10-Day Grand Imperial & Desert Tour from Fes

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

Your 10-day tour from Fes begins the moment your professional English-speaking driver greets you at Fes Saïss Airport. A smooth 35-minute transfer takes you toward the city center, while your driver shares local context about this spiritual capital. From there, your driver escorts you to your traditional riad inside the medieval medina.

After check-in, you’ll have a free afternoon to relax, unpack, and stroll through the nearby lanes. For example, you can wander past market stalls and sip mint tea at a neighborhood café. Then, enjoy a peaceful night in the heart of the ancient medina.

Day 2: Full-Day Fes Medina Guided Tour

After breakfast, you’ll meet your local city guide for a full day in Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart. First, you’ll drive past the golden gates of the Royal Palace. Then, you’ll walk through the Mellah, Morocco’s historic Jewish quarter. Next, you’ll visit a panoramic fortress for a bird’s-eye view of the old medina.

Afterward, you’ll enter the Medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your guide, you’ll see the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Najjarine Fountain. You’ll also see the Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed using centuries-old methods. Finally, you’ll conclude at the historic University of Al Quaraouiyine, before returning to your riad for a free evening.

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

After breakfast, this 10-day tour from Fes travels south through Imouzzer to Ifrane. This town is often called “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and cool climate. Next, you’ll pass through the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques live among the trees. It’s a good spot to observe them respectfully, without feeding them. Following lunch in Midelt, the route crosses the Tizi n’Talghemt pass, at 1,907 meters, with stops for photos.

Afterward, you’ll follow the Ziz River canyon, with a panoramic stop over the green palm oases below. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. There, you’ll switch to a camel for a trek across the sand to watch the sunset. Finally, you’ll check into your luxury camp for dinner and live traditional drumming around the campfire.

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

Waking early for a Sahara sunrise among the dunes is a highlight. After breakfast at camp, you’ll return to Merzouga by camel or 4WD, where your driver meets you. Then, you’ll travel to Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet and a major trading hub. Its lively souk runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Next, you’ll continue to Erfoud for a visit to a fossilized marble workshop.

Afterward, you’ll pass through the palm oases of Touroug and Tinjdad to reach the Todra Gorge. There, the river has carved a 300-meter limestone canyon. Here, you can walk along the riverbed and photograph this popular rock-climbing spot. Finally, by late afternoon, you’ll enter the Dades Valley and see its “monkey fingers” rock formations. Then, you’ll stay overnight at your riad.

Day 5: Dades Valley to Rose Valley, Skoura, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakech

After breakfast, the route passes through Kalaat M’Gouna, the Rose Valley, known for rose water and cosmetic oils. Next, you’ll explore the palm groves of Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, with the option to tour its historic film studios.

Afterward, you’ll continue west to the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well-known filming location for productions including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Finally, after lunch, the route climbs back over the Tizi n’Tichka pass before arriving in Marrakech for an overnight stay at your riad.

Day 6: Full-Day Guided Tour of Imperial Marrakech

After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide for a day exploring Marrakech, the historic red city. First, you’ll visit the 19th-century Bahia Palace, with its mosaic courtyards and carved cedar ceilings. Next, your guide leads you through the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic college known for its Moorish architecture.

Afterward, you’ll explore the medina’s souks before reaching Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, with views of the Koutoubia Mosque minaret from outside. Finally, following lunch, you’ll visit the Majorelle Garden and the modern Gueliz district before returning to your riad for a peaceful evening.

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

After breakfast, your route heads west toward the Atlantic coast. Along this scenic three-hour drive, you’ll stop at an argan tree plantation and a women’s cooperative, where oils are extracted using traditional methods. Keep your camera ready — you may spot local goats balancing in the argan trees.

Afterward, you’ll arrive in Essaouira, historically known as Mogador, in time for lunch. Then, the afternoon is free to explore the fishing port, walk the fortified ramparts, sample grilled seafood by the water, and wander the old medina. Finally, you’ll check into your riad for a relaxing evening with music by the sea.

Day 8: Essaouira to Casablanca

After a seaside breakfast, your private vehicle drives north along the coast to Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial center and largest city. Upon arrival, your driver takes you straight to the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco. It stands on a rocky platform above the Atlantic.

You’ll have free time to admire its mosaic tiling and hand-carved wood. Next, enjoy a scenic drive along the Corniche and a visit to Mohammed V Square. After lunch, stop for a photo outside Rick’s Café. Finally, you’ll check into your hotel for a relaxing evening in the economic capital.

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

After breakfast, the route drives to Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. There, your driver takes you to the Hassan Tower, the white marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the clifftop walls of the Kasbah of the Oudayas.

After lunch, your vehicle turns north, past the hills of Ouazzane, and climbs into the Rif Mountains. As the afternoon fades, you’ll arrive in Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted architecture. Finally, you’ll check into a charming hotel for a traditional dinner and an overnight stay among the blue streets.

Day 10: Chefchaouen to Tangier

After breakfast at your hotel, explore the blue alleyways of Chefchaouen at your own pace. For example, you can wander the cobblestone paths, photograph the blue doorways, and browse the mountain souks. There, you’ll find handmade crafts from the north.

Depending on your flight, your driver meets you at your accommodation and loads your luggage. Then, a scenic two-hour drive through the Rif Mountains takes you to Tangier. Your driver drops you at Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport or your accommodation. With that, your 10-day tour from Fes comes to a close.