🕻 +212658860892 ✉︎ hayaviajes@gmail.com
🕻 +212658860892 ✉︎ hayaviajes@gmail.com
7-day tour to the Merzouga desert and Fez from Marrakech
Tour summary:
Duration
7 days - 6 nights
Arrival
Marrakech
Departur
Fez
Type of tour
Private or Shared
This 7-day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga and Fez is designed for travelers who want a comprehensive experience of Morocco at a leisurely pace. The tour combines historic kasbahs, spectacular valleys, the magic of the Sahara Desert, and the rich cultural heritage of Fez, offering the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and comfort.
From the heights of the High Atlas to the silence of the Erg Chebbi dunes, and from the palm groves of the Ziz Valley to the labyrinthine streets of the medina in Fez, every day will offer you a new perspective on this fascinating country. An unforgettable journey that connects landscapes, cultures, and emotions.
Book with complete confidence
- Personalised support before and during your tri
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Authentic and safe local experience
- Carefully selected camps and hotels
- Total transparency in each reserve
Highlights
- Arrival in Marrakech: transfer to the riad and first night in the Red City.
- The High Atlas and Tizi n’Tichka: Morocco’s most spectacular road.
- Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Hollywood film location.
- Valley of the Roses: fragrant landscapes and traditional adobe villages.
- Dades Valley: unique rock formations sculpted by nature.
- Todra Gorge: a hike between vertigo-inducing 300-meter cliffs.
- A sunset camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- A magical night at the Berber camp: dinner, music, and endless stars.
- 4×4 Desert Tour: Dunes, Nomads, and Wild Landscapes.
- Ziz Valley: endless palm groves and centuries-old kasbahs.
- The Cedar Forests of Azrou: Encountering Barbary macaques in the wild.
- Ifrane, the Moroccan Switzerland: Alpine architecture in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.
- Guided tour of the medina of Fez: 9,000 streets of living history.
- Discovering Fez: madrasas, palaces, and the soul of the imperial city.
- Departure transfer to Fez Airport: a stress-free farewell.
Tour Itinerary: 7 Days from Marrakech to Merzouga and Fez
Day 1: Marrakech – Arrival and Welcome
Arrive at Marrakech Airport and transfer to your riad or hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city on your own. You can stroll through the medina, enjoy a coffee near Jemaa el-Fna Square, or simply rest after your trip. Overnight in Marrakech.
| 🛣️ Distance | Airport to hotel transfer (approx. 10 km) |
| ⏱️ Time | Approx. 20–30 minutes |
| 🏨 Activities | Free time to explore the medina and Jemaa el-Fna Square |
Day 2: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Valley of the Roses – Valley of the Dades
After breakfast, depart from Marrakech and head south through Morocco. The route crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the picturesque Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering panoramic views and photo stops.
We visit the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most remarkable ksars. After exploring the kasbah, the journey continues through Ouarzazate and into the Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant rose fields and traditional villages.
Late in the afternoon, arrival in the Dades Valley, surrounded by impressive rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay at a riad or hotel.
| 🛣️ Distance | Approx. 335 km |
| ⏱️ Driving time | Approx. 5–6 hours (including stops) |
| 🌅 Main stops | Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Valley of the Roses |
Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga – Camel Ride
Leaving Dades in the morning, the road takes us toward Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering canyon walls create one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. You’ll have time to walk through the gorge and enjoy the surroundings.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Merzouga, at the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, enjoy a memorable camel ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi, riding across the golden sands as the sun sets.
Arrival at the Berber camp, where a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber music, and a peaceful night under the stars await you.
| 🛣️ Distance | Approx. 270 km |
| ⏱️ Driving time | Approx. 4–5 hours (not including the camel ride) |
| 🐪 Camel ride | Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes to the campsite |
| 🌅 Main stops | Todra Gorges, Tinghir, arrival in Erg Chebbi |
Day 4: Erg Chebbi Desert – Merzouga (4x4 Exploration)
After an early sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoy breakfast at the camp surrounded by the silence of the Sahara. Then, set off in a 4×4 for a tour of the region’s golden dunes and rocky landscapes.
The day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga area, including visits to nomadic families to learn about their traditional way of life and discover the desert beyond the main dunes. Depending on the weather and your interests, you may also visit small villages and fossil sites.
In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga and check in at a riad or hotel near the dunes. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and some time to relax after an unforgettable experience in the desert.
| 🛣️ Distance | Approx. 50–80 km (off-road routes) |
| ⏱️ Exploration time | Full-day 4×4 tour |
| 🏜️ Activities | Visit to nomads, fossil sites, and remote dunes |
Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fez
After breakfast, we left Merzouga to begin our journey north toward Fez. We passed through Rissani, an important historic city in the Tafilalt region. The road follows the picturesque Ziz Valley, where long palm groves and traditional villages line the river, creating beautiful contrasts with the surrounding desert landscapes.
We continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, enjoying cooler temperatures and ever-changing landscapes. Near Azrou, we pass through stunning cedar forests, home to the famous Barbary macaques. We make a brief stop in Ifrane, known for its Alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and peaceful atmosphere.
Arrival in Fez in the late afternoon or early evening, followed by check-in at your riad or hotel.
| 🛣️ Distance | Approx. 460 km |
| ⏱️ Driving time | Approx. 7–8 hours (including stops) |
| 🌅 Main stops | Rissani, Ziz Valley, Azrou (cedar forest, macaques), Ifrane |
Day 6: Guided tour of the Medina of Fez
The morning and part of the afternoon are set aside for exploring the historic medina of Fez with a local guide. As you stroll through its narrow alleys, you’ll discover a city shaped by centuries of culture and tradition, where daily life unfolds amid light and shadow. With more than 9,000 winding streets, the medina forms a living labyrinth unlike any other in Morocco.
Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the country’s capital. The city reflects strong Arab, Andalusian, and Jewish influences, evident in its architecture and historic neighborhoods. During the tour, you’ll explore historic palaces, traditional madrasas, and the Jewish quarter. Fez was an important center of learning and spirituality, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. The tour concludes with time to watch local artisans at work before returning to the riad.
| 🛣️ Distance | Walking tour |
| ⏱️ Duration | Approx. 4–5 hours for the guided tour |
| 🏛️ Places to visit | Medina, madrasas, Jewish quarter, souks, artisan workshops |
Day 7: Fez – Transfer to the Airpor
After breakfast, and depending on your departure time, we will transfer you from your riad or hotel to Fez Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 7-day tour of Morocco.
| 🛣️ Distance | Hotel → Fez Airport (approx. 15 km) |
| ⏱️ Time | Approx. 20–30 minutes |
| ✈️ Recommendation | Flights departing at 12:00 PM so you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast |
100% Customizable Itinerary
Contact us and we’ll send you a personalized proposal with no obligation.
If this itinerary doesn’t quite match what you’re looking for, our team will design a tailor-made trip through Morocco for you, taking care of every detail so you can enjoy a unique experience.
What's included:
- Arrival and departure transfers (airport ↔ hotel)
- Pick-up from your hotel/riad in Marrakech
- Transportation in an air-conditioned minibus
- Fuel, tolls and vehicle expenses
- Spanish-speaking tour guide throughout the tour
- Official local guide in Fez (day 6)
- Accommodation: 1 night in Marrakech (breakfast)
- Accommodation: 1 night in Dades Valley (dinner and breakfast)
- Accommodation: 1 night in a Berber camp (dinner and breakfast)
- Accommodation: 1 night in Merzouga (dinner and breakfast)
- Accommodation: 2 nights in Fez (breakfast included)
- Camel ride in Merzouga
- 4x4 Desert Tour
- Special Berber dinner and music
- Sandboarding on the dunes
Does not include:
- International flights
- Tips and personal expenses
- Admission to monuments
- Lunches (midday meals)
- Drinks with meals
- Dinner in Marrakech (evening at leisure)
Gallery
Tour Route:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour end in Fez? Do I need to fly from Fez?
Yes, the tour ends in Fez with a transfer to the Fez airport on day 7. This is a great way to combine Marrakech and Fez without returning to the starting point. You can catch your departure flight from Fez.
Can I start in Fez and end in Marrakech?
Yes, the tour can also be done in reverse: starting in Fez and ending in Marrakech. Just let us know, and we’ll be happy to adjust the itinerary for you.
How do I manage my luggage if the tour ends in another city?
Bring all your luggage with you on the tour, as you won’t be returning to Marrakech. We recommend traveling with a medium-sized suitcase or a comfortable backpack to make transfers and the camel ride easier.
What does the desert exploration on day 4 include?
On the 4th, after watching the sunrise over the dunes, we took a 4×4 tour through the Merzouga Desert. We visited nomadic families, fossil sites, and remote landscapes. It was a deep immersion into life in the Sahara.
What is the guided tour like in Fez?
Accompanied by an expert local guide, you’ll explore the medina of Fez (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), its narrow streets, madrasas, Jewish quarter, and souks. You’ll learn about the history, crafts, and daily life of one of Morocco’s most fascinating imperial cities.
Does the tour include the cedar forest and the monkeys?
Yes. On the 5th, on our way to Fez, we’ll pass through the Azrou cedar forest, where you can see and photograph Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. We’ll also stop in Ifrane, the “Moroccan Switzerland.”
Do I need experience for the camel ride?
No. The camels are docile, and the ride is smooth. Our guide will help you mount the camel and accompany the group. You’ll enjoy the sunset over the dunes without any trouble.
Can I leave luggage in Marrakech if I don't want to take it all
Not recommended because the tour ends in Fez and you don’t return to Marrakech. If you need to leave something behind, you’ll have to arrange it on your own and pick it up later, but it’s not included and isn’t practical.
How can I book the tour?
💬 Contact us on WhatsApp and we’ll send you all the information about availability, prices, and personalized options.
Request a Reservation
What our customers say
excellent
The dromedary excursions in the desert and the quad rides were among the most exciting and fun activities of the trip. In addition, the accommodations exceeded all our expectations: comfortable, clean, charming and located in spectacular locations.
The value for money was excellent. We felt we got much more than we expected.
But what really made this trip special was our guide, Hassan. From the very beginning, he was approachable, friendly, and very professional. He was always looking out for us, making sure we were comfortable, safe, and having a good time at all times. It was a real treat to have someone like him with us!
We recommend this experience 100%. Morocco is an incredible country, and living it with such a careful organization and with a guide like Hassan really makes the difference. Thank you for everything!
Hassan is not only an excellent organizer, but also a charming person, always willing to share his culture and make us feel at home. If you are looking for an authentic adventure in Morocco, we highly recommend trusting him, a trip that will remain forever in our hearts!
Book with complete confidence
- Personalized assistance before and during your trip
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Authentic and safe local experience
- Carefully selected camps and hotels
- Total transparency in each reserve
