Morocco is a diverse and fascinating country that offers a rich cultural experience for travelers. With its vibrant markets, stunning landscapes, and historic cities, 7-day Sahara desert tour from Marrakech takes you on a wonderful 7-day desert tour of Marrakech through the high Atlas Mountains, Berber villages, canyons, palm groves, ancient centuries-old kasbahs, and the Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi to Merzouga, also the ancient cities of Fez, Rabat, and Casablanca. Where we will meet up with a camel caravan and cross the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch a beautiful sunset, at the best camp in Merzouga located in the dunes; and Visit the imperial cities.
Marrakech
8 A.M
We will start our 7-day tour from Marrakech to Fes at 08:00 in Marrakech toward the Dades valley via the High Atlas Mountains. We will occasionally stop to enjoy the beautiful scenery and Berber hamlets, including the 1987 UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. More than 20 international films were shot in this Berber Kasbah, one of the most important forts on the ancient Salt Road, where caravans brought slaves, gold, ivory, salt, and silk to Marrakech and beyond. Then, we will drive through Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa for its film industry. After Ouarzazate, the private 7-day tour from Marrakech continues through Kalaat M’gouna, Skoura, where we will see the rose Valley and the several products made by roses. Then we will continue to Dades Valley (Berber villages around the valley), where we will spend the overnight in Dades Valley.
After breakfast, we will leave towards the Sahara desert and traverse vibrant Berber communities amid the rugged beauty of Todra Gorges, Tinjdad, and Tinghir. We will stop along the way to take pictures and enjoy the views. We will head to Todra Gorges to enjoy its gorgeous Canyon views while hiking on foot. After that, we will continue to Merzouga. We will Arrive at the camel area, get ready for a camel trek to enjoy the sunset, and continue to your luxury camp surrounded by the dunes. Chill out and enjoy a delicious dinner while listening to the sweet strains of traditional Berber music that will be played by the staff. Dinner and overnight in the camp.
You will get up early to contemplate the most spectacular sunrise you have ever seen at the top of one of the dunes near the camp and enjoy this beautiful landscape. Then, you will have a warm breakfast in the camp before climbing back on the camels to meet your guide/driver.
Then, we will drive alongside Erg Chebbi, a large expanse of sandy desert where Morocco’s Great Dune, more than 250 meters high, is located. We will then continue along the road that was once used for the *Paris-Dakar* and ends where we can see nomad Families and learn about their customs. The next stop will be at a viewpoint to contemplate the Erg Chebbi divide. We will then reach the village of Kamilia, originally from Sudan, where we will have a relaxing cup of tea while listening to a concert of Gnawa spiritual music. Transfer to your accommodation and have a free afternoon to enjoy the dunes next to the hotel to watch the sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
We will wake up early to have breakfast in the hotel, and start the journey to Fez through the Sahara’s edge town of Rissani to visit the traditional market ( Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday). We will pass through the valley of Ziz, then stop for a panoramic view of the oasis of Aoufous in the Tafilalte region. Continue to Midelt across the pass of Tizi N’talghamt. You will be driven to Fes via the Cedar forest near Azrou and the mountains of the middle Atlas with the possibility of seeing the Barbary monkies and having a stop in Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, before arriving in Fez. Overnight in a fancy Riad in Fez.
You will have a leisurely breakfast in your riad before setting off on an interesting journey to Fes. Explore the rich history of the Medina of Fes, built in the 8th century by Moulay Driss II, with the help of your experienced tour guide. The day begins with a visit to the entrance of the Royal Palace, where you will get a sense of the palace’s wealth, and continues with a stop in the Jewish Quarter, an ancient enclave that was Morocco’s first Mellah. Explore the centuries-old Al Qarawiyin University, often considered the oldest in the world. The next stop on our tour is the tomb of Moulay Driss, which pays homage to the city’s founder, before continuing to the famous tanneries, where the ancient art of leatherworking is practiced today. To be sure to see all that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer, we will take a drive through the winding streets and alleys of the Medina. During the day, you will retire to your Riad (hotel), a peaceful retreat that offers an ideal combination of relaxation and traditional Moroccan hospitality. On this full-day tour, you will learn about the rich history and culture of Fes. Overnight will be in the same Riad.
After a delicious breakfast in your hotel or riad, the journey begins with a visit to Volubilis. Volubilis is a tribute to Morocco’s rich historical tapestry. Explore meticulously preserved artifacts and listen to the sounds of a bygone culture. The excursion continues with a stop in Meknes, Morocco’s imperial capital which traces its origins to the reign of the first emperors of the Alawite dynasty. See the arch of Babb el-Mansur, admire the Sahrij Souani reservoir in all its architectural splendor, and delve into the country’s royal heritage at the ornate Moulay Ismail mausoleum. As the day progresses, we will head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where you will stay overnight in a carefully chosen riad or hotel. Experience Morocco’s extensive and rich historical past on this day of cultural immersion, which promises to blend ancient treasures and imperial heritage.
The last day of your 7-day Morocco tour will take you from Rabat, the fascinating capital of Morocco that blends old and new in perfect harmony. We will visit The Hassan Tower, dating back to the 12th century, which is a symbol of the city’s historical importance. The next stop will be the Kasbah of Oudaias, a stunning Andalusian-style kasbah dating back to the 11th century. From this vantage point, you will be able to see the city of Salé and the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory. Our journey continues to Casablanca, Morocco’s dynamic commercial capital, after a delicious lunch. Perched on a rocky ledge overlooking the ocean, this Moroccan architectural marvel is sure to impress. Marvel at the magnificence and importance of the second-largest mosque in the world, its minaret is the world’s second tallest minaret at 210 meters (689 ft). From there, We will head the road back to Marrakech, where our 7-day Morocco tour ends by transferring you to your Riad or airport.
