7 Days desert tour from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Your comprehensive Morocco tour begins with a spectacular drive over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Your first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, the country’s most famous ksar. After exploring its ancient alleyways, continue to Ouarzazate and see the Atlas Film Studios. The day ends as you journey into the dramatic Dades Valley, where you’ll spend the night in a hotel overlooking the gorge.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Dunes

After breakfast, travel along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to the magnificent Todra Gorge. Here, you can walk between the towering 300-meter high canyon walls. In the afternoon, arrive at the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga. From here, a camel trek will take you across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to a luxury desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner and Berber music under a canopy of stars.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration (4×4 Tour)

Wake up for an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, embark on a 4×4 tour of the desert surroundings. Visit the nomadic families living in the area, discover the unique black desert with its volcanic rocks, and see the panoramic views from a fossil site. You’ll also visit the village of Khamlia to experience the spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music before returning to your desert camp for a second magical night.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani Market – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes

After your final Sahara sunrise, journey north towards Fes. Stop at the traditional market in Rissani, then travel through the breathtaking Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm grove. Continue through the town of Midelt, nestled at the foot of the Ayachi Mountain, and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains. A surprising stop in Ifrane, known as “Morocco’s Switzerland,” offers a change of scenery before arriving in the ancient city of Fes for the night.

Day 5: Exploring the Fes Medina

Dedicate this day to discovering the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. With a local guide, explore the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali medina, one of the world’s largest urban pedestrian zones. Visit the famous tanneries, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Royal Palace gate, and the vibrant souks. The day provides a deep immersion into the city’s rich history and artisan traditions.

Day 6: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Rabat

Leave Fes and travel to Meknes, another imperial city. See the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the Royal Stables. Continue to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO site where you can walk among well-preserved mosaics and archways. From here, proceed to Morocco’s modern capital, Rabat. Explore highlights like the Hassan Tower and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas before settling in for the night.

Day 7: Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech

On the final day of your tour, depart Rabat for Casablanca. Here, you will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, spectacularly perched on the Atlantic coast. After the visit, begin the journey back to Marrakech, where your 7-day imperial cities and desert adventure concludes.