10-Day Morocco Tour: Marrakech, Sahara Desert & Atlas Mountains

The first day of this 10-day Morocco journey is dedicated to your arrival in Fez and your first introduction to the city and the country. Our English-speaking driver will welcome you at the airport and transfer you comfortably to your accommodation in the heart of the medina.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy some free time to take your first stroll through the historic streets of Fez, discover the atmosphere of the medina, or simply relax at your riad after your journey.

Fez, an Imperial City of Morocco and former capital, is home to a historic medina recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, begin a guided walking tour through the city’s historic center with your local guide.

Discover some of Fez’s most important landmarks, including the Karaouine Mosque, one of the world’s oldest universities, the Bou Inania and Cherratine Madrasahs, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idris, the traditional tanners’ quarter, the Mellah, and the Royal Palace with its remarkable Golden Gates.

The afternoon is free for further discovery. Explore Fez’s renowned craftsmanship, from ceramics and leather to traditional jewelry and woodwork, or visit museums such as Dar Batha or Borj Nord. You can also take time to enjoy the city’s distinctive cuisine before returning to your riad.

After breakfast at your riad in Fez, begin the journey south towards the Sahara. The route unfolds through changing landscapes, allowing you to experience the transition from Morocco’s green mountain regions to the vast arid landscapes of the desert.

Your first stop is Ifrane, often known as the “Switzerland of Africa.” Situated at more than 1,700 metres above sea level, the town is known for its distinctive architecture, greenery, and alpine atmosphere.

Continue through the national park between Azrou and Ifrane, famous for its cedar forests and Barbary macaques. Observe these sociable primates in their natural environment before continuing across the Middle Atlas.

As you enter the Ziz Valley, the scenery changes dramatically. Lush palm groves contrast with the surrounding arid landscape. Continue through the region towards Erfoud before reaching Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Your accommodation awaits close to the desert, where you can enjoy dinner and a peaceful evening surrounded by the atmosphere of the Sahara.

After breakfast at your desert accommodation, enjoy a full day dedicated to discovering the unique environment surrounding Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Visit Khamlia, known for its Gnawa musical heritage and its deep connection to communities whose ancestors came from across the Sahara. Experience the rhythms and traditions of this distinctive Moroccan musical culture.

Continue through the desert landscapes towards the Oasis Tissardmine and Oasis Saf Saf. The contrast between the dry desert terrain and the pockets of vegetation creates some of the region’s most striking scenery.

Return towards the Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy another peaceful evening in the Sahara, surrounded by the extraordinary colours and silence of the desert.

After breakfast at the desert camp, continue deeper into the southern landscapes of Morocco. The first stop is Rissani, a historic town associated with the origins of the Alaouite dynasty.

Explore its authentic medina, traditional souk, historic ksours and distinctive local atmosphere. Rissani offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in southeastern Morocco.

After Rissani, leave the asphalt behind and follow desert tracks once associated with the Paris-Dakar rally. Travel through rocky hamadas and remote desert landscapes before reaching Ouzina.

Upon arrival in Ouzina, experience traditional Moroccan hospitality with Berber tea and a warm welcome from a local family. Continue to your desert hotel for dinner and a peaceful evening in this remote corner of the Sahara.

After breakfast, your 4×4 becomes the ideal companion for another adventurous day through the remote landscapes of southeastern Morocco. The route crosses rocky desert terrain with an almost otherworldly appearance.

Travel through Berber settlements and areas where nomadic families continue to live in traditional tents. Continue towards the Ramlia Oasis, a striking pocket of greenery surrounded by the arid desert.

The journey continues towards Lake Maider, a vast dry landscape that offers a glimpse into the geological and environmental history of the Sahara.

Your experienced driver will guide you through the El Mharech Pass towards Mcissi, where you reconnect with the paved road. Continue through Tizi n’Tifrkhin towards the magnificent Todra Gorges.

The Todra River has carved this spectacular canyon over thousands of years. Take time to appreciate the dramatic rock walls and changing perspectives both on foot and from the road.

After breakfast, continue through the spectacular valleys of southern Morocco. Your journey begins through the Dades Valley, part of the famous Route of the Thousand Kasbahs.

Along the route, discover traditional Berber fortresses and villages surrounded by dramatic hills and vegetation. One notable example is Ait Youl, known for its impressive symmetry and well-preserved architecture.

Continue towards the Valley of the Roses, where rose cultivation plays an important role in the local economy. The town of Kelaa M’Gouna is particularly associated with the region’s roses and its annual rose festival.

Continue through the palm groves of Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate, where your accommodation is located within a traditional kasbah-style setting.

Begin the day in Ouarzazate with a visit to the Kasbah of Taourirt, former residence of the Pasha of Marrakech and Lord of the Atlas. Discover its remarkable architecture and original interiors.

If time allows, explore the famous film studios that have helped earn Ouarzazate its reputation as “Morocco’s Hollywood.”

Continue to the iconic Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most recognizable fortified villages. The ksar was an important stop along historic caravan routes connecting Marrakech and Timbuktu.

Continue through the High Atlas towards the Tizi n’Tichka pass, rising to approximately 2,260 metres. Along the route, discover the historic Kasbah of Telouet, another former residence of the Pasha of Marrakech.

Continue through mountain villages and panoramic landscapes before arriving in Marrakech. Along the way, visit an argan oil cooperative and learn about traditional Moroccan production methods.

Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon and enjoy free time to experience the atmosphere of the Red City, browse the souks, or taste local delicacies before settling into your riad.

After breakfast, meet your official local guide and begin a full discovery of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most celebrated Imperial Cities.

Walk through the historic medina and discover the most emblematic landmarks of the Red City. Visit the Kutubia Mosque and its famous minaret, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Bahia Palace.

Continue through the traditional souks and artisan quarters of the medina before reaching Jemaa el-Fna Square, the vibrant heart of Marrakech and a place recognized for its cultural heritage.

The afternoon remains free for further exploration. Choose between the Marrakech Museum, Majorelle Gardens, Menara Gardens, El Badi Palace, additional shopping, or simply relaxing in the atmosphere of the city.

Your 10-day Morocco journey comes to an end with breakfast at your riad in the medina of Marrakech.

Depending on your departure time, enjoy some final moments in the city. Take a last walk through the medina, browse the souks, or simply relax at your riad before checking out.

At the agreed time, your private driver will collect you from the indicated location and transfer you comfortably to the airport, allowing you to arrive in time for your flight.

This marks the end of your journey from Fez through the Middle Atlas, the Sahara Desert, the southern valleys and kasbahs, the High Atlas, and finally Marrakech.