7 days Morocco tour from Marrakech to Fes
From the souks of Marrakech to the medina of Fes, through the High Atlas, the golden Sahara and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.
- Duration7 days, 6 nights
- RouteMarrakech airport to Fes, transfers included
- Travel style100% private, just your group
- VehiclePrivate 4×4 or minivan
Two imperial cities and the Sahara in between
Our 7 days Morocco tour from Marrakech to Fes is a private journey between Morocco’s two great imperial cities, with a guided day in each, the kasbahs and gorges of the south, and a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes along the way.
- Marrakech deep diveA full day exploring the Red City’s palaces and souks with a private guide.
- Aït Ben HaddouStep into history at the UNESCO-listed ksar, backdrop of Hollywood epics.
- Gorges and canyonsThe towering cliffs of the Dades and the vertical walls of the Todra Gorge.
- A night in the SaharaA sunset camel trek and a luxury camp in the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Middle AtlasThe Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques.
- Fes heritageA guided day in Fes el-Bali, often called the world’s largest car-free urban area.
Your 7-day Morocco tour, day by day
Every stop can be adjusted. Linger longer, skip a visit or add a walk: your driver adapts the plan on the day.
- MarrakechNights 1 and 2
- Tizi n’Tichka
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate
- Dades ValleyNight 3
- Todra Gorge
- MerzougaNight 4
- Ziz Valley
- Midelt
- Azrou
- FesNights 5 and 6
Day 1
Arrival in Marrakech
Your 7 days Morocco tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with a warm welcome at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), where your driver waits to take you, without the hassle of taxis, to your authentic riad in the medina.
After checking in, the evening is yours. As the sun sets, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa and watch the square turn into a huge open-air theatre of musicians, storytellers and aromatic food stalls under the silhouette of the Koutoubia minaret.
Overnight in a riad in Marrakech, with breakfast
Day 2
Marrakech medina tour
Today you uncover the secrets of Marrakech with a local expert. Visit the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece of zellige tilework and carved cedarwood, then the Saadian Tombs, a royal necropolis hidden for centuries, and admire the Koutoubia Mosque from its gardens.
In the afternoon, dive into the maze of the souks, from the spice-scented Rahba Kedima to the rhythmic hammering of the blacksmiths. The day ends at the Jardin Majorelle, the cobalt-blue garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
Overnight in a riad in Marrakech, with breakfast
Day 3
Marrakech to the Dades Valley, via the High Atlas and Aït Ben Haddou
We climb the High Atlas on the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, with stops at viewpoints over Berber villages clinging to the hillsides. Then we reach Aït Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar where Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed, and learn about its history as a vital stop for trans-Saharan caravans.
After lunch we drive through Ouarzazate and the Valley of the Roses, famous for the Damask roses used in rose water and perfumes. The day ends in the Dades Valley, where the Monkey Fingers rock formations glow in the afternoon sun, with a traditional dinner overlooking the river.
Overnight in a riad in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast
Day 4
Dades Valley to Merzouga, via the Todra Gorge
Today takes us to the Todra Gorge, a 300-metre-deep canyon carved by the Todra River, with time to walk through the narrows where the cliffs stand just 10 metres apart. We then head east through the date palm groves of the Tafilalet and Erfoud, the fossil capital.
By late afternoon you reach the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, the highlight of the trip. Swap the vehicle for a camel and ride into the dunes as the sun sets over the golden sand, arriving at your luxury desert camp for Saharan hospitality, music by the fire and a canopy of stars.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast
Day 5
Merzouga to Fes, via the Ziz Valley, Midelt and Ifrane
Wake early for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, then ride back to Merzouga. Today’s drive is one of the most scenic in Morocco, following the Ziz River through a vast valley of palm groves, then crossing the Middle Atlas with a lunch stop in Midelt, known for its apple orchards.
In the afternoon we enter the ancient cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques, and stop in Ifrane, the “Little Switzerland of Morocco”. By evening you arrive in the historic city of Fes and settle into your riad in the old city.
Overnight in a riad in Fes, with breakfast
Day 6
Fes medina tour
Today is a deep dive into Fes el-Bali, the spiritual heart of Morocco. With your private guide, you enter through the iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) and visit Al-Qarawiyyin, often described as the world’s oldest continuously operating university, and the Bou Inania Madrasa, famous for its intricate marble and wood carvings.
You’ll also see the Chouara Tannery, where leather has been dyed by traditional methods for centuries, the golden gates of the Royal Palace and the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. The afternoon is yours to revisit a favourite souk or relax in a traditional hammam.
Overnight in a riad in Fes, with breakfast
Day 7
Departure from Fes
On the final day of your 7 days Morocco tour from Marrakech to Fes, enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your riad and look back on your crossing of the Atlas and your night in the Sahara.
Depending on your flight or train, your driver takes you to Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) or the train station for a seamless departure.
Clear from the start
Here is exactly what your quote covers, and what it doesn’t.
Included
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- Pick-up at Marrakech Airport
- Drop-off at Fes Airport or train station
- Full-day private guided tour in Marrakech
- Full-day private guided tour in Fes
- 5 nights in handpicked hotels and riads
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp with a private en-suite
- A 100% private experience for your group
- Camel trek in the Merzouga dunes
- Breakfast every day, plus dinner in the Dades Valley and at the desert camp
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Dinners in Marrakech and Fes
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips and personal expenses
Before you go
The questions travelers ask most about this trip.
Can we do this tour in reverse, from Fes to Marrakech?
Yes. We can run this private tour from Fes to Marrakech, or see our 7-day Fes to Sahara and Marrakech itinerary.
Are the tanneries in Fes very smelly?
They have a strong scent from the natural dyes, but most shops hand out sprigs of fresh mint so you can enjoy the view comfortably.
Will we see the Barbary macaques?
Almost always. They’re usually visible in the Azrou cedar forests on Day 5. Please don’t feed them: it harms this endangered species.
How long is the drive from Merzouga to Fes?
About 7 to 8 hours, with stops in the Ziz Valley and the cedar forests to keep it comfortable.
Do we need a guide in the Fes medina?
Yes, and it’s included. The medina has over 9,000 alleys, and your guide is essential for finding your way and the best artisan workshops.
What’s the weather like?
Fes can be cooler than Marrakech in winter and hotter in summer, so pack for your travel dates.
Can we add Chefchaouen or more time in the desert?
Yes. We can add a day in the blue city of Chefchaouen or a longer stay in the desert. See also our 3-day Fes to Tangier via the blue city.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s exclusively for you, and you’ll never be paired with strangers.
Request this trip, or make it yours
This is one of our most popular routes, and it can be fully adapted to your pace. Want to stay longer in the desert or add a day in the blue city of Chefchaouen? Tell me what you have in mind and I’ll tailor it to you.
- Camps and riads we’ve checked personally
- No forced shopping stops, ever
- 100% Berber-owned: what you pay stays in Morocco
Request this tour
Share your dates and group size, and I’ll reply with a tailored quote for this trip.
Free and with no obligation. Nothing is booked until you confirm.
Explore other popular trips
Every tour is private and can be tailored to your pace and interests.