Your journey begins with an early departure from Marrakech, driving across the High Atlas Mountains and the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The scenic drive offers panoramic views of the mountains and traditional Berber villages dotted along the way.
Your first stop is the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning mud-brick architecture. This ancient fortified village has been a backdrop for numerous films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring the kasbah, continue to Ouarzazate, known as Morocco’s “Hollywood,” where you can visit the Taourirt Kasbah or take a brief tour of the local film studios.
Next, head to Dades Gorges, a stunning canyon surrounded by towering cliffs and rock formations. After arriving in Dades, check into your hotel or riad, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, and relax in the tranquil atmosphere.
Highlights: Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate, Dades Gorges.
Overnight: Hotel in Dades Gorges.
After breakfast, drive to the stunning Todra Gorges, where the towering cliffs rise dramatically around you. You will have time to walk through the gorge, explore its riverbanks, and admire the landscape before continuing your journey toward Erfoud.
In Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil workshops, you’ll stop briefly before heading to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, mount your camel for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi Dunes, where you will witness a stunning Sahara sunset as the sun dips below the golden dunes. After your trek, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner at your desert camp, where you’ll also enjoy a night under the stars.
Highlights: Todra Gorges, Erfoud, Camel ride in the Sahara Desert, Sunset over the Erg Chebbi Dunes, Overnight in desert camp.
Overnight: Desert camp near Merzouga.
Wake up early to enjoy the Sahara sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at your desert camp. Afterward, you’ll ride your camel back to Merzouga and continue your journey to Rissani, an ancient town with a vibrant souk and rich history. Here, you can explore the market and experience the local culture.
Next, travel through the Ziz Valley, famous for its vast palm groves and dramatic landscapes. Continue north to Azrou, a charming town in the Middle Atlas Mountains, known for its cedar forests. Stop to see the famous Barbary apes in the forest before continuing to Ifrane, a picturesque town often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to its European-style architecture and mountain scenery.
Finally, you will arrive in Fes, where the tour concludes. You can explore the city’s old medina or head to your hotel/riad for a relaxing evening.
Highlights: Rissani souk, Ziz Valley, Azrou, Barbary apes, Ifrane, Arrival in Fes.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Fes.
