Fès to Marrakech Express: 3 Days of Desert, Gorges, and Kasbahs

Tour Overview

Travel through the Middle Atlas mountains, explore the Ziz Valley, and experience a magical night in a luxury bivouac amidst Erg Chebbi’s dunes. Continue your adventure through the majestic Todra Gorges, the Valley of Roses, southern Morocco’s finest kasbahs, and hidden oases. Conclude with visits to the legendary Telouet and UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou kasbahs before crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass to reach Marrakech, the pearl of the south. Ideal for those seeking cultural discovery, stunning natural landscapes, and an authentic Saharan experience in just three days.

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Day 1: Fès – Merzouga – Unforgettable Night in a Luxury Desert Bivouac

Depart at 8:00 AM from your Fès accommodation for a captivating journey to the Moroccan Sahara, crossing the diverse and majestic Middle Atlas landscapes. First stop: Ifrane, dubbed Morocco’s Little Switzerland for its alpine architecture and serene ambiance. Continue to Azrou, nestled in a cedar forest, where you can observe Barbary macaques in their natural habitat—a playful and natural highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. After lunch in Midelt, a mining town between the mountains, proceed south through the scenic Tizi-n-Talghamt pass, offering panoramic views of desert plateaus. Pass through Errachidia and follow the splendid Ziz Valley, renowned for its lush oases and sprawling palm groves, perfect for photography and authentic Moroccan exploration. As you near Merzouga, golden dunes signal your arrival at the Erg Chebbi desert, one of Morocco’s most stunning. In the late afternoon, enjoy a camel ride through the dunes, glowing in the golden sunset light—an unforgettable moment. Settle into a luxury desert bivouac, where a traditional Moroccan dinner awaits under a starry sky, complete with Berber hospitality, live music, and a comfortable night in the Sahara.

Day 2: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Valley of Roses – Ouarzazate

Wake to a magical sunrise over Merzouga’s dunes, a serene moment not to be missed. After breakfast at the bivouac, head west toward Tinghir via Erfoud, known for its fossils and dates. Traverse the arid, striking landscapes of southeast Morocco, blending desert, oases, and mountains. Reach the spectacular Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural sites, with 300-meter limestone cliffs perfect for a riverside walk through Tinghir’s palm grove—a haven for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, follow the iconic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through Berber villages, oases, and mud-brick kasbahs. Cross the Valley of Roses in Kelaat M’Gouna, famed for its Damascena roses used in artisanal cosmetics. In season (April-May), the valley bursts with scents and colors. Stop to explore rose-based products (rose water, creams, oils, perfumes) and local shops. Continue to Skoura, visiting the stunning Amridil Kasbah, a jewel of traditional mud-brick architecture. Arrive in Ouarzazate, the desert’s gateway, by evening. Settle into a hotel for a Moroccan dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Ouarzazate – Fint Oasis – Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah – Telouet Kasbah – Marrakech

After a delicious breakfast in Ouarzazate, begin your final day exploring the magical Fint Oasis, nestled among mountains and palms, offering a serene and authentic escape. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou kasbah, a timeless Berber architectural gem and filming location for *Gladiator*, *Game of Thrones*, and *Lawrence of Arabia*. Enjoy a guided tour of this iconic ksar, a must for culture and cinema enthusiasts. Proceed through the stunning Ounila Valley, a hidden High Atlas route dotted with Berber villages, terraced fields, and red cliffs. Visit the Telouet Kasbah, former home of the Glaoui, showcasing ornate zellige tiles, stucco work, and cedar ceilings, reflecting Morocco’s 20th-century history. After a traditional lunch, cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), offering breathtaking views ideal for photography. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon, concluding this express journey rich in landscapes, heritage, and encounters, connecting Morocco’s desert to its southern treasures.