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Top 8 days Morocco Tour from Fes to the Sahara Desert
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Morocco, starting and ending in Fes. This tour will take you through the majestic Sahara Desert, where you’ll experience the timeless beauty of the dunes. You’ll travel through the scenic Rose Valley and the dramatic Todra Gorges, visiting the cinematic city of Ouarzazate and the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou on your way to Marrakech. In Marrakech, enjoy a guided tour with our expert local guide before continuing to Casablanca to explore the iconic Hassan II Mosque. The adventure concludes with a visit to Rabat and the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen.
Your place of accommodation OR the airport.
Upon your arrival at Fes Airport, our driver will warmly greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to your Riad, conveniently located in the heart of the medina, the historic district of Fes.
If you arrive early, you’ll meet our local expert guide to begin your journey in Fes, the oldest capital of Morocco. Start at the iconic Blue Gate, known locally as Bab Boujloud, and step back in time as you navigate the labyrinthine medieval medina with its narrow alleys, bustling souks, traditional handicrafts, and the charming presence of mules and donkeys.
Your exploration includes a visit to the historic Jewish quarter, Mellah, and a stop to admire the Royal Palace gate. Your driver will then take you to an ancient fortress perched on a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
On the way back, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the intricate ceramic craftsmanship that dates back to the 12th century. Continue your journey with visits to the city’s highlights, including Souk Seffarine, Medersa Bou Inania, and the world’s oldest university, passing by the Mosque of Quaraouin. Conclude your day with a restful return to your Riad, where a traditional meal will be waiting for you.
Witnessing sunrise in the Sahara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We highly recommend finding a spot to watch as the sun gradually illuminates the golden dunes. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a leisurely drive towards Boumalne Dades Gorge. En route, you’ll explore ancient underground irrigation canals from the 11th to 14th centuries, showcasing the ingenuity of the Berber tribes in channeling mountain water to their groves. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.
Continuing through Tinghir towards Dades Gorge, you’ll have free time to stroll through the vast canyon alongside the water. As you approach, the striking architecture of old sandcastles hidden in the palm oasis will come into view, offering a panoramic vista of the region’s famous “Monkey Toes” rock formations. By evening, you’ll arrive at your riad for rest and a delightful dinner.
After breakfast, the journey proceeds to Kalaat Magouna, renowned for its traditional rose festival. You’ll have time to explore women’s cooperatives producing natural perfumes, reflecting the Moroccan cultural significance of aroma. Next is Ouarzazate, dubbed the “Hollywood of Morocco” for its varied landscapes and luminous ambiance, attracting filmmakers for decades. You’ll visit Atlas Studios, renowned for producing major films like “Game of Thrones” and “Gladiator.”
Midday brings arrival at Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site once a pivotal caravan crossing point, where lunch will be served. Traveling through the Ounilla Valley offers panoramic views of clay and mud houses, showcasing the region’s distinct lifestyle. Later, crossing the High Atlas Mountains, including North Africa’s highest peak at over 4,100 meters, brings you into Marrakech by evening, with dinner served at your riad.
Embark on a touristic journey through Marrakech, the historical gem known as the Red City, the City of the Seven Holy Men, and Bahja among locals. Following breakfast, a seasoned local guide will navigate you through the ancient medina’s winding alleys, unveiling treasures like the Bahia Palace, Medersa Ben Youssef, and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. Dive into the vibrant tapestry of the old souks, immersing yourself in the local crafts and the lively ambiance of Jamaa el Fnaa square, where artisans and performers captivate with their talents. Lunch awaits at a charming restaurant. As night falls, embrace the dynamic nightlife of the square, where pop-up eateries offer sizzling barbecues, aromatic soups, and refreshing juices, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
After breakfast, our Morocco tour will continue towards Casablanca, the capital of investment. Lunch will be enjoyed at a restaurant along the way. Upon arrival in Casablanca, you will be awed by the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 14th largest in the world. Finally, we will arrive at our hotel in Casablanca, where you can relax, with dinner served at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will continue north to the imperial city and present-day capital of Rabat, a bustling city with a rich history. As we proceed further north, observe the landscape transition from flat plains and rolling hills to the rocky terrain of the Rif Mountains. Arriving in Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue City,” you will enjoy its narrow, winding streets and blue-washed buildings. Relish the relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals as you explore the compact medina along the northern hillside. Dine in Plaza Outa el Hammam and tour the kasbah (old fortification). As the day ends, visit the abandoned Spanish Mosque for a final view over Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Today, we will depart for Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an ancient Roman settlement. Here, you can admire the alleyways, gates, monuments, and mosaic floors. Dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, these Roman ruins are considered the best preserved in Morocco. Our next stop will be Meknes, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the four Moroccan imperial cities. Meknes, founded by Moulay Ismail, is home to the first Arab dynasty in Morocco. Here, you can visit the Medersa Bou Inania and Bab Mansour, the gateway to Moulay Ismail’s palace. Later, we will continue to Fes.
As the 8-day Morocco tour concludes, you have two options:
Desert camp accommodations can vary, but they often include spacious tents with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning or heating, and sometimes even features like private pools, hot tubs, and outdoor seating areas.
Morocco offers a wide range of attractions, but some must-visit places include Marrakech, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Chefchaouen, and the Atlas Mountains.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many countries, including the United States and European Union members, can enter Morocco without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.
Guided tours can be an excellent way to explore Morocco, especially for first-time visitors. They provide local insights and can help with language barriers.
Morocco is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is important to exercise standard precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and safeguarding your belongings.
Traveling in the Sahara Desert is generally safe with a reputable tour operator. It is crucial to be prepared for desert conditions and follow the guidance of your guides.