4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour From Fes To Marrakech

Your Moroccan journey begins with a morning pick-up from your riad or hotel in the atmospheric imperial city of Fez. Leaving the winding alleys and medieval architecture behind, you'll drive south through rolling green hills and cedar forests to reach the mountain town of Ifrane, known as "Morocco's Switzerland" for its Alpine-style houses and cool climate.

Descending from the Middle Atlas Mountains, you'll enter the Ziz Valley, lined with date palm oases and lush gardens nourished by the Ziz River. Along the way, explore Erfoud, an oasis town filled with fossil mines and artisanal date sellers. After a local lunch, you'll head further into the Sahara to Merzouga and its ocean of golden sand dunes.

In the late afternoon, mount your camel for a peaceful 1-hour trek to reach your luxury Berber camp nestled under the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the sunset illuminate the sandy peaks in red-gold hues. Spend the evening enjoying traditional Moroccan music, dancing, and delicious Bedouin cooking under a stunning desert sky filled with twinkling stars.

Rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the sensational dunes of Erg Chebbi, changing color as the morning light shifts. After breakfast, trek back through the rippling sands via camel to meet your 4x4 vehicle. Leave the vast expanse of the desert behind and drive towards Tinejdad and the towering Todra Gorges. Carved through red limestone cliffs by the Todra River over thousands of years, the deep ravines and soaring 300m walls create a stunning natural wonder.

Spend the afternoon hiking along the gorge, shaded by palm trees and mesmerized by the towering rock formations. In the late afternoon, drive onward to reach the town of Boumalne du Dades, your gateway to the Dades Valley with its fertile oases, lush palmeries, and hidden kasbahs. Spend the night recovering in a traditional Moroccan riad guesthouse with views over the valley.

After breakfast in your riad, head out for a morning hike into the Dades Gorges, where you'll find fascinating rock formations like the "monkey toes" contorted into strange shapes by erosion. Then, drive along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, where ancient clay fortresses rise dramatically from the landscape in hues of pink and orange. Stop to visit the iconic kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortified city that starred in famous films like Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

After lunch, continue your journey to reach Ouarzazate - the gateway to the Sahara and known as "Morocco's Hollywood" for its famous studios. Spend the afternoon exploring Ouarzazate's movie sets and mighty Taourirt Kasbah before spending the night in a boutique hotel in town.

Wake up early for the drive back to Ait Benhaddou to wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site at sunrise, when its grand kasbah towers glow in the soft light. After touring the ruins, cross the towering High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n'Tichka Pass at 2260m above sea level, taking in views of snow-capped peaks and remote Berber villages as you zigzag over the rocks.

Your epic trans-Morocco journey culminates in the arrival at vibrant Marrakech. Check into your riad or hotel and enjoy a free evening to start exploring Marrakech's winding souks, tranquil gardens, and famed Djemaa El Fna Square coming alive at night with food stalls, performers, and storytellers.