10-Day Grand Desert Expedition: From Marrakech to Fes
Overview
Explore Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage on a 10-day journey from Marrakech to Casablanca. Begin in Marrakech, where you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as Menara Gardens, Koutoubia Mosque, and Bahia Palace, and wander through the bustling souks of Jemaa-e-Fna Square. Journey through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, stopping at historic sites like Telouat Kasbah and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Discover the cinematic allure of Ouarzazate and continue through Boumalen Dades to Merzouga, where you’ll experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with camel rides and desert camps under starlit skies. Explore the ancient medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and delve into its labyrinthine streets and historic mosques. Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen nestled in the Rif Mountains. In Rabat, explore the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower before concluding your journey in Casablanca, where you’ll visit the grand Hassan II Mosque and stroll along the scenic Corniche. This itinerary promises a blend of history, adventure, and relaxation, showcasing the best of Morocco’s cities, landscapes, and cultural treasures.
Highlights
- Marrakech: Menara Gardens, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Jemaa-e-Fna Square, Medina exploration
- High Atlas Mountains & Ouarzazate: Tizi-N-Tichka pass, Telouat Kasbah, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO), Atlas Film Studios, Taourirt Kasbah
- Boumalen Dades to Merzouga: Tinghir, Todra Gorge, Erfoud (fossil capital), camel ride in Erg Chebbi dunes, desert camp under stars
- Merzouga Desert: Sunrise over Erg Chebbi dunes, visit nomadic families, Gnawa music in Khamlia village, Merzouga Lake
- Transfer to Fes: Rissani market, Ziz Valley, Midelt (apple orchards), cedar forests of Azrou, Ifrane (“Little Switzerland”)
- Fes: Fes el-Bali medina (UNESCO), Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Medersa Bou Inania, Jewish Quarter (Mellah), Borj Nord views
- Meknes & Volubilis: Meknes (Bab Mansour, Royal Stables), Volubilis (UNESCO Roman ruins)
- Chefchaouen: Blue-painted streets, Rif Mountains views
- Rabat: Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum, souks, coastal areas
- Casablanca: Old Medina, Habous Quarter, Hassan II Mosque, Corniche
DETAILLED ITINERARY
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Telouat Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate
Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be transferred to your riad or hotel. Take a guided tour of Marrakech, visiting the Menara Gardens, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Jemaa-e-Fna Square, and exploring the lively Medina. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner overlooking the bustling square.
Day 2: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Boumalen Dades
Depart Marrakech early, traveling through the captivating High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-N-Tichka pass. Stop at the Telouat Kasbah, once a stronghold of the Glaoui family, and continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, known for its role in various films. Explore Ouarzazate, visit the Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah. Journey onwards to Boumalen Dades for dinner and overnight stay in a local hotel.
Day 3: Boumalen Dades – Tinghir – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Sahara
After breakfast, depart for Tinghir and visit the spectacular Todra Gorge, where you can walk along the towering canyon walls. Continue your journey through Erfoud, known for its fossil finds, and arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Enjoy a camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, witness a breathtaking desert sunset, and spend the night in a luxurious desert camp under the starlit sky.
Day 4: Merzouga Desert Exploration – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi
Awake early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, a moment not to be missed in the Sahara Desert. After breakfast, explore the Merzouga region, visiting nomadic families and experiencing their traditional lifestyle. Visit Khamlia village to enjoy the lively rhythms of Gnawa music, and take a leisurely stroll to the serene Merzouga Lake, home to flamingos during certain seasons. Return to Merzouga for dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, depart from Merzouga, passing through the market town of Rissani, known for its traditional souks. Continue through the Ziz Valley towards Midelt, a town famous for its apple orchards. Traverse the cedar forests of Azrou, where Barbary macaques roam freely, and stop in Ifrane, nicknamed “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine architecture. Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, check into your accommodation, and spend the evening at leisure exploring the vibrant city.
Day 6: Fes Guided Tour
Embark on a guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Royal Palace, the ancient medina with its bustling souks, the Karaouiyine Mosque (the oldest university in the world), the Medersa Bou Inania, and the tanneries. Discover the vibrant Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Borj Nord. Return to your riad for a relaxing evening.
Day 7: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
Depart Fes and travel to Meknes, another of Morocco’s imperial cities. Explore historical sites such as Bab Mansour, the Royal Stables, and the Jewish Quarter. Continue to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved mosaics. Drive through the scenic Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, the famed “Blue City.” Check into your accommodation and spend the evening wandering the picturesque blue streets.
Day 8: Chefchaouen – Rabat
Enjoy breakfast in Chefchaouen before departing for Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. Explore Rabat’s historic sites including the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. Stroll through the bustling souks and relax along the picturesque coastal areas. Overnight in Rabat.
Day 9: Rabat – Casablanca
Depart Rabat for Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Explore the Old Medina, the vibrant Habous Quarter, and visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic Corniche before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 10: Casablanca – Departure
Your journey concludes with a transfer to Casablanca airport for your departure flight.
included
- Riding a camel
- English speaking driver
- Transportation
- Breakfast and dinner
Excluded
- Drinks
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses