Upon arrival at Fes Saïs Airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to a well-located riad in the heart of Fes el-Bali—the historic medina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore part of the old city on foot before settling in for the night.

After a hearty breakfast at your riad, we begin a full-day guided tour of Fes. We start in the Ville Nouvelle (new city), visiting the Royal Palace and the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah), established in the 14th century. We then proceed to a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the entire medina, including the minarets of its many mosques. The highlight is a walking tour through Fes el-Bali—Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a living medieval masterpiece. Navigate its labyrinthine alleys lined with artisan guilds: potters, metalworkers, leather dyers, and more. You’ll see the 14th-century Al-Attarine Madrasa and the iconic Bou Inania Madrasa, home to the famous water clock “Dar al-Magana,” still functioning after more than 600 years. The medina’s timeless atmosphere will transport you centuries into the past.

We depart Fes early and head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture and clean, green surroundings. Here, we admire the stone statue of the Atlas lion—the city’s symbol—before continuing into the cedar forests of Azrou. We pause to see the ancient “Cedar Gouraud,” a 1,000-year-old tree, and interact with wild Barbary macaques. Lunch follows in Midelt, known for its apple orchards and mineral resources. As we descend into the arid southeast, the landscape transforms: palm groves, adobe kasbahs, and the vast Ziz Valley unfold before us. After passing Erfoud, we arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes—some of the highest in North Africa. After a welcome mint tea, we check into our desert hotel, just steps from the dunes, and enjoy a sunset walk before dinner and overnight stay.

Today is devoted entirely to the Sahara. After breakfast, we explore the Erg Chebbi dunes by 4×4, following tracks once used by the Paris-Dakar Rally, with views of the Algerian border mountains. We stop at the Tissardmine Oasis, known for its fossil quarries, and visit a nomadic settlement to learn about traditional desert life. A panoramic viewpoint offers a breathtaking vista of the entire Erg Chebbi sea of sand. We then visit Khamlia village, founded by descendants of enslaved people from Mali, where you’ll enjoy mint tea accompanied by a live Gnawa spiritual music performance. Back at the hotel, we mount camels for a sunset ride deep into the dunes. As the sun dips below the horizon, we arrive at a traditional nomadic-style camp—white tents nestled among the sands. Dinner is served under a sky glittering with stars, followed by Berber drumming and an unforgettable night in the heart of the desert.

Rise early to climb the nearest dune and witness a magical desert sunrise. Return by camel to Merzouga for breakfast before bidding farewell to the Sahara. We drive to Rissani, the ancestral home of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty, where we’ll explore its vibrant souk (open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays). Continuing through Erfoud, we may visit a fossil marble workshop before passing the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. By midday, we reach the Todra Gorges—a dramatic canyon with 300-meter vertical cliffs carved by the Todra River. After lunch at a local restaurant, we take a scenic walk through the gorge, a favorite among climbers and photographers. In the afternoon, we drive through the Dades Valley, famed for its fig trees and dramatic “monkey fingers” rock formations near Boumalne Dades. Dinner and overnight in a hotel overlooking the Dades Gorge.

After breakfast, we enjoy a panoramic view of the Dades Valley from a mountain vantage point, revealing countless kasbahs dotting the landscape. We then follow a scenic route through the Central High Atlas, detouring to the remote Boutagrar Valley, where some nomadic families still live in caves—an area where time seems to stand still. We continue to the Valley of the Roses, arriving in Kalaat M’Gouna, the heart of Morocco’s rose industry. Lunch is served in the village. In the afternoon, we pass through the lush Skoura Palm Grove—one of Morocco’s largest oases—before reaching Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel.

The morning is dedicated to exploring Ouarzazate: we visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah and the famous Atlas Film Studios, which have hosted productions like *Gladiator*, *The Mummy*, and *Sahara*. We then drive to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most photographed kasbahs. After a guided tour and lunch in the village, we begin our return journey to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). The landscape shifts from arid desert to green valleys and terraced hillsides. We arrive in Marrakech around 6:00 PM. The evening is free to explore the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square, with its storytellers, food stalls, and street performers.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Marrakech. Wander through the bustling souks, haggle for crafts, relax in a traditional hammam, or visit landmarks like the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, or Majorelle Garden. Your guide can provide recommendations based on your interests.

We depart Marrakech and head north through the fertile plains and valleys of the Middle Atlas. We pass through Beni Mellal and Khenifra, making comfort stops along the way. Depending on the season and daylight hours, there may be an optional detour to the Ouzoud Waterfalls (typically feasible in summer; not recommended in winter due to shorter days). We continue through cedar forests and Berber villages before arriving in Fes in the evening. Check into your riad or hotel for the night.

After breakfast, you’ll have a free morning until the scheduled transfer time. Our guide will accompany you to Fes Saïs Airport, assist with check-in, and ensure you reach your boarding gate comfortably. Please note: it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your international flight. This marks the end of our 10-day journey from Fes to Marrakech and back—a comprehensive tour of Morocco’s imperial cities, mountains, oases, and the majestic Sahara Desert.