Journeys / Imperial Cities & Sahara
10 days · Most requested
Imperial Cities & Sahara
Our most requested route. Three nights in Fes, with Volubilis and Meknes.
In short
The classic loop, without the rush
Many 10-day tours squeeze in Chefchaouen and Casablanca and add long days in the car. This route leaves both out. You get two nights in Marrakech, two in the desert and three in Fes, the city that needs the most time.
Day by day
Your 10 days
- 1
Arrive in Marrakech
Your guide meets you at arrivals and drives you to your riad in the medina. Evening free; dinner suggestions in your welcome pack.
- 2
Marrakech medina
A morning in the medina on foot with a local guide: Ben Youssef Madrasa, the souks and the tanneries. Afternoon free or at the Majorelle Garden.
- 3
Over the High Atlas to Aït Ben Haddou
Over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with stops at viewpoints. Late afternoon walk up the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou when the light turns red.
- 4
Skoura palm grove and the Dadès Gorges
Through Ouarzazate and the Skoura oasis, with its kasbahs. Night in a hotel above the Dadès Gorges.
- 5
Todra Gorge to the Erg Chebbi dunes
A walk through the narrow Todra Gorge, then east to Merzouga. Last stretch by 4×4 to a selected luxury desert camp.
- 6
A full day in the Sahara
Sunrise from the dunes. Visit to a nomad family's camp near Merzouga for tea. Afternoon free; camel ride at sunset if you want one.
- 7
Across the Middle Atlas to Fes
Through the Ziz valley and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. The longest day of the trip, broken into stops. [Under review with the partner: it exceeds our 6-hour rule.]
- 8
Fes el-Bali
A full day in the old medina with a licensed city guide: Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Chouara tanneries and the artisans' quarters.
- 9
Volubilis and Meknes
Roman ruins of Volubilis in the morning, the imperial city of Meknes after lunch. Back to Fes for your third night.
- 10
Departure from Fes
Transfer to Fes airport, confirmed the day before by WhatsApp.
Drive times are approximate and include no stops [to confirm with the partner].
Where you sleep
5 stays, 9 nights
What is included
Agreed before you fly
- Private vehicle and the same guide for all 10 days
- 9 nights: riads in Marrakech and Fes, hotels in Aït Ben Haddou and Dadès, 2 nights in a selected luxury desert camp
- Breakfast every day; dinner at the desert camp [to confirm]
- Licensed city guides in Marrakech and Fes
- Airport transfers, confirmed 24 h before
- Entrance fees in the itinerary [to confirm]
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and most dinners [to confirm]
- Tips (a written guide comes with your proposal)
- Drinks and personal expenses
Questions about this route
Can we add or remove nights?
Yes. This route is a starting point. The most common change is one more night in Marrakech or a stop in Midelt to split day 7.
Is the desert camp comfortable?
It is a selected luxury camp with a private tent and bathroom [to confirm with the partner]. Nights in winter are cold; the tents have heating [to confirm].
Can we start in Fes instead?
Yes. The route works in reverse, ending in Marrakech, which often has better flight connections to the U.S.
*Except the day between Erg Chebbi and Fes, about 7–8 h, which we are reviewing with the partner.
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