Overview

A 10-day desert tour from Fes, journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes and culture. Start by exploring Fes’s historic medina, souks, and ancient sites like Al Quaraouiyine University. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, visiting Ifrane and Midelt, before reaching Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Enjoy a camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend a night in a Berber camp. Continue to the dramatic Todra Gorge and the picturesque Dades Valley. Visit Ouarzazate and the ancient village of Ait Ben Haddou, ending the tour in Marrakech with its vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square, historic medina. This tour combines historical, stunning natural beauty, and the unique experience of the Sahara.

Features:

Highligh:

  • Start in Fes and explore the old city, markets, and famous places like the leather tanneries and Royal Palace.
  • Drive through beautiful mountains and cedar forests. 
  • Enjoy the views of the Ziz Valley and arrive in Merzouga.
  • Ride camels into the big sand dunes, watch the sunset, and stay overnight in a desert camp with music and dinner under the stars.
  • Ride camels back to Merzouga at sunrise. 
  • Visit the market in Rissani, then go to Todra Gorge to see the tall cliffs.
  • Travel through the Dades Valley, see amazing rock formations, and visit Berber villages.
  • Visit the Rose Valley and learn about rose products. 
  • Explore palm groves and a historic kasbah in Skoura, then reach Ouarzazate and visit the Taourirt Kasbah.
  • See the famous Ait Benhaddou, a village made of mud bricks, often used in movies.
  • Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass with beautiful mountain views on the way to Marrakech. 
  • Explore the markets, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and enjoy the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
  • Take a trip to the Atlas Mountains, visit Berber villages, and enjoy the mountain scenery before returning to Marrakech.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 : Casablanca – Rabat

The start of your 10 Days from Casablanca to Fes and Merzouga Desert, depending of your arrival , our driver we will pic up you from your accommodation in Casablanca where you will visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest outside Mecca . Afterwards, we will leave for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Here, you’ll see the Hassan Tower, the Oudaya Kasbah before checking in to your Riad at the heart of the Medina. Overnight in our Hotel/Riad.

Day 2 : Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes

After breakfast in your Riad, you’ll start travelling to Meknes, another significant imperial city in Morocco, known as the Ismaili capital of Morocco. In Meknes you’ll see the famous gate Bab Mansour, the Sahrij Souani Bassin and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. After lunch, your journey continues on to Volubilis, the well preserved site of Roman ruins, dating to 25BC. Afterwards you’ll continue on to Fes via the foothills of the Rif mountains arriving there in the late afternoon. Overnight in our Hotel/Riad.

Day 3 : Fes Guided Tour

After breakfast in your Riad, you’ll start exploring the oldest city in Morocco browsing its alleys and small streets. Our visit starts by visiting the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish headquarter and the first Mellah ever built in Morocco. We will ensure that you visit all the sites with cultural and historical interest including the famous Al Qaraouine University – the oldest in the region, the Tanneries and the Attarine museum. After lunch, you’ll see the ceramic factory and experience a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina of Fes. Overnight in Hotel/Riad.

Day 4 : Fes – Ifran – Azrou – Midelt

After breakfast we’ll leave Fes travelling towards Ifrane, a beautiful mountain village, referred to as “the Switzerland of Morocco”. During this journey you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas mountains. Stopping at Azrou – a Berber village in the middle of the famous cedar forest (the largest in Morocco, you may well have the chance to see some Barbary apes. Afterwards we’ll travel through the TiziNtalghamt Pass to Midelt and along the magnificent Ziz Gorges carved through volcanic rock. Overnight in Hotel/Riad.

Day 5 : Midelt – Errachidia – Merzouga

After breakfast in your hotel you’ll travel to Merzouga via Errachidia and Erfoud. You’ll be travelling via the Ziz Gorge and valley, taking in views of the High Atlas plateau, noting how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city of Errachidia. Here you’ll have lunch and enjoy Berber hospitality. Afterwards, you’ll travel along the luxuriant Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way to Erfoud and Rissani. Arriving at Merzouga in the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before checking in to your hotel.

Day 6 : Merzouga (camel trek & overnight)

After breakfast in the Hotel you can start exploring the area. You’ll visit the Gnawa people, originally slaves brought from Sudan, to experience their music and lifestyle, whilst not far away there’s the lake of Merzouga with its bird populations. You may also want to visit the nomad wire house where many Berber handicrafts are priced lower than in the big cities. In the afternoon it’s time for your camel trek, guided by an experienced camel man as you set off to explore within the sand sea of Merzouga. Dinner is in front of the tent where you will spend the night.

Day 7 : Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Your cameleer will wake you up early in the morning to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life after which you’ll camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga admiring the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast in the Riad, you’ll leave for Rissani, Tinghir and Todra gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. Lunch in the heart of the gorge precedes a drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Overnight in hotel.

Day 8 : Dades Gorge – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

After an early breakfast you will set off towards the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate. Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, it is one of the jewels of Morocco…Kasbah AitBenhaddou. In typical Moroccan fashion, the true treasures must be searched out and discovered…usually off the beaten path. In actuality, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco, films including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and recently The Gladiator. Lunch can be taken at Ait Ben Haddou. In the afternoon, you will head over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Overnight in riad.

Day 9 : Explore Marrakech

After breakfast, you will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures. After lunch, you will continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech. The tour will conclude with an exploration of the souk (market) lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco . free evening and dinner night in riad.

Day 10 : Marrakech – Airport Transfer

Depending on your departure time, we will drive you to the airport for your departure flight.end of your 10 Days from Casablanca to Fes and Merzouga Desert.

What included

  •  Pick-up and drop off at Hotel / Riad
  •  Deset tour in 4×4 vehicle / Minibus with A/C
  •  Sandboarding in the dunes
  •  4×4 Desert Tour around Erg Chebbi
  •  Expert Engish speaking driver / guide
  •  Hotel / Riad overnight stays
  •  Camel ride & night in a desert camp
  •  Camel per person

Not inclueded

  •  Flight Tickets
  •  Lunches & Drinks
  •  Entrance to monuments
  •  Tips and personal expenses

Additional info about:10 Days Desert Tour from Fes:

  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • English-speaking driver/guide.
  • Accommodation in hotels/riads and desert camp.
  • Meals as per the itinerary (typically breakfast and dinner).
  • Camel trek in the Sahara Desert.
  • Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech.

Tips for the Tour:

  • Pack light and include comfortable clothing suitable for varying climates.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
  • Stay hydrated, especially in the desert areas.
  • Be prepared for some long drives but enjoy the scenic landscapes.
  • Engage with local guides to enhance your cultural experience.

FAQ: 10 Days Desert Tour from Fes.

1. What are the main highlights of a 10-day desert tour from Fes?
  • Exploring the ancient city of Fes
  • Visiting the Sahara Desert and experiencing a camel trek
  • Staying overnight in a desert camp
  • Touring historical sites in Marrakech
  • Visiting the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley
  • Exploring Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Crossing the Atlas Mountains
  • Discovering the blue city of Chefchaouen
2. What should I pack for the desert tour?
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for both warm days and cool nights and weather in cool day in night cold
  • A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • A scarf or shawl for protection against the sun and sand
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
  • A light jacket or sweater for the evenings
  • Personal toiletries and medications
  • A camera or smartphone for photos
  • A reusable water bottle
3. What is the best time of year to take this tour?

The best times to take a desert tour in Morocco are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is more moderate, making it more comfortable for travel and outdoor activities.

4. What kind of accommodations can I expect?

Accommodations vary depending on the tour package but typically include:

  • Hotels or riads in cities like Fes and Marrakech
  • Desert camps with Berber tents for an authentic experience in the Sahara
5. Is the tour suitable for children and elderly travelers?

Yes, the tour can be suitable for children and elderly travelers, but it’s important to consider the physical demands of activities like camel trekking and long drives. It’s advisable to discuss any specific needs or concerns with the tour operator beforehand.

6. What meals are included in the tour?

Most tours include breakfast and dinner daily, especially in desert camps and some accommodations. Lunch is often not included, giving travelers the flexibility to choose where and what they want to eat during the day.

7. What is the group size for the tour?

Group sizes can vary depending on the tour operator. Some tours offer private tours for a more personalized experience, while others might have small groups ranging from 6 to 100 people.

8. Do I need travel insurance for the tour?

Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other potential issues. Check with your tour operator for specific requirements.