5 Days Fes to Marrakech via Desert & Dades Valley
Tour Type
- Private tour for any group size
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Overview
Do you find the ideal midrange tour that could see you explore the Imperial Cities of Morocco and the Sahara? The ultimate option is the 5 Days Fes to Marrakech via Desert and Dades Valley. In fact, this tour is so glorified since it is one of the most effective trips combining the cultural richness of Fes, the expansiveness of the Sahara, and the theatrical Atlas Mountains Tour, and finishes in Marrakech. Being experts in the overall Morocco Tours and the Morocco Desert Tours, we have ensured that this guide is carefully designed with the most important Expertise and personal knowledge that will give your search process the culmination of the official plan that will make your own trip to Morocco.
Meet the Expert
This is written by Said Ait Elkaid who is the founder of the Moroccan desert trips company, a major Moroccan Travel Agency. Said has more than 20 years of Experience in personally leading and planning all the activities of the 5 Days Fes to the city of Marrakech desert tours along the Desert and Dades Valley route. One reason why this guide is valuable in planning your memorable Trips In Morocco is his in depth expertise of the Fes-to-Sahara transfer, the gorges, and the ultimate descent into Marrakech.
Highlights of the 5 Days Fes to Marrakech via Desert & Dades Valley
- Ascend the magnificent, forested Middle Atlas Mountains easily.
- Ride camels deep into the towering Erg Chebbi golden desert dunes.
- Spend a magical night under the infinite, clear Sahara stars.
- Explore the spectacular, immense cliffs of Todra Gorges canyons.
- Walk the UNESCO-listed, historical Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou village.
- Cross the magnificent, soaring Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass.
- Wander the unique, dramatic landscapes of the beautiful Dades Valley.
- See the fascinating blend of ancient and modern in vibrant Marrakech.
The Grand Itinerary: Your 5 Days Fes to Marrakech via Desert & Dades Valley
This tourism plan serves the purpose of the Moroccan Desert Trip between the north and south, as a journey to the heart of Moroccan culture and geology, in 5 unforgettable days.
Discover the magic of this kingdom with our best tours:2-days-to-zagora-from-marrakesh , 3-days-desert-tour-from-marrakesh-to-merzouga and 4-days-desert-tour-from-marrakech .
Day 1: Fes to Midelt -The Grand Transition South
The next adventure you choose is your 5 Days Fes to Marrakech Via Desert and Dades Valley which begins with an early departure of Fes. First, we have our own driver to make sure that the day starts on time, and we are ready to spend the day on the road which, however, is long but beautiful.
We climb into the pleasant, cool atmosphere of the Middle Atlas Mountains. We then move to Ifrane, also known as Little Switzerland, and finally go to Azrou cedar forest to get a glimpse of the naughty Barbary Macaques. As a result, this stop is an excellent wildlife rest.
Then we drive on further and we finally reach a small town called Midelt. The Fes-Sahara drive is interrupted in an ideal way by this strategic stop and you will be well-rested to continue your journey of 5 Days Fes to Marrakech via Desert and Dades Valley through this strategic stop.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi) to Midelt.
Now, the immersion to the desert will start. The first place is Midelt, where we are driving south and the landscape has changed dramatically.
We pass down the great Ziz Valley, with its gigantic palm groves, and arrive at Erfoud, where are the marine fossils. That is why, the expectation is increasing in the morning leading to this moment of this Morocco Desert Tour.
Later in the afternoon, we get to Merzouga where we join our camel train. Hence, we start the scenic trip to the marvelous Dunes of Erg Chebbi to get to your luxury Berber camp which is prepared to spend the night of your 5 Days Fes to Marrakech via Desert and Dades Valley adventure.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert to Dades Valley—Gorges and Kasbahs
The day starts with the final desert experience. To begin with, you need to wake up early before sunrise to hike some dunes and experience the amazing sunrise in the Erg Chebbi- one of the major memories in every Moroccan Desert Trips adventure.
Then we mount our camels again, after breakfast, out of the dunes. Then we start heading westwards and explore the amazing Todra Gorges, enjoying a vigorous hike between the steep and high sidewalls of the canyons. Specialty: As you walk down the gorge, the air is instantly cold, and the noise of the little river is so concentrated that you feel very isolated.
We go on to the valley of Dades, with its monkey fingers rocks. We end up the night in the marvelous Dades Valley with an experience of the mountain air and reminiscence of your 5 Days Fes to Marrakech via Desert and Dades Valley tour.
Day 4: Dades Valley to Marrakech through High Atlas.
It is the scenic long drive to-day, which drives over the mountains to the Red City. First we visit the famous UNESCO world heritage site, Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. Importantly, this stronghold village has been used as a movie shooting place decades, something really impressive to see.
Then it is on to the great High Atlas Mountains for the last time, over the Tizi n’Tichka. Experience: I can remember the brash, earthy aroma of the mountain herbs, and the extreme change of light when we were heading down into the Haouz plains, and I knew that we would soon be in Marrakech.
It is late afternoon when we reach Marrakech. This part of your Desert Trips Morocco comes to a natural end, and you end up in the last city of your 5 Days Fes to Marrakech trip on the Desert and Dades Valley trip.
Day 5: Day in Marrakech and farewell.
Your 5 Days Fes to Marrakech via Desert and Dades Valley package comes to an end today. To begin with, we have a morning guided tour of the Red City with tailor-made Marrakech desert tour.
We also go to historical places such as the Bahia Palace and the serene Jardin Majorelle. After this, there is time to do lastminute shopping of souvenirs in the renowned souks. Alternatively, you can seek a fast consultation of Atlas Mountains Day Trip Marrakech. And lastly, you have the comfort of being carried to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) or your next Moroccan destination by your private transport.
Customization & Morocco Custom Tours Options
This efficient itinerary is the optimal foundation for a quick, grand tour, but we specialize in making it perfect for you.
- Luxury Trip To Morocco: We can upgrade all accommodations to the finest boutique hotels and luxury desert camps, consequently ensuring a premium experience throughout your Desert tour from Marrakech alternative.
- Morocco Custom Tours: Travelers often extend this trip into a full Morocco 12 day itinerary by adding cities like Chefchaouen, or they choose to end the tour with a dedicated beach stay in Essaouira.
- Morocco Desert Tours: If you prefer more time in the dunes, we can dedicate an extra night in the Merzouga area, therefore allowing for more cultural or athletic exploration.
Included and Excluded (Strict 5-Word Limit)
Your Tour Price Includes:
- Private A/C transport
- Expert driver/guide
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily half-board meals
- Camel trek experience
Your Tour Price Excludes:
- Lunches and drinks
- Site entrance fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal purchases
Creative FAQs About the 5 Days Fes to Marrakech via Desert & Dades Valley
Does this Morocco Desert Trip include time for an Atlas hike?
No, hiking is not part of the primary tour since the primary one involves driving thus an extension to Marrakech Day Trips.
Does this fast trip make the accommodation comfortable?
Yes it is all comfortable since we choose the best Riads, hence ensuring that we get a restful stay.
How is the accommodation in this Luxury Trip To Morocco?
The accommodation is a luxury due to the fact that we use high class hotels and a luxury camp, which is what will determine the high value.
Would I find the popular monkeys in Azrou Cedar Forest?
Yes, you will not be surprised to see the monkeys since we take the best viewing point thus providing an excellent photographic opportunity.
What are the costs that I require in this Trips In Morocco adventure?
You require money to tip and have lunches as small sellers do not accept cards, so it is easy to carry Dirhams.
Is this particular tour the most appropriate method of connecting Fes and Marrakech?
Yes, it is the best alternative since it will cover the desert effectively hence optimizing scenery between the cities.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Pick up from Airport / Casablanca
Your 10 days tour from Casablanca will start as you arrive at Casablanca Airport, our driver/guide will meet you and picks you up from Airport to the hotel to start enjoying Moroccan tour detecting the energy of Casablanca. If your arrival is in the morning, the tour starts with a visit of the Hassan II Mosque, which is a piece of art of Moroccan architecture and stands on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
In the later part of the afternoon, a walk through the Ain Diab Beach is very relaxing, allowing the visitor to be embracing the seaside perspective of Casablanca. As for the visitors who are going to arrive in the afternoon, the visit of the mosque and the beach are set for the next day for you not to lose on those sightseeing before continuing the trip to Rabat. Spend some of your time in Casablanca for a comfortable night’s stay before proceeding to the next part of the Moroccan tour.
Day 2: Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen
For the second day of your Morocco itinerary 10 days, After taking the breakfast, organize for a road trip from Rabat to Chefchaouen passing through different terrains and other places of interest. Start with a brief tour of Rabat; tour starts from the royal palace which gives a sneak view of the Moroccan Palace Arrest and the importance of the Moroccan King. Precede with your discovery to the wonderful Kasbah des Oudayas, which majestically overlooks the Atlantic Ocean giving you a view of the ocean and a taste of Morocco historical and cultural past. Next is a stop at the Hassan Tower –a minaret with the uncompleted towering glory of the 12th century. Starting from Rabat travel through the farming land of Knitra and El Ghareb with beautiful mountainaneous views of cedar, oak and almond trees. Take a break in Ouazzane to wonder the numerous and significant features of the country’s countryside before getting to Chefchaouen, a city visitors know as the “Blue City“.
Furthermore, take a fascinating stroll in the medina where out of Hammam square local craftsmen offer souvenirs, woven mats, and some piquant sweets. Savour the goat’s cheese that is produced by shepherds from the surrounding area and is famous all over Chefchaouen. The Kasbah is a cultural institution which contains an ethnographic display, and is also possible seating for a tasty dinner viewing the picturesque district of this peaceful city. The night stay in Chefchaouen is guaranteed to be peaceful due to the warm reception by the people and stunning views.
Day 3: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes
After breakfast, Descend from the hills and travel south through the centre of the peninsula towards
the World Heritage site of Volubilis. The remains of this Roman city make an undeniably impressive
sight as they come into view on the edge of a long, high plateau. Take a tour around the arches,
basilicas, and superb mosaics along the Documents Maximums, many of which remain intact The
reward for walking in the sun lies .your next stop at Meknes city visit the massive ramparts and king
mouly ismael mosque and stables built to accommodate 12 000 horses and bab mansour (very old gate
) , continue to fes for overnight .
Note : Meknes is not sure you will visit it because all attractions are close at the moment for
constrictions ,but it depend on the date you take the tour if its open again or not yet.
Day 4: Guided Tour of Fes
With our professional guide you’ll have a wonderful day , he will take you to the most tourist places in
Fes city , there is many historical sites to explore ; such as “Karaouine university” (the acient one in
the wolrd) and “Medrassa bouanania”, souk , panoramic view on “ Idriss 2 corner” , bab boujloud ; the
UNESCO site of world culture , acient Fes fences ,Attarin school , Norte tower ,Annajarin, dar bathaa,
leather tanners , and ceramic factory, in addition to visit the royal palace ,and the Jewish quarter (el
mellah) , during the visit of the city you’ll have a lunch time in local restaurant , with our guide you’ll
never forget this tour , then after you finish your tour, return to the hotel /riad.
Day 5: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud → Merzouga
This day we will meet different colors of the kingdom by leaving the old Moroccan city of Fes. We
will pass through the most modern and clean city in the country Ifran. This Berber name of Ifran
means caves and it is nicknamed in Morocco as a little Switzerland since it is a very green town and is
a ski resort in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco because of its high altitude at 1665 meters. Ifran is
very known as well by The Brotherhood private university, established in 1997 by the king of
Morocco Hassan II and the king of Saudi Arabia Fahd. Where all classes are taught in English, it is an
international university. Lunch will be scheduled in a Berber village called Zaida ,then to Midelt
which is situated on the foothills of the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains. From vast plateau
we start crossing up those tough mountains which are still settled by a big Berber community. The
landscapes here includes palm tree oases at Jbel Ayachi (at 3747 m) before driving down the curves
and join the pre-Saharan zone passing first by Errachidia and Erfoud, which is famous for its pottery
and the interesting fossil quarries. Fossils are a major industry in Erfoud, some 350 million years ago
the region around Erfoud was a part of the huge ocean. Heading up to the red colored sand sea dunes
of Erg Chebbi , From a vast plateau you will get impressed by the huge sand dune of Merzouga
appearing from the horizon. Camel ride enjoy a special dinner and a lifetime Night in a very nice
Desert Camp
Day 6: Sahara Desert → Rissani → Todra Valley → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley → Skoura Palm Oasis
Our first Visit today is Errisani town; where the Mausoleum of the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty of
Morocco, Moulay Ali Chrif in the 17th century. This silent town was the ancient capital of Tafilalet
and its location as a crossroads between north and south brought the city to an important status of a
former major caravan centre. Up to now Rissani remains a major commercial centre in the region, 127
km from Errisani the great canyons of Morocco Todgha Gorges are situated beyond the central high
Atlas Mountains. Here, the contrasting landscapes remind visitors of the Colorado, with its high
plateau, its gorges and great canyons, and its peaks sometimes splintered by erosion. Several peaks in
this area exceed 4000 m, with Jbel Saghro 2500 m and Jbel Mgoun at 4068 m being the highest peak
in this part of the High Atlas. The area is populated by Berbers. Here you can enjoy a hike or a walk
among those fabulous canyons,then From the great canyons of Todgha we go to reach Dades Valley
with the green colours of its Alfalfa plants, olive trees, fig trees and grapes. Continue to Skoura Palm
Oasis for avernight .
Day 7: Skoura Palm Oasis → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech
We leave Skoura in the morning Getting to Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa, Noiselessly town, The
door of the desert), is a city situated in the middle of a bare plateau, south of the High Atlas
Mountains. It is mainly inhabited by Berbers, who constructed many of the prominent kasbahs and
building for which the area is known. One of those building is Taourirt Kasbah diverted in 17th
century (stop for pictures from outside the Kasbah ) .
Why this town is nicknamed as Hollywood of Africa? Simply because it has been noted as a film-
making location, with Morocco’s biggest studios inviting many international film companies to shoot
their movies like: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of
Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Martin Scorsese’s
Kundun (1997) and Babel (2005) ,after Ouarzazate City we will drive about 30 km to reach the
fortified city of Aït Benhaddou, built in the 11th century. Once up on a time this Kasbah was the
former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. It is situated on a hill along the Ounila River
and has some beautiful examples of Kasbahs, which unfortunately sustain damage during each
rainstorm and windstorms. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the
other side of the river; however, around five families are still living within this Kasbah.
Aït Benhaddou Kasbah has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and several films have
been shot there, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Time Bandits (1981), The Jewel of the Nile
(1985), Kundun (1997), Gladiator (2000) and Alexander (2004). From this beautiful fortified house we
head west to the city of Marrakech. It is called the “Homeland of God in Berber». Some stops at Atlas
Mountains before you arrive to Marrakesh if still time and you are not tired you go for a little walk at
Jama el Fnaa squire before you arrive to your accommodation, or you check in first then go out. Night
Day 8: Marrakech City Tour
At 10 am in your Hotel/Riad the local guide set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the
bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with
the scent of orange blossom, and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace; This
splendid mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the government.
Continue to the Marrakech Museum, itself a former palace, which houses a fine collection of
Moroccan art and sculpture. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque; its famous minaret is the prototype for
others of its kind around the world, including La Giralda in Seville. Also visit Majorel garden or
secret garden and Dar Bacha Misaim Then walk back through the streets of the old medina to the
Jemaa el Fna. Have a break for one hour ,then you start the street food tour .
Day 9: Marrakech → Essaouira → Marrakech
After breakfast at 8:30 am you start the drive from Marrakech to Essaouira ,Essaouira It is a
small seaside town with fortified walls about two and a half hours from Marrakech with a
stop of 30 min for a break and to visit a local Berber ladies cooperative of Argan Oil ,to see
how they make it and have an idea about this magical tree ,and what they can make from it It,
Essaouira is a fascinating town lying on the crossroads between 2 tribes, absolutely
Moroccan, but adding its own cultural mix from further into the south of Africa, as well as
hosting a large Jewish population. is a favourite among visitors and locals alike. There are
constant sea breezes that cool it in summer and keep it temperate it in the winter. It also offers
some of the best kite-surfing in the world.
It’s beautiful beaches, fishing harbour, sea views and amazing mix of architecture, as well as a special
quality of light have given it a flourishing art scene. Any time, a stroll through the exciting medina
and souks to explore See especially the skilful wood-workers dedicated to Argan and juniper
sculpture. You can also enjoy a local specialty of delicious fresh seafood for lunch. then drive back to
Marrakech (overnight in Marrakech
Day 10: Transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca Airport
This marks the end of the 10 days Morocco itinerary where you will be transferred from Marrakech back to Casablanca Airport. This last stage is designed to help you have a trouble-free start, after saying goodbye to the beautiful scenery, active, and culturally diverse Morocco.
Check our extended Morocco Desert tour: 12 Days in Morocco Tour or this 6 Days Tour from Marrakesh to Merzouga Desert
Included
- All kind of transfers and transports according to the given itinerary, airport transfers (arrival and departure). In a modern and private vehicle.
- Accommodation for 9 Nights (standard type of hotels, very nice traditional Riad and conventional Berber tent at the camp in the desert) but we always have option to upgrade to the very luxury accommodation.
- Residential taxes for 9 Nights
- Breakfast x 9
- Dinner x 3 (1 in Fes and others in the south and desert region)
- Camel riding through one of the most magnificent deserts of Africa, the Sahara, and non- cruciform tents accommodation at the Bedouin settlements.
- Official Local guides (fluent in your luggage) for city tours in Fes and Marrakech ,also volibilis .
- Local guides for a walk and Kasbahs and attractions (desrt treeking ,Ait Benhadou Kasba ,Amridel Kasbah.
- Sightseeing by car through breathtaking terrains of mountainous regions, valleys and desert.
Excluded
- Lunches and some dinners in the cities.
- Additional leisure activities, the services and products beyond the package, and personal costs.
- Drinks accept welcoming tea everywhere and water on dinner time
- Tips for the driver and other staff
- Any other services that are not in the above-said itinerary.



