DESRT TOURS
Morocco 10-Day Tour from Fes
About this tour
Discover the heart of Morocco on this 10-day journey, combining desert adventure, Atlas Mountain scenery, coastal charm, and northern Morocco’s picturesque towns. Experience camel rides in the Sahara, stroll through historic medinas, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and wander the iconic blue streets of Chefchaouen. This tour blends natural beauty, history, and Moroccan culture for a truly unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains with stops in Ifrane and Azrou’s cedar forests
Cross the High Atlas Mountains with scenic viewpoints en route to Marrakech
Explore the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert with camel trekking and overnight in a desert camp
Visit Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and the fragrant Rose Valley
Explore scenic Middle Atlas towns and cedar forests with Barbary macaques
Visit Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and the fragrant Rose Valley
Flexible itinerary that can be adapted to your pace and interests
Itinerary
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Depart Fes and travel south into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, Morocco’s “Switzerland,” for a short stroll and photos. Continue to the cedar forests near Azrou to spot playful monkeys. After a traditional lunch, traverse the scenic Ziz Valley with lush palm groves. Arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, enjoy a sunset over the Sahara, and spend your first night in a desert camp with traditional music under the stars.
Day 2: Sahara Desert Exploration – Nomads – Camel Trekking
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes. Explore the desert by 4×4, visiting volcanic rocks, fossil sites, and nomad villages. Meet a local family, enjoy mint tea, and learn about their lifestyle. Continue to a village renowned for Gnaoua music, then stroll through palm groves before a late afternoon camel trek into the dunes. Enjoy dinner at your desert camp and sleep beneath the starry sky.
Day 3: Sahara Sunrise – Erfoud – Tinejdad – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Start with a desert sunrise and camel ride back to Merzouga. Travel toward Todra Gorge, stopping at historic market towns and fossil workshops. Continue through palm groves to Todra Gorge, with towering cliffs ideal for photography and short hikes. Descend into the Dades Valley with its striking rock formations and panoramic views, then overnight in a local guesthouse or hotel.
Day 4: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
Drive through the fragrant Rose Valley, learning about rose cultivation and local products. Pass through Skoura’s palm groves before reaching Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood of Africa,” with film studios and historic kasbahs. Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a centuries-old fortified village. Continue across the High Atlas Mountains, pausing at scenic viewpoints, and arrive in Marrakech by evening.
Day 5: Marrakech – Full-Day Guided Exploration
Spend the day discovering Marrakech with a local guide. Explore the bustling medina, souks, squares, historic palaces, tombs, mosques, and beautiful gardens. Learn about Moroccan culture, crafts, and history while wandering narrow streets. Afternoon free for personal exploration of markets, cafés, and hidden gems.
Day 6: Marrakech – Essaouira (Coastal Excursion)
Take a day trip to Essaouira, a charming Atlantic coastal city. Explore the medina, artisan workshops, and markets. Visit the fishing port, watch goats climb Argan trees, and learn about Argan oil production. Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch and stroll along the seaside ramparts before returning to Marrakech.
Day 7: Marrakech – El Jadida – Casablanca
Depart Marrakech and travel along the Atlantic coast to El Jadida, a historic Portuguese city. Explore the old town, fortified walls, and underground cisterns. Continue to Casablanca for a short city tour highlighting modern and historic landmarks before checking into your hotel.
Day 8: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
Leave Casablanca and head north to Rabat, visiting historic sites, palaces, and medinas. Continue to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s “Blue City,” for an afternoon exploring its iconic blue streets and scenic mountain setting. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 9: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
Depart Chefchaouen and visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Meknes, exploring imperial gates, palaces, and medina streets. Return to Fes for overnight.
Day 10: Fes – Airport Transfer
Transfer to Fes airport for departure, concluding your 10-day journey across Morocco’s desert, mountains, coast, and imperial cities.
What to Know Before Your 10-Day Morocco Tour
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for medina streets, mountains, and desert dunes
- Light clothing plus a warm layer for cooler desert nights
- Sunglasses, sunscreen & hat for sun protection
- Small backpack for day trips and essentials
- Camera for dunes, kasbahs, gorges, medinas, coastal scenery, and blue streets
Tips for First-Time Travelers:
- Carry cash for remote villages, markets, and desert excursions
- Dress modestly in traditional areas and Berber villages
- Stay hydrated, especially in the desert and Atlas Mountains
- Mountain roads may take longer due to winding paths
- Always ask before photographing locals
Climate Overview:
- Fes & Marrakech: Hot summers, mild winters
- Middle Atlas Mountains: Cool, possible snow in winter
- Sahara Desert: Hot days, cold nights
- Todra Gorge & Dades Valley: Warm days, cooler nights
- Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou: Dry, sunny, warm
- High Atlas Mountains: Cool, scenic
- Essaouira & Atlantic Coast: Mild, breezy
- Casablanca & Rabat: Moderate, coastal
- Chefchaouen: Mild, pleasant
Main Distances:
- Fes → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert: 460 km (~8h)
- Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley: 200 km (~4–5h)
- Dades Valley → Rose Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech: 220 km (~5h)
- Marrakech → Essaouira → Marrakech: 370 km round trip (~6–7h)
- Marrakech → El Jadida → Casablanca: 370 km (~5–6h)
- Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen: 340 km (~5–6h)
- Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes: 200 km (~4–5h)
