7-Day Private Morocco Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes

Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, transfer to hotel or riad (15–20 min drive). Time to rest; optional orientation walk depending on arrival. If early, optional afternoon guided city tour; otherwise, evening free possible visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Guide reviews next day’s plan.

• Driving Time: 15–20 minutes
• Accommodation: Hotel or Riad in Marrakech
• Meals: Not included (restaurant recommendations available)
• Highlights: Marrakech arrival, optional Jemaa el-Fnaa visit
• Optional activities: Early city tour (if time permits)

Meet your guide for a full-day tour of Marrakech. Visit Koutoubia Mosque (exterior only), then Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. After lunch, explore the medina’s souks with guided navigation. End at Jemaa el-Fnaa square to see live performances and market life. Return to hotel by late afternoon; evening free or optional hammam.

• Walking Time: 3–4 hours (with breaks)
• Accommodation: Hotel or Riad in Marrakech
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Highlights: Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa
• Optional activities: Traditional hammam and spa in the evening

Depart Marrakech after early breakfast. Drive east via Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2,260 m), with stops for mountain views. Visit Telouet Kasbah (Glaoui family), then Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site, film location). After lunch, continue to Ouarzazate. Tour Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

• Driving Time: 5–6 hours with stops (200 km)
• Walking Time: 1–2 hours (kasbahs)
• Accommodation: Hotel or Riad in Ouarzazate
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner included
• Highlights: High Atlas Mountains, Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, Telouet Kasbah, Ait Ben Haddou, Atlas Film Studios
• Optional activities: Argan oil cooperative visit

Depart Ouarzazate after breakfast. Visit Taourirt Kasbah if not covered prior day. Drive to Agdz, enter Draa Valley palm groves, Berber villages, ancient kasbahs with photo and exploration stops. Lunch in Nkob or Alnif. Continue via Rissani to Merzouga. Switch to camels for 1–1.5 hr ride across Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Arrive at luxury desert camp for tea, dinner, Berber music by campfire. Camp includes beds, toilets, basic wash facilities.

• Driving Time: 6–7 hours with stops (350 km)
• Walking/Camel Time: 1–2 hours
• Accommodation: Luxury desert camp in Merzouga
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner included
• Highlights: Draa Valley, palm groves, Berber villages, camel trek, Sahara sunset
• Optional activities: Quad biking in dunes before camel ride

Early wake-up for Sahara sunrise. After breakfast, camel ride back to vehicle. Drive north through Errachidia and Ziz Valley (photo stops). Lunch in Midelt, then cross Middle Atlas Mountains (cedar forests, Berber villages). Reach Fes by early evening. Check in to riad or hotel near medina, optional neighborhood walk. Guide offers dinner suggestions.

• Driving Time: 8–9 hours with stops (420 km)
• Walking Time: Minimal
• Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Fes
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Highlights: Sahara sunrise, Ziz Valley, Middle Atlas Mountains
• Optional activities: Pottery workshop visit in Fes (time permitting)

Meet guide for full-day Fes tour. Start at Royal Palace gate, enter Fes el-Bali via Bab Boujloud. Visit Al Quaraouiyine University (view from outside), Bou Inania and Attarine Madrasas, and tanneries. Lunch in the medina. Explore artisan souks, Nejjarine Square and woodworking museum. End with panoramic medina view. Evening free.

• Walking Time: 4–5 hours (with breaks)
• Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Fes
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Highlights: Fes Medina, Al Quaraouiyine University, madrasas, tanneries, souks
• Optional activities: Cooking class, traditional hammam experience

Final day. Breakfast at riad. Depending on flight time, optional morning activities: explore Mellah (Jewish Quarter), visit Borj Nord arms museum, or shop for souvenirs in the medina. Driver transfers you to Fes-Saïs Airport (30 min drive, 15 km).

• Driving Time: 30 minutes (airport transfer)
• Walking Time: Minimal (varies by activity)
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Highlights: Optional last-minute Fes exploration or shopping