4 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Starting location

Marrakech

Tour's Duration

4 Days

Destination

fes

For travelers seeking a brief yet immersive Moroccan experience, this 4 days journey offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Discover the vibrant imperial cities of Marrakech and Fes, traverse the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing Sahara Desert with unforgettable camel rides across golden dunes.

This compact but rich itinerary takes you through the dramatic landscapes of southern Morocco, from traditional Berber villages and deep gorges to palm-filled valleys and vast desert expanses. Experience nights under starry skies in desert camps, explore ancient kasbahs, and witness the sunrise and sunset over Erg Chebbi’s iconic sand dunes.

  • Stunning vistas of the Atlas Mountains and winding Tizi N’Tichka pass
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
  • Discover Ouarzazate’s historic Taourirt Kasbah and famous film studios
  • Wander the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges
  • Traverse the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy a magical camel ride
  • Witness unforgettable sunsets and sunrises in the Sahara
  • Overnight in a comfortable desert camp with traditional Berber music and dinner
  • Spot Barbary macaques in Azrou’s cedar forest
  • Visit Ifrane, known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland”

This four-day journey from Marrakech to Fes offers a rich tapestry of Moroccan landscapes—from the winding mountain passes of the High Atlas and verdant rose valleys to dramatic gorges, rolling dunes, and alpine-style towns. Since you’ll be journeying across diverse terrains, packing strategically will enhance your comfort and enjoyment:

  • Dress in Layers & Wear Comf ortable Shoes: You’ll cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass at over 2,200 meters, explore kasbahs and gorges, and spend a night in the desert—all environments with their own weather quirks.

  • Sun & Hydration: High-altitude sun and dry desert air both sap your energy quickly. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle will serve you well.

  • Cash & Connectivity: While breakfasts and dinners are included, lunches, drinks, and optional activities typically aren’t—having some dirhams on hand is handy spot for small buys. Mobile signal may be patchy outside urban zones, so consider downloading maps or saving key info beforehand.

Detailled Itineray

Day 1: Marrakech to Boumalne Dades via High Atlas Mountains

Set off early from Marrakech, winding through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains and crossing the Tizi N’Tichka pass at over 2,200 meters altitude. Pause for photos along the way as you approach the striking Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah a clay fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site that has served as the backdrop for numerous films. After enjoying a traditional Berber lunch nearby, continue toward Ouarzazate. Stop at the film studios for photos and visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah. The day ends with a drive through the lush palm groves of Skoura and the fragrant Valley of Roses, arriving at the Dades Valley where you will spend the night.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, explore the dramatic landscapes of the Todra Gorges, famous for their towering canyon walls and narrow pathways. Take a stroll through the gorge before continuing east to the town of Tinjdad for lunch. Then, travel to Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, before reaching the desert edge at Erg Chebbi. Here, mount your camel for a sunset trek across the rolling dunes to a desert camp. Enjoy a delicious dinner and traditional Berber music under a star-filled sky as you spend the night in a cozy nomadic tent.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration and Nomadic Culture

Rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, visit the nearby village of Khamlia, home to descendants of African nomads, where you’ll enjoy traditional Gnawa music and mint tea. Continue to the peaceful oasis of Mfis and then to the village of Merdane, meeting local Berber families along the way. Return to Merzouga for lunch, then relax at your accommodation with the afternoon free to explore or climb nearby dunes for another stunning sunset. Overnight in Merzouga.

Day 4: From the Sahara through the Ziz Valley to Fes

Begin your final day with an early morning sunrise before heading back toward Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop. Journey through the scenic Ziz Valley, famed for its endless palm groves and panoramic views. Stop in Midelt, the heart of Morocco’s apple country, for a break and lunch. Next, venture through the cedar forests near Azrou, where playful Barbary macaques can often be spotted. Continue to the alpine-style town of Ifrane, known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland” for its clean streets and cool climate. After some exploration, drive onward to Fes, where the tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation or airport.

Included

  • Depends on the tour: Private or shared air-conditioned vehicles (4×4, minivan, minibus)
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Multilingual driver/guide (English, French, Spanish)
  • Camel trekking (only in desert tours)
  • Hotel or traditional riad stays (3-star, 4-star, or luxury options)
  • Daily breakfast and dinners (depending on the type of accommodation you choose)

Excluded

  • Flights to/from Morocco
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Optional Activities & Extras
  • Tips & Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses

Extra Activities

To elevate your experience beyond the standard route, here are some thoughtful options worth considering:

  • Extra Exploration at Aït Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate Film Studios: Instead of a quick pass-through, linger a little longer among the iconic kasbah or the cinematic sets to soak in the ambiance.

  • Extended Time at Dades or Todra Gorges: If a quiet walk through dramatic canyons calls to you, add a bit more time here on Day 2 to connect with the landscape.

  • Erfoud Fossil or Local Craft Visit: En route to the desert, pause to visit a fossil workshop or artisan studio—an intriguing peek into Morocco’s geological and craft heritage.

  • Sandboarding or 4×4 Adventure in Erg Chebbi: Beyond the classic camel trek, consider a dash of dune adventure—either sandboarding or a guided off-road 4×4 excursion.

  • Cultural Campfire Experience: Many guests cherish an evening desert camp filled with traditional Berber music and storytelling under the stars—an authentic, magical immersion.

  • Nature Stop at Azrou Cedar Forest: On your way to Fes, you’ll pass through leafy cedar woods—pausing to observe curious Barbary macaques can be memorable and refreshing.

  • Visit “Little Switzerland” in Ifrane: If time permits, stroll the clean, alpine-style streets of Ifrane—a charming contrast to the other landscapes you’ve traversed.

Tour Map

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