4 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
4-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Tour Overview
Travel from the cultural heart of Fes into Morocco’s desert, then across mountain passes to vibrant Marrakech. This private 4-day adventure leads you through the Middle Atlas (Ifrane, cedar forests), the Ziz Valley, the dunes of Merzouga, the Todra & Dades Gorges, Rose Valley, Kasbahs like Aït Ben Haddou, and over the High Atlas via the Tizi-n’Tichka Pass. Perfect if you want desert magic, historical stops, and Atlas vistas in a short but immersive trip.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Start: Fes • End: Marrakech
Itinerary
Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forests → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (~7 hrs drive)
Early pick-up from your hotel in Fes.
Drive through Ifrane (the “Switzerland of Morocco”) and the cedar forests of Azrou.
Lunch stop in Midelt.
Continue through the scenic Ziz Valley.
Arrive at Merzouga desert in the afternoon. Camel trek into the dunes at sunset.
Dinner and overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert Camp.
Day 2: Explore Merzouga Region
Witness sunrise over the dunes. Breakfast at camp.
Enjoy desert region exploration: nomadic villages, the community of Khamlia with Gnaoua music, visit wild lake / palm groves, see fossil mines.
Dinner and overnight in Merzouga (hotel/riad).
Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 3: Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley (~5 hrs drive)
Depart from desert after breakfast.
Visit Rissani’s traditional market.
Continue to Erfoud to see fossil workshops.
Travel onwards to Todra Gorge; walk through the canyon.
Enter Dades Valley, stopping at viewpoints (such as “monkey fingers”).
Dinner and overnight in Dades Valley.
Overnight in Dades Valley.
Day 4: Dades Valley → Rose Valley → Skoura → Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → High Atlas → Marrakech (~6 hrs drive)
Morning drive through Rose Valley (if in season) and palm groves of Skoura.
Visit Ouarzazate (film studios / Kasbah Taourirt).
Explore Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO).
Cross the High Atlas via Tizi-n’Tichka Pass with stops along scenic viewpoints.
Arrive in Marrakech by evening. Drop-off at your hotel/riad.
End of Tour.
What’s Included
Private A/C transport (4×4 or minivan) + fuel
English-speaking driver/guide
2 nights in excellent hotels / riads + 1 night in a luxury desert camp with private bathroom
Camel ride (sunset & sunrise) or optional 4×4 alternative
Breakfasts and dinners (including desert & Valley stops)
Pick-up in Fes & drop-off in Marrakech
Not Included
Lunches & drinks not mentioned
Entrance fees for certain monuments or studios
Optional extras (ATV rides, hammam, etc.)
Note
This itinerary is a suggestion. We can tailor the trip to your interests, add activities (like ATV, extra stops), or adjust the pace. Just contact us for customization.
Why Travel With Morocco Ino Tours?
Comfort & Authenticity: hand-picked Riads and desert camps
Flexibility: private tours with your own driver and car
Local expertise: discover Morocco through the eyes of locals
Unforgettable experiences: camel rides, desert campfire music, Atlas panoramas