Final morning in Morocco's cultural capital
    • Marrakech Exploration (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
      • Begin with the iconic Koutoubia Mosque exterior
      • Visit the serene Jardin Majorelle and Berber Museum
      • Explore the magnificent Bahia Palace with stunning courtyards
      • Walk through the historic Saadian Tombs
      • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna square
      • Navigate the bustling souks with your guide

  • Midday (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)

    • Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
      • Lunch at local restaurant specializing in Moroccan cuisine
      • Traditional tagine and fresh bread
      • Time to rest and prepare for afternoon exploration

  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

    • Afternoon Exploration (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
      • Continue exploring Marrakech's main attractions
      • Visit the Menara Gardens and historic sites
      • Shopping opportunities in the medina
      • Personal time for last-minute activities

  • Evening & Departure (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

    • Farewell Dinner (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM)
    • Farewell dinner at upscale traditional restaurant
    • Celebrate your Moroccan journey
    • Share stories and photos from your adventure
    • Airport Transfer (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
      • Private transfer to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK)
      • Assistance with check-in and departure procedures
      • Final farewell from Morocco
      • End of unforgettable 6-day essential Morocco adventure

Day 6: Marrakech Guided Tour & Departure

Enjoy a morning guided tour of Marrakech's main attractions. Depending on your flight, transfer to Marrakech airport for departure.

What to Bring

  • A small overnight bag for the desert camp.
  • Warm clothes for the desert and mountains.
  • Comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
  • A power bank for your devices.