Overview of Best 6 Day Morocco Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
This Morocco 6 day itinerary from Fes is designed for travelers who want a perfect mix of culture, mountain scenery, Sahara Desert adventure, and the highlights of Marrakech. The journey begins with a guided tour of Fes before traveling south through Ifrane and the cedar forests near Azrou, crossing the Tizi n’Telghmet Pass and the scenic Ziz Valley on the way to Merzouga. There, you’ll enjoy a camel ride across the golden dunes and spend a magical night in a desert camp under the stars.
Continue through Rissani, Todra Gorge, and the Dades Valley, then follow the famous kasbah route to Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, and the High Atlas Mountains before finishing with a full sightseeing day in Marrakech.
Top Highlights of the 6 Day Morocco Sahara and Imperial Cities Adventure
- Full guided sightseeing tour of Fes
- Ifrane stop for fresh mountain scenery
- Cedar Forest of Azrou and Barbary monkeys
- Panoramic drive through Ziz Valley
- Camel trek in Merzouga at sunset
- Witness a magical Sahara Desert sunset and sunrise
- Overnight stay in a desert camp under the stars in the middle of the desert
- Merzouga 4x4 discovery day with nomads and Gnaoua music in Khamlia
- Rissani souk and traditional atmosphere
- Walk inside Todra Gorge
- Dades Valley views and Monkey Fingers rock formation
- Travel along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Visit the lush palm oasis of Skoura and discover Kasbah Amridil
- Discover Ouarzazate, including Atlas Studios and Taourirt Kasbah
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO site
- Visit the historic Telouet Kasbah
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Full day guided tour of Marrakech
Detailed 6 Day Morocco Itinerary from Fes to Marrakech
In the morning, after breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Fes, Morocco's oldest imperial city and its cultural and intellectual capital. We begin at the 9th-century Andalusian Mosque, then visit Bab Bou Jeloud, famous for its stunning blue and green mosaics, built in 1913. Next, we enter the Medina of Fez, also known as Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through its narrow alleyways.
After that, we will visit the Dar el Makhzen, also known as the Royal Palace, where you can take stunning photos in front of its ornate golden gates. Afterward, we visit Al Quaraouiyine University, considered the oldest university in the world. Then, we visit will the Attarine Madrasa and the Bou Inania Madrasa, followed by a stop at the Dar Batha Museum.
Next, we explore the Mellah of Fes, the old Jewish quarter of Fes, and visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where animal hides are used to make clothing, shoes, bags, and more. Afterward, we’ll head toward the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fes, and the Nejjarine Fountain.
Following that, we will explore a traditional pottery workshop in Fes, where you will watch skilled artisans creating mosaic tiles and decorations on ceramic plates. In the late afternoon, we will take you to Borj Nord to enjoy a panoramic view of the Medina of Fez before transferring you to your accommodation. Dinner and overnight stay in Fes.
After breakfast at your riad in Fes, we will drive south through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Imouzzer Kandar, enjoying breathtaking views and fresh air. Next, we will stop in Ifrane, nicknamed "Little Switzerland of Morocco," a clean mountain town often compared to a European ski village.
After a short walk, we continue to the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques live in the wild (they can be fed). We will then head to Midelt, the "Apple Capital," for lunch before continuing our journey through the Tizi n'Telghmet Pass to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s most impressive and largest palm oases. After that, we will pass through Erfoud, the "Date Capital," where we will visit a fossil museum.
In the late afternoon, we arrive in the Merzouga Desert, where you'll meet your camel guide and begin your camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes, stopping atop a high dune to witness the breathtaking sunset. After photos and time on the dunes, you will reach the desert camp for dinner, music around the campfire, and a peaceful night under the stars. Overnight stay in a desert camp.
Wake up for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga, a sight not to be missed; it’s well worth it. Then, return to your desert camp for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, travel back to Merzouga by camel, where your driver awaits. The day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region by 4WD.
First, you will visit local nomadic families and learn about their traditional lifestyle over a warm and friendly tea session while sampling Berber pizza. Then, we will proceed to the old French colonial mines. The area around M'Ifiss is rich in fossils, including trilobites and ammonites. We will also visit an ancient eyeliner mine.
Next, we will visit the village of El Khamlia, whose inhabitants trace their origins to countries such as Mali and Sudan, where we will enjoy a performance of African music by a Gnaoua group. Afterward, we will go back to Merzouga for lunch. Then, we will visit to Lake Merzouga, also known as Lake Flamingo or Tifart (a seasonal lake). After that, we will head to the Hassilabied oasis and hike its trails, enjoying the palm trees and the sounds of desert birds.
In the evening, we will return to Merzouga or hassilabied, where we will spend the night in a hotel/riad near the dunes, perfect for a shower, a relaxed dinner, and a good sleep.
After breakfast, we leave Merzouga and stop in Rissani, known for its traditional Souk days and historic atmosphere. You will explore its souk, which is especially lively on certain days of the week (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday), when nomads come to buy and sell their goods. Then, we visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif (optional visit).
Next, we will drive to Erfoud, known as the Date capital, where we will visit a fossil museum. We then continue through desert towns and ancient caravan routes, stopping in the village of Melaab, where we will visit a local cooperative to learn about Berber culture, try on a Berber wedding costume, and experience henna tattooing (optional). After that, we will head to the village of Tinejdad, where we will stop for a break and lunch.
Following that, we will continue toward Tinghir and stop at the impressive Todra Gorge. This stunning valley, with its towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 320 meters, is located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains and a preferred place for mountain climbers. Enjoy a walk between its towering cliffs and palm oasis scenery while sipping Moroccan mint tea by the river.
Afterwards, we will head to the peaceful Dades Valley, where you will visit the rock formation known as "Monkey's Fingers". Then, your driver will take you to your accommodation for the night. Overnight stay and dinner in Dades.
In the morning, we'll taking the road of 1,000 kasabh to reach the oasis of Skoura, where you'll visit Kasbah Amridil, and then continue to Kelâat M'Gouna, known as the Rose Capital, where you will visit a local rose cooperative that produces natural rose products (optional).
Next, we arrive in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinema capital, also known as the “Hollywood of Africa”, famous for having the world's largest natural film studio complex, where we will visit Atlas Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah. After that, we will head to the Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a famous filming location where movies and series such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Jesus of Nazareth were filmed.
In the afternoon, we cross the High Atlas Mountains through the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,300 meters), with several stops for panoramic views. Afterward, we will stop along the way at an argan oil cooperative. Next, we will pass through the Ounila Valley, enjoying panoramic views of this beautiful region. After that, we will visit the Telouet Kasbah, known for its Andalusian architecture and ornate cedar wood ceilings (optional stop).
By late afternoon, we arrive in Marrakech and drop you off at your accommodation.
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech to begin your sightseeing tour with a licensed local guide. We will start with a visit to the Majorelle Garden (advance online booking required), a botanical garden designed in the French Art Deco style. The garden houses a collection of paintings by Jacques Majorelle, as well as a museum dedicated to the history of the Amazigh (Berber) people. We will also visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
Next, we will explore the historic Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace (19th century), which feature beautifully decorated pavilions, halls, pools, and gardens. Then, we will head to the Menara Gardens, a vast and picturesque space surrounded by olive groves and scenic views.
Furthermore, we will visit the the vibrant Skkakine and Semmarine Souks, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways filled with colorful stalls, and wander through the old city. Next, we will stroll through the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, where you will enjoy captivating performances by magicians, snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians. Finally, we will visit the historic Koutoubia Mosque, the second largest mosque in Morocco.
After this unforgettable historical journey, your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Airport or your accommodation. End of the 6 day Fes to Marrakech Sahara tour.
Includes/Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Private transport in an air-conditioned 4x4 or comfortable minivan (depending on group size)
- Experienced local English, Italian, French, or Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel and all road costsFuel and all road costs
- Local guide in Fes
- Local guide in Marrakech
- Accommodation for 5 nights (hotels riads and desert camp)
- 1 night in a luxury camp in Merzouga with a private toilet and shower
- Camel trek in the Merzouga desert (one camel per person), or 4x4 transfer available on request
- Dinner x 3
- Breakfast x 4
- Desert excursion in Merzouga
- Luggage transfer to the desert camp
- Sandboarding available in the dunes
- Berber drumming and music
- Flexible stops for photos and breaks
- The opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish
The Cost Excludes
- Lunches
- Flight tickets
- Personal spending
- Entrance fees (if required)
- Beverages
- Tips (optional)
- Optional activities (quad biking, buggy, etc.)
FAQs : 6 Day Morocco Tour from Fes
General
This itinerary is usually offered as a private tour, with your own driver and vehicle, and the pace can be adjusted to your preferences.
Yes, if you are comfortable with driving time. Families and older travelers often enjoy this tour when the itinerary is paced with enough stops and comfortable accommodation.
Yes, for families who are comfortable with travel days. We can also adjust stops and hotel choices to make it easier with children.
Yes, this tour is designed to give a complete introduction to Morocco, including cities, mountains, and desert.
Warm layers for the evening, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small day bag for the camel ride. In cooler months, a jacket is important.
You will have time to walk inside the ksar and climb to panoramic viewpoints if you want.
It is a long scenic day with several stops. Total driving time is usually around 7 to 8 hours, depending on breaks.
It’s easy for most travelers. The camels walk slowly and the guides assist you.
Yes, you can go to and from the camp by 4x4 instead of camels if you prefer.
You can choose between standard and luxury camps. Luxury camps typically include private bathrooms inside the tent.
Both are comfortable. Luxury camp usually means private bathroom/shower and more spacious tents.
Most camps have toilets. Luxury camps usually have private bathrooms with showers. Standard camps may have shared facilities. We confirm this clearly before booking.
Yes, there is electricity, and the Wi-Fi network quality is good from time to time, but don’t worry, this is part of your desert adventure.
Your luggage will be safely transported to the desert camp by 4×4 vehicle (4WD), so you can enjoy the camel ride comfortably with only a small backpack for personal items.
Booking your desert tour is simple. You can contact us through WhatsApp, email, our contact form, or social media. Once we confirm your itinerary and travel dates, we will request a small deposit to secure your reservation.
We accept payments by PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer. The remaining balance can be paid in cash at pick-up or by credit card with a small 5% processing fee.
You can cancel your tour free of charge if you inform us more than 15 days before the start date. In this case, your deposit will be fully refunded.
If the cancellation is made within 15 days, the deposit will be retained to cover preparation and reservation costs.