Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Moulay driss – Fez

Wake up early to enjoy a quiet walk through the “Blue City” before leaving the charming streets behind. From here, you’ll begin a four-hour transfer to the historical city of Fez, making several stops along the way. Your first stop is Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. As you wander through the once-great city, you’ll encounter impressive merchant homes, ancient temples, and vibrant mosaics that offer a glimpse into the ancient Roman civilization. 

Continue down the street to the picturesque town of Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco’s holiest cities. This hilltop town offers panoramic views and narrow streets lined with green-roofed buildings. Next, transfer to Meknes, founded in the 11th century. Explore the Meknes Medina, the city walls, and the Ville Impériale area, where you’ll find iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Bab al-Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. 

Finally, your journey concludes in Fez, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage. After you settle into your riad, descend into the bustling Old Medina, exploring the labyrinthine streets and bustling markets. End your day watching the sunset from the Merinid Tombs, where you’ll find fantastic views of this dynamic city.

Day 5: Fes 

After breakfast, you will start the morning by exploring the oldest city in Morocco, walking in its alleys and small streets.

First, visit the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish quarter, and the first Mellah ever built in Morocco, built during the 14th century.

We will ensure that you visit all sites with cultural and historical interest including the famous Al Qaraouine University, the oldest one in the world, the Tanneries and Moulay Idriss mausoleum.

After lunch, you will visit the tiles cooperative and then experience a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina of Fes.

Then, you’ll return to your hotel for a much needed rest after a full day of sightseeing! 

Day 6: Fes – Azrou – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga

Wake up early and meet your driver for the seven-hour transfer to Merzouga, with stops to explore desert communities in the Sahara. Your first stop will be Midelt, “the Apple City,” situated alongside the River Moulouya. Traverse the Tizi-n-Talremt Pass into the Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oases and clusters of palm trees. Then, stop in Errachidia for lunch and visit the Musée des Sources de Lalla Mimouna to see the natural mineral spring, named after a Muslim saint also celebrated by Moroccan Jews.

Continue to the market town of Erfoud, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the dunes. Stop to watch an ancient method of water mining, chat with nomadic shepherds, and enjoy a cup of tea with a local Berber family. Erfoud is also famous for its fossil mining and artisan factories, where you can stop to shop, learn about fossils found in this area, and discover how fossils are made into beautiful objects.

You’ll soon see the ever-changing sand waves of Erg Chebbi in the distance, an extensive set of dunes covering 14 square miles (35 sq km). Switch from car to camel for a ride through the dunes to your luxury camp in Merzouga. After settling into your tent, climb up the nearest dune to watch the sunset. Head back to camp for dinner by the campfire, accompanied by traditional Berber music and jaw-dropping views of the starry skies.

Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades gorges

Wake up early to marvel at the sunrise over the dunes before traveling back across the desert. Meet your driver and begin the four-hour drive to Dades Gorges. On the way, visit the market town of Rissani to see the “donkey parking lot” and continue to Erfoud for fossil workshops. Head to Tinghir to walk through the old Jewish Quarter and discover the Todra Gorges situated on the remote east side of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Both the Todra and neighbouring Dades Rivers have carved out cliff-sided canyons on their final 40km through the mountains. The final 600m of the Todra gorge are the most spectacular as the canyon narrows to a flat stony track as little as 10m wide in places with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 300m high on each side.

then drive through the Dadès Gorge, which cuts through the rusty red mountains,

Day 8: Transfer to Marrakesh via Aït Benhaddou 

Start your first visit to Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Sahara.” After settling into your accommodations, explore the town’s UNESCO-listed 19th-century Taourirt Kasbah. Follow the maze of stairwells to the top floor, where you’ll find a prayer room through keyhole archways, traces of stucco, and an original tataoui ceiling.

Unlike other kasbahs in the region, Taourirt Kasbah escaped ruin after catching the attention of film scouts. The town has been the site of many famous movies and shows, including “Game of Thrones.” See sets and props at the Musée du Cinema, or take a guided tour at a film studio (Atlas Film Studios or CLA Studios) for more memorabilia. 

Then, head to the nearby town of Aït Benhaddou to explore the impressive Ksar of Aït Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most incredible sites in the region. Explore the old town’s alleys and passageways, then hike up to the old granary for incredible views of the kasbah, surrounding areas, and historic camel caravan routes.

Next, wind your way up the desert slopes of the mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Near the top of the pass, enjoy incredible panoramic views of the mountain range, including Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain, to the west. 

After a scenic and tranquil drive, you’ll reach the vibrant Marrakesh. Once settled into your hotel.

Day 9: Marrakesh City Tour

After breakfast, you will start your exploration of the fascinating city of Marrakech; go back in time to discover the mysteries of this amazing Red City. You will see the Bahia Palace, known for its incredible gardens, built in the 19th century, built to be one of the greatest palaces of its time from which derives the name Bahia: Brilliance. You will continue your time travel through the Medina red-walls in the direction of the highest building in Marrakech. The Kououbia Mosque, known as the mosque of the booksellers. Then, you will head to the Koranic school Ben Youssef, named after the Almoravid Sultan who made Marrakech a well-known place worldwide. This school is the largest Madrassa in all Morocco. Once done, you will go to the Jewish Mellah to shop for the best leather and pottery Morocco can offer. Later you will head for tea at sunset to enjoy the golden views of the Jamaa El Fna Square which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural space

Day 10: Marrakesh City Tour

Today, you may choose to rest, or discover the Majorelle Gardens, Berber Museum & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

The Majorelle Gardens, previously the Jardin Bou Saf, bears its name from its original creator, Jacques Majorelle, the French expatriate artist who was born in Nancy France in 1886. In 1947 he opened his gardens to the public and during this time also painted a magnificent ceiling space at La Mamounia hotel. Later, French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent purchased the gardens. Today the Majorelle Gardens house a unique collection of flora and fauna along with the Berber Museum.

You may also re visit the souks and handicraft quarters, with a chance for last-minute gift shopping.