5 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga

Upon your arrival at Fes Airport or train station, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel or riad in the city. After settling in, take some time to relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a leisurely walk through nearby streets, admire the traditional Moroccan architecture, or simply rest before dinner. A Moroccan-style dinner at your accommodation will give you a first taste of the country’s rich culinary traditions. Overnight in Fes.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will explore the medina of Fes el-Bali, wandering through narrow alleys filled with colorful souks, ancient mosques, and artisan workshops. Highlights include the stunning Al-Attarine Madrasa with its intricate carvings, the historic Bou Inania Madrasa, and the famous Chouara Tannery, where traditional leather-making techniques have been practiced for centuries. You will also visit the ornate gates of the Royal Palace and stop at viewpoints overlooking the city to admire its sprawling beauty. Return to your riad for dinner and overnight stay in Fes.

Depart early from Fes and travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, a region known for its scenic landscapes, cedar forests, and picturesque villages. Your first stop is in Ifrane, a charming town often called “Moroccan Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets. Next, visit the cedar forest of Azrou, home to wild Barbary apes that can often be seen playing among the trees. Continuing south, the journey passes through Midelt, famous for its apple orchards and mountain vistas, where you will enjoy lunch.

The road then takes you through the stunning Ziz Valley, characterized by its lush palm groves, traditional kasbahs, and small Berber villages. Passing by Erfoud, a town renowned for fossils, you will reach the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Here, a caravan of camels will take you on a trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach your desert camp. Witness a magical sunset over the dunes, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, and spend your first night under the desert stars.

Wake up early to experience the sunrise over Erg Chebbi, when the golden sand glows with soft morning light. After breakfast at the camp, enjoy a full-day excursion into the desert by 4x4, exploring the surrounding landscapes, small oases, and fossil sites. Visit Khamlia village, known for its lively Gnawa music performances, and meet nomadic families living in traditional tents to learn about their daily life and customs. Lunch can be enjoyed in a local restaurant or shared with a family in the desert.

In the afternoon, return to the dunes for some free time to relax, take photos, or ride camels again. As the sun sets, you will witness another unforgettable Sahara sunset, with colors shifting across the vast dunes. Dinner and overnight will be spent at the desert camp, providing a second night under the stars for a true Sahara experience.

After breakfast at the desert camp, ride camels back to Merzouga village or transfer by 4x4 to begin the journey back to Fes. The route passes through Rissani, a historic market town that was once a major trading post for Saharan caravans. Continue along the Ziz Valley, stopping to admire the towering palm trees, kasbahs, and panoramic views. Lunch will be taken in Midelt, a convenient halfway point to refresh before continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, with optional short stops in Azrou or Ifrane for photos or a coffee break.

By the evening, arrive in Fes for drop-off at your hotel or directly at Fes Airport, concluding your immersive 5-day journey through Morocco’s history, mountains, and desert landscapes. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and authentic Moroccan experiences.