GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Seven days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech crossing the whole of Morocco: the Merzouga Desert, the imperial city of Fes, the blue city of Chefchaouen, and cosmopolitan Casablanca. This is the most complete tour in the Ouarzazate departure category: it combines the dunes of Erg Chebbi with the cultural heritage of the four imperial cities, the Rif Mountains, and the Atlantic coast. The itinerary begins with the historic kasbahs of the southeast, continues into the Sahara with a night in a desert camp and a full day exploring the desert, then climbs the Middle Atlas toward Fes for a full day in its UNESCO-listed medina, crosses the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, and returns to Marrakech via Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque. Ideal for travelers arriving in Ouarzazate who want a full overview of Morocco in one journey.
Pickup from Ouarzazate to begin the 7-day tour to Marrakech via the Sahara. First stop at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a mud-brick ksar declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a filming location for movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. After lunch in the village, we continue toward the Dades Gorges passing through Ouarzazate and following the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Arrival in the evening.
Overnight in a hotel or riad in the Dades Gorges.
Breakfast and departure to the Todra Gorge, where we take a walk at the bottom of the canyon surrounded by 300-meter-high limestone cliffs. We continue toward Merzouga. Upon arrival, an experienced camel guide awaits with dromedaries at the edge of Erg Chebbi for a camel trek of approximately 30 minutes across the dunes to the camp. Dinner with local hosts and overnight under the Sahara stars.
Overnight in a desert camp in Merzouga.
Breakfast at the camp and return by camel to Merzouga. A full-day desert exploration by 4×4. We visit a Berber nomadic family living in a traditional tent near the Morocco–Algeria border — sharing tea and gaining a unique insight into an ancestral way of life. Then we head to the village of Khamlia, home to descendants of sub-Saharan slaves, where we enjoy live Gnawa music — drums, metal castanets, and hypnotic chants — and spend time with the local community.
Overnight in a hotel or riad in Merzouga.
Breakfast at the hotel and departure toward Fes around 8:30 AM. The route follows the Ziz Valley with a panoramic stop to admire its endless palm groves. Lunch in Midelt. We continue north through the cedar forest of Azrou, where with some luck we may see Barbary macaques living freely among the trees. Final stop in Ifrane, the “Moroccan Switzerland,” an alpine-style town in the Middle Atlas. Arrival in Fes.
Overnight in a riad or hotel in Fes.
Breakfast at the riad and a full day dedicated to Fes, the oldest city in Morocco and one of the country’s four imperial cities. We spend most of the day exploring the medina on foot through its narrow streets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the Royal Palace golden gates, the Al Quaraouiyine University — founded in the 9th century and considered the oldest existing university in continuous operation — and after lunch in a traditional medina restaurant, we explore the famous tanneries with their natural dye vats and the old Jewish quarter (Mellah).
Overnight in a riad or hotel in Fes.
Breakfast at the riad and departure to Chefchaouen via Ouazzane. Arrival at midday and start of the visit to Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of the Rif Mountains, one of the most photographed destinations in Morocco thanks to its blue-washed walls in every shade of indigo. Walk through the medina to discover Uta el-Hammam Square, the Kasbah, and its most iconic alleys.
Overnight in a hotel in Chefchaouen.
Breakfast and departure to Casablanca, where we visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest in North Africa and one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Its 210-meter minaret is the tallest in the world. Lunch near the Corniche and continuation to Marrakech. Final transfer to the airport or your accommodation.
End of the 7-day tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech.
IMPORTANT NOTES
