5-Day Fes to Marrakech via Sahara & Gorges Tour

Overview

Experience Morocco's greatest treasures on this epic 5-day journey from the imperial city of Fes to the vibrant medinas of Marrakech. This comprehensive tour combines ancient scholarly heritage with Sahara Desert adventure, stunning gorge exploration, and ends in Morocco's most enchanting city. Cross mountain passes, trek through golden dunes, meet nomadic families, and explore dramatic canyons before arriving at the bustling souks and palaces of Marrakech.

Highlights

• Fes Medina - Ancient scholarly city with historic leather tanneries and mosques
• Middle Atlas Mountains - Scenic drives through cedar forests and Berber villages
• Ifrane Alpine Town - Charming mountain resort with distinctive architecture
• Todra Gorges - Dramatic canyon walls reaching 300 meters
• Dades Valley - "Valley of Roses" with stunning red clay cliff formations
• Erg Chebbi Sahara Dunes - Golden sand dunes with sunrise and sunset treks
• Berber Camp Experience - Sleep under stars in traditional desert camp
• Nomadic Family Visits - Authentic interactions with traditional Berber communities
• Merzouga Desert Town - Gateway to the Sahara with local markets and culture
• Marrakech Medina - Vibrant souks, historic palaces, and Jemaa el-Fnaa square
• Complete Journey - Experience all of Morocco's major regions and landscapes

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fes to Dades Valley

• Morning: Depart Fes through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains
• Stop in the alpine town of Ifrane
• Lunch break in a mountain village
• Afternoon: Drive through Midelt and Tinghir
• Arrive at the beautiful Dades Valley
• Evening: Explore the valley and watch the sunset
• Overnight in a comfortable riad in Dades
• Distance: 350 km | Drive time: 7-8 hours

Day 2: Dades to Merzouga

• Early morning: Explore the dramatic Todra Gorges
• Walk through the canyon with your guide
• Lunch break along the gorge
• Afternoon: Continue to Merzouga
• Check into the desert camp
• Late afternoon: Sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes
• Dinner and overnight in the Berber camp
• Distance: 280 km | Drive time: 6-7 hours

Day 3: Merzouga - Full Desert Day

• Early morning: Sunrise camel trek
• Breakfast at the camp
• Mid-morning: Rest and explore
• Afternoon: Visit a nomadic family encampment
• Learn about Berber desert lifestyle
• Explore the Ziz Oasis
• Late afternoon: Optional sandboarding or 4x4 exploration
• Overnight in the camp
• Distance: Local exploration

Day 4: Merzouga to Ouarzazate

• Early morning: Final sunrise camel trek
• Breakfast at the camp
• Mid-morning: Begin journey toward Marrakech
• Stop in Ouarzazate to visit Atlas Studios
• Explore Kasbah Taourirt
• Overnight in Ouarzazate
• Distance: 280 km | Drive time: 6-7 hours

Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech

• Morning: Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains
• Stop for lunch along the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass
• Afternoon: Arrive in Marrakech
• Check into your accommodation
• Evening: Free time to explore the medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa square
• Distance: 200 km | Drive time: 5-6 hours

What's Included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan
• Professional English/French/Spanish speaking driver/guide
• 4 nights' accommodation (2 nights in hotels, 2 nights in desert camp)
• Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi dunes (one camel per person)
• Meals as per itinerary (5 breakfasts, 4 dinners)
• Mineral water in the vehicle
• All applicable taxes and service charges
• Hotel/riad pickup in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech
• Sandboarding in the dunes
• Local guides at key sites
• Visits to Berber villages and nomadic families

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Lunches during the tour

Why Choose This Tour?

• Complete Journey - Experience Fes, Sahara, gorges, and Marrakech in one tour
• One-Way Travel - No backtracking; move forward each day to new experiences
• Diverse Landscapes - Mountains, desert, gorges, and vibrant city all included
• Multiple Experiences - Culture, adventure, nature, and urban exploration
• Authentic Connections - Meet nomadic families and local communities
• Two Desert Nights - Full Sahara immersion with sunrise and sunset treks
• Professional Guides - Expert guides with deep regional knowledge
• Photo Opportunities - Every day offers stunning landscapes and cultural moments

FAQ

Q: Can I do this tour in reverse (Marrakech to Fes)? A: Yes, we can reverse the itinerary. Contact our travel specialists for availability and details.

Q: What's included in the tour? A: The tour includes transportation, accommodation, meals as per itinerary (breakfasts and dinners), camel trekking, and guide services. Please see the 'What's Included' section for full details.

Q: How physically demanding is this? A: Moderate fitness is needed. Camel riding, gorge walking, and some sand exploration are involved but manageable for most.

Q: What should I pack? A: Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, closed-toe shoes, light jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.

Q: Are meals included? A: The tour includes breakfasts and dinners as per the itinerary. Lunches are not included to allow for flexibility in food choices. We can accommodate special dietary requirements with advance notice.

Q: Best time to visit? A: October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures. Avoid June to August when it's extremely hot.

Q: Is this suitable for families? A: Yes, children 5+ can participate with arrangements for child-friendly camels and adjusted pacing.

Q: What if I can't do camel riding? A: Alternative 4x4 desert drives and walking tours are available. Inform your guide in advance.

Q: How much driving each day? A: Day 1: 7-8 hrs | Day 2: 6-7 hrs | Day 3: Local | Day 4: 6-7 hrs | Day 5: 5-6 hrs. We stop frequently for breaks.

Q: Will I see the desert sunrise and sunset? A: Yes, you'll experience multiple sunrises and sunsets during your desert camp stay.

Q: Is luggage handling included? A: Yes, luggage is transported between locations. Keep one small bag for the desert camp night.

Good to Know

• Physical Level: Moderate - involves walking on uneven terrain and sand dunes
• Group Size: Maximum 12 travelers for personalized experience
• Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November for pleasant temperatures
• Accommodation: Mix of 4-star hotels and luxury desert camp
• Packing Tips: Layers for varying temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, scarf for sand
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• Language: Arabic, Berber, French widely spoken, English in tourist areas
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1

Booking Information

Contact our travel specialists for availability, pricing, and personalized itinerary adjustments.