10 days in Morocco from Fez to Merzouga

Day 1: Airport – Fez

The first day of this 10-day Morocco tour will be used to arrive in Fez and get acquainted with the city and the country. Our English-speaking driver will pick you up at the city’s airport to transfer you to your central accommodation, which will be a riad in the medina. From then until the time of your night’s rest, you will enjoy as much free time as your flight arrival time allows.

Summary of the day

Arrival at Fez airport
Pick up by our driver and transfer in private vehicle.
Free time, depending on the flight arrival time.
Night in riad in the medina of Fez.

Day 2: Fez

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your riad, preparing for a day filled with exploration and discovery in the captivating city of Fez.

City Tour with Official Local Guide

Embark on a guided walking tour led by an official local guide, delving into the rich history and culture of Fez’s historic center. Explore iconic landmarks such as:

• Karaouine Mosque and University: One of the oldest universities in the world, boasting stunning architecture and historical significance.
• Bou Inania and Cherratine Madrasahs: Marvel at the intricate designs and architectural beauty of these ancient Islamic schools.
• Mausoleum of Moulay Idris: Pay homage to the founder of Fez and explore this sacred site of pilgrimage.
• Tanners’ Quarter: Witness traditional leatherworking techniques in action at this historic quarter, offering insights into centuries-old craftsmanship.
• Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and Royal Palace: Immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of Fez as you explore the Jewish quarter and admire the grandeur of the Royal Palace, featuring the spectacular Golden Gates.

Free Afternoon

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to indulge in shopping for exquisite handicrafts, including wooden furniture, ceramics, leather goods, and traditional jewelry. Alternatively, visit museums such as Dar Batha or Borj Nord to delve deeper into the history and culture of Fez. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the delectable local cuisine at one of the city’s authentic eateries.

Night in Riad in Fez

Retreat to the comfort of your charming riad nestled in the heart of the medina, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. With the riad’s central location, all of Fez’s attractions and amenities are within easy reach.

Summary

• Breakfast at riad in Fez.
• Guided city tour with an official local guide, exploring key landmarks and historical sites.
• Free afternoon for shopping, museum visits, and culinary delights.
• Night spent in the cozy ambiance of a riad in Fez’s medina.

Day 3: Fez – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your riad in Fez, fueling up for the exciting journey ahead.

Road Route Through Enchanting Landscapes

Embark on a picturesque road trip towards the Sahara desert, with captivating stops along the way:

• Ifrane – The Switzerland of Africa: Explore the charming town of Ifrane, renowned for its gable-roofed buildings and a climate that resembles Switzerland. Discover why it’s often dubbed the “Switzerland of Africa.”

• National Park of Cedars or Monkey Forest: Journey through the scenic National Park, known for its lush cedar forests and inhabited by the Barbary macaques. Witness these sociable primates in their natural habitat as you traverse through the park.

• Ziz Valley: Enter the breathtaking Ziz Valley, characterized by its arid landscapes interspersed with verdant palm groves. Marvel at the Tafilalet palm grove, a lush oasis amidst the desert terrain.

Arrival in Merzouga

Conclude your day’s journey in the town of Merzouga, gateway to the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes. Check into a cozy lodge nestled amidst the desert landscape, where you’ll spend the night and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Summary

• Breakfast in riad in Fez.
• Scenic road trip through Ifrane, the National Park of Cedars, and the Ziz Valley.
• Arrival in Merzouga, the starting point of the Sahara desert adventure.
• Night spent in a lodge in the desert of Merzouga, including dinner.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert – Tissardmine Oasis – Saf Saf Oasis – Erg Chebbi Dunes

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the lodge, preparing yourself for a day filled with exploration and cultural experiences in the captivating Merzouga desert.

Cultural Encounters and Musical Performance

Embark on a journey to the village of Khamlia, also known as the ‘village of the blacks,’ where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Gnawa music. Witness a mesmerizing musical performance showcasing this unique folk genre, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.

Exploration of Mifiss Mines and Nomadic Traditions

Discover the intriguing Mifiss mines, offering insights into the global demand for khol in the cosmetics industry. Encounter nomadic Berber tribes at the Tissardmine oasis, where you’ll learn about their ancestral traditions and way of life amidst the desert landscape.

Camel Excursion in Erg Chebbi Dunes

In the afternoon, swap your 4×4 for a more traditional mode of transport – camels. Embark on a scenic camel ride through the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, marveling at the vast expanse of fine sand and the serene beauty of the desert landscape.

Captivating Sunset and Oasis Retreat

Witness the breathtaking spectacle of the sunset over the dunes, as the warm hues of the setting sun paint the sky in mesmerizing tones. Afterwards, journey to the Saf Saf oasis, where you’ll find a Berber tent camp awaiting you. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the starlit sky, surrounded by the tranquility of the desert.

Summary

• Breakfast at the lodge in Merzouga desert.
• Visit to the village of Khamlia and Gnawa music performance.
• Exploration of Mifiss mines and Tissardmine oasis, meeting with nomadic Berber tribes.
• Scenic camel excursion in Erg Chebbi dunes.
• Captivating sunset over the dunes.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Berber tents camp at Saf Saf oasis.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Ouzina Desert

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast amidst the tranquil oasis surroundings of Saf Saf.

Discovering Rissani

Embark on a journey to Rissani, the first imperial city of Morocco and the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. Explore its beautiful medina, steeped in history and authenticity, where you’ll encounter bustling souks, traditional ksours, and charming red-arcaded streets.

Thrilling Off-Road Adventure

Experience the exhilaration of traversing off-road tracks once used in the legendary Paris-Dakar rally. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the desert landscape as you navigate through rugged hamadas and arid elevations, soaking in the adrenaline of this iconic motor race route.

Warm Berber Hospitality in Ouzina

Conclude your off-road adventure in the palm-fringed oasis town of Ouzina, where a local Berber family awaits you with traditional Berber tea, showcasing their warm hospitality and deep-rooted traditions. Experience the genuine warmth and charm of the local community, who continue to embrace their nomadic lifestyle in this remote village.

Dinner and Overnight Stay

Indulge in a delicious dinner at the hotel in Ouzina, offering all the comforts amidst the serene desert landscape. Relax and unwind, reflecting on the day’s adventures as you prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Summary

• Breakfast in Berber tents camp at Saf Saf oasis.
• Exploration of Rissani, the first imperial city of Morocco.
• Adventurous off-road journey on Paris-Dakar rally tracks.
• Arrival in Ouzina and warm welcome by a local Berber family.
• Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Ouzina.

Day 6: Ouzina Desert – Ramlia Oasis – El Mharech Pass – Todra Gorges

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation in Ouzina, gearing up for another exciting day of desert exploration.

4×4 Desert Adventure

Hop back into your trusty 4×4 vehicle as you embark on a journey through the mesmerizing desert landscapes of Ouzina and beyond. Traverse a reg, a desert area characterized by stone formations, lending an otherworldly lunar appearance to the surroundings.

Berber Villages and Nomadic Tents

Venture through Berber villages where locals still reside in authentic nomadic tents, offering a glimpse into traditional desert life.

Ramlia Oasis

Discover the Ramlia Oasis, an unexpected oasis of lush greenery amidst the desert, providing a refreshing contrast to the arid landscape.

Maider Lake

Explore Maider Lake, a vast dry lakebed that offers insight into the Sahara’s ancient past, providing a glimpse of what the region may have looked like thousands of years ago.

El Mharech Pass

Navigate through the El Mharech Pass, a scenic shortcut leading to Mcissi, where you’ll rejoin the asphalt road.

Todra Gorges

Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Todra Gorges, a stunning rocky canyon sculpted by the Todra River. Take some time to explore the gorge on foot, witnessing its remarkable twists and turns.

Dinner and Overnight Stay

Conclude your day with a delectable dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at a riad in the vicinity of the Todra Gorges, immersing yourself in the tranquil desert surroundings.

Summary

• Breakfast at the hotel in Ouzina.
• 4×4 route through the desert:
  • Reg or desert of stones.
  • Ramlia Oasis.
  • Maider Lake.
  • El Mharech Pass.
  • Todra Gorges.
• Dinner and overnight stay in the vicinity of the Todra Gorges.

Day 7: Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Valley of the Roses – Ouarzazate

After breakfast at the riad in the Todra Gorges, we will enter several valleys of unique beauty in this southern region. The first is the Dades Valley, which is part of what is called the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, since along this road there are numerous Berber defensive fortresses.

There are many examples of this, such as Ait Youl, which is striking for the symmetry of its volumes and the good preservation of the whole, surrounded by vegetation and arid hills. From here there is a track that will take us directly to the Valley of the Roses, so called because this flower represents the raw material that moves the economy of the area. This can be seen in Kelaa M’Gouna, which also organizes its own festival of roses in May.

The palm groves are also abundant in this section of the route, as evidenced by Skoura, which we will cross with our vehicle on our way to the goal of this seventh day: Ouarzazate. Here is our accommodation, integrated in a kasbah, where you will have dinner and sleep for the night.

Summary of the day

Breakfast in riad in the Todra Gorges.
Road route through:
Kasbah Ait Youl in the Dades Valley
Kelaa M’Gouna in the Valley of the Roses
Skoura palm grove
Arrival in Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 8: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Kasbah of Telouet – Marrakech

After breakfast at the hotel in Ouarzazate, our first stop is the Kasbah of Taourirt. Once the residence of the Pasha of Marrakech, this fortress retains much of its original decoration. If time permits, we may also visit the renowned film studios of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the ‘Hollywood of Morocco.’

Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou

Next, we’ll head to the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it served as a crucial stop on the caravan routes linking Marrakech and Timbuktu.

Crossing the High Atlas

Our journey continues as we traverse the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2,260 meters. Along the way, we’ll encounter the Kasbah of Telouet, another fortress once belonging to the Pasha of Marrakech. As we descend, we’ll pass through Berber villages and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Argan Oil Cooperative

We’ll make a stop at an argan oil cooperative, where we’ll learn about the traditional production methods of this precious oil, celebrated for its cosmetic properties.

Arrival in Marrakech

In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Marrakech, the final destination of our 10-day tour. While we’ll explore the city more thoroughly the following day, you’ll have free time to experience its vibrant atmosphere, indulge in local cuisine, or engage in some shopping. Your accommodation, a riad located in or near the historic center, will provide easy access to the city’s attractions.

Summary

• Breakfast at the hotel in Ouarzazate.
• Visit the Kasbah of Taourirt.
• Explore the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.
• Tour the Kasbah of Telouet.
• Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
• Visit an argan oil cooperative.
• Arrival in Marrakech and free time.
• Overnight stay in a riad in Marrakech.

Day 9: Marrakech

As at the beginning of this 10-day tour of Morocco, the penultimate day is devoted entirely to an Imperial City declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. We are talking about Marrakech, a major tourist destination in the country for its many attractions, both monumental and popular. You will discover it after breakfast and from the moment you walk with our official local guide.

With him you will make a guided tour of the historic medina, which will pass through the most emblematic places of the ‘Red City’, so called because of the predominant color of its monuments. For example, the Kutubia Mosque, whose minaret is one of the most photographed elements of Marrakech and served as inspiration for other great monuments, such as the Giralda of Seville. But the beauty of this city is also in its interiors, such as the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa or the Bahia Palace.

Any self-respecting tour can not overlook the souks and artisan neighborhoods of the medina, nor the Jemaa el-Fna Square, whose bustle of vendors and passersby was itself declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The afternoon can be an ideal time to stroll and browse around, or to visit the Marrakech Museum, the Majorelle Gardens, the Menara Gardens, the El Badi Palace or other cultural sites in the center. To rest, the riad will be your home again on this last night of the Morocco tour in 10 days.

Summary of the day

Breakfast in riad in Marrakech
City tour with official local guide
Free afternoon in Marrakech
Night in riad in Marrakech

Day 10: Marrakech – Airport

This 10-day Morocco tour comes to an end on this day, which will begin with breakfast at the riad in the medina of Marrakech. After check-out you will see if there is time available for a last walk around the city or proceed with the transfer to the airport. Our driver will pick you up at the indicated place and time, to arrive in time for boarding. This will conclude our services, which we will have offered with the desire to have fulfilled the expectations placed in us … and to see us again in a next tour.

Summary of the day

Breakfast in riad in Marrakech
Check-out
Transfer to Marrakech airport
End of services