Morocco Itinerary 8 days From Fes To Marrakech

Upon your arrival at the Fes Saiss Airport, our friendly local driver/guide picks you up and transfers you to your accommodation in the medina of Fes to relax after your flight.

After a relaxed night and flavour breakfast at your riad. Our knowledgeable local guide invites you to be familiar with the city while exploring its must see sights and hidden gems. Prepare to be amazed by the intricate architectural details and the stories they hold.

First visit the ancient well preserved  Royal Palace, featuring stunning intricately designed gates, with the most famous being the golden gate of the palace. Also considered a magnificent example of Moroccan architecture in Fes.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll escort you through the narrow alleyways of a UNESCO World Heritage Medina. As you step into the medina, the sights, sounds, and smells immediately envelop you. Stop at Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest in the world that’s still alive for now. Learn about the ancient process of leather tanning, passed down through generations.

After lunch, we will head to the Attarine Madrasa and the majestic Al-Qarawiyyin University,often considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. From there, you’ll have a pick up choice by your driver or walk back to your hotel through the alleyways surrounded by local shops.

The luxurious simplicity of the Riad, offers the perfect way to unwind after an exciting day of guided discovery. The riad is a place to recharge both body and mind.

Commence your day with a delicious breakfast at your riad before heading north toward the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen. As we leave the plains behind, the landscape transforms into the lush, rugged scenery of the Rif Mountains. Upon reaching the famous "Blue Pearl," we will settle into your authentic accommodation tucked within the heart of the medina.

The entire afternoon is dedicated to exploring and navigating the blue-washed alleys while soaking in the city's uniquely peaceful atmosphere. If you enjoy photography, we highly recommend bringing your camera to capture the famous blue doors and the charming, vibrant houses that define this enchanting Medina.

Enjoy a flavour breakfast before you hit the road south towards the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Photography enthusiasts are highly recommended to jump out of bed to take some last minute shots of the blue empty streets.

After 3 hours driving, we’ll reach the archaeological site of Volubilis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Morocco. View a series of mansions, monuments and olive mills surrounded by remnants of the city's defense walls. The most notable highlights include the well preserved Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, a series of mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology.

Later, pass by the holy town of Moulay Idriss and drive to the imperial city of Meknes.Here, you’ll visit the monumental horseshoe-shape Bab Mansour gate, with its priceless mosaics, lavish tiles, and inscriptions, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Next savor your meal before strolling along the stunning shores of Sahrij Souani surrounded by the stunning ancient 17th-century walls.

Eventually, we continue towards our authentic accommodation in Midelt, passing through Ifrane referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” as it has alpine-style architecture and nearby slopes and forests , so you can take a peaceful walk and watch the Barbary Macaques in their natural habits.

Breakfast your fast, and set off on a comfortable journey that spans 4 hours to reach the endless sand dunes of Merzouga desert. First, we will traverse the High Atlas Mountains,  through the fascinating Tiz Ntalghamt pass and the Ziz Gorge, taking in views of the High Atlas plateau. You’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as we approach Errachidia city.

As we descend, the scenery dramatically shifts to the spectacular Ziz Valley, a striking oasis of green palm groves against a backdrop of arid canyon walls. Continuing through this oasis, you’ll reach the fossil-rich town of Erfoud, often considered the gateway to the Sahara. Optionally, visit one of the fossil factories to know about the polishing process.The most common fossils in the area are Trilobites and Ammonites.

After an authentic delicious meal and a short drive further we will reach Merzouga village, famous for its majestic golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Relax and get prepared for the lifetime experience among the sand dunes. As the sun cools, your well experienced camel guide will give you a ride over the sand dunes. The camel ride is more than just a means of transport, it’s a meditative and humbling journey, connecting you to the tranquility and ancient rhythms of the desert. A stop will be made on a high dune to capture the sunset before reaching your featured camp. Dinner will be served at the camp followed by live music around a bonfire under the blanket of sky stars.

Embrace your day with a spectacular sunrise over the Golden orange Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp,meet your driver and enjoy a private transfer from Merzouga Desert to Boumalne Dades, while experiencing the beauty and contrasts of Morocco’s landscapes, from the vast Sahara dunes to the dramatic mountain valleys.

Our first stop will be in Rissani, an ancient town in the heart of Tafilalt oasis and known for its lively traditional market. Your English speaking driver will take you to Stroll this local souk, where you can find traditional crafts, spices, and freshly baked Berber Pizza. Besides that, you’ll have a chance to visit one of the fossil factories either here in Rissani or Erfoud.

Next, head westward towards Tinghir. The road begins to wind as you approach Todra Gorge and lash palm grove valley, the impressive cliffs that soar to over 300 meters high (984ft), creating a narrow, awe-inspiring passage.

Continuing from Tinghir, you’ll drive towards Boumalne Dades, a picturesque town nestled in Dades Valley. The journey becomes even more scenic as we drive along the valley, with stunning views of the river, green pastures, and towering mountains in the distance. Here, you’ll be amazed by its impressive natural rock formation, often referred to as the Monkey fingers.

Eventually, you’ll check into your cozy hotel overlooking the valley. Here you’ll take your time to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, followed by a feast and maybe some more live music.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we’ll set off on a lifetime journey towards the vibrant city of Marrakech. The drive spans 6 hours and takes us through some of Morocco’s most captivating landscapes, with a blend of historical landmarks, picturesque villages, and dramatic capped snow mountain scenery.

Our first will be in Rose Valley in Kalaat M’Gouna known as the Rose Town, and famous for its vibrant rose products, particularly during the annual rose festival. As we drive along the valley, take a moment to appreciate the blooming roses in the fields surrounding the area, which fill the air with a sweet fragrance. You can stop by local cooperatives to shop for rosewater, essential oils, and soaps. Somehow, you’ll be smelling the roses the whole trip.

continue our journey through the road of thousand kasbahs to reach Ouarzazate known as the "Hollywood of Africa" for its role in hosting many film productions. The town is home to the famous Atlas Studios, one of the largest movie studios in Africa,where films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Atlas Studio.

Next, head toward the dramatic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a picturesque UNESCO-listed kasbah that stands as a testament to the region’s ancient architecture. This fortified village, with its towering mud-brick walls, has appeared in countless films and TV shows. Such as Game of thrones, indiana jones, kingdom of heaven and much more.

After lunch, the route leads us through the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains. The landscape here is breathtaking, with dramatic, rugged peaks and deep valleys. The mountain roads offer stunning views, so take your time to stop and admire the scenery.

Arriving at our Riad in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where you can unwind after a smooth day of driving and exploration. The Riad offers a peaceful retreat, with traditional Moroccan decor, a courtyard garden, and a delicious home-cooked meal to end your adventure in one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities.

After breaking your fast, your local guide meets you at your Riad’s lobby and invites you to explore the vibrant and enchanting city of Marrakech, where history, culture, and tradition blend seamlessly with modernity.

 Walk through the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you step into this bustling hub, the air is filled with the scents of spices and grilled meats at night, while the sounds of snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians create a symphony of life. 

From there, we’ll make our way through the narrow, winding streets of Marrakech Medina, a maze of alleys lined with bustling souks. Visit the Bahia Palace, an architectural marvel built in the late 19th century. The palace, with its lush gardens, intricate tilework, and ornate rooms, reflects the grandeur of Moroccan royalty. And Madrasa Ben Youssef, the most impressive and historically significant landmark in Morocco, reflecting the splendor of Islamic architecture and the educational heritage of the country.

Later, our guide will escort you back to your Riad for packing.our driver will make sure to transfer you to Marrakech’s Airport or Casablanca’s airport, where you can reflect on your incredible 8 days travel itinerary through Morocco as you catch your flight home.

Note, if you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech or elsewhere please let us know during the booking process.