Nomadic Desert, Marrakech & Essaouira8 days from Fez

Day by day

1. Day 01

   Fez Airport – Fez

   We will pick you up at Fez Airport and transfer you to a riad in the city center.

   You will have the rest of the day free to relax, and since you’re located in the heart of the medina, you can take a short visit around the medina. Fez is the third-largest city in Morocco and one of the renowned imperial cities. The medina of Fez El Bali is the larger of the two medinas in the town and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. It is also well-known for the tannery district, which is worth a visit.

   You will stay at a riad with breakfast included.

2. Day 02

   Fez – Midelt

   After a delicious breakfast, we will depart towards the south.

   Our first stop is the city of Ifrane, known as the “Little Switzerland” of Morocco, renowned for its European-style architecture due to its cold winter climate (1,713m above sea level). Don’t miss the iconic lion statue, a tribute to the lions that once roamed the Middle Atlas region.

   Continuing our journey, we will pass through Azrou, famous for its cedar forests and the friendly monkeys that inhabit them.

   We will spend the night in Midelt.

3. Day 03

   Midelt – Merzouga

   We will continue our journey towards Merzouga, passing through various villages and reaching Erfoud.

   Along the way, we will traverse the famous Ziz Valley, where you can admire the striking contrast between the arid landscape and the lushness of the Ziz River’s banks, with its palm groves.

   You’ll have the opportunity to observe the daily life of the locals who inhabit this region. The Ziz River flows for about 300 kilometers before entering the Sahara Desert on the border with Algeria.

   Around midday, we will arrive in Erfoud, renowned for its fossils and enchanting desert roses, where we will have lunch.

   Afterwards, w e will continue our journey towards Merzouga, arriving in the afternoon. Merzouga is nestled at the base of the majestic dunes of the Sahara Desert.

   Those who wish can stroll in the sand and witness the mesmerizing sunset.

   We will spend the night at a carefully selected hotel.

4. Day 04

   Merzouga – Khamlia – Nomads – Merzouga

   We will rise before the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert and embark on a journey to explore its treasures.

   Our first stop is the enchanting oasis of Merzouga, followed by a visit to the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people, descendants of enslaved people from sub-Saharan Africa, known for their unique music.

   We will then venture through a sand river, climb a mountain for a panoramic view of the desert in all its splendor, and continue our expedition towards the village of Mefis, once an abandoned settlement of French workers in the kohl mines.

   Here, we will have the opportunity to visit a nomadic family living amidst the dunes and enjoy their warm hospitality over tea.

   After returning to the hotel for lunch, we will embark on a camel ride during the mesmerizing sunset for approximately one hour, leading us to a Berber camp nestled in the heart of the dunes.

   We will spend the night in traditional haimas.

5. Day 05

   Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Ouarzazate

   After a memorable night in the desert haimas, we will return to the hotel to freshen up and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

   Our journey back to Marrakech begins, taking us through the charming town of Rissani, where we will have the opportunity to explore the local market, historically significant as a central trading hub for caravans traveling from the north to the south.

   Next, we will venture to the Todra Gorges, a natural wonder shaped by erosion, featuring towering vertical walls over 300 meters in height. This site is renowned among climbers and offers a breathtaking walk along the river’s course.

   Continuing our expedition, we will pass through the Valley of Roses, nestled at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. This region is divided into two main areas, spanning approximately 30 kilometers from Keelat M’Gouna to Bou Tharar, and is famous for its rose cultivation. The stunning landscape within a canyon is truly a sight to behold.

   Finally, we will arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where the local film industry thrives.

   We will spend the night, in a hotel/riad

6. Day 06

   Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

   We will start our day in Ouarzazate, the Moroccan Hollywood, where we will have the opportunity to visit the film studios hosting numerous movie productions.

   We can also explore the cinema museum and the iconic Kasbah Taourirt, once the residence of the Pasha of Marrakech.

   Continuing our journey, we will go to the renowned Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has served as a backdrop for various films such as “The Mummy” and “Kingdom of Heaven.” This ancient kasbah was a strategic stop for caravans, allowing travelers to exchange their camels for horses before crossing the mountains.

   We will then depart, crossing the majestic Atlas Mountains, as we head towards the vibrant city of Marrakech.

   Our night will spend in Marrakech in a hotel/riad

7. Day 07

   Marrakech – Essaouira

   After breakfast at the riad in Marrakech, we head towards Essaouira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic.” This city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, retains the charm and authenticity of a land lost in time. Essaouira has become an essential stop on any journey to Morocco. The adventurous explorer will be fascinated by the warm hospitality of the people in this city, which is not surprising considering they have been living at the crossroads of cultures, civilizations, and religions for centuries.

   You will have the afternoon free to stroll through the medina, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

   The accommodation we will provide in Essaouira.

8. Day 08

   Essaouira – Marrakech – Airport

   After breakfast at the riad, you can stroll through the medina, visit the port, and then enjoy a grilled fresh fish lunch at the local restaurants in the harbor.

   We can arrange for a local guide to give you a tour of the city, although we recommend exploring at your leisure as it is the best way to experience this charming town.

   In the afternoon, we will return to Marrakech, and if you’re interested,

   We can stop at a women’s cooperative to witness a demonstration of local women preparing argan oil.

   Finally, we will transfer you to the airport according to your flight time, marking the end of our services.