Itinerary
- Day 1
Marrakech to Dades Valley
Your driver picks you up after breakfast and heads toward the Atlas Mountains, crossing through Tizi-n-Tichka pass. You'll stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's been used for filming Gladiator and Game of Thrones among other productions. From there, continue to Ouarzazate to walk through Atlas Film Studios and check out a local Kasbah. The route then takes you through the Valley of Roses before you settle in for the night in Dades Valley (around 50 miles of driving through varied terrain).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- View of Atlas Mountains from Tizi-n-Tichka pass
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO World Heritage site with local guide
- Explore Atlas Film Studios
- Visit Kasbah in Ouarzazate
- Drive through Valley of Roses
Landmarks/POIs Tizi-n-Tichka Pass Ait Ben Haddou Atlas Film Studios Valley of Roses - Day 2
Dades Valley to Merzouga
Start the morning at Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon where outdoor enthusiasts come to hike and photograph. You'll then drive through Ziz Valley heading toward Erfoud, an oasis town known as the gateway to the Sahara and home to unique fossils. There's a chance to visit a local factory producing artisan home decor from fossils if that interests you. Later, head to Rissani to walk through the local souk before driving into the desert to reach Merzouga, where you'll stay at a local riad (approximately 150 miles total driving).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Todra Gorge
- Drive through Ziz Valley
- Explore Erfoud oasis town
- Visit local souk in Rissani
Optional Activities
- Visit local fossil factory in Erfoud for artisan and home decor products
Landmarks/POIs Todra Gorge Ziz Valley Erfoud Rissani Souk - Day 3
Merzouga Desert Exploration
You have flexibility today to shape your own experience in the Merzouga desert. Choose between camel trekking or exploring by 4x4 vehicle based on what appeals to you. In the late afternoon, visit Khamlia village to experience traditional music and local culture. Make time to watch the sunset from the sand dunes of the Sahara. Your evening includes local music and traditional Berber food prepared and served around a campfire, then you'll return to your camp for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional Berber food around a campfire)
Included Activities
- Camel ride in Merzouga desert (one camel each)
- Visit Khamlia village
- Sunset viewing at desert dunes
- Traditional Berber dinner around campfire
- Local music experience
Optional Activities
- Explore desert via 4x4 vehicle (alternative to camel trekking)
Landmarks/POIs Merzouga Desert Khamlia Village - Day 4
Merzouga to Fes
If you wake early at camp, you can catch the sunrise over the Sahara for photos. After that, return to a local hotel for a hot shower and breakfast. Following breakfast, drive along the scenic Ziz River with its palm tree lining and fortified Ksours, stopping in Midelt for lunch (small town in the Middle Atlas Mountains). The afternoon drive crosses into the Middle Atlas with dramatic changes: snow-capped mountains, cedar forests, and lush valleys come into view. You'll arrive in Fes during early evening where your driver drops you at your riad or hotel (approximately 200 miles).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Desert sunrise viewing (optional)
- Drive along Ziz River
- Stop in Midelt for lunch
- Cross Middle Atlas Mountains
Landmarks/POIs Ziz River Midelt Middle Atlas Mountains
