9 Days Marrakech-Desert-Fes-Marrakech
9 Days Marrakech Desert Fes Tour
Overview
Discover the best of Morocco on this unforgettable 9-day Marrakech Desert Fes tour. Travel through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, cross the beautiful Draa Valley, experience a magical camel trek in the Merzouga Sahara Desert, and explore the historic imperial city of Fes before returning to Marrakech.
This private Morocco desert tour combines culture, adventure, landscapes, and authentic local experiences, including Berber villages, desert camps, traditional cuisine, and guided visits to Morocco’s most famous attractions.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Marrakech’s famous Medina and Jemaa el-Fna Square
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit Telouat Kasbah and UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
- Discover the scenic Ounila Valley and Ouarzazate
- Enjoy a camel ride through the golden dunes of Merzouga
- Spend a night in a traditional Sahara desert camp
- Visit nomadic families and discover desert traditions
- Explore Fes Medina with a local guide
- See the cedar forests of Azrou and Barbary monkeys
- Discover Marrakech’s historic monuments and gardens
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your traditional riad located in the heart of the Medina, just a short walk from the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square.
In the evening, enjoy your first experience of Marrakech by exploring the lively streets of the old city. Jemaa el-Fna comes alive at night with storytellers, musicians, street performers, snake charmers, and local food stalls.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Telouat Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou – Ounila Valley – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, we depart Marrakech at 8:30 AM in a private 4×4 vehicle toward Ouarzazate, crossing the impressive High Atlas Mountains.
We will drive through the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), the highest mountain pass in Morocco, stopping along the way to admire panoramic views and traditional Berber villages.
Continue to Telouat Kasbah, an ancient fortress once belonging to the powerful Glaoui family. After visiting the kasbah, enjoy free time for lunch before continuing through the spectacular Ounila Valley, known for its colorful landscapes, remote villages, and traditional adobe houses.
Later, visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks. This ancient fortified village has appeared in many famous movies, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Sahara.
Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara Desert.”
Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate
Day 3: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Merzouga Desert – Camel Ride & Desert Camp
After breakfast, we leave toward the Sahara Desert through the beautiful Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s longest rivers and thousands of palm trees.
Enjoy stops along the way to photograph ancient kasbahs, Berber villages, and breathtaking desert landscapes.
After lunch in Nkob or Alnif, continue toward Merzouga and the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes.
Upon arrival, leave the vehicle behind and begin your camel trek into the Sahara. Ride across the golden dunes while watching the sunset before reaching your desert camp.
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber music around the campfire, and a magical night beneath the stars.
Overnight: Sahara Desert Camp
Day 4: Merzouga Desert Exploration – Nomads – Khamlia Village – Erg Chebbi
Wake up early to experience a spectacular Sahara sunrise from the top of a dune.
After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga and begin a full desert exploration day.
Travel around the Erg Chebbi dunes and visit:
- Nomadic families living in traditional desert settlements
- Tissardmin Oasis and fossil areas
- Desert viewpoints overlooking the dunes
- Khamlia Village, famous for its Gnawa spiritual music
Enjoy traditional tea while listening to a live Gnawa music performance.
The afternoon is free to relax, explore the dunes, or enjoy the sunset near your accommodation.
Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Merzouga
Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou Cedar Forest – Fes
After breakfast, continue north toward Fes through the beautiful landscapes of Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains.
Drive through the vast Tafilalet Palm Grove, one of the largest palm plantations in Morocco, before reaching the spectacular Ziz Valley.
Stop at viewpoints overlooking the valley before continuing to Midelt for lunch.
In the afternoon, travel through the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may spot Barbary monkeys.
Continue to Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its clean streets, European-style architecture, and mountain scenery.
Arrive in Fes in the evening.
Overnight: Riad in Fes
Day 6: Full Day Exploring Fes
After breakfast, begin a guided tour of the ancient city of Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital.
Explore the fascinating Medina and visit some of the city’s most important landmarks:
- Al Quaraouiyine University, one of the oldest universities in the world
- Moulay Idriss Mausoleum
- Nejjarine Fountain
- Traditional tanneries
- Royal Palace exterior
- Jewish Quarter (Mellah)
- Traditional ceramic workshops
End the day with a panoramic view over the historic Medina.
Overnight: Riad in Fes
Day 7: Fes – Middle Atlas Mountains – Azrou – Beni Mellal – Marrakech
After breakfast, depart Fes toward Marrakech through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains.
Enjoy views of mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and cedar forests.
Stop in Ifrane and enjoy free time for lunch before continuing south.
Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 8: Marrakech Guided City Tour
Today you will discover the highlights of Marrakech with a local guide.
Visit:
- The ancient Medina walls
- Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret
- Saadian Tombs
- Bahia Palace
- Majorelle Garden
- Jemaa el-Fna Square
After the guided visit, enjoy free time to explore the colorful souks, shop for souvenirs, or discover hidden corners of the Medina.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 9: Marrakech – Airport Transfer
After breakfast, enjoy free time depending on your flight schedule.
At the appropriate time, we will transfer you to Marrakech airport and assist you with your departure.
End of our 9-day Morocco desert tour.
Book Your 9 Days Marrakech Desert Fes Tour
Experience Morocco’s mountains, deserts, ancient cities, and unforgettable landscapes on this private 9-day adventure from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert and Fes.