Featured 4 Days

The Grand Atlas & Sahara Crossing: Fes to Marrakech in 4 Days

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From Fes to Marrakech

Tour Overview

This ultimate 4-day, 3-night private journey connects the ancient Imperial city of Fes with the vibrant "Red City" of Marrakech, offering a deep immersion into Morocco's most dramatic landscapes, from cedar forests to the towering dunes of the Sahara and the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains.

This isn't merely a transfer; it's the ultimate Moroccan adventure—a perfectly curated odyssey connecting the Imperial cities of Fes and Marrakech. Travel in absolute comfort as the dramatic landscapes unfold before you, leading to the main event: an unforgettable night beneath the stars in the Sahara Desert. This journey is a beautiful tapestry of ancient history, cinematic landscapes, and profound cultural immersion.

Highlights

  • Sahara Immersion: Extended desert exploration including a visit with a nomadic Berber family
  • Erg Chebbi Dunes: Camel trek and overnight in a luxury desert camp with private en-suite tents
  • Ancient Kasbahs: In-depth exploration of the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou
  • Geological Wonders: Hiking and panoramic views of the spectacular Todra and Dades Gorges
  • Cultural Stops: Discovering the traditional souks of Rissani and the "Hollywood of Africa," Ouarzazate
  • Cedar Forests: Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and meet playful Barbary Macaques
  • Starlit Berber Nights: Traditional Moroccan cuisine and authentic Berber drumming under desert stars
  • High Atlas Crossing: Thrilling drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m)
Duration 4 Days
Group Size Private Tour
Location From Fes to Marrakech
Languages English, French, Spanish

Itinerary

Day 1

Fes → Middle Atlas Mountains → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (Sahara Gateway)

Morning: Depart from Fes. The journey begins with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Nature & Wildlife: Stop in Ifrane (Morocco's "Little Switzerland") and the Azrou Cedar Forest to see the wild Barbary Apes. Lunch: Break for lunch in the Middle Atlas town of Midelt. Desert Approach: Continue south, crossing the Tizi n'Talghomt pass and descending into the dramatic, palm-filled Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic photos. Arrival: Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Overnight: Dinner and accommodation in a hotel/riad at the dunes.

Day 2

Merzouga Desert Exploration → Camel Trek & Luxury Desert Camp

Morning Exploration: Spend the day exploring the desert area. This includes a 4×4 drive to: - Visit Rissani, the ancient Sijilmassa, to explore its traditional weekly market (souk) - Visit a nomadic Berber family to learn about their traditional lifestyle and share a cup of mint tea - Experience the Gnawa music and culture in the village of Khamlia Afternoon Camel Trek: In the late afternoon, meet your camel guide for the iconic trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Sahara Night: Witness a spectacular sunset from the top of a high dune. Arrive at a luxury desert camp. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, local Berber music, and an incredible night of stargazing. Overnight: Luxury desert camp with private en-suite tents.

Day 3

Merzouga → Todra Gorges → Dades Gorges

Sunrise: Wake early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Enjoy breakfast at the camp. Return: Camel trek or 4×4 transfer back to Merzouga village. Gorges Adventure: Drive to the magnificent Todra Gorges in Tinghir. Take time to walk between the 300-meter-high sheer rock walls of the canyon. Valley of the Roses: Continue on the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," driving through the Dades Valley and the Valley of the Roses (Kelaat M'Gouna). Overnight: Dinner and overnight in a charming hotel/riad overlooking the Dades Gorges.

Day 4

Dades Gorges → Ouarzazate → Aït Benhaddou → High Atlas → Marrakech

Kasbah Route: After breakfast, drive to Ouarzazate, often called the "Hollywood of Africa." Optionally, visit the film studios or the historic Taourirt Kasbah. Aït Benhaddou: Visit the main highlight of the day: the fortified village of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous filming location (e.g., Gladiator). Explore the historic mud-brick architecture. Atlas Crossing: Begin the final, dramatic crossing of the High Atlas Mountains via the high Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), stopping for panoramic views. Arrival: The tour concludes with your drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech in the late afternoon/early evening.

Price Includes

  • Transportation: Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle (private 4x4 or minibus) for the entire duration
  • Driver/Guide: Experienced, English-speaking driver who also acts as a guide
  • Hotels/Riads: Overnight stays in hotels, riads, or kasbahs in Merzouga and Dades Valley
  • Desert Camp: One night in a luxury desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes with private en-suite tents
  • Meals: All Breakfasts and all Dinners (at accommodations and desert camp)
  • Desert Activities: Camel Trek to watch sunset and sunrise, plus sandboarding at the desert camp
  • Pickup & Drop-off: Convenient collection from your accommodation in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech
  • Fuel and all vehicle costs

Price Excludes

  • Lunches: Meals consumed during the day while driving between destinations
  • Drinks/Beverages: All soft drinks, water, alcohol at restaurants and accommodations
  • Entrance Fees: Admission fees for historical sites and monuments
  • Local Guides: Any fees for local guides you choose to hire at specific sites
  • Tips/Gratuities: Tipping for the driver, camel guide, and hotel/camp staff
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Travel insurance

Tour Map

From 280€ per person

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