Description of the 10-days tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert
This ten-days tour starting from Fez invites you on a true journey through the heart and soul of Morocco. You will travel through contrasting landscapes, including mountains, valleys, desert, and ocean, while discovering the country’s rich culture and history. From imperial medinas to the golden dunes of the Sahara, spectacular gorges to the bustling streets of Marrakech, each stop reveals a unique facet of authentic Morocco.
The journey begins in the fascinating city of Fez, whose UNESCO-listed medina is steeped in history, craftsmanship, and living traditions. You will continue on to the Sahara Desert for a magical experience under the starry sky, before crossing the majestic Atlas Mountains and visiting historic cities such as Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou. Your journey ends between the vibrant energy of Marrakech and the gentle seaside charm of Essaouira, a charming coastal town with white ramparts and a bohemian atmosphere.
This tour is designed to be a balanced adventure combining culture, nature, and relaxation, offering a complete immersion in the beauty and diversity of Morocco.
10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert – Highlights of the tour
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Discover the medina of Fez, its souks, and its historic monuments.
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Camel ride at sunset in the Merzouga desert.
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Exploration of the Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley.
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Visit to Aït Ben Haddou and the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate.
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Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
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Discover the jewels of Marrakech: the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the Majorelle Garden…
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Excursion to Essaouira, a port city with authentic charm.
What’s included
- Comfortable and comprehensive services throughout the tour
- Moroccan private driver, speaking several languages
- Accommodation including breakfast and dinner each day, depending on the category chosen
- Certified local guides in major cultural and historical cities
- Round-trip transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the trip
- Camel ride in the Merzouga desert (for desert tours)
- Overnight stay in a Saharan camp with traditional entertainment (for desert tours)
What is excluded
- Accommodation.
- Drinks.
- Entrance fees to tourist sites.
- Personal purchases.
Itinerary for the 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert
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Day 1: Arrival in Fez
Welcome upon arrival and transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy your first evening strolling through the lively streets of Fez and discovering local life. This marks the start of your 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert.
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Day 2: Fez – Cultural discovery
A day devoted to exploring Fez, the jewel of Morocco's heritage. Visit the workshops of pottery and ceramics artisans, the Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas, and the oldest university in the world, Al Quaraouiyine. Stroll through the Jewish quarter (Mellah), admire the famous tanneries of Chouara, and finish with a panoramic view of the city from the Merinid tombs. An essential stop on your 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert.
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Day 3: From Fez to Merzouga via Ifrane and the Ziz Valley
Early departure for the south of the country, passing through Ifrane, nicknamed "Little Switzerland," and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. The road winds through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Ziz Valley and its lush palm groves. In the late afternoon, arrival in Merzouga, gateway to the desert. Ride a camel to your camp in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes to admire an unforgettable sunset and experience a traditional evening under the stars, the highlight of the 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert.
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Day 4: Nomadic life and Berber traditions
Wake up early to watch the sun rise over the golden dunes. After breakfast, meet the desert dwellers: nomadic families and musicians from Khamlia, famous for their Gnawa rhythms. Discover Berber life, taste typical dishes such as medfouna, and visit Lake Dayet Srij (depending on the season). A day rich in emotion and authenticity, typical of your 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert.
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Day 5: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dadès Valley
Guida fino a Rissani, luogo di nascita della dinastia alawita, poi prosegui verso le spettacolari Gole del Todra, dove le pareti rocciose raggiungono i 300 metri di altezza. Passeggia lungo il fiume prima di proseguire verso la Valle del Dades, soprannominata “la valle delle mille kasbah”, famosa per i suoi paesaggi pittoreschi e le rocce ocra. Una tappa imperdibile del tour di 10 giorni da Fez a Marrakech attraverso il deserto.
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Day 6: Dadès Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Departure for Ouarzazate, the "gateway to the desert," known for its film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah. Next, visit the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech at the end of the day to discover the lively atmosphere of the medina. This journey is one of the key stages of your 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert.
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Day 7: Discovering Marrakech
Accompanied by a local guide, explore the treasures of Marrakech: the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, the sumptuous Bahia Palace, and the famous Majorelle Garden. Lose yourself in the colorful souks, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and end the day at the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square, where snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians create a unique atmosphere. An iconic experience on your 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert.
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Day 8: Marrakech – Essaouira
Drive to the Atlantic coast through argan tree forests. Arrive in Essaouira, a charming fortified port city. Discover its lively port, ramparts, whitewashed medina, and art galleries. Relax on the beach or enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the ocean. An unforgettable moment of relaxation included in the 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert.
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Day 9: Essaouira – Marrakech
Return to Marrakech for a free day. Take the opportunity to shop in the souks, discover a traditional hammam, or participate in a Moroccan cooking workshop, the last cultural immersion of your 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the desert.
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Day 10: End of the tour
Transfer to the airport according to your flight time. End of a 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech via the unforgettable desert, rich in spectacular landscapes, authentic encounters, and unique cultural experiences.
