8-Day Cultural & Desert Journey from Fes
Day 1: Arrival in Fez – Welcome to the Imperial City
Upon arrival in Fez, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, begin discovering the charm of Fez’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wander through its vibrant medina, where craftsmen shape leather, ceramic, and copper using techniques passed down through generations.
Enjoy your first Moroccan dinner and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Day 2: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt
Leave the bustling city behind and journey into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a town famous for its alpine ambiance and clean streets. Nicknamed the “Moroccan Switzerland,” it’s a unique sight in North Africa.
Continue through Azrou’s cedar forests, home to the Barbary macaques. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and take a few memorable photos.
By late afternoon, arrive in Midelt, nestled between the Atlas ranges. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel.
Day 3: Midelt – Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
Travel deeper into Morocco’s southern landscapes. Cross the Ziz Gorges, carved by ancient rivers, and arrive in Errachidia before reaching the palm-filled Ziz Valley.
Stop in Erfoud, a desert gateway known for its fossil discoveries and artisan stonework.
From there, head straight into the golden dunes of Merzouga, where camels will carry you across the sands to your desert camp.
Enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night under a sky full of stars.
Day 4: Merzouga – Khamlia – Desert Exploration
After breakfast, explore the desert beyond the dunes. Visit a local oasis, meet families in nomadic tents, and stop by Khamlia village to enjoy the rhythmic melodies of Gnawa music, rooted in sub-Saharan traditions.
In the afternoon, ride camels into the heart of the dunes to watch a breathtaking sunset over the Sahara. Spend a second magical night at the desert camp, dining by the fire and gazing at the stars.
Day 5: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Tamtatouchte
Leave the desert behind and journey towards Tinghir, known for its palm groves and clear rivers.
Stop to explore the Todra Gorges, where 300-meter cliffs tower above a narrow valley. A perfect place for photos, tea, or a light hike.
Continue climbing into the High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll arrive at Tamtatouchte, a small village surrounded by rugged beauty. Dinner and overnight stay at a mountain guesthouse.
Day 6: Tamtatouchte – Mountain Villages – Midelt
Today’s route passes through remote Berber hamlets, offering a rare glimpse into traditional nomadic life in the highlands.
Cross picturesque landscapes, rivers, and red canyons on your way back to Midelt, where you’ll enjoy a relaxed afternoon and another overnight stay in town.
Day 7: Midelt – Fez
After breakfast, begin the return drive to Fez, traveling through diverse landscapes along the way.
Arrive in Fez by the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure—whether shopping for souvenirs or revisiting favorite spots in the medina.
Enjoy a farewell dinner and your final overnight stay in the city.
Day 8: Departure from Fez
Have breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to the airport. Your journey ends here—filled with memories of deserts, music, mountains, and the warmth of Moroccan hospitality.
Tour Highlights
Fez Medina: Step into history in one of the world’s oldest cities
Ifrane: Discover Morocco’s European-style mountain retreat
Azrou: Wander through ancient cedar forests and meet monkeys
Ziz Valley & Erfoud: Palm groves, fossils, and desert gateways
Merzouga: Ride camels and sleep under Saharan stars
Khamlia Village: Feel the soul of Africa through Gnawa rhythms
Todra Gorges: Marvel at towering rock walls and lush valleys
Berber Villages: Explore the hidden life of the High Atlas
Mountain Landscapes: Drive through scenic valleys and river canyons
What’s Included
Accommodation:
2 nights in Fez (Days 1 & 7)
2 nights in Midelt (Days 2 & 6)
2 nights in a Sahara Desert camp (Days 3 & 4)
1 night in Tamtatouchte (Day 5)
Meals:
Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 8
Dinner from Day 1 to Day 7
Transport:
Private, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced, multilingual driver/guide
Guided Activities:
Guided visits in Fez and surrounding cities
Camel rides through the Sahara dunes
Desert village tours including Khamlia and nomadic stops
Visits to Ziz Valley, Todra Gorges, and Azrou forest
Special Experiences:
Stargazing and music nights in the desert
Live Gnawa performance in Khamlia
Encounters with Berber families and traditional shepherds
Not Included
Lunches throughout the trip
Drinks and personal expenses
Entry fees to monuments or optional attractions
Additional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary