6 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

This 6 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech, with an unforgettable Sahara desert experience. Discover imperial cities, cross the dramatic Atlas Mountains, ride camels over golden dunes, and explore Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The tour blends guided explorations with free time, featuring historic medinas, nomadic encounters, and breathtaking natural wonders.

Highlights of Your 6 Day Desert Tour from Fes:

✔ Explore Fes’ UNESCO-listed medieval medina
✔ See wild Barbary macaques in Cedar Forest
✔ Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
✔ Experience Gnawa music and nomadic culture
✔ Visit dramatic Todra Gorge and Dades Valley
✔ Discover Ait Benhaddou’s famous kasbah
✔ Marrakech’s palaces, gardens and vibrant souks

Day 1: Arrival in Fes

Upon landing at Fes Airport, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to your riad in the historic medina. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy mint tea hospitality and explore nearby souks. Settle into your traditional accommodation at the heart of one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities.

Day 2: Fes Cultural Tour

Your full-day guided exploration begins with the Royal Palace’s magnificent gates and the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah). Visit a ceramic cooperative to see traditional craftsmanship before entering the ancient medina’s labyrinthine alleys. Discover the famous Chouara tanneries, the Bou Inania Medersa, and Al Quaraouiyine University – the world’s oldest continuously operating university. The day concludes with panoramic sunset views over the entire medina.

Day 3: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga

Journey from imperial Fes toward the Sahara Desert, passing through diverse landscapes. Stop in Ifrane, known as “Moroccan Switzerland” for its alpine architecture, then continue to the Cedar Forest to observe wild Barbary macaques. After lunch in Midelt (famous for apples), descend through the dramatic Ziz Valley with its palm oases before arriving in Merzouga. Overnight at a desert hotel preparing for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert Experience

Today immerses you in Sahara culture. We’ll visit ancient irrigation systems still in use today and the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa musicians descended from West African slaves. You’ll enjoy a traditional “Berber pizza” lunch with a local family and have the opportunity to meet nomadic people still living in traditional tents. The afternoon is free to explore Merzouga village before another magical night in the desert camp.

Day 5: Merzouga to Dades Valley

After sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at camp, we depart for Dades Valley. En route, we’ll stop in Rissani to visit its traditional market (on market days) and see remnants of the ancient Sijilmassa trading post. The highlight of the day is Todra Gorge, where 300-meter cliffs tower above a palm-filled canyon. We’ll arrive in Dades Valley by evening, staying at a hotel with spectacular views of the “monkey fingers” rock formations.

Day 6: Dades Valley to Marrakech

Our journey continues through the Valley of Roses, where thousands of rose bushes bloom each spring. We’ll visit Skoura’s impressive palm grove before reaching Ait Benhaddou, the famous kasbah featured in many Hollywood films. After lunch, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka pass, arriving in Marrakech by evening. You’ll spend the night in a riad within the medina walls.