This three-day route connects two of Morocco’s most iconic cities through some of the country’s most spectacular terrain. You’ll transition from medieval architecture to dramatic mountain passes, and finally to the timeless beauty of the Sahara, creating memories that showcase Morocco’s incredible diversity.
Your 3-day Fez to Marrakech desert adventure begins with departure from your Fez accommodation at 8:00 AM, setting off on a picturesque drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. You’ll observe stunning views of white-peaked mountains, flowing waterfalls, and traditional Berber settlements perched on mountainsides.
Travel through the delightful alpine-style town of Ifrane, offering a refreshing break from Morocco’s warmth, and keep an eye out for energetic Barbary macaques playing in Azrou’s nearby cedar woodlands.
Take time for a relaxing lunch break (at your own expense), then journey down into the Ziz Valley, a verdant sanctuary famous for its extensive date palm plantations and historic kasbahs. Notice the striking landscape transformation as green vegetation transitions to the raw beauty of the pre-desert terrain.
Reach the captivating Merzouga Desert, your entry point to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes. When evening casts golden colors across the sky, join an optional camel expedition over the amber-colored dunes, ending with a wonderful Berber meal beneath countless stars at your desert accommodation.
Rise early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara Desert. Enjoy a customary breakfast at your desert lodging before starting an off-road journey through the striking “black desert” (hamada) toward Rissani town. Discover the lively Rissani marketplace, an energetic center where Berber traders converge to exchange goods.
At Erfoud, explore Morocco’s ancient history at a fossil exhibition center, discovering traces of ancient life forms. Move forward to the stunning Todra Gorge, a tight ravine formed by the Todra River. Trek among the imposing cliff walls, admiring the geological marvels shaped by countless years of natural forces. Enjoy a tasty lunch (self-funded) with views of the gorge, experiencing Moroccan cuisine. Reach your Dades Gorges accommodation, a peaceful retreat surrounded by striking rock structures called “monkey fingers.” Relish an authentic dinner and relax beneath the starlit heavens.
Following breakfast, begin a beautiful journey along the “thousand kasbah road,” a route dotted with these historic fortified structures. Travel through the Rose Valley, an aromatic paradise celebrated for its flowers, and visit the remarkable 17th-century Skoura oasis kasbah. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage location of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, an impressive earthen citadel that has appeared as a setting in many Hollywood productions.
Savor a closing lunch (not included in price) before crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass, a serpentine mountain route providing spectacular scenic vistas. Make stops throughout to photograph the magnificent surroundings. Reach the dynamic city of Marrakech around 6:00 PM, your mind enriched by Morocco’s sights, sounds, and tastes. Settle into your accommodation and take advantage of free time to discover the animated Djemaa el-Fnaa square, a sensory adventure, or rest in the peaceful atmosphere of your lodging.
FES
Ourzazate
Merzouga
Marrakech
Upon confirming your booking, kindly let us know about any dietary restrictions or meal preferences you may have, including vegetarian or vegan options. This helps us ensure your culinary needs are met throughout the journey. Our tour guides select dining establishments recognized for serving fresh, quality cuisine to guarantee your satisfaction and wellness during the trip. Should you wish to dine at a particular restaurant, feel free to mention it to your guide; they’ll gladly arrange it for you. Your meal enjoyment and overall comfort matter greatly to us.
This is primarily a private tour, though you can participate in a small group format by selecting our shared 3-day desert excursion from Fez to Marrakech.
Keep in mind that you have the choice to travel straight to the Merzouga desert on day one. This allows you to spend the complete second day fully discovering the Merzouga desert region, based on the comprehensive schedule outlined in the 3-day journey from Fez to Merzouga.
Note that day three includes considerable driving time. If you’d like to minimize the extended travel duration, consider the 4-day Morocco tour itinerary if your schedule permits the extra day.
For the best desert tour experience from Fez to Marrakech, we highly recommend devoting an entire day to experiencing Merzouga, particularly if you choose the 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour or the 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga adventure.
This 3-day Fez to Marrakech desert experience can alternatively end in Fez by opting for the Marrakech to Fez desert tour package. You may also begin the journey in Fez and complete it in Marrakech through our Fez to Marrakech desert tour option.
While it’s feasible to complete a desert tour in 2 days via the Marrakech desert tours 2-day option, this isn’t our suggested route as it requires extensive time on the road.
The most popular Saharan desert gateway for this route is Merzouga/Erg Chebbi. The driving distance from Marrakech to Merzouga is approximately 560 kilometers (350 miles). The trip typically takes 9 to 10 hours of driving time without stops. This is a very long journey, which is why the tour is heavily focused on driving time on Day 1.
The driving distance from Fes to Merzouga/Erg Chebbi is slightly shorter than from Marrakech, covering approximately 460 to 470 kilometers (286–292 miles). The journey takes about 7 to 7.5 hours of driving time without stops, which is why the second day of the tour also involves significant driving.
We prioritize your comfort and utilize modern, air-conditioned transportation, including 4×4 SUVs, vans, and minibuses (depending on the size of your group).
It is highly recommended to book the tour as soon as possible to ensure availability for your preferred dates.
To confirm your reservation, a small initial payment (deposit) must be submitted via PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer. The remaining balance is to be paid in cash to your driver/guide on the first day of your tour, accepted in euros, US dollars, or the equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.
