8 Days Morocco Trip Itinerary From Marrakech

Our desert tour from Marrakech begins by picking you up from your hotel/riad or any location in Marrakech city and then taking the road towards Boumalne Dades. Passing through the Tizi N’tichka pass (2260 m in altitude), with long-distance views over the mountains, to the traditional High Atlas Berber villages, We continue our road to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kasbah has been featured in many movies, including Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and more, as well as in the TV series Game of Thrones.

Then, we head to Ouarzazate, also known as ‘The Gate of the Desert,’ where you’ll have free time for lunch. Following this, we drive through the beautiful Rose Valley, passing by the large palm grove of Skoura, and visit the impressive Kasbah Amridil. Finally, we reach Boumalne Dades, where we will spend the night in hotel or riad.

After breakfast, our trip begins with a drive through the Dades Valley, stopping to admire the stunning Dades Gorges. We continue to the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved a dramatic canyon.

After lunch, we continue the road through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, and Erfoud, arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon. Here, we ride camels across the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, stopping to watch a magical sunset. We then head to the luxury/Traditional desert camp, where you’ll enjoy the welcoming Tea and Berber drum music, dancing, and a delicious dinner under the stars.

After breakfast and shower at the camp. Our Desert Excursion begins with a visit to local nomadic families living in traditional tents. We will drink tea with them and learn about their way of life in the Sahara desert. Next, we head to Khamlia Village to experience the unique sounds of Gnawa music, explore the local museum, enjoy traditional tea, and try Berber pizza for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Lake Dayet Srji, a popular spot for birdwatching, and then explore a small Oasis near the dunes. Finally, we make our way to a hotel or riad, where we will spend the night. 

After breakfast, we leave the desert and head to Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani is still a major trading hub in the region, and its souk comes alive on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After exploring the vibrant souk, we continue on to Erfoud, where we visit a workshop that produces fossilized marble.

Next, we drive along the Ziz River, making a stop to enjoy the panoramic view of the Ziz Valley. You’ll have some free time for lunch in Midelt before we continue to the Cedars Forest, home to the Barbary macaques. Feel free to feed them while you wander through the forest. We will take several breaks for coffee, lunch, photographs, and to stretch our legs as we travel through forests, valleys, and mountains.

Our journey continues to Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its charming, clean atmosphere. It is the last city before Fes. We will arrive at your hotel/riad in Fes by noon, giving you time to rest and relax. In the evening, we’ll meet again to prepare for the next day, when we will explore the historic city of Fes.

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Fes to explore the city, one of Morocco’s imperial and cultural centers. We’ll start with a visit to the Royal Palace gate, then tour the medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Blue Gate, Medrasa Bouanania, Najjarine Fountain, Tanneries, and the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University. We’ll also visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and enjoy panoramic views from an ancient fortress before returning to your riad.

After breakfast, we depart for Meknes, the Ismaili capital and one of Morocco’s imperial cities. We visit Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani Basin, the Royal Stables, the Granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, with free time for lunch. Then, we drive 30 km to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved mosaics and ancient structures. Afterward, we head north through Ouazzane to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, the famous Blue City. Overnight stay at a hotel.

In the morning, after breakfast, we’ll pick you up to explore the best mosque at the top of the mountain, the only one located there. From the mosque, we’ll have a panoramic view of the city. We’ll explore the area, take some pictures, and enjoy a relaxing coffee. After 2-3 hours, we’ll drive down and walk through the city, discovering local clothes, hats, dishes, and other famous items. We’ll have lunch at a traditional restaurant before heading back to the hotel. 

After breakfast, we drive through the Rif Mountains to reach Tangier, where we will transfer you to the airport or your preferred location in the city. This marks the end of the 8 days Morocco trip itinerary from Marrakech.