7 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Desert & Essaouira

Day 1: Fes Sightseeing Tour

The journey opens with a guided city tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s most historically dense cities. You’ll explore Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage medina, wander its narrow lanes, and see the tanneries where leather is still dyed using traditional methods. The tour also takes in Al Quaraouiyine, considered the world’s oldest university, the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Dar Batha Museum, home to a collection of Moroccan ceramics, textiles, and jewelry.

You’ll also visit Al-Attarine Madrasa and the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), with its historic synagogues, before stopping at the Royal Palace, the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, and the Jnan Sbil gardens. After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll take in a panoramic view over the medina before a short visit to Fes Al Jadid, the newer part of the city. Overnight at your riad.

Day 2: Fes – Merzouga Desert

In the morning, your driver picks you up from your riad in Fes to begin the drive toward Merzouga and the Sahara. The route crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Berber villages along the way.

You’ll stop in Ifrane, known for its European-style architecture and ski resort feel, and explore the cedar forests around Azrou, home to the region’s Barbary macaques. After a lunch break in Midelt, the road continues south through the Tizi n’Talghemt pass into the Ziz Valley, where thousands of palm trees line the route on your way toward the desert.

Passing through Erfoud, you’ll continue on to Merzouga and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Once there, a camel trek takes you into the heart of the Sahara, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night at a desert camp, complete with music and home-cooked food under the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Toudgha Valley – Dades Valley

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at the desert camp. You’ll then ride back to Merzouga by camel to meet your driver and continue toward Dades Valley. The route passes through Rissani, where you can browse the local markets and visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, founder of the Alaouite dynasty.

From Rissani, the drive continues roughly 90 km to Toudgha Valley, known for its steep cliffs and winding riverbeds, with stops in local Berber villages along the way. After lunch in Tinjdad, you’ll visit Todra Gorge, a striking canyon with towering rock walls and a river running through it.

The tour continues around 70 km further into Dades Valley, where the rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers” make for one of the most photographed stops on the route. Overnight in Dades Valley.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

After breakfast, the route continues from Dades Valley toward Rose Valley, known for its rose gardens and traditional Berber villages, before reaching Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco” for its long history in film production. You’ll visit the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has appeared in productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After lunch, the drive climbs into the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at the Tizi n’Tichka Pass for sweeping views over the surrounding peaks. Along the way, you can also stop at the Kasbah of Telouet, once a key stop along the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. From the pass, the road descends toward Marrakech. Overnight at your riad.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Marrakech

Today is dedicated to exploring Marrakech with a local guide. Highlights include the Menara Gardens, the Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs, along with a stop at Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s famous main square and one of the best places to feel its energy.

You’ll also visit the Koutoubia Mosque, one of Marrakech’s most recognizable landmarks, and explore the Bahia Palace’s detailed tilework and carved woodwork. The 16th-century Saadian Tombs offer a striking example of Islamic architecture, and a walk through the medina reveals a maze of stalls selling spices, textiles, jewelry, and pottery. In the afternoon, spend time back at the square before returning to your hotel for the night.

Day 6: Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech

Departing Marrakech at 8:00 am, today’s excursion heads to the Atlantic coastal town of Essaouira. On arrival, explore the 18th-century ramparts that circle the city, offering views over the ocean and the medina below.

You’ll visit the harbor — Essaouira remains an active fishing port — and wander through its UNESCO-listed medina, known for its narrow lanes, distinctive architecture, and lively markets. There’s time to relax on the beach, and for those interested, the town is also known for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

After a fresh seafood lunch, you can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring further or simply unwinding by the water before heading back to Marrakech, with arrival around 7:00 pm. Drop-off at your hotel.

Day 7: Marrakech – Airport

The final day involves your transfer to Casablanca or Marrakech airport, bringing your 7-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga and Essaouira to a close.