Approx. 7-hour drive

Begin your adventure after breakfast at your riad or hotel in Fes, where your friendly driver-guide will greet you. Drive through the fertile Saiss plains, stopping first in Ifrane, an alpine resort town often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" due to its European architecture and pine forests.

Continue your ascent into the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll pass through the cedar woodlands of Azrou. Pause to observe the wild Barbary macaques before heading south toward Midelt, a hub for agriculture and mining. Here, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch.

As you leave Midelt, the landscape transforms dramatically. Descend into the stunning Ziz Valley, dotted with lush palm groves and mud-brick villages. You’ll feel the desert drawing near as the terrain becomes more arid. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Merzouga, your gateway to the Sahara. Check into your desert lodge at the foot of the majestic dunes and relax before dinner.

Overnight: Desert lodge in Merzouga
Accommodation Options: Auberge du Sud or Xaluca Tomboctou (Dinner & Breakfast included)

Approx. 1-hour camel trek

Enjoy a slow morning with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a 4x4 desert excursion. Visit the nearby village of Khamlia, where you'll be welcomed by the Gnaoua people, descendants of sub-Saharan Africa, who will share their music and stories over tea.

Spend time fossil hunting or exploring Merzouga’s nearby dunes with your guide, perhaps even trying a bit of off-roading. In the afternoon, meet your camel guide and set off for a peaceful trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Pause at a high ridge to take in the spectacular colors of the desert at sunset.

Arrive at your desert camp, where a warm welcome awaits with Moroccan tea. Dinner will be served under a canopy of stars, followed by traditional Berber music and drumming around the campfire.

Overnight: Sahara Desert Camp
Accommodation Options: Standard or Luxury Tent (Dinner & Breakfast included)

Approx. 4-hour drive

If you’re an early riser, take the opportunity to climb a dune and enjoy sunrise over the Sahara. After breakfast, return by camel or 4WD to Merzouga town to meet your driver.

Travel westward to the historic town of Rissani, once a prominent trading hub and home to the Alawite dynasty’s founder. Stroll through its traditional souks, especially the renowned date market.

Next, head to Tinghir, a charming oasis town that was once home to a vibrant Jewish-Berber community. Explore local shops offering handmade silver jewelry and traditional crafts. Then, walk through the lush palm groves along the Todgha River with your local guide, leading you to the breathtaking Todgha Canyons—sheer rock walls that rise 400 meters high.

Continue to Boumalne Dades, where you’ll settle into your cozy hotel or guesthouse surrounded by mountain and valley views.

Overnight: Hotel in Dades Valley
Accommodation Options: Hotel Babylon or Hotel Panorama (Dinner & Breakfast included)

Approx. 6-hour drive

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey through the Valley of the Roses. In spring, this area is a sensory delight, filled with the scent of blooming Damascus roses. Stop at a local distillery to learn how rose products are made by hand.

Continue on the Road of 1001 Kasbahs, stopping in Skoura Oasis, home to palm trees, ancient kasbahs, and lush gardens. Visit the 17th-century Kasbah Amridil, an architectural gem and cultural museum worth exploring.

Make your way to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital, for a brief stop before heading to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified ksar, made of sun-dried mud bricks, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has served as a backdrop for movies like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones. Enjoy lunch and a guided walk through its narrow alleys.

In the afternoon, drive through the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, soaking up panoramic views of Berber villages and rugged landscapes. By early evening, you’ll reach Marrakech, where your unforgettable 4-day desert tour comes to a close.

End of Tour: Drop-off at your hotel, riad, or preferred location in Marrakech.