8 Days Trip From Marrakesh

Overview:

The 8-days Trip from Marrakesh opens the door to a diverse and enchanting Moroccan experience. Starting in the vibrant streets of Marrakesh, the itinerary weaves through the majestic Atlas Mountains, offering a glimpse into traditional Berber life. The adventure then unfolds in the surreal landscapes of the Sahara Desert, where a night under the stars awaits. A visit to the historical city of Fes adds a touch of medieval elegance before returning to Marrakesh for a reflective conclusion. This carefully curated trip captures the essence of Morocco, blending cultural immersion, natural beauty, and the allure of ancient cities.

Highlights:

Day 1: Marrakesh – High Atlas Mountains – Telouat Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate

Depart from Marrakesh and drive through the High Atlas Mountains.
Visit the Telouat Kasbah and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Arrive in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco.”

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Palm Groves of Skoura – Amridil Kasbah – Rose Valley – Dades Valley

Explore the palm groves of Skoura and visit the Amridil Kasbah.
Continue to the Rose Valley and then to Dades Valley for stunning landscapes.

Day 3: Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Sahara – Overnight in a Luxury Camp

Journey through Boumalne Dades to Todra Gorges for impressive canyon views.
Continue to Erfoud and reach the Merzouga Sahara for an overnight stay in a luxury camp.

Day 4: Explore Merzouga Region – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi – Palm Grove

Explore the Merzouga region, visiting nomadic communities and the village of Khamlia.
Discover Merzouga Lake, the towering Erg Chebbi dunes, and the surrounding palm grove.

Day 5: Merzouga Dunes – Erfoud – Midelt – Cedars Forest – Ifrane – Fes

Experience sunrise over the Merzouga dunes.
Drive through Erfoud, Midelt, and the cedar forest.
Visit Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” before reaching Fes.

Day 6: Guided Tour Sightseeing Fes

Spend the day exploring Fes with a guided tour.
Visit historical sites like the Royal Palace, the Medina, and the famous tanneries.

Day 7: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis Ruins – Chefchaouen

Depart from Fes and visit Meknes, exploring its historical sites.
Continue to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Reach Chefchaouen, the famous blue city, and enjoy its unique charm.

Day 8: Transfer to Tangier Airport

Transfer from Chefchaouen to the Tangier airport for departure.

Day 1 : Marrakesh – High Atlas mountains – Telouat Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate

The 8-day Morocco desert tour commences with an early pick-up either from the airport or your accommodation in Marrakech. As the journey unfolds, you’ll traverse the captivating High Atlas mountains, navigating the renowned Tizi-N-Tichka pass. Along the way, we’ll make stops to allow you to marvel at the panoramic views of the awe-inspiring landscapes that unfold before you.

Next on the itinerary is a visit to the Kasbah of Telouat, a historical fortress that reflects the rich heritage of the region. Continuing our exploration, we proceed to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic Kasbah has served as a backdrop for numerous blockbuster movies such as Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and renowned TV series like Game of Thrones.

After immersing ourselves in the historical charm of Ait Ben Haddou, we set our course for “The gate of the desert,” Ouarzazate. Here, you will dine and spend the night in the comfort of a hotel, allowing you to rest and rejuvenate for the adventures that lie ahead in the vast and mesmerizing Moroccan desert.

Day 2 : Ouarzazate – palm groves of Skoura – Amridil Kasbah – Rose valley - Dades Valley

After a hearty breakfast, our exploration of Ouarzazate begins. Our first stop is the renowned Atlas Studios, a filming location for numerous famous movies. Delve into the cinematic history of this iconic studio, where the magic of the silver screen comes to life. Following this, we visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a fortified mud castle that stands as one of the oldest and most spectacular Ksars in Morocco, echoing tales of its historical significance.

Our journey continues eastward as we drive to Skoura to explore the Amridil Kasbah, surrounded by lush palm groves. The serene beauty of this location provides a tranquil interlude in our adventure.

Next on the itinerary is Kalaa Magouna, famed for the Rose Valley. If your visit coincides with May, you might witness the vibrant Rose Festival, where locals showcase their rose products, including perfumes, rose water, oils, and cosmetic items.

Continuing our drive, we head to the Dades Valley through Boumalne Dades. En route, we’ll make inevitable stops to admire the distinctive “monkey fingers” rock formation and ascend to a vantage point atop a mountain, offering panoramic views of the Dades Valley.

As the day winds down, we settle in for the night at a hotel in Boumalne Dades. Enjoy a delightful dinner and unwind in the comfort of your accommodation, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Dades Valley.

Day 3 : Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorges -Erfoud -Merzouga Sahara – overnight in a luxury camp

Following a delightful breakfast, our journey leads us to the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has sculpted a magnificent canyon through the mountains, revealing high red cliff-sided formations. Take the opportunity to wander through the gorges, immersing yourself in the grandeur of the landscape.

Continuing our drive, we traverse the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with a leisurely stop for lunch along the way, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the Sahara desert of Merzouga, a landscape of vast dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, you’ll embark on a camel trek, crossing the sandy expanse as the sun begins its descent. A stop will be made on a high dune, allowing you to relish the magical spectacle of the sunset over the desert.

The adventure continues to a desert luxury camp, where you can immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Berber drums music and dance around the campfire under the vast open sky adorned with stars. Dinner and overnight accommodation in the camp offer a unique and memorable experience, surrounded by the tranquility of the Sahara.

Day 4 : Explore Merzouga region – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga lake – Erg Chebbi – palm grove

A serene wake-up early in the morning is a must to witness the breathtaking sunrise in the heart of the desert. Take some free time for breakfast, soaking in the tranquility of the desert landscape. Afterward, you’ll return on camels to Merzouga, where your driver awaits, marking the beginning of another exciting day in your Morocco desert tour.

Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse region of Merzouga, which boasts an array of incredible sites, including sand dunes, a wild lake, mines, fossil areas, and fabulous oases – each providing ideal settings for various outdoor activities.

The journey commences in Merzouga with an off-road drive to an ancient eyeliner mine, delving into the history of this unique resource. Following this, we pay a visit to the nomads in their handmade woven tent, where you can gain insights into their way of life while enjoying a cup of traditional Berber tea.

Our exploration continues to the Khamlia village, renowned for its Gnaoua music and dancing performances. The inhabitants of Khamlia originate from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger, making this a cultural immersion into the rich traditions of the region. Take some free time for lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterward, embark on a stroll in a palm trees grove, experiencing the serenity of this lush oasis amidst the desert. Drive a few kilometers to reach the wild lake of Merzouga, also known as the flamingos lake, where you can marvel at the natural beauty and observe the vibrant birdlife.

As the day concludes, dinner and overnight accommodation await you in a hotel, offering a comfortable retreat after a day filled with exploration and cultural discovery in the enchanting region of Merzouga.

Day 5: Merzouga Dunes – Erfoud – Midelt – cedars forest – Ifrane – Fes

Following breakfast, we bid farewell to the enchanting desert and set out to explore the town of Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani remains a bustling trading center in the region, hosting a vibrant souk that comes alive on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the souk, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere.

Continuing our journey, we arrive in Erfoud, where we visit one of the workshops specializing in fossilized marble, a unique and prized craft of the region.

Driving along the picturesque Ziz River, we make a stop to indulge in a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Take some free time for lunch in the charming town of Midelt.

The adventure continues as we journey to the cedar forest, a habitat for Barbary Macaques. Feel free to feed these fascinating creatures as you wander through the forest, creating a memorable wildlife encounter.

Our next destination is Ifrane, renowned for its low temperatures, occasional snowfall, and alpine-style houses. Often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” Ifrane charms visitors with its unique ambiance.

Finally, we conclude the day by dropping you off at your accommodation in Fes, marking the end of your Morocco desert tour. Reflect on the diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and memorable encounters that have enriched your journey through this captivating country.

Day 6 : Guided tour sightseeing Fes

Your day in Fes begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation, setting the stage for an exploration of this imperial city renowned for its cultural and religious significance in Morocco. The Royal Palace gate offers a regal start, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-listed medieval Medina. Welcomed by the iconic Blue Gate, Bab Boujloud, you’ll delve into the heart of the old Medina with a knowledgeable local guide.

Highlights of the day include stops at the Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine fountain, the fascinating Tanneries, and the Quaraouin mosque and university — recognized as the oldest university in the world. Your journey through the labyrinthine streets introduces you to the rich history and architectural marvels of Fes.

Exiting the Medina, your exploration continues into the Jewish quarter, known as “the Mellah,” providing a glimpse into the city’s diverse cultural tapestry. A drive to an ancient fortress follows, offering panoramic views of the sprawling Medina and the city of Fes, adding a touch of grandeur to your experience. The day concludes with a return to your riad, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Fes’ historical and cultural treasures.

Day 7 : Fes – Meknes – Volubilis ruins – Chefchaouen

The day unfolds with a morning departure after breakfast, embarking on a journey to explore Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and an Ismaili capital. Notable sites on the itinerary include the grand Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal stables, the granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, each reflecting the rich historical and architectural heritage of Meknes. After this exploration, you’ll have some free time for lunch, giving you the opportunity to savor local cuisine at your leisure.

The adventure then extends approximately 30 km from Meknes to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These remarkably well-preserved ruins feature intricate mosaics, ancient pillars, and archways, providing a captivating glimpse into the historical legacy of Morocco.

Continuing our journey, we head north through Ouazzane, ultimately arriving in the enchanting Chefchaouen nestled in the scenic Rif Mountains. Renowned as the Blue City, Chefchaouen captivates visitors with its distinctive blue-hued buildings and charming alleyways. The day concludes with an overnight stay in a hotel, allowing you to fully absorb the unique atmosphere and allure of Chefchaouen.

Day 8 : Transfer to the Tangier airport

Following breakfast, and depending on your flight time, you’ll have some free time to leisurely stroll through the captivating alleyways of the Blue City, Chefchaouen. Take in the unique ambiance and perhaps collect some final memories of this enchanting destination.

As your 8-day Morocco tour concludes, we embark on a picturesque drive through the Rif Mountains to reach Tangier. Upon arrival in Tangier, we facilitate your transfer to the airport, marking the end of your memorable journey through the diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and historic cities of Morocco. Reflect on the myriad experiences and the beauty encountered throughout your adventure as you head towards your departure. Safe travels!

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