8-day Essential Morocco tour from Marrakech to Fes and Chefchaouen, passing through the Sahara Desert. Over 8 days and 7 nights, you’ll explore a variety of breathtaking sites, including the majestic High Atlas Mountains and the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Discover the iconic Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah and the city of Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Desert.” The tour also includes visits to the historic Amridil Kasbah, the picturesque Dades Valley, and the dramatic Todra Gorges.

In the Merzouga Sahara Desert, you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels, experience breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, and spend a night in a desert camp. Explore the vast desert of Merzouga in a 4×4 vehicle. Additionally, visit the traditional market in Rissani and the fossil-rich town of Erfoud. Discover the “Switzerland of Morocco,” Ifrane, and the Cedars Forest, home to the native Barbary macaques.

Explore the imperial cities of Fes and Meknes, visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, and discover the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. The tour concludes in the vibrant city of Tangier.

ITINERARY : : 8 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Telouat Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate

Your 8-day Morocco desert tour begins with an early pick-up from either the airport or your accommodation in Marrakech. The journey starts with a drive through the captivating High Atlas Mountains, including the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka pass. There will be several stops along the way to take in panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes. Your first major visit will be the historic Telouat Kasbah.

Following this, you will explore the renowned Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fortified village that has been featured in many films, including Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as the TV series Game of Thrones. The day concludes with a journey to Ouarzazate, often called “The Gateway to the Desert.” Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Palm Groves of Skoura – Amridil Kasbah – Rose Valley – Dades Valley

After breakfast, you’ll explore the city of Ouarzazate. Start with a visit to the Atlas Studios, known for its role in numerous famous movies, and the Taourirt Kasbah, a fortified mud castle and one of the most ancient and spectacular ksars in Morocco. You’ll then travel east to visit the Amridil Kasbah, surrounded by the palm groves of Skoura. The tour continues to Kalaa Magouna, known for the Rose Valley, where an annual Rose Festival is held in May, showcasing local rose products such as perfumes, rose water, oils, and cosmetics.

Next, you’ll drive through the Dades Valley, making stops at the famous “monkey fingers” rock formations and a scenic viewpoint atop a mountain overlooking the valley. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Boumalne Dades.

Day 3: Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Sahara

After breakfast, continue to the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved out a magnificent canyon with towering red cliffs. You can wander through the gorges and appreciate the natural beauty of the landscape. The journey then takes you through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with free time for lunch along the way.

In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. You’ll switch to camels to traverse the sandy desert, stopping to enjoy the magical sunset atop a high dune. The day ends at a luxury desert camp, where you can experience Berber drum music and dance around the campfire under a vast, starry sky. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 4: Explore Merzouga Region – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi – Palm Grove

Start your day early to witness the beautiful sunrise in the desert, followed by breakfast. You’ll return by camel to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting. This day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region, which boasts incredible sites like sand dunes, wild lakes, mines, fossil areas, and beautiful oases—ideal for outdoor activities.

Begin with an off-road drive to visit an ancient eyeliner mine, then visit local nomads in their handmade woven tents and enjoy Berber tea while learning about their lifestyle. Your next stop is Khamlia village, where you’ll experience Gnaoua music and dance performances by residents originally from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger. After lunch in a restaurant, take a stroll through a palm grove and visit Merzouga Lake, also known as Flamingos Lake. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Merzouga Dunes – Erfoud – Midelt – Cedars Forest – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, depart the desert to visit Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet, which remains a major trading center with a lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After exploring the souk, head to Erfoud to visit a workshop of fossilized marble.

Continue your journey along the Ziz River, stopping for a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley. You’ll have free time for lunch in Midelt before visiting the Cedars Forest, home to the native Barbary macaques, where you can interact with them. The day concludes with a visit to Ifrane, known for its cool climate, snow, and alpine-style houses, earning it the nickname “Switzerland of Morocco.” Finally, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation in Fes.

Day 6: Guided Tour of Fes

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and a cultural and religious center. The tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace gate, followed by a tour of the well-preserved medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the Medina through the Blue Gate, or Bab Boujloud, with a local guide to visit sites such as the Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine Fountain, the Tanneries, and the Quaraouin Mosque and University—the world’s oldest university. After exploring the Medina, visit the Jewish quarter, “The Mellah,” and drive to an ancient fortress for panoramic views of the Medina and the city of Fes. Return to your riad for the night.

Day 7: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis Ruins – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, depart for Meknes, the Ismaili capital and one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Explore sites like Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani Basin, the Royal Stables, the Granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. You’ll have free time for lunch before continuing to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautiful mosaics, ancient pillars, and archways.

After exploring the ruins, head north through Ouazzane to reach Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Known as the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen is famous for its buildings and alleyways painted in shades of blue. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to Tangier Airport

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore the charming alleyways of the Blue City. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll then drive through the scenic Rif Mountains to Tangier, where you’ll be transferred to the airport, marking the end of your 8-day Morocco tour.