A private, driver-guided three days from Fes through the desert and the High Atlas to Marrakech — the Middle Atlas and Ziz Valley, a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes, then gorges, kasbahs and the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
Brief Itinerary
- Fes – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
- Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades
- Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fes – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
We depart from Fes around 8 a.m., heading towards Ifrane, often called the 'Moroccan Switzerland', where you have some free time to explore this charming mountain town. From there, we continue to the Michlifen area in the heart of the Middle Atlas Mountains. If we are lucky enough to spot the famous Barbary macaques, we stop to observe them and take some memorable photos, while respecting the animals.
Afterwards, we head towards Zaida and Midelt for lunch. In the afternoon, we pass through the spectacular Ziz Valley, a breathtaking ribbon of greenery cutting through the desert. By day's end, we arrive in Merzouga. Just before sunset, you enjoy a camel ride of about an hour across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, reaching your Sahara desert camp, where you spend the night.
Total: 7 hours driving
Overnight at a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades
We start with sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. After enjoying this beautiful moment, we have a traditional breakfast at the camp, then head towards Rissani, the historic former trading centre once known as Sijilmassa. There, we visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif and, if time allows, stroll through the traditional souk of Rissani for a taste of the local atmosphere.
Next, we drive to the Todra Gorges, where dramatic cliffs rise over 300 metres high. You have around 30 minutes of free time to walk through the canyon and enjoy the scenery and, if possible, we take a break for lunch surrounded by these incredible rock walls. Afterward, we continue towards Boumalne Dades and enter the stunning Dades Valley. The road winds through ever-changing landscapes, including the famous Monkey Fingers rock formations and the panoramic viewpoint of Tissdrine, where the zigzagging mountain road creates an iconic view. Finally, we check into a hotel in the Dades Valley.
Total: 4 hours driving
Overnight at a boutique riad or hotel in Dades
Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After a relaxed morning in the Dades Valley, we leave around 8:30 or 9 a.m. and pass through Kalaat M'gouna, known as the Rose Capital of Morocco, a charming area where rose gardens, palm groves and traditional villages create a picturesque landscape. From there, we continue to Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco or the gateway to the Sahara. We stop for photos at the Kasbah of Taourirt, then continue to the famous Atlas Studios; visiting the studios is optional, depending on the group's interest.
Afterwards, we head to one of Morocco's most iconic sites, Ait Ben Haddou — a spectacularly preserved fortified village and a striking example of traditional Moroccan architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, it once served as an important stop along the ancient caravan routes. You have about an hour to an hour and a half to explore the ksar on foot.
In the afternoon, we make our way to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass. At around 2,260 metres, this is one of Morocco's most famous mountain roads, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks and valleys. As we descend, the landscape changes dramatically before arriving in Marrakech, marking the end of your three-day journey from Fes through the desert and the High Atlas.
Total: 5 hours driving
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- 24/7 in-country multilingual support team
- Transport with private driver, including gasoline, tolls & parking; driver at your disposal for additional activities
- 2 breakfasts (Merzouga, Dades)
- 2 dinners (Merzouga, Dades)
- Camel ride in the Sahara Desert
- Overnight stay in a hotel or riad (Dades)
- Overnight stay in a luxury desert camp (Merzouga)
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses / souvenirs
- Airfare
- Meals not listed in the itinerary; all drinks
- Tips for driver, local guides, hotel and restaurant staff
- Travel insurance
