8 Days Morocco Tour from Fes

Day 1: Arrival in Fes – Welcome to Morocco

Your 8 days Morocco tour from Fes begins at Fes–Saïss Airport, where your driver-guide greets you with a warm welcome. Then a private transfer takes you to your riad in the heart of the city. After you settle in and rest, the evening is yours. For example, a gentle walk along the edge of the medina is a great way to get your bearings. As you stroll, you’ll hear the sounds and see the colors of one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Tomorrow you’ll go deeper, so tonight is simply about arriving and unwinding.

Day 2: Fes Guided Tour with a Local Guide

After breakfast, an expert local guide meets you at your riad for a full day in Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. First, you’ll visit Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 and one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Next, at the Chouara Tannery, you’ll watch craftsmen dye leather by hand, just as they have for centuries. Then you’ll admire the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrasa, covered in zellige tiles and carved cedar.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Nejjarine Fountain and the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, housed in an old caravan inn. Afterward, you’ll wander through the souks of the Medina of Fez. There, stalls sell pottery, woven textiles, spices and jewelry, while traders and artisans fill the lanes with life.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga [463 km]

You’ll leave Fes at around 8:30 AM. Your first stop is Ifrane, nicknamed “Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style houses, pitched roofs and cool mountain air. From there, the road climbs into the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. Since they often come close to the road, you’ll get excellent photos.

Afterward, you’ll cross the Middle Atlas and watch the land change from alpine forest to pre-Saharan desert in just a few hours. Then the road descends into the Ziz Valley, where thick palm groves line the river beneath steep rock cliffs. It’s one of the most photogenic stretches of the whole journey. Finally, you’ll reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Day 4: Camel Trek and Night in the Merzouga Desert

Today is dedicated to the Sahara. After breakfast, you’ll set out by camel across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco’s largest dune seas. Because you’ll move slowly, you can truly feel the size and silence of the desert.

As the afternoon light changes, the dunes turn deep orange and then red. As a result, the Sahara sunset becomes one of the most memorable moments of the trip. In the evening, you’ll settle into your private desert camp. There, a traditional Moroccan dinner is followed by Berber drumming and music around the fire.

Day 5: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley [265 km]

After breakfast, you’ll leave Merzouga for Todra Gorge. Here, sheer limestone cliffs rise up to 300 meters on both sides of a narrow river canyon. A short walk into the gorge brings you close to the rock walls. In addition, the soft morning light makes it one of the best photo spots of the trip.

From the gorge, you’ll continue into the Dades Valley. The valley is famous for its folded rock formations, nicknamed the “Monkey Fingers,” and for its green oasis of palm and almond trees. Along the winding road, the views constantly change between canyons, kasbahs and farmed terraces. Tonight, you’ll stay in a charming hotel in the valley.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech [324 km]

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” for its large film studios. Over the years, they have hosted everything from historical epics to modern TV series. Shortly after, you’ll reach Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved ksour (fortified villages) in the region. Its mud-brick walls and towers have appeared in Gladiator and in the series Game of Thrones.

After exploring the village, you’ll cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to Marrakech. Once you arrive, spend the evening at Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Snake charmers, storytellers, food stalls and musicians make it one of the most famous squares in the world. It’s the perfect introduction to Marrakech.

Day 7: Marrakech Guided Tour with a Local Guide

Your local guide starts the day at Bahia Palace, a showcase of 19th-century Moroccan craftsmanship with carved cedar ceilings, painted stucco and courtyard gardens. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the souks of the Medina of Marrakesh. Here, the trade in spices, leather, textiles and metalwork continues much as it always has.

Along the way, your guide explains how Berber, Arab and French influences shaped the city. As a result, you’ll understand much more of the architecture and daily life around you. Finally, the day ends with visits to the Saadian Tombs and the Koutoubia Mosque, two of the city’s most important landmarks.

Day 8: Departure – Transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca Airport

Your 8 days Morocco tour from Fes ends with a private transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca airport. In just over a week, you’ll have traveled from the ancient medina of Fes to the dunes of the Sahara and the lively streets of Marrakech. The whole So Morocco Tours team hopes to welcome you back soon.