10 Days Desert Tour from Fes

Welcome to our 10 days itinerary for exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of Morocco. This journey will take you on an unforgettable adventure from the bustling city of Fes, through charming towns and cities, across lush oases and towering mountains, and into the heart of the mesmerizing Sahara Desert. Over the course of 10 days, you will have the opportunity to discover the unique charm of Morocco’s cities, explore the hidden treasures of its landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of its people. From the ancient ruins of Volubilis to the stunning architecture of Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, from the serene cedar forest of Azrou to the towering sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, and from the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, this itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Morocco.

DAY 1: WELCOME TO FES – CONVENIENT HOTEL/RIAD TRANSFER

Upon your arrival at the airport, your designated driver will be waiting to greet you and transport you to your accommodation. Your package includes a comfortable stay at a traditional Riad or Hotel, as well as a delicious dinner to enjoy upon your arrival.

DAY 2: DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF FES WITH A LOCAL GUIDE

We kicked off our 10 days adventure through Fes, cities, and the desert by exploring the new side of the city. After savoring a delectable breakfast at the Mellah, we headed towards the royal palace and the Barium Jews. Our next stop was a vantage point that offered stunning views of the entire Medina, including the south tower and several mosques. Our exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site continued on foot, strolling through its winding alleys that are organized by guilds of potters, dyers, and more. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, experiencing the bustling activity of a medieval city that seems to have frozen in time. After an unforgettable day, we returned to the Riad for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening.

DAY 3: DISCOVER THE HISTORICAL TREASURES OF FES, VOLUBILIS, MEKNES, AND RABAT

On the third day of our exciting 10 days desert tour from Fes, we will explore the historic site of Volubilis, which boasts the largest collection of Roman ruins in North Africa. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at our UNESCO World Heritage Site hotel, we’ll head to Volubilis to marvel at the stunningly preserved mosaics and architectural remains. Despite the devastating earthquake of 1755, this ancient Roman town has managed to maintain its splendor and allure throughout the centuries. Next, we’ll journey to the city of Meknes, the birthplace of the Roman Empire and home to the 10th Berber village known as Miknasa. As one of the Imperial cities, Meknes has a rich history that we’ll explore as we embark on a fascinating excursion to its most authentic area. We’ll immerse ourselves in the city’s past, glory, and magic as we wander through its winding streets and discover its hidden gems.

Our final destination for the day will be Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. In Rabat, we’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum, and Kasbah of Oudaias. This will be an unforgettable day filled with history, culture, and stunning architecture.

DAY 4: DISCOVERING RABAT, CASABLANCA, AND MARRAKECH

As we continue on our journey, the fourth day of our tour takes us to some of the most iconic landmarks in Morocco. Our first stop is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which is not only the largest mosque in Morocco but also the second-largest mosque in Africa and the fifth-largest in the world. As we explore the intricate interior and exterior decorations of the mosque, we’ll be amazed by the stunning craftsmanship and architectural beauty that epitomize the essence of Moroccan culture and tradition.

After our visit to the mosque, we’ll head to Marrakech in the early afternoon, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant and colorful local culture. Our first stop is the famous Jemaa el Fna square, located in the heart of Marrakech’s historic medina. While some sources suggest that the square was once used as a site for executions, others claim that it derives its name from the “mosque at the end of the world” due to its religious significance.

Nowadays, Jemaa el Fna is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike, offering an eclectic mix of entertainment, food, and cultural experiences. We’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the local delicacies, such as grilled meats, traditional tagines, and sweet mint tea while taking in the sights and sounds of this bustling marketplace. Our visit to Jemaa el Fna will be an unforgettable experience that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant energy and rich history of Marrakech.

DAY 5: DISCOVER MARRAKECH WITH A LOCAL GUIDE

On the fifth day of your tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Marrakech with a knowledgeable local guide. This unique guided tour will take you to some of the most iconic sights of the city, including the famous Koutoubia Mosque and the medieval Medina with its traditional souks. You will also visit the Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, an ancient Islamic educational institution that has been beautifully preserved. The tour will continue with a visit to the Saadian Tombs, a royal burial ground dating back to the 16th century, and the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture and design. You will then have the chance to relax and stroll through the peaceful Majorelle Gardens, a lush botanical oasis that was once owned by the French painter Jacques Majorelle.

After a day full of exploration, you will return to a traditional Riad in the ancient Medina to enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful evening.

DAY 6: EXPLORE AIT BEN HADDOU, OUARZAZATE, AND DADES VALLEY FROM MARRAKECH

On Day 6 of our tour, we’ll depart from Marrakech and begin our journey towards the stunning Atlas Mountains. As we make our way through the winding Tizi N’Tichka pass, which reaches a height of 2260m, we’ll be treated to incredible views of the mountains. Our first stop of the day will be at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village that has been featured in popular movies such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Next, we’ll head to Ouarzazate, which is known as the “Gate to the Desert.” Here, we’ll visit the Atlas Film Studios and the impressive Taourirt Kasbah. We’ll also explore the Valley of Roses, which is renowned for its annual rose festival. Our day will end at the stunning Dades Gorges, where we’ll spend the night in a traditional riad or hotel, complete with a complimentary dinner and breakfast.

DAY 7: EXPLORE DADES GORGES, DRAA VALLEY, RISSANI AND ERG CHEBBI DUNES MERZOUGA

As part of our 10 days desert tour from Fes, cities, and the desert, we will explore the beautiful Todra Gorge, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Our journey then takes us through the Ziz Valley to Erfoud, passing through the oasis town of Tinjdad, known for its unique fossils and handicrafts. Here, we will visit a local fossils factory to witness how artisans create beautiful home furnishings and crafts from fossils. From there, we will head to Merzouga in the Sahara Desert, where we will switch to Desert ships, or camels, and embark on a guided trek into the desert dunes to admire the stunning sunset scene and enjoy sandboarding. We will spend the night at a well-equipped Berber-style camp in the Merzouga Desert, where we will indulge in a traditional Berber meal under the stars and be entertained by tribal music (drums) around a desert campfire.

This unforgettable experience is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and take in the beauty of the desert landscape.

DAY 8: DISCOVERING MERZOUGA’S BEAUTY – VISITING NOMAD FAMILIES BY 4X4

On the third day of our 10 days Fes Cities and Desert Tour, we’ll be exploring the Merzouga desert. Whether you choose to trek on the back of a camel or ride in the comfort of a 4×4, you’ll have the freedom to do things your own way. Next on our itinerary is a visit to Khamlia village, renowned for its traditional Gnawa music. The mesmerizing rhythms and melodies will transport you to another world. Our 4×4 journey will continue as we head towards Mefes, an abandoned village known for its lead mines. These mines have been a source of minerals since the time of French colonization. But that’s not all – we’ll also have the opportunity to visit a generous nomad family who live behind the dunes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert. They will open their home to us and share their culture and traditions with us.

As the day draws to a close, we’ll retreat to a comfortable Merzouga Riad/Hotel for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.Top of Form

DAY 9: MERZOUGA TO FES VIA ERFOUD, ZIZ VALLEY, AZROU, AND IFRANE

After enjoying our camel trek in the Merzouga desert and a refreshing bath, we will set off on a journey to explore some of Morocco’s most fascinating sites. Our first stop is Rissani, the first imperial city in Morocco and a center of traditional Berber culture. From there, we will travel through Erfoud, a town known for its archaeological excavations, and pass through the stunning Ziz Valley, known for its panoramic views of palm groves and valleys, and the port of Tizi n Talgomt.

We will stop for lunch in Midelt before continuing our journey to the Cedar Forest, where we will have the opportunity to see monkeys in their natural habitat. Next, we will pass through Ifrane, also known as “Moroccan-Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture and climate, before finally arriving in Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco. Our evening will be spent at the hotel, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and rest before departing for the airport the next day.

DAY 10: TRANSFER FROM FES TO THE AIRPORT

We will transfer you from your Riad to Fes Airport and sincerely hope that you have had a fantastic tour of Morocco with Traveling Explore Morocco Holidays Company. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back again in the future.