8 days tour from Marrakech to desert – Fes – Chefchaouen

Your Moroccan adventure begins in the captivating city of Marrakech. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your riad or hotel, where you can relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to take a short walk into the medina, where narrow alleyways are filled with the scents of spices and the sound of craftsmen at work. The Djemaa el-Fna square comes alive in the evening with food stalls, musicians, and storytellers, offering an intoxicating first taste of Morocco’s energy and hospitality.

Today is dedicated to uncovering the treasures of Marrakech with a licensed local guide. Your tour may include the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, the intricately decorated Saadian Tombs, and the opulent Bahia Palace. You’ll explore the bustling souks, where artisans display carpets, lanterns, and leather goods, and visit the medina’s hidden riads and courtyards. The day ends with free time to wander or enjoy mint tea on a rooftop terrace, soaking up the colors and sounds of the “Red City.”

Leaving Marrakech, you climb into the High Atlas Mountains via the twisting Tizi n’Tichka Pass, where every turn reveals a new panorama. Midway, you stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Morocco’s most famous fortified ksar. The road then leads through Ouarzazate and the lush Skoura palm groves before narrowing into the dramatic Dades Valley. With its steep red cliffs and winding roads, the valley offers one of Morocco’s most striking landscapes, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by mountain views.

Morning light illuminates the jagged rock formations of the Dades Valley before you head toward the Todra Gorges, where limestone walls soar hundreds of meters above a clear stream. Continuing east, you pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and date production, before reaching the edge of the Sahara at Merzouga. Here, your camel awaits to carry you into the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll watch the sunset over golden sand before spending a magical night in a desert camp beneath the stars.

A desert sunrise welcomes you before breakfast, after which you begin your journey north. The road passes through the Ziz Valley, a lush ribbon of palms and villages cutting through the arid mountains. You travel through the Middle Atlas, with possible stops in Midelt and the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques roam freely. By evening, you arrive in Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco, where you’ll settle into your riad in the ancient medina.

Today, a knowledgeable guide will lead you through Fes’s labyrinthine medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Highlights may include the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrasa, the colorful tanneries, the Karaouiyine Mosque and University, and artisan workshops that preserve centuries-old crafts. You’ll also explore the old city’s souks, fountains, and gates, experiencing a living museum of Moroccan history and tradition.

After breakfast, you set off for Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue Pearl” of Morocco nestled in the Rif Mountains. The drive offers scenic views of rolling hills and rural farmland before reaching the town’s blue-washed streets. You’ll have time to wander its charming medina, where white and cobalt walls contrast with bursts of colorful flowers and textiles. Evening in Chefchaouen is peaceful, with the cool mountain air and quiet streets providing a relaxing change of pace.

Your final day is a long but rewarding journey south, stopping first in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, to see landmarks such as the Hassan Tower and the Oudayas Kasbah. Continuing to Casablanca, you may visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful in the world, before returning to Marrakech in the evening. The tour ends where it began, giving you a final chance to enjoy the city’s vibrant energy or simply rest after your whirlwind exploration of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultures.