Marrakech to Sahara and imperial cities 7 days

Day 1: Marrakech – kasbah Ait Benhaddou – kasbah Taourirt – Ouarzazate

We will start our tour from Marrakech toward Merzouga. We‘ll meet you in the city of Marrakech and we pick you up from your Riad/Hotel and leave Marrakech to begin our tour to Dades valley over the Tizi N’tichka pass (2’260m), where you can spot the traditional Berber villages. We can stop in a local cooperative run by women who extract the Argan oil from the trees and discover how to use it in cosmetics and treatment, we will have a short time there. You can buy the products if you want, then we head to kasbah Ait Benhaddou which is recognized by UNESCO as a world patrimony for having been a setting for many films such as The Mummy and Gladiator. Lawrence of Arabia, Black Hawk Down, and most recent critically acclaimed series Game of Thrones. Break lunch in the near of ksar. Afterward we drive to visit Kasbah Taourirt in the inside Ouarzazate. Overnight in the Riad in Ouarzazate.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges – Toudra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi

After breakfast, we’ll head to explore Dades gorge from its plunging depths to dizzying heights, then we continue on the road through Dades Valley and you can see the panoramic views of the old mud Berber villages overlooking the green valley. Arriving at Todra Gorges, the Todra River has shaped these massive stone walls for thousands of years, take a short walk in the gorges and enjoy the breathtaking views of the river. We will have lunch along the way.

After arriving at Merzouga, you will meet the camels’ driver and head to the desert on top of your friendly camel while the sun sinks below the horizon. Just before dark, you will reach the desert camp, where you will be welcomed with a glass of mint-green tea, you can climb the high dunes and watching the sunset, a traditional dinner is served, you can dance around the campfire to the beat of the desert drums.

Day 3: Merzouga (visit)

Experience unforgettable sunrise in dunes, return to the hotel in Merzouga after typical breakfast and shower in the desert camp, we hop on our 4×4 to discover the desert by browsing the villages and area around the desert town Merzouga, then we head to visit the black people in the village of Khamlia who play the authentic spiritual music, and visit the nomadic families to enjoy mint tea with nomads and see how they live, then how they live in their tents with goats, and working donkeys. Afterward, we head to the lake of Merzouga, which appear seasonal. Then, explore inside the mysterious sand-sea of the Erg Chebbi, its time to back to desert camp! while the sun sinks below the horizon. Just before dark you can explore within the sand-sea of Merzouga, you will see a camel ride to reach the desert camp in the middle of the large sand dunes at sunset. Dinner and night in the desert camp.

Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Midelt – Ifran – Fes

Today, in the early morning, you can climb over the dunes and enjoy for watching the sunrise before eating typical breakfast in the Berber camp and shower. Return to Merzouga, depart towards the imperial city Fes through the many landscapes of the Atlas Mountains. We will visit the famous Middlet throughout Morocco for its apple there will be lunch. We will leave for the rice forests of Ifran, inhabited by monkeys in winter. Overnight at your Riad/Hotel in Medina.

Day 5: Fes City tour

A full day is dedicated to exploring Fes, the most ancient of Morocco’s imperial cities, renowned for its leather and metalwork, Koranic medersas, and leather tanneries. Wander through the 9500 derbs (narrow alleys), absorbing the myriad sounds, smells, and sights that conjure the quintessential fabled Arab city, reminiscent of Baghdad during the time of the 1001 nights. A local English-speaking guide will lead you through this historic city. Dinner is on your own, with accommodation as per the previous night.

Day 6: Fes – Rabat

After breakfast, take a quick stroll around the medina before returning to the riad to participate in a cooking session for lunch. Post-lunch, depart for Rabat. Upon arrival, drop off your luggage at the riad and explore the Kasbah des Oudayas and the necropolis of Chellah. If time permits, visit the Mohamed VI Museum, home to an exquisite collection of modern Moroccan art. Dinner and accommodation will be at a riad within the medina.

Day 7: Rabat – Marrakech

After breakfast in Rabat, you’ll travel back to Marrakech. Enjoy the scenic drive and reflect on the experiences from your Moroccan journey. Upon arrival in Marrakech, your tour concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Morocco. Safe travels!