DAY 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga

Your adventure starts in Fes. Depart early for Ifrane, a charming town with Swiss-like architecture and beautiful alpine scenery. After a brief stop, continue towards Azrou, known for its cedar forests and the famous Barbary apes. From there, head to Midelt, a quiet town nestled between the Atlas Mountains, for a quick break. Continue your journey south through the scenic Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves, and arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Here, you’ll prepare for your desert experience, staying overnight in a traditional desert camp where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and gaze at the star-filled sky.

DAY 2: Merzouga – Sahara Desert Exploration

Start your day with a camel trek into the heart of the Sahara Desert. Ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you can enjoy the breathtaking landscape and experience the silence of the desert. Visit a nearby nomadic family to learn about their way of life before returning to Merzouga for lunch. In the afternoon, you can explore the surrounding areas, or relax at your camp. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal, followed by more stargazing in the vast desert.

DAY 3: Merzouga – Dades Valley

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and head towards the Dades Valley, passing through Rissani, a small town with a rich history. Continue through the beautiful palm groves of the valley, dotted with kasbahs (fortresses), before arriving in the Dades Gorge. Take a scenic walk along the gorge, marveling at the towering cliffs and deep canyons. Spend the night in a local guesthouse or hotel, where you can enjoy a warm dinner and relax after your journey.

DAY 4: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Today, you’ll head toward Skoura, famous for its stunning palm groves and ancient kasbahs. Continue your journey to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco” because of its role in several film productions. After a brief visit to Ouarzazate, you’ll proceed to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved traditional mud-brick kasbah. After exploring the site, continue your journey to Marrakech, where you’ll arrive in the evening and check into your hotel for the night.

DAY 5: Marrakech Guided Tour

Spend a full day discovering the vibrant city of Marrakech. Start by visiting the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the stunning Bahia Palace. Explore the souks (markets), where you can shop for traditional Moroccan goods such as spices, textiles, and ceramics. Don’t miss the beautiful Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and take time to explore the city’s rich history and culture.

DAY 6: Marrakech – Ourika Valley

On Day 6, take a day trip to the Ourika Valley, a beautiful and tranquil area located in the Atlas Mountains. Visit the Setti Fatma waterfalls and enjoy a leisurely hike. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Berber villages where you can learn about local life and culture. Enjoy a delicious lunch by the river before heading back to Marrakech in the afternoon for some rest and relaxation.

DAY 7: Marrakech Departure

On your final day, take some time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Marrakech. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to visit the Saadian Tombs or relax in a traditional Moroccan hammam. Then, head to the airport for your departure, filled with unforgettable memories from your Moroccan adventure. This itinerary covers a range of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes and cultural highlights, ensuring a rich and immersive experience from the desert to the mountains, and from ancient kasbahs to vibrant cities.