10-Day Grand Imperial & Desert Tour from Fes

Day 1: Arrival in Fes and Private Transfer to Your Traditional Riad

Your magnificent 10 days / 9 nights imperial tour from Fes officially begins the moment your professional English-speaking driver greets you warmly at the arrival terminal of the Fes Saïss Airport. You will enjoy a smooth introductory 35-minute transfer toward the city center while your driver shares interesting local context about the ancient history of this spiritual capital. From there, you will be escorted directly to your beautiful traditional Riad hidden away inside the peaceful corridors of the medieval town center.

After checking into your boutique quarters, you will have a completely free afternoon to relax from your flight, unpack your luggage comfortably, and take a gentle stroll through the immediate neighborhoods to soak in your first authentic Moroccan evening. You can wander past local market stalls, sip traditional mint tea at a neighborhood café, and enjoy a peaceful night’s rest in the heart of the ancient medina.

Day 2: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Historic Fes Medina

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your riad, you will meet your knowledgeable local city guide to begin an immersive sightseeing exploration of Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Your morning begins with an air-conditioned driving tour to witness the spectacular golden gates of the Royal Palace, followed by a cultural walk through the historic streets of the Mellah, Morocco’s ancient Jewish quarter. Next, you will drive up to a historic panoramic fortress to take in a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the massive old medina landscape before approaching the old town gates.

You will step back in time as you enter the medieval Medina of Fes, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient heritage. Accompanied by your guide on this walking tour, you will explore architectural highlights such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, the iconic Najjarine Fountain, and the colorful Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed using centuries-old methods. You will conclude the tour at the famous University of Al Quaraouiyine before returning to your boutique Riad for a relaxing free evening.

Day 3: Fes to Ifrane, Cedar Forest, Midelt, Ziz Valley, and Merzouga Desert Camp

Savor a warm breakfast before your exceptional 10-day tour from the Fes route, traveling south through Imouzzer to reach Ifrane, globally celebrated as the Switzerland of Morocco due to its alpine architecture and cool mountain climate. Next, your scenic route leads deep into the protected cedar forests of Azrou, where you will have the delightful opportunity to see and feed the friendly resident wild Barbary macaques playing in the trees. After a relaxing lunch break in the mid-mountain town of Midelt, your cross-country expedition continues across the High Atlas peaks via the Tizi N-Tilghmt Pass.

You will drive along the winding paths of the Ziz River canyon, stopping at a spectacular panoramic overlook to ensure you capture perfect photographs of the massive green palm oases stretching out below. In the afternoon, your unforgettable route makes its final approach toward the majestic Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Upon arriving at the edge of the striking Erg Chebbi dunes, you will switch to your gentle camel to begin an authentic trek across the vast shifting sands to witness a magical sunset before checking into your luxury camp for dinner and campfire music.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert to Rissani Market, Todra Gorges, and Dades Valley

Waking up early in the morning is a rewarding highlight in order to contemplate a truly breathtaking Sahara sunrise in the middle of the dunes. After savoring a warm breakfast at the camp, you will return via camel or premium 4×4 to Merzouga to meet your driver and travel directly to the historic town of Rissani. This ancient capital of Tafilalet remains a major regional trading center, hosting a vibrant, bustling traditional marketplace that comes alive on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

After an authentic stroll through the lively souk corridors, we proceed north to Erfoud to tour a professional fossilized marble workshop before driving toward the High Atlas range. Next, our journey continues to the magnificent Todra Gorges, where the flowing river has carved an incredible 300-meter-high red limestone canyon through the mountain range. Feel free to wander along the cool riverbed, appreciate the landscape, and enjoy lunch before driving past the unique monkey fingers rock formations of the Dades Valley to check into your riad.

Day 5: Dades Valley to Rose Valley, Skoura Oasis, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech

Your fifth day of this premier Morocco itinerary: 10 days from Fes begins with a warm breakfast before traveling through the fragrant landscapes of Kalaat M’gouna, famously known as the Rose Valley, where organic cosmetic oils and pure rose water are produced. Next, you will explore the spectacular green palm groves of Skoura and travel onward to the peaceful city of Ouarzazate, widely celebrated as the gate of the Sahara, where you can tour the sprawling historical film studios.

Following your studio excursion, your private vehicle continues westward to visit the world-renowned Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a beautifully preserved fortified village recognized globally as a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will enjoy an immersive walking tour through the ancient earthen corridors that famously served as dramatic backdrops for blockbuster Hollywood epics, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Following a relaxing lunch break, your driver navigates smoothly back up the winding mountain roads of the High Atlas, crossing the majestic Tizi N’Tichka pass to drop you off at your Marrakech riad.

Day 6: Full Day Historical Guided Sightseeing Tour of Imperial Marrakech

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your riad, you will meet your knowledgeable local city guide to begin an immersive sightseeing exploration of Marrakech. Your morning begins with a cultural walk to witness the breathtaking 19th-century Bahia Palace, where you will marvel at the grand mosaic courtyards, carved cedarwood ceilings, and lush harem gardens. Next, your guide leads you through the beautifully preserved Ben Youssef Madrasa, a masterfully designed 14th-century Islamic college showcasing some of the finest Moorish architecture.

After exploring the lively Medina and its traditional souks, filled with colorful stalls and skilled artisans, you will step out onto the world-famous Jemaa El-Fnaa Square to admire the Koutoubia Mosque minaret from outside. Following a relaxing lunch break, you will meet your private vehicle to tour the vibrant botanical walkways of the iconic Majorelle Garden and drive through the modern district of Gueliz before returning to your Riad for a peaceful evening.

Day 7: Marrakech to the Atlantic Coast and Historic Medina of Essaouira

Following a warm breakfast at your riad, your signature 10-day Morocco tour heads west toward the refreshing Atlantic coast. Along this scenic three-hour highway, we will make a special stop to tour an authentic Argan tree plantation and a local women’s cooperative where premium oils are meticulously extracted using traditional heritage methods. Keep your camera ready along this route, as you will likely spot local goats balancing skillfully on the high branches of the native Argan trees.

Consequently, we arrive in the charming coastal town of Essaouira, historically known as Mogador, just in time for lunch. You will have a completely free afternoon to explore the fishing port, walk along the fortified stone ramparts lined with historic bronze cannons, sample freshly caught grilled seafood right by the water, and wander through the atmospheric old medina. Finally, you will transfer directly to your local riad for a relaxing overnight stay by the sea.

Day 8: Essaouira to the Coastal Commercial Capital of Casablanca

Savor a fresh seaside breakfast at your Riad before packing your bags to continue your coastal journey northward on the highway. Your private vehicle travels along the scenic landscape to reach Casablanca, the bustling commercial center and largest metropolis in the kingdom. Upon arrival, your driver will guide you directly to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco, which stands proudly on a rocky platform over the crashing ocean waves.

You will have ample free time to admire the intricate mosaic tiling and hand-carved wood accents of this sacred masterwork before enjoying a scenic drive down the popular Casablanca Corniche and visiting the historic Mohammed V Square. Following a relaxing lunch break and a memorable photograph outside the legendary Rick’s Café, you will transfer directly to your local hotel for a comfortable overnight stay and a relaxing evening in the economic capital.

Day 9: Casablanca to Capital Rabat and the Blue Mountain Town of Chefchaouen

Following a warm breakfast at your hotel, your exceptional cross-country tour departs from Casablanca and drives directly to the neighboring imperial city of Rabat, which serves as the current capital of Morocco. Your driver will guide you straight to the city’s most iconic coastal landmarks, including the historic Hassan Tower, the beautifully carved white marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the ancient clifftop fortress walls of the Kasbah of the Oudayas overlooking the ocean waves.

Following a relaxing lunch break, your private vehicle turns northward, traveling past the peaceful hillsides of Ouazzane to climb high into the beautiful Rif Mountains. As the late afternoon fades, you will make your grand arrival into the breathtaking mountain town of Chefchaouen, widely celebrated for its vibrant, striking blue-painted architecture. You will check into a charming local hotel to enjoy a traditional dinner and a relaxing overnight stay nestled within the blue streets.

Day 10: Chefchaouen’s Blue Medina to Tangier Airport for Departure Flight

Enjoy a beautiful morning breakfast at your hotel before setting off to explore the famous fairytale alleyways of the blue city at your own leisure. Take this wonderful opportunity to wander the peaceful cobblestone pathways, photograph the vividly painted blue doorways, and browse the colorful mountain souks for unique handmade northern crafts. Depending on your official flight schedule, your professional driver will meet you directly at your accommodation to help load your luggage into your private vehicle.

You will enjoy a highly scenic two-hour drive wrapping through the green mountain passes of the Rif range, heading straight toward the historic coastal port city of Tangier to drop you off safely directly at the Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport or your local accommodation. As you prepare for your journey home, your spectacular ten-day cross-country expedition across the high mountains and golden Sahara Desert dunes with Morocco Experience Tours officially draws to a successful close.