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10 Day Morocco Tour from Fes to Marrakech via the Merzouga Desert
Overview
10 Days tour from Fes to Marrakech. On this 10 day and 9 night adventure, you will experience the Sahara Desert, admire the scenery of the Middle Atlas mountains, and explore the Cedar Forest. The trip includes a camel trek and an overnight stay in a Berber desert camp. Along the route, you will travel through valleys and gorges, visit the historic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, discover the vibrant city of Marrakech, and continue to the coastal town of Essaouira.
- Duration: 10 days/9 nights
- Start: Fes
- End: Marrakech
- Tour Style: Private & Small group
- Price: Check it below
Highlights of the 10 Days tour from Fes to Marrakech:
- Explore the historic Medina of Fes with a certified local guide
- Visit the Royal Palace, Jewish Quarter, Tanneries, and Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fes
- Travel through the cedar forests of Azrou and the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Experience the Merzouga Desert and spend a night in a traditional desert camp
- Camel trekking across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Visit Nomad families and enjoy Gnaoua music in Khamlia
- Discover the dramatic Todra Gorges and scenic Dades Valley
- Explore the historic Amridil Kasbah, Valley of Roses, and Ouarzazate film studios
- Guided city tour of Marrakech, including Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Majorelle Gardens
- Day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira to see the Old Medina, port, and ramparts
Itinerary of the 10 Day Morocco Tour from Fes to Marrakech via the Merzouga Desert:
Day 1: Arrival in Fes
Arrive at Fes–Saïss Airport, where your driver will meet you and transfer you to your Hotel or Riad in the city. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey. Overnight in Fes.
Day 2: Fes (Full Day Guided City Tour)
Start your 10-day tour from Fes to Marrakech with a full-day guided exploration of Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. Begin at the Royal Palace Gate, then visit a ceramics cooperative to observe traditional Moroccan crafts. Wander through the narrow streets of the Medina, explore the historic Jewish Quarter, and visit the Tanneries. This tour highlights major cultural and historical sites, including the renowned Al-Qarawiyyin University. In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic view of the Medina and explore the modern district of New Fes. Overnight in Fes.
Day 3: Fes ⇢ Azrou ⇢ Midelt ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, depart Fes for the Sahara Desert, passing through Ifrane (known as “Moroccan Switzerland”) and the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild monkeys can be seen. Stop in a Berber village for lunch and enjoy photo opportunities of the scenic landscapes. Continue through the Atlas Mountains, passing Midelt and Erfoud, entering the Tafilalet Desert Oasis region. Arrive at the Merzouga Desert, relax briefly, then embark on a camel trek to your Desert Camp, where you will spend the night under the starry Sahara sky.
Day 4: Merzouga ⇢ Nomad Families ⇢ Khamlia
Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Merzouga dunes. After breakfast, ride camels back to meet your driver and spend the day exploring the Sahara Desert. Visit Nomad families and the Gnaoua village of Khamlia, where you will be entertained with authentic traditional instruments. Enjoy a traditional Berber pizza for lunch. In the late afternoon, drive back to your Hotel or Riad for overnight stay.
Day 5: Merzouga Desert ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Dades Valley
After breakfast, depart Merzouga for Rissani, the historic gateway to Erg Chebbi, and explore its bustling souks, less frequented by tourists, with donkeys commonly seen around the market. Continue to Tinghir and the breathtaking Todra Gorges, famous as the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. Enjoy lunch near the gorge and then drive through the Dades Valley, admiring unique rock formations including the famous “Monkey Toes”. Overnight in a Hotel or Riad in Dades Valley.
Day 6: Dades Valley ⇢ Amridil Kasbah ⇢ Ouarzazate
After breakfast, depart Dades Valley and drive through the Valley of Roses, passing scenic kasbahs and small Berber villages. Stop at Amridil Kasbah to explore this historic fortress. Continue through the palm groves of Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” for overnight stay at a Hotel or Riad.
Day 7: Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Tizi N’Tichka ⇢ Marrakech
After breakfast, depart Ouarzazate and enjoy a panoramic view of Taourirt Kasbah and a stop at the Atlas Film Studios. Continue to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, famous for serving as a film location since the 1960s. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant in the village. In the afternoon, drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 m altitude), admiring the dramatic landscapes and Berber villages along the way. Arrive in Marrakech for drop-off at your hotel or riad.
Day 8: Marrakech (Full Day Guided City Tour)
Enjoy a full day exploring Marrakech with an optional private guided tour. Visit the famous Koutoubia Mosque, wander through the vibrant Medina and souks, and uncover hidden gems including the Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Majorelle Gardens. Evening at leisure with an overnight stay in a riad in the Medina.
Day 9: Marrakech ⇢ Essaouira ⇢ Marrakech (Day Trip)
Depart Marrakech for a day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira. Explore the port and its historic ramparts, stroll through the Old Medina, and visit the Scala of Essaouira. At the port, enjoy freshly grilled fish at a local restaurant. Experience the charm of the city, with its blend of Portuguese and Moroccan architecture. Return to Marrakech in the evening for overnight.
Day 10: Marrakech ⇢ Airport Departure
Transfer from Marrakech to the airport according to your flight schedule. End of tour.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Price Includes:
- Private transportation by air-conditioned 4×4, minibus, or bus
- Multilingual driver/guide
- Fuel for the vehicle
- 8 nights in hotels or riads (breakfast included)
- 1 night in a desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding activity
Price Excludes:
Map of the tour
tour price:
The pricing for This tour starts at €160 per person. Please note that the cost can vary based on factors such as the number of travelers, your choice of accommodations, and the time of year. Larger groups benefit from lower per-person rates.
The €160 per person rate applies to groups of 17 or more.
For smaller groups, such as 2 travelers, the price starts at €269 per person.
For personalized pricing tailored to your group, please contact us using the form below. Our team will provide the rates that best match your needs.
Booking
Please use the form below to email us at compassmoroccotours@gmail.com, and we will respond as fast as possible. You can also send a WhatsApp message or call us at +212 676-594706. We look forward to hearing from you!
REVIEWS
Reviews
★★★★★
Our 7-day Morocco tour with Compass Morocco Tours was simply incredible! From Marrakech to the Sahara, everything was perfectly organized. Our driver Youssef was knowledgeable and friendly, and the desert camp in Merzouga was beyond amazing. Highly recommend this company for anyone visiting Morocco!
★★★★★
We had such a wonderful experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The team was professional, our guide was patient and informative, and the landscapes were breathtaking. The camel ride and night under the stars in the Sahara were unforgettable moments for my family.
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours made our trip seamless and stress-free. The itinerary covered so much — from the bustling souks of Fes to the peaceful dunes of Erg Chebbi. The vehicle was super comfortable, and we felt safe and well cared for the entire journey.
★★★★★
Traveling through Morocco with Compass Morocco Tours was a dream come true. Every detail was thought out — beautiful riads, delicious food, and amazing hospitality. Our driver Hassan shared so much about Moroccan culture and history. A truly authentic experience!
★★★★★
I can’t say enough good things about Compass Morocco Tours! The desert night was magical — luxury tents, great music, and friendly Berber hosts. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d absolutely do it again.
★★★★★
What a fantastic journey! Compass Morocco Tours made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. The views through the Atlas Mountains and the sunset over the dunes were simply breathtaking. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
★★★★★
Amazing experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The driver was very kind and flexible, always making sure we were comfortable. The tour was well-balanced between cultural visits and time to relax. Morocco completely stole my heart!
★★★★★
Our 5-day desert tour was outstanding. The Compass Morocco Tours team handled everything perfectly — great communication before the trip, comfortable hotels, and a driver who became like a friend. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see the real Morocco.
★★★★★
This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Compass Morocco Tours exceeded all expectations. The camp in Merzouga was so peaceful, and waking up to the sunrise over the dunes was just magical. Merci for such wonderful memories!
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours provided excellent service throughout our journey. The tour was well-paced, full of local insights, and every stop felt meaningful. Morocco is beautiful, and this company made it even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to pay for the tour?
Our payment process is simple and flexible. To confirm your booking, we ask for a small deposit, which can be paid through PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance can be settled in cash on the first day of your tour directly with your driver or guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or the equivalent in Moroccan dirhams.
What is the best desert tour from Marrakech?
The best desert tour from Marrakech depends on how much time you have. The 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is the most popular, as it allows you to experience the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, ride camels, and sleep in a luxury desert camp under the stars. If you have more time, the 4-day or 5-day desert tours offer a deeper and more relaxed exploration of Morocco’s desert landscapes and kasbahs.
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp?
Yes, absolutely. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can take you to the camp in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle instead
How far is the desert from Fes?
The desert is around 500 km (about 311 miles) from Fes, which takes roughly 7 and a half hours to drive.
What type of vehicles are used for this trip?
Your comfort is our top priority. At Compass Morocco Tours , we provide modern and comfortable vehicles suited to every group size. Depending on your needs, you’ll travel in vehicles such as a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford Tourneo Custom, or a Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus for larger groups. We believe that a smooth and comfortable journey makes your entire travel experience more enjoyable.
Does the camp have private bathrooms?
Certainly. All the camps we offer are luxury desert camps, designed to provide maximum comfort and equipped with private en-suite bathrooms for your convenience.
Can you do a day trip to the desert from Marrakech?
Technically, you cannot reach the real Sahara Desert on a day trip from Marrakech because it is too far away. However, you can take a day trip to the Agafay Desert, located just 40 minutes from Marrakech. Agafay offers a desert-like experience with rocky landscapes, camel rides, quad biking, and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
Is it worth going to the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Absolutely! A visit to the Sahara Desert is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Morocco. Watching the sunset and sunrise over the vast dunes, riding camels across the golden sands, and spending a night in a luxury desert camp under the starry sky create truly magical memories that stay with you forever.
What is the closest desert to Marrakech?
The Agafay Desert is the nearest desert to Marrakech, located about 30 to 40 km southwest of the city. Unlike the Sahara, it’s a rocky desert with rolling hills and arid landscapes, but it provides a perfect short getaway for travelers looking to experience a desert atmosphere without the long journey.
Is the Sahara Desert close to Marrakech?
Not exactly. The Sahara Desert lies about 560 km from Marrakech. Traveling to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga takes approximately 8 to 10 hours by road. Most tours break up the journey over two days, with an overnight stay in either the Dades Valley or Ouarzazate to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
How far in advance should we book this tour?
It’s always a good idea to book your tour as early as possible to guarantee your preferred dates and ensure availability — after all, the early bird gets the best experience!
How long does it take to get to the desert from Marrakech?
The journey to Merzouga, home of the famous Sahara dunes, takes around 8 to 10 hours by road. Most desert tours divide the trip into several days to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore breathtaking sites such as the High Atlas Mountains, the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the stunning Dades Gorges.
How do I get from Marrakech to the desert?
The easiest and most comfortable way to reach the desert is by joining a private or small-group tour from Marrakech. Your driver-guide will take you on a scenic journey across the Atlas Mountains, passing through picturesque valleys and historic kasbahs before arriving in the Sahara Desert. While renting a car is also an option, a guided tour provides local insight, stress-free travel, and a richer overall experience.
Where is the best desert in Morocco?
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are widely regarded as the best desert experience in Morocco, known for their breathtaking golden sand dunes and genuine desert ambiance. Another excellent choice is Erg Chigaga, located near M’Hamid, offering a more remote and untouched landscape—ideal for travelers in search of adventure, peace, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.