Private Luxury 8 Days Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes 

Your adventure kicks off in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco’s cultural heart, where the energy of its historic streets sets the tone for the journey ahead. After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, winding along the stunning Tichka Pass with its serpentine roads that unveil panoramic views of rugged peaks, deep gorges, and traditional Berber villages nestled into the hillsides. Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its ancient earthen kasbahs, a living relic of Morocco’s past. Stroll through this fortified village, famed for its roles in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, and climb to the hilltop for breathtaking vistas that stretch across the sun-scorched landscape. Settle into luxurious accommodations for a restful evening, recharging under the vast desert sky.

• Highlights of the Day:
  • Cross the Tichka Pass, marveling at sweeping mountain and valley views.
  • Explore Ait Ben Haddou’s kasbahs, steeped in cinematic and historic charm.
  • Savor hilltop panoramas as the day fades into dusk.
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Accommodation Options:
  • Ksar Ighnda
  • Dar Mouna
  • Riad Ksar Aylan

After a relaxed breakfast in the tranquil setting of Ait Ben Haddou, take a short yet captivating drive to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its thriving film industry. Spend your day immersed in its cinematic legacy, beginning with a visit to the Atlas Film Studios, where iconic movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy were brought to life amid sprawling desert sets. Next, tour the Taourirt Kasbah, a beautifully preserved fortress with intricate interiors that highlight traditional Moroccan architecture, then wander through the nearby Rose Valley, where fragrant rose fields and distilleries perfume the air with their delicate aroma. Enjoy a leisurely evening in luxurious accommodations, soaking in the day’s discoveries as the stars emerge overhead.

• Highlights of the Day:
  • Tour Atlas Film Studios, stepping into the world of cinematic history.
  • Admire Taourirt Kasbah’s ornate design and storied past.
  • Stroll the Rose Valley, breathing in the scent of blooming roses.
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Accommodation Options:
  • Le Berbère Palace
  • Riad Dar Chamaa
  • Hotel Oscar

Following a delicious breakfast in Ouarzazate, set out on a scenic drive to the Dades Valley, a region renowned for its striking red rock formations and the tranquil river that carves its path through the landscape. The journey unfolds with dramatic shifts, moving from barren desert plains to lush valleys framed by towering cliffs, offering a visual feast along the way. Upon arrival, take time to explore the valley’s unique geology, including the whimsical “Monkey Fingers” formations, and meander through charming villages where daily life unfolds at a gentle pace. Settle into luxurious accommodations surrounded by the valley’s natural splendor, enjoying a peaceful night immersed in its serene beauty.

• Highlights of the Day:
  • Witness the landscape transform from desert to verdant valley vistas.
  • Explore the Dades Valley’s quirky rock formations and quiet villages.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner included
• Accommodation Options:
  • Xaluca Dades Hotel
  • Hotel Chez Pierre
  • Auberge Panorama

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in the serene Dades Valley, its rugged cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop. Journey onward to the Todgha Gorges, a breathtaking stop where towering limestone cliffs rise sharply from the canyon floor, offering a perfect spot for a short walk and photography that captures the sheer scale of this natural wonder. Continue to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, where the terrain gives way to endless sands. Embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi Dunes, arriving in time to watch a stunning desert sunset as the golden sands shimmer beneath the fading light, creating a scene of timeless beauty. Spend the night in a luxurious desert camp, gazing at a sky ablaze with stars.

• Highlights of the Day:
  • Walk the Todgha Gorges, dwarfed by its soaring limestone walls.
  • Trek by camel to catch the Erg Chebbi dunes’ golden sunset glow.
• Meals: Breakfast in Dades Valley, Dinner in Merzouga
• Accommodation Options:
  • Luxury Desert Camp Merzouga
  • Scarabeo Desert Camp
  • Madu Desert Camp

Today is dedicated to uncovering the Sahara Desert’s cultural and natural treasures, immersing you in its vast and timeless expanse. Wake early to witness a mesmerizing sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, where the first rays paint the sands in hues of gold and rose. After breakfast, set off on a camel trek to feel the desert’s profound tranquility, then visit nomadic villages to meet local Berber families, who share stories of their enduring way of life. Cap the day with a Gnaoua music performance in Khamlia village, where rhythmic drums and strings pulse with the Sahara’s spirit. Return to your luxury camp for another night beneath the endless desert stars.

• Highlights of the Day:
  • Greet the day with a sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  • Meet Berber families and hear Gnaoua rhythms in Khamlia village.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation Options:
  • Luxury Desert Camp Merzouga
  • Scarabeo Desert Camp
  • Azawad Desert Camp

This day offers a leisurely rhythm, inviting you to fully embrace the desert’s calm and majesty. After a relaxed breakfast, venture out for a Sahara walk to explore the vast dunes, savoring the silence and solitude that define this remote wilderness. Spend the day unwinding at the camp, absorbing the peaceful surroundings, or opt for a short excursion to deepen your connection with the desert’s quiet allure. As evening falls, enjoy a traditional music performance that fills the night with Moroccan melodies, providing a perfect moment to reflect and unwind in this tranquil oasis.

• Highlights of the Day:
  • Wander the dunes on a peaceful Sahara walk or camel ride.
  • Unwind with a traditional music performance under the stars.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation Options:
  • Luxury Desert Camp Merzouga
  • Scarabeo Desert Camp
  • Nomad Palace Camp

Depart Merzouga after breakfast and begin the journey toward Fes, with stops that highlight Morocco’s diverse landscapes. First, pause at the Ziz Valley, a lush oasis of palm groves and river views that stand in striking contrast to the rugged mountains encircling it, offering a refreshing break from the desert’s aridity. Next, visit Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco,” with its European-style architecture and crisp climate, then explore the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where ancient trees shelter playful Barbary macaques in a serene woodland retreat. Arrive in Fes by late afternoon and settle into your luxurious riad, a haven of comfort, to relax and prepare for the next day’s exploration.

• Highlights of the Day:
  • Admire Ziz Valley’s lush palms against a mountainous backdrop.
  • Spot Barbary macaques in Azrou’s tranquil Cedar Forest.
  • Stroll Ifrane’s alpine streets, a cool contrast to the desert.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation Options:
  • Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux
  • Palais Amani
  • Riad Laaroussa

Dedicate your final day to discovering Fes with a private guide, delving into the city revered as Morocco’s spiritual capital. Fes El Bali, one of the world’s oldest and most well-preserved medieval cities, beckons with its UNESCO-listed medina—a labyrinth of narrow streets alive with artisan workshops, historic madrasas, and bustling souks rich with the scents of spices and leather. Visit Al Karaouine University, the world’s oldest continually operating university, steeped in centuries of learning; the Chouara Tanneries, where ancient leather-making unfolds in vivid color; and the Nejjarine Fountain, a masterpiece of Moroccan tilework that captivates the eye. Conclude your journey with a restful evening in your luxurious riad or prepare for departure, carrying memories of Morocco’s soul.

• Highlights of the Day:
  • Explore Fes El Bali’s medieval medina and historic university.
  • Watch leather crafting at the vibrant Chouara Tanneries.
  • Admire the intricate tilework of Nejjarine Fountain.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation Options:
  • Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux
  • Palais Amani
  • Karawan Riad