Best 9 Day Morocco Desert and Imperial Cities Tour from Fes
This 9 days Morocco Desert itinerary from Fes is a perfect choice if you want an authentic exploration of Morocco’s most famous highlights in one well-organized journey. Starting in Fes, Morocco’s cultural and intellectual capital, you will explore the historic medina of Fes with a local guide, discovering ancient schools, traditional souks, and centuries-old craftsmanship that still shapes daily life today.
From there, the adventure continues south through changing landscapes, from green mountain towns like Ifrane, known as “Morocco’s Little Switzerland”, and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, home to the Barbary macaques, to the wide desert valleys leading toward Merzouga. In the Sahara Desert, experience one of the most memorable moments of any Morocco trip: a sunset camel ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, followed by a peaceful night in a desert camp under the stars.
The route then takes you along Morocco’s scenic “Road of Kasbahs”, where dramatic canyons, palm oases, and historic villages create an unforgettable atmosphere. You will visit Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou before reaching Marrakech, Morocco’s most vibrant city. After exploring Marrakech with a guide, you will return north via Rabat and Meknes, completing a journey that blends culture, desert beauty, and authentic local experiences.
Top Highlights of the 9 Day Morocco Sahara and Cultural Adventure
- Enjoy a full guided tour of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital
- Stop in Ifrane and walk through the cedar forest of Azrou
- Travel through the Ziz Valley and oasis landscapes on the way south
- Experience a sunset camel trek in Merzouga across the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Spend a magical night in a Sahara desert camp with traditional music
- Discover desert culture with a 4x4 tour to nomad areas and Khamlia village
- Walk between the impressive cliffs of Todra Gorge
- Explore the Dades Valley and the famous Monkey Fingers rock formations
- Visit Ouarzazate, known as Morocco’s film city
- Discover Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most iconic UNESCO kasbah
- Enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Marrakech
- Stop in Rabat and Meknes on the return journey to Fes
Detailed 9 Day Morocco Itinerary from Fes
Upon arrival at Fes airport, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax in your riad or enjoy a first walk through the nearby streets to get a taste of the city’s atmosphere.
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.
Next, we continue to the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques (they can be fed). After a short walk and photo stop, we head toward Midelt, the "Apple Capital", for lunch.
In the afternoon, the landscape changes as we cross the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass toward the breathtaking Ziz Valley, filled with palm groves and traditional villages. We pass through Erfoud, the "Date Capital", known for fossils and dates, before arriving in Merzouga.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where your camel guide will be waiting to begin your camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. You will stop at a high sand dune to watch the beautiful sunset over the desert. After that, we continue to the desert camp where you can sandboarding, have dinner, and enjoy Berber music and dance performances around the campfire. Overnight in a Merzouga Desert Camp under the stars.
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. We explore the Merzouga region by 4x4. Depending on your mood and timing, the day can include:
- A visit to an ancient eyeliner mine
- Visiting a nomadic family to learn about their way of life over tea and Berber desert pizza in a relaxed and fun atmosphere
- A stop in a village to enjoy Gnaoua music, whose origins trace back to countries like Sudan, Mali, and Chad
- Return to Merzouga for lunch in the late afternoon
- A visit to Lake Merzouga, also known as Lake Flamingo or Dayet Srij lake (a seasonal lake)
- Visit the green oasis of Hassilabied in the heart of the Sahara Desert and enjoy the sounds of desert birds in the shade of the dense palm trees
- An experience of quad biking or dune buggy riding across the Merzouga sand dunes (optional)
By late afternoon, you’ll 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 is a preferred destination 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 take the road of 1,000 kasbahs 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, if you wish, you will have free time later in the afternoon to enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam. Overnight stay and dinner in Marrakech.
After enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast at your riad in Marrakech, we begin our journey north toward Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital and largest city. Upon arrival, we will visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco and the second largest in Africa, beautifully located on the Atlantic coast and considered one of the country’s most impressive architectural landmarks.
We then continue along the Atlantic coastline to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, where you will explore some of its most famous historical attractions, including the Hassan Tower and the charming Kasbah of the Oudayas, known for its white-and-blue Andalusian-style streets and panoramic ocean views.
After lunch, we drive to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Here, you will discover the lively Lahdim Square, often compared to Marrakech’s Jemaa El-Fna Square, where local musicians, storytellers, and street performers create a vibrant atmosphere. We will also visit the magnificent Bab El Mansour Laalej, one of the most beautiful historic gates in Morocco, built in the 18th century.
In the evening, we continue to Fez, where your driver will transfer you to your accommodation. Overnight stay in Fez.
Depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer you to Fes airport, concluding your 9 day Morocco journey with unforgettable memories.
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off in Fes
- Private transport in an air-conditioned 4x4 or comfortable deluxe van (depending on group size)
- Experienced local English, Italian, French, or Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel and all road costs
- Local guide in Marrakech
- Local guide in Fes
- 8 nights accommodation including desert camp night
- 1 night in a luxury camp in Merzouga with a private toilet and shower
- Camel ride in Merzouga or 4x4 transfer option instead
- Dinner x 3
- Breakfast x 8
- Luggage transfer to the desert camp
- Sandboarding in the dunes when conditions allow
- Berber drumming and music
- Flexible stops for photos, breaks, and local exploration
- 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 : 9 Day Morocco Tour from Fes
General
Yes, this is a private tour with your own driver and vehicle.
Absolutely, we can adjust hotels, add extra nights, or include more destinations.
Spring and autumn are ideal. Winter nights in the desert can be cold, but still beautiful with the right clothing.
Yes, if you are comfortable with long drives. We can adapt stops and pace to your group.
Yes, this tour is designed to give a complete introduction to Morocco, including cities, mountains, and desert.
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm jacket for evenings.
The camel trek usually lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, including a sunset stop.
Most travelers enjoy it, but a 4x4 transfer can be arranged if preferred.
Yes. You can reach the camp by 4×4 instead.
Both are comfortable. Luxury camp usually means private bathroom/shower and more spacious tents.
Yes, luxury camps with private bathrooms are available.
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.
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.
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.