3 days from Fez to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

We depart early from Fes heading south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and clean streets. We then continue to Azrou to visit the cedar forest, where we’ll see the friendly Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat.

The journey continues through Midelt, famous for its apple production, and descends into the impressive Ziz Valley—an oasis lined with thousands of palm trees and ancient kasbahs. Finally, we arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert.

Here, camels await to take us across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. We reach a Berber camp in the heart of the desert, where we’ll enjoy dinner under the stars, listen to traditional music, and sleep in a nomadic-style tent.

Day 2: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

After witnessing a spectacular sunrise among the dunes, we return by camel or 4×4 to the accommodation for breakfast and a shower. We then depart for Rissani, an ancient caravan town famous for its traditional market.

Our journey continues toward the stunning Todra Gorges—a natural canyon with cliffs reaching up to 300 meters high—perfect for walking and admiring nature’s power.

Later, we head to the Dades Valley, also known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Surrounded by reddish mountains and unique rock formations such as the “monkey fingers,” we’ll spend the night in a traditional riad overlooking the valley.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Marrakech

After breakfast, we continue the route toward Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert” and home to the Atlas Studios, where movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones were filmed.

We visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a fortified village of red earth declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Berber settlements in the country.

We then cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), making scenic stops and visiting argan oil cooperatives along the way. In the afternoon, we arrive in Marrakech, concluding this unforgettable adventure through the heart of Morocco.

What’s Included in This 3-Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech

• Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle

• Professional Spanish-speaking driver/guide

• Accommodation in riads and desert camp

• Sunset camel ride and return at sunrise

• Dinner and breakfast in the desert and Dades Valley

• Free time to explore landmarks and landscapes

Tour Highlights

• Cross both the Middle and High Atlas Mountains

• Walk through cedar forests and see wild monkeys

• Ride a camel through the Erg Chebbi dunes

• Sleep under the stars in a nomadic desert camp

• Admire the Todra Gorges and Dades Valley

• Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Triumphant arrival in vibrant Marrakech

A Short but Unforgettable Adventure

This 3-day excursion from Fes to Marrakech through the desert is one of the most recommended routes for travelers who want to discover Morocco’s geographic, historical, and cultural diversity in a short time. In just three days, you’ll embark on a true journey through oases, kasbahs, gorges, dunes, and legendary cities.