3 Days Tour From Fes To Marrakech

Day 1: Fes to Merzouga – The Road to the Sahara

Departure from Fes – A Journey Through History

The tour kicks off with an early morning departure from Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and lively souks, Fes is the ideal starting point for this adventure. As you leave the city behind, the scenery gradually changes, revealing the rugged beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Ifrane – Morocco’s Alpine Wonderland

Our first stop is the charming town of Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” because of its alpine-style architecture and cool climate. This is an unexpected sight in Morocco, where the European-style town, surrounded by forests and lakes, offers a peaceful retreat before we venture into more arid regions.

Azrou – The Cedar Forest and Barbary Apes

Next, we pass through Azrou, known for its vast cedar forests and a population of friendly Barbary apes. A quick stop here allows you to explore the natural beauty of the Middle Atlas and interact with these playful primates. This is a great opportunity for nature lovers to take in the fresh mountain air and snap a few memorable photos.

Midelt – A Scenic Lunch Stop

Continuing the journey south, we reach Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountains. Midelt is famous for its apple orchards and serves as an ideal place to pause for lunch. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal in one of the local restaurants while taking in the spectacular mountain views.

Ziz Valley – The Lush Oasis

After lunch, the landscape begins to shift as we descend into the Ziz Valley, a verdant oasis filled with palm trees and ancient kasbahs. The Ziz River runs through this area, creating a striking contrast between the green valley and the surrounding desert terrain. As we pass through, you’ll be captivated by the natural beauty and the sense of serenity that permeates the valley.

Arrival in Merzouga – Gateway to the Sahara

By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, a small village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest sand dunes in Morocco. These towering dunes mark the start of the vast Sahara Desert, and they provide the perfect backdrop for the next part of the journey.

Camel Trek into the Sahara

One of the highlights of this tour is the camel trek into the Sahara Desert. As the sun begins to set, you’ll ride a camel through the golden sands of Erg Chebbi, following ancient caravan routes. The sunset in the desert is a truly magical experience, with the dunes glowing in shades of red and orange. The camel trek leads to a desert camp, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional Berber tent.

Dinner and Entertainment Under the Stars

The evening is spent in the heart of the desert, where you’ll be treated to a traditional Moroccan dinner. Afterward, enjoy Berber music and storytelling around a campfire under the vast, star-studded sky. The peace and quiet of the desert night create an atmosphere of pure serenity.

Day 2: Merzouga to Dades Gorge – A Journey through the Heart of the Atlas Mountains

Sunrise Over the Dunes

The second day begins with an early wake-up call to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Sahara dunes. As the first light of the day spreads across the desert, the changing colors of the sand create a breathtaking sight. After soaking in the beauty of the sunrise, you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast at the camp.

Return Camel Trek to Merzouga

After breakfast, we mount the camels once again for the return trek to Merzouga. The early morning light makes this ride just as enchanting as the sunset trek the previous evening. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we begin the drive towards the Dades Gorge.

Rissani – The Ancient Market Town

Our first stop on the way to Dades is Rissani, a historical town that once served as a bustling hub for trans-Saharan trade caravans. Today, Rissani is known for its souk (market), where you can browse traditional Moroccan goods such as spices, carpets, and pottery. It’s also home to several ancient ruins and ksars (fortified villages), providing a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history.

Todra Gorge – Majestic Canyon Views

Continuing our journey, we pass through the stunning Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River. The towering cliffs, reaching heights of up to 300 meters, create an awe-inspiring natural landscape. You’ll have time to walk along the riverbed and take in the sheer scale of the gorge, making it a perfect spot for photography and a little exploration.

Dades Valley – The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs

By late afternoon, we arrive in the Dades Valley, often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” due to its many ancient fortresses that dot the landscape. The valley is also known for its lush greenery and dramatic rock formations, which create a stunning contrast with the surrounding desert. You’ll spend the night in a charming guesthouse, where a delicious Moroccan dinner awaits.

Day 3: Dades Gorge to Marrakech – The Journey Continues

Breakfast in the Dades Gorge

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we begin our journey towards Marrakech, passing through more of Morocco’s stunning landscapes. The drive offers breathtaking views of the rugged mountains, deep valleys, and traditional Berber villages.

Ouarzazate – The Hollywood of Morocco

Our first major stop is Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco” because of its prominent role in the film industry. The city is home to several film studios, and many famous movies, such as “Gladiator” and “Lawrence of Arabia,” were filmed in the area. You’ll also visit the impressive Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture.

Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Crossing the High Atlas

After exploring Ouarzazate, we continue our journey across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest major mountain pass in North Africa. The winding road offers spectacular views of the High Atlas Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks and terraced fields. The landscape changes dramatically as we descend towards Marrakech, with the lush valleys of the Atlas giving way to the arid plains of central Morocco.

Arrival in Marrakech – The Red City

By late afternoon, we reach Marrakech, Morocco’s vibrant and bustling city. Known as the “Red City” due to its distinctive red sandstone buildings, Marrakech is a feast for the senses. From the bustling souks of the Medina to the tranquil gardens and palaces, the city offers a perfect blend of old and new. Your journey ends here, but there’s plenty to explore in this fascinating city.