6-Day Private Desert Tour from Marrakech to Chefchaouen via Fes and Merzouga

Your private Moroccan adventure begins early in the morning as your driver picks you up from your accommodation in Marrakech. You’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains through the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers panoramic views of valleys, Berber villages, and winding mountain roads. Along the way, you’ll have stops for photos and small breaks in local cafés before reaching the legendary Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient fortress village has served as a backdrop for many Hollywood films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After exploring the kasbah with your guide, continue toward Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” You can visit the Atlas Film Studios or simply enjoy lunch in town. The journey then continues through Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses, where you’ll see traditional Berber homes, palm groves, and fields of roses. By evening, you’ll arrive in the Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic cliffs and red rock formations.

🍽️ Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional hotel overlooking the Dades Gorges.

After breakfast, the adventure continues as you follow the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, one of Morocco’s most picturesque drives. Your first stop will be at the breathtaking Todra Gorge, a canyon carved by the Todra River, where the cliffs rise up to 300 meters high. You’ll have time to walk through the gorge, meet local families, and take amazing photos.

In the afternoon, drive through Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and date markets. As you approach Merzouga, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon — the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, your camel caravan will be waiting to take you deep into the dunes at sunset.

Enjoy the silence of the desert and the changing colors of the sand as you ride your camel to the camp. Once you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and a warm smile. After a delicious Moroccan dinner, sit around the campfire, listen to traditional Berber drumming, and admire the thousands of stars above.

🏕️ Overnight in a luxury desert camp under the starlit sky of Merzouga.

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Sahara dunes — a moment you’ll never forget. After breakfast and a shower at the camp or nearby lodge, you’ll leave Merzouga behind and start your journey north through Rissani, the ancient capital of the Alaouite dynasty. Continue through the stunning Ziz Valley, known for its endless palm groves and breathtaking viewpoints.

Stop for lunch in Midelt, a mountain town famous for its apple orchards, before continuing your trip through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through Azrou’s cedar forests, where you may spot friendly Barbary monkeys, and then continue toward Ifrane, a clean and modern city nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco.”

By evening, you’ll arrive in Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco.

🏡 Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad inside the Fes Medina.

Today is dedicated to exploring one of the world’s most fascinating cities — Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial capital. After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin your guided walking tour of the medina. Visit the Royal Palace and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), then continue to the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest existing university in the world.

Wander through the narrow alleys of Fes el-Bali, where artisans create pottery, leather, and traditional crafts using centuries-old methods. Discover historical sites such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Tanneries of Chouara, where colorful leather hides dry under the sun.

After a full day of exploration, return to your riad for dinner and rest.

🍽️ Overnight in your riad in Fes.

After breakfast, leave Fes and drive toward the Roman ruins of Volubilis, one of Morocco’s most important archaeological sites. Explore the well-preserved mosaics and pillars that tell stories of the Roman Empire’s presence in North Africa. Continue to Meknes, an imperial city built by Sultan Moulay Ismail, where you can visit the Bab Mansour Gate and the Heri es-Souani granaries.

In the afternoon, travel through the Rif Mountains until you reach the charming Blue City of Chefchaouen. Known for its blue-painted houses and peaceful atmosphere, Chefchaouen is the perfect place to unwind after your journey. Stroll through the colorful streets, visit the main square Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and enjoy the mountain views.

🌙 Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Chefchaouen.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore more of Chefchaouen’s beautiful alleys and shops. Take your final photos in the blue medina before starting your journey back to Marrakech. The drive takes you through the scenic countryside and small villages, with several stops along the way for rest, coffee, and lunch.

You’ll arrive in Marrakech by evening, where your driver will drop you off at your riad or hotel — marking the end of your unforgettable 6-day private Moroccan adventure.