Day 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate via Ait Benhaddou
Morning: Begin with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Marrakech. Depart for Ouarzazate, crossing the High Atlas Mountains and taking in views of the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Stops:
Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Enjoy panoramic views and capture memorable photos.
Ait Benhaddou: Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient fortified village famous for its clay architecture and film appearances.
Afternoon: Continue to Ouarzazate. Option to visit the Atlas Film Studios (extra cost) or explore the Taourirt Kasbah.
Evening: Settle into a comfortable guesthouse in Ouarzazate and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Ouarzazate with traditional decor and mountain views.
Day 2: Ouarzazate to Dades Valley via Skoura and Rose Valley
Morning: After breakfast, depart towards the Dades Valley, stopping in Skoura. Visit the Amridil Kasbah, an ancient kasbah surrounded by palm groves.
Afternoon: Continue to Kelaa M’gouna in the Valley of Roses. Here, you can explore the town famous for its rose products, used in cosmetics and perfumes.
Evening: Arrive in the Dades Valley and check into a charming guesthouse. Enjoy dinner and an evening to relax in the scenic surroundings.
Accommodation: Local guesthouse in the Dades Valley.
Day 3: Dades Valley to Merzouga via Todra Gorge
Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the Dades Gorge, with time to explore its unique rock formations and cliffs.
Midday: Continue to Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most stunning canyons with cliffs reaching up to 300 meters. Enjoy a short hike along the river.
Afternoon: Head to Merzouga, passing through small Berber villages and oases.
Evening: Begin a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, reaching your desert camp by sunset. Enjoy mint tea and a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars.
Night Activities: Enjoy live Berber music, storytelling, and stargazing by the campfire.
Accommodation: Luxury desert camp with en-suite tents, comfortable bedding, and hot showers.
Day 4: Merzouga to Erfoud and Ziz Valley
Early Morning: Wake up early for an optional camel trek to watch the sunrise over the dunes.
Morning: After breakfast, return to Merzouga village and set out for Erfoud. Known for its fossils and date festival, Erfoud is an interesting town to explore.
Afternoon: Drive through the lush Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s longest oases, with views of vast palm groves.
Evening: Arrive at a cozy guesthouse along the valley, where you can relax and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Traditional guesthouse in the Ziz Valley.
Day 5: Ziz Valley to Fez via Midelt and Cedar Forest
Morning: After breakfast, depart for Fez, traveling through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Stops:
Midelt: Pause for lunch and admire the apple orchards and mountain views in this charming town.
Cedar Forest of Azrou: Enjoy a scenic break in the cedar forests, famous for wild Barbary macaque monkeys.
Evening: Arrive in Fez, where you’ll check into a riad in the medina and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Traditional riad in Fez.
Day 6: Full Day in Fez
Morning and Afternoon: Spend the day exploring Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. A local guide will lead you through the highlights, including:
Fez el-Bali: Wander the medina’s maze-like streets, filled with artisans, markets, and historical sites.
Al Quaraouiyine University: Visit the world’s oldest university, still operating as a religious and educational institution.
Bou Inania Madrasa: Explore this beautiful example of Moroccan architecture and Islamic education.
Evening: Return to your riad for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Riad in Fez.
Day 7: Fez to Marrakech via Ifrane and Beni Mellal
Morning: Depart Fez and drive through the Middle Atlas on the way back to Marrakech.
Stops:
Ifrane: Take a short break in this alpine-like town, known as “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and cool climate.
Beni Mellal: A scenic stop in a city surrounded by olive groves and mountain views.
Afternoon: Arrive in Marrakech in the early evening, marking the end of your tour.
