8-Day Moroccan Cities and the Sahara from Fes
Tour Description
This comprehensive 8-day tour, starting and ending in different cities, offers a deep dive into Morocco's rich history and stunning landscapes. From the cultural capital of Fes, you'll explore other imperial cities like Meknes, venture into the Sahara desert for an unforgettable night, and journey through kasbahs and mountains to the vibrant Red City of Marrakech. It's the perfect itinerary for a complete Moroccan experience.
Tour Highlights
- Deep exploration of Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech.
- Day trip to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- An unforgettable night in a Sahara desert camp with a camel trek.
- Journey through the Atlas mountains and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Why Choose This Tour?
This comprehensive tour offers a deep dive into Morocco's imperial history and stunning southern landscapes. It's perfect for those who want to experience the country's rich diversity without backtracking.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Fes & Imperial City Exploration
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
-
Airport Arrival & Transfer (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
- Airport Pickup (9:00 AM)
-
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
- Royal Palace Gate (11:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Famous Tanneries (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
- Visit the renowned Chouara Tannery
- See the 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 a 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 the 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 the Al-Qarawiyyin University (oldest continuously operating university)
- Learn about its role as an 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 a 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 Guided Tour & Cultural Immersion
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Breakfast (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM)
- Traditional Moroccan breakfast at your accommodation
- Fresh bread, honey, olives, cheese, and fruit
- Moroccan mint tea and coffee
- Fes Medina Exploration (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Deep dive into the ancient medina
- Visit the famous Bab Boujloud gate
- Explore the artisan quarters and craft workshops
- Learn about traditional Moroccan crafts
- Shopping opportunities in authentic souks
- Interact with local artisans
Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
- Lunch at a traditional restaurant in Fes
- Specialties of the region
- Time to rest and prepare for afternoon exploration
- Cultural Sites (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Visit the Borj Nord (North Fort)
- Explore the Marinid architecture
- Learn about Fes's defensive history
- Photo opportunities of this historic fort
Afternoon Exploration (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Artisan Workshops (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
- Visit traditional craft workshops
- See pottery, metalwork, and textile artisans
- Learn about ancient techniques
- Shopping for authentic crafts
- Relaxation Time (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Free time to explore at your own pace
- Return to favorite spots in the medina
- Final shopping for souvenirs
- Prepare for tomorrow's journey
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Dinner (7:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
- Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Fes
- Authentic Moroccan cuisine with local specialties
- Experience Fes dining culture
- Evening Activities (8:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Optional visit to a traditional hammam
- Relaxation after two days of exploration
- Final evening in the spiritual capital
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Fes
Day 3: Fes → Meknes & Volubilis Roman Ruins
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 accommodation
- Fresh bread, honey, olives, cheese, and fruit
- Moroccan mint tea and coffee
- Depart Fes (8:30 AM)
- Leave Fes in comfortable air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle
- Begin journey to Meknes
- Meet your driver and guide for the day's adventure
- Breakfast (8:00 AM - 8:30 AM)
-
Meknes Arrival (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
- Arrive in the imperial city of Meknes
- Orientation to this historic city
- Learn about its role as an imperial capital
- Photo opportunities of the city gates
-
Meknes Exploration (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Guided tour of Meknes medina
- Visit the historic Bab Mansour gate
- Explore the traditional souks and markets
- Learn about the city's rich history
- Shopping opportunities for local crafts
Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Lunch in Meknes (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
- Lunch at a traditional restaurant in Meknes
- Regional specialties and local cuisine
- Time to rest and prepare for afternoon exploration
- Journey to Volubilis (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Short drive to the ancient Roman ruins
- Orientation to this UNESCO World Heritage site
Afternoon Exploration (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Volubilis Roman Ruins (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
- Comprehensive guided tour of Volubilis
- Explore the ancient Roman city ruins
- Learn about the Roman presence in Morocco
- Visit the archaeological museum
- Photo opportunities of this historic site
- Walk through the ancient streets and temples
- Return to Fes (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Journey back to Fes
- Time to rest and reflect on the day's discoveries
- Final photo opportunities of the route
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Dinner (7:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
- Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Fes
- Authentic Moroccan cuisine with local specialties
- Share stories from the day's explorations
- Evening Stroll (8:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Gentle evening walk through the illuminated medina
- Final evening in the spiritual capital
- Prepare for tomorrow's journey to the desert
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Fes
Day 4: 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 desert adventure
- Breakfast (7:30 AM - 8:00 AM)
-
Ifrane Visit (8:30 AM - 9:30 AM)
- Stop in Ifrane, known as the "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 the 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 the 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 a traditional restaurant with mountain views
- Fresh local cuisine featuring regional specialties
- Time to rest and prepare for the desert journey
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
- Journey to Desert (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Continue journey toward the desert landscape
- Witness the 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 the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes
- Meet your camel guide and prepare for the sunset trek
- Begin the sunset camel trek into the Sahara
- 1.5-hour magical journey through golden sand dunes
- Professional photography opportunities during golden hour
- Arrive at the luxury desert camp as sunset begins
Evening (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
- Desert Camp Welcome (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
- Welcome at the luxury desert camp with traditional mint tea
- Check into your private tent with comfortable amenities
- Time to freshen up after the 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 a crackling campfire
- Traditional drumming and storytelling
- Learn about desert culture and nomadic traditions
- Stargazing in the crystal-clear desert sky
Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga
Day 5: 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 the spectacular desert sunrise
- Photography session in the magical morning light
- Witness the dunes transform colors at dawn
- Professional guidance for the 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
- Optional Sunrise (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM)
-
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 the spectacular Todra Gorges
- Walk along the river between towering 300m canyon walls
- Photo opportunities of the dramatic rock formations
- Optional rock climbing observation
- Refreshment break at a riverside café
- Leave Desert Behind (8:30 AM - 10:30 AM)
Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Lunch at Todra (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
- Lunch at a restaurant near the 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 the Dades Valley with dramatic rock formations
- See the 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 a hotel overlooking the beautiful Dades Valley
- Check into a comfortable room with valley views
- Time to rest and relax after the desert experience
- Dinner & Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Dinner at the 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 6: 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 the Dades Valley for the journey south
- Travel through changing landscapes
- Photo opportunities along the route
- Ouarzazate Arrival (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
- Arrive in Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco"
- Learn about the film industry and movie locations
- Orientation to this desert gateway city
- Breakfast (8:00 AM - 8:30 AM)
-
Midday (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Taourirt Kasbah Visit (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
- Visit the 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 a restaurant in Ouarzazate
- Traditional Moroccan cuisine
- Time to rest and prepare for the afternoon journey
- Taourirt Kasbah Visit (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
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 the narrow alleys and traditional architecture
- Sunset photography of the ksar
- Dinner & Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant
- Traditional Moroccan cuisine
- Final evening in this historic village
Overnight: Hotel in Ait Ben Haddou
Day 7: 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
- Breakfast (8:00 AM - 8:30 AM)
-
High Atlas Crossing (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Begin the 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 a 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 the 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
- Dinner at your accommodation
- Evening Activities (8:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Optional evening exploration of Marrakech
- Visit the Djemaa el-Fna square and experience its energy
- Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Marrakech
- Begin your Marrakech experience
- Optional evening exploration of Marrakech
- Hotel Check-in & Dinner (6:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Marrakech
Day 8: 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
- Breakfast (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM)
Midday (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
- Lunch at a 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 an 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 8-day Moroccan cities and Sahara adventure
- Farewell Dinner (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM)
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for exploring ancient cities and ruins.
- A warm jacket for the desert and mountains.
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
- A small bag for your overnight desert stay.
- A camera to capture it all.