8-day Desert & Cities Tour 8 days

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Transfer to the hotel
Arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, where your driver will welcome you and transfer you to your riad/hotel in the medina. Depending on your arrival time, you can begin exploring the vibrant streets of the Red City, stroll through the souks, or relax at a café near Djemaa el-Fna. Dinner (optional) and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Gorges
After breakfast, departure toward the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), enjoying panoramic views of Berber villages and snow-capped peaks. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village famous for its role in many films. Free time for lunch in Ouarzazate before continuing through the Valley of Roses and Skoura palm grove. Arrival in Dades Gorges by sunset. Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorges – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
Departure from your hotel in Dades Gorges after a typical Moroccan breakfast. Drive along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs through colourful Berber villages. Stop at Tineghir to visit its beautiful palm groves and ancient Jewish quarter. On arrival at Todgha Gorges, enjoy free time to walk along the dramatic canyons (300 meters high), a popular site for climbers. Continue toward the Sahara via Erfoud. Upon arrival at the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, ride camels for 1h30 at sunset to reach your desert camp. Spend the night under the stars in nomadic tents. Dinner, music by the fire, and overnight in the Sahara.

Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast in camp. Ride camels or transfer by 4x4 back to Merzouga village. Depart north through the Ziz Valley with its lush palm groves. Stop for lunch in Midelt, located at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may spot wild monkeys. Brief stop in the Swiss-like town of Ifrane before reaching Fes. Overnight stay in a traditional riad.

Day 5: Full Day Exploring Fes
After breakfast, meet your local guide to explore the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Visit Al Quaraouiyine University (the oldest in the world), the Bou Inania Madrasa, the colourful tanneries, and artisan quarters inside the ancient medina. Discover the Jewish quarter (Mellah) and the Royal Palace gate. Optional pottery workshops or hammam experiences available. Return to your riad for the evening. Overnight in Fes.

Day 6: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Casablanca
After breakfast, depart toward Meknes, the quieter of the imperial cities, to visit Bab Mansour, Lahdim Square, and Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum. Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis for a guided visit among ancient mosaics and columns. After lunch, drive to Casablanca via the highway. Evening at leisure. Dinner is optional, and overnight in Casablanca.

Day 7: Casablanca – Marrakech
After breakfast, visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, located right on the Atlantic Ocean — one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors. Optional quick stop at Rick’s Café or the Corniche. Drive back to Marrakech via the highway. Afternoon arrival with time to relax or revisit the souks. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 8: Marrakech – Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and possibly some last-minute shopping or sightseeing (like Majorelle Garden or the Bahia Palace). Transfer to Marrakech Airport for your departure. End of tour.