3 Days from Fes to Desert and Marrakech

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Morocco, a three-day journey from Fez to the desert and Marrakech is an absolute must. In this detailed guide, we provide a complete itinerary to help you make the most of this incredible experience.

Day 1: From Fez to Merzouga – A Scenic Journey Through the Middle Atlas

The journey begins early in Fez, one of the most emblematic cities in Morocco. Heading south, we travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at several fascinating locations:

• Ifrane – Known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its Alpine-style architecture and cool climate.

• Cedar Forest of Azrou – Home to the famous Barbary macaques, where you can observe these playful monkeys in their natural habitat.

• Midelt – A small town where we enjoy a delicious lunch while admiring the surrounding mountain landscapes.

Continuing our journey, we pass through the Ziz Valley, known for its stunning palm groves. As we approach Erfoud, the gateway to the desert, the landscape dramatically transforms.

Finally, we arrive in Merzouga, where a camel caravan awaits to take us on a magical ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

At night, we settle into a Berber desert camp, where we enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, live music, and an incredible view of the star-filled sky.

Day 2: Exploring the Desert and the Journey to the Dades Valley

We wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes—a moment you’ll never forget. After a camel ride back to Merzouga, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before resuming our adventure.

Leaving the desert behind, we head to Rissani, a historic city famous for its traditional market and ancient kasbahs.

Our next stop is Tinghir, where we explore the magnificent Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering rock walls reaching up to 300 meters (984 feet) high—an ideal spot for hiking and photography.

In the afternoon, we drive along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”, passing through charming Berber villages and lush palm groves before arriving at the Dades Valley. Here, we spend the night in a cozy riad, offering stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.

Day 3: From the Dades Valley to Marrakech – Via Ait Ben Haddou

Our final day begins with a scenic drive through the Valley of Roses, famous for its Damask rose plantations, used in perfumes and beauty products.

We then continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”, where we can visit the famous film studios and the Kasbah of Taourirt.

The highlight of the day is a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site and the setting for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After exploring this ancient fortified village, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.

By evening, we arrive in Marrakech, where this unforgettable journey comes to an end.

A Journey Filled with Culture, Adventure, and Natural Beauty

This three-day tour from Fez to the desert and Marrakech is the perfect blend of history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the Moroccan desert and create memories that will last a lifetime!