6 Days Tour To Fes & Casablanca Via Merzouga From Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley

Departure from Marrakech

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Marrakech, leaving behind its lively streets and entering the majestic High Atlas Mountains. As you navigate through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest in North Africa, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the mountain landscape, dotted with traditional Berber villages that cling to the mountainsides.

Visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

Our first major stop is at the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its striking earthen architecture. This ancient fortified village has been the setting for many famous films and offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s historical and architectural heritage.

Lunch in Ouarzazate

After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, we continue to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Here, we’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch and visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah. Ouarzazate is also known for its film studios, where many blockbuster movies have been filmed.

Drive to Dades Valley

In the afternoon, our journey continues through the Valley of Roses and the lush Skoura Oasis before reaching the Dades Valley. This area, often called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” is famous for its dramatic rock formations and verdant landscapes. We’ll spend the night in a charming hotel or riad, where you can relax and absorb the serene atmosphere.

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)

Exploration of Todra Gorge

After breakfast, we head towards the stunning Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise on either side of a narrow canyon. The gorge is one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural wonders, offering a dramatic landscape that is perfect for photography and exploration.

Journey to Merzouga

We continue our journey towards Merzouga, the gateway to the famous Erg Chebbi Dunes. As the landscape transforms from rocky mountains to vast sand dunes, you’ll begin to feel the allure of the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we pass through small towns such as Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, each offering a taste of traditional Moroccan life.

Camel Trek into the Sahara

Upon reaching Merzouga, we’ll trade our vehicle for camels and embark on a camel trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi Dunes. The experience of riding a camel across the Sahara, with the sun setting over the dunes, is truly magical. This trek will lead us to a traditional Berber camp, where you’ll spend the night.

Overnight in a Desert Camp

The evening in the Sahara Desert is an unforgettable experience, with a traditional Moroccan dinner served under the stars. You’ll enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the desert, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Berber music around the campfire. The clear, starlit sky provides a stunning backdrop for a night of relaxation and reflection.

Day 3: Merzouga to Fes

Sunrise Over the Dunes

Start your day early with the chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara Desert. Watching the dunes change color as the sun rises is a sight that will stay with you forever. After breakfast, we’ll return to Merzouga by camel and prepare for the journey to Fes.

Travel Through the Ziz Valley

As we leave the desert behind, our journey takes us through the beautiful Ziz Valley, a lush oasis known for its extensive palm groves and stunning vistas. We’ll make several stops along the way to take in the scenery and visit some of the local villages, offering a glimpse into life in this fertile region.

Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains

The drive continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where the landscape shifts from arid desert to verdant forests. We’ll pass through the cedar forests near Azrou, where you might catch a glimpse of the famous Barbary macaque monkeys that inhabit the area.

Arrival in Fes

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Fes, one of Morocco’s most historic cities. Known for its ancient medina, Fes is a city steeped in history and culture. We’ll spend the night in a traditional riad, where you can unwind and prepare for a day of exploration in this fascinating city.

Day 4: Exploring Fes

Guided Tour of Fes Medina

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the Fes Medina, one of the oldest and most intricate in the world. The medina is a maze of narrow streets, bustling souks, and historical landmarks. Highlights of the tour include the Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest existing and continually operating educational institution in the world, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud).

Visit to the Tanneries and Artisan Quarters

Fes is renowned for its traditional leather tanneries, where the art of leather-making has remained unchanged for centuries. You’ll visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where you can observe the leather-making process from rawhide to finished product. Afterward, explore the artisan quarters, where skilled craftsmen produce everything from pottery to metalwork.

Dinner and Overnight in Fes

After a full day of exploring Fes, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant. The evening is yours to explore more of the medina, relax in your riad, or simply soak in the ambiance of this ancient city. You’ll spend the night in Fes, continuing your immersion in Moroccan culture.

Day 5: Fes to Casablanca via Rabat

Departure from Fes

On the fifth day, we’ll depart Fes and head towards Casablanca, with a stop in Morocco’s capital city, Rabat. The journey takes us through the rolling hills and fertile plains of northern Morocco, offering beautiful landscapes along the way.

Visit to Rabat

In Rabat, you’ll explore some of the city’s key historical and cultural sites, including the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret that dates back to the 12th century, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a beautiful example of traditional Moroccan architecture. The Royal Palace and the Kasbah of the Udayas are also highlights, offering insights into Morocco’s royal heritage and historical significance.

Arrival in Casablanca

We arrive in Casablanca in the late afternoon. Known as Morocco’s economic and cultural capital, Casablanca is a bustling metropolis with a unique blend of modernity and tradition. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the evening free to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, dine at one of its many restaurants, or simply relax after your journey.

Day 6: Exploring Casablanca

Visit to the Hassan II Mosque

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. The mosque’s stunning location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, along with its intricate designs and craftsmanship, make it one of Casablanca’s most iconic landmarks.

Exploring the Corniche and City Center

Next, explore the Corniche, Casablanca’s scenic coastal area, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, visit local cafes, or take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. The city center, with its mix of modern buildings and historic architecture, offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and sightseeing.

Farewell to Morocco

In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore more of Casablanca at your own pace or do some last-minute shopping. As your tour comes to an end, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure, leaving Morocco with unforgettable memories of your 6-day adventure through its diverse and captivating landscapes.