12-Day Trip from Fes - Best Grand Desert Tour
Start Point: Marrakech
End Point: Marrakech
Transport: Private
Accommodation: Hotel / Riad / Desert Camp
Age range: All
Language: English
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Summary of 12-Day Tour from Fes to Merzouga Desert
This 12-day journey across Morocco offers a perfect blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Starting from the vibrant city of Fes, you will traverse through Morocco’s imperial cities, arid deserts, lush valleys, and coastal towns. Along the way, you’ll visit iconic sites such as the medinas of Fes and Marrakech, the dunes of Erg Chebbi, and the historic kasbahs.
The trip culminates in Marrakech, Morocco’s tourism hub, where you’ll experience the lively markets and traditional riads. Throughout the journey, you’ll engage with local cultures, from Berber villages to desert nomads, providing a deep understanding of Morocco’s rich diversity. Each day brings new adventures, from camel treks to scenic drives through valleys and gorges.
Places You’ll See
High Atlas Mountains
Ksar Ait Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate
Valley of Roses
Dades Valley
Todra Gorge
Merzouga Dunes (Erg Chebbi)
Chebbi Area
Draa Valley
Anti-Atlas Mountains
HIGHLIGHTS OF 12 DAYS FROM FES TO MERZOUGA DESERT
- Explore Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Visit the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.
- Walk through the Todra and Dades Gorges.
- Discover Marrakech‘s vibrant markets and landmarks.
- Experience desert camping in a traditional Bivouac.
- Scenic drives through Ziz Valley and cedar forests.
- Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis near Meknes.
- Enjoy a day trip to the coastal town of Essaouira.
- Relax in luxurious riads and desert hotels.
Why Start This Trip from Fes?
Starting your Moroccan adventure in Fes allows you to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage before venturing into other regions. Fes is Morocco’s oldest imperial city and offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Moroccan life, with its vast medina, artisan quarters, and Islamic architecture. The journey from Fes also provides a gradual transition from the historic north to the dramatic landscapes of the south, including the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.
Fes’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Morocco’s diverse regions. From the imperial cities to the desert, you’ll travel through scenic routes that highlight the country’s geographical diversity. Starting in Fes also means you can easily visit nearby attractions like the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the city of Meknes.
In addition, Fes offers a slower-paced beginning to your journey, allowing you to acclimate to the Moroccan lifestyle and soak in the city’s history before embarking on the more adventurous parts of the trip.
Day by Day Itinerary
12 days from Fes to Fes via Merzouga Desert full itinerary
Journey through the heart of Morocco on this unique 12-day itinerary. From the bustling streets of ancient medinas to the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara, this trip is a perfect blend of history, culture and adventure. You’ll explore imperial cities, trek across the desert on camelback, visit Berber villages and witness Morocco’s incredible craftsmanship in the royal palaces and kasbahs. This itinerary offers a deep dive into Moroccan culture and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable and immersive experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Fes
On arrival in Fes, You will be picked up from the airport at you will be transferred to your hotel, you will be taken to the historic medina of Fes. Founded in the 8th century, Fez is Morocco’s oldest imperial city. The 13th-century medina is a maze of narrow streets full of artisans. After sightseeing, you’ll return to your hotel for a relaxing night.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 2: Sightseeing in Fes
Spend the day exploring Fes. Visit the Royal Palace and the old medina and marvel at the intricate architecture that makes Fes the cultural capital of Morocco. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace or simply relax.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 3: Fes - Merzouga - Erg Chebbi
Spend the day exploring Fes. Visit the Royal Palace and the old medina and marvel at the intricate architecture that makes Fes the cultural capital of Morocco. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace or simply relax.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 4: Erg Chebbi (camel trek)
Start the day with a visit to the Merzouga oasis, nomadic settlements and Khamlia village. In the afternoon, embark on a two-hour camel trek deep into the dunes, where you’ll spend the night in a wild oasis. Spend a magical night in a desert bivouac under the stars.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 5: Merzouga - Todra Gorges - Dades Gorges
Head for the Todra Gorges, stopping at Erfoud and the Tinghir palm grove. After visiting the ancient ‘Fougartas’ sewage system, explore the stunning Todra Gorges before arriving in the Dades Gorges for a night in a luxurious five-star hotel.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 6: Dades - Boutaghrart - Skoura - Ouarzazate
Travel through the Rose Valley and stop for tea with a Berber family in the village of Boutghrart. Continue along the route of the thousand kasbahs to explore the kasbahs and the vibrant Berber culture. The day ends with a visit to the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and an overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 7: Ait Benhaddou - Telouet - Marrakech
Visit the legendary Ait Benhaddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Telouet kasbah. In the afternoon, cross the Tizi-N-Tichka pass with its breathtaking views and arrive in Marrakech in the evening. Overnight in a traditional riad.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 8: Sightseeing in Marrakech
Discover Marrakech’s vibrant medina, historic mosques and palaces. Stroll through the famous Jemaa El Fna square and experience the local culture. Spend the night in a cosy riad.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 9: Marrakech - Essaouira - Marrakech
Enjoy a day trip to the coastal town of Essaouira. Visit the woodworking museum, the harbour and the narrow streets of the medina, famous for its craft shops. Return to Marrakech for another night in a riad.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 10: Marrakech - Casablanca
Depart Marrakech in the morning for Casablanca. Explore the Hassan II mosque, one of the largest in the world, and visit the traditional Hubbous market before overnighting in a Casablanca hotel.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 11: Casablanca - Rabat - Meknès
Travel to Rabat and visit the Hassan Tower. Continue to Meknes, once the imperial city of Sultan Mulay Ismail. Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis before returning to Meknes for a city tour and overnight.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 12: Meknes - Fès
After breakfast, drive back to Fes, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation or the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Moroccan adventure.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
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What makes the 12 Days from Fes to Merzouga Desert an adventure?
This 12-day Moroccan adventure is not just a tour, but an immersive experience that takes you through some of the country’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes. Camel trekking through the Sahara is a quintessential desert adventure, offering both excitement and tranquillity as you navigate the golden dunes. Sleeping under the stars in a traditional nomad camp, you’ll experience the desert in a way few travellers ever do.
Exploring the Todra and Dades Gorges brings a sense of discovery as you walk through these towering natural wonders. These rugged landscapes offer breathtaking views with their sheer rock formations and lush valleys. Travelling through the Atlas Mountains adds to the sense of adventure, with winding roads offering stunning views at every turn.
The cultural aspect of this trip is equally adventurous as you interact with locals in remote Berber villages, share tea with nomads and explore historic Kasbahs. Whether you’re riding camels, hiking canyons or navigating ancient medinas, every day offers something new and exciting to discover.
What's Included
The 12 day trip from Fes to Merzouga include:
- Pick up from your accommodation and drop-off
- Car + Fuel
- Camel Trek (Camel per person)
- Dinner & Breakfast
What's not Included
The 12 day trip from Fes to Merzouga does not include:
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Flights Tickets
- Entrance to monuments
- All accommodations are subject to change
Road map of 12-Day Tour from Fes to Merzouga
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12 days from Fes to Merzouga Desert Sightseeings
This 12 day desert trip from Fes offers unique landscapes, cultural heritage, and opportunities for adventure, making them must-visit spots on any Moroccan itinerary. During this trip, we will discover many sights, including:
Fes Medina (Day 1 & 2)
Fes is home to one of the largest and oldest medinas in the world. The 13th-century medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its narrow, maze-like streets. The medina is divided into areas dedicated to artisans like tanners, weavers, and metalworkers. Visitors will experience a sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds as they navigate the bustling markets, while the city’s ancient architecture transports you back in time.
Erg Chebbi Dunes (Day 3 & 4)
The dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert are an unforgettable experience. Rising up to 150 meters, the shifting sand creates a stunning landscape of golden peaks. Camel trekking through these vast dunes gives visitors a sense of timelessness and tranquility. Spending the night in a bivouac under the stars is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, complete with traditional music and campfires.
Ait Benhaddou (Day 6 & 7)
Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village, is one of Morocco’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its mud-brick ksar (fortress) has appeared in numerous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. The kasbah is a stunning example of traditional southern Moroccan architecture. Visitors can explore its narrow alleys and towers while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions - 12 days tour from Fes
Is the trip suitable for children and families?
Yes, the trip is suitable for families and children. The camel ride in the Zagora desert and the overnight stay in a desert camp can be a fun and memorable experience for kids. However, the long drive may require some breaks for younger children, so plan accordingly.
What should I pack for the trip?
For the trip, pack comfortable clothing for warm days and cooler evenings, as temperatures can drop in the desert. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. If you’re staying overnight in the desert, a light jacket or sweater is recommended for the evening. Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and sights.
Is there a lot of walking or hiking involved?
The trip generally involves moderate walking, especially when exploring Aït Benhaddou and during the camel trek. No strenuous hiking is required, but comfortable shoes are recommended. If you’re not keen on walking, the trip can be adjusted with more driving and fewer walking stops. hhe
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