Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley – Atlas Mountains & the Road of 1000 Kasbahs

Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Skoura Oasis → Roses Valley → Dades Valley

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech, where your guide and driver will take you on a scenic journey through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters/7,415 feet), the highest mountain pass in North Africa. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional villages where sun-dried corn ripens on the rooftops of stone houses.

Next, you’ll explore the land of the Glaoua tribe, seeing ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries. After a visit to UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, known for its dramatic mud-brick architecture, we will stop for lunch and give you time to explore this iconic site.

Continue through the Skoura Oasis, a region of dense palm groves, and head toward the Roses Valley, before reaching the Dades Valley, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by the stunning scenery of the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs."

The Roses Valley, famous for its blooming rose gardens, will be the highlight of the day. You’ll visit local villages, learn about rose oil distillation, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the market. Afterward, return to your hotel in Dades Valley for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Day 2: Dades Valley Exploration – Bouteghrar & Roses Valley

Dades Valley → Bouteghrar → Roses Valley

After breakfast, we’ll head out for a full-day exploration of the Dades and Roses Valleys. Wander through terraced fields, taking in the verdant landscapes of M'Goun Valley, and climb to a scenic pass that offers views of traditional adobe kasbahs.

Day 3: From Dades Valley to the Sahara Desert – Todra Gorges & Merzouga

Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

Following breakfast, we head towards the Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most stunning natural wonders. Wander through the narrow canyon, where towering rock walls rise dramatically on either side.

Afterward, we’ll continue to Erfoud, where you’ll visit a fossil workshop before making our way to the village of Merzouga, located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed at a traditional kasbah, where you’ll have the chance to freshen up before starting your camel trek into the Sahara.

Your camel ride to a luxury desert camp offers the chance to witness a stunning desert sunset. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner and traditional music around the campfire, followed by a peaceful night under the stars in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Day 4: Off-Road Desert Adventure & Nomadic Life Discovery

Merzouga → Khamlia Village → Rissani → Desert Exploration

Start the day with an early morning desert sunrise, where the play of light and shadow on the dunes creates a magical sight. You may choose to try sandboarding down the dunes, or simply relax and enjoy the desert calm.

After breakfast, embark on an exciting 4x4 off-road tour. Visit the oasis of Merzouga, explore Khamlia Village and enjoy the soulful sounds of Gnawa music, performed by descendants of former slaves from Senegal. Then, meet local nomadic families in their tents and learn about their traditional way of life.

We’ll also visit the nearby Lake of Merzouga, famous for its birdlife, and the historic town of Rissani, once a bustling trading post on the ancient salt caravan routes. Explore the vibrant souks and enjoy a traditional Moroccan pizza lunch before returning to your kasbah for an afternoon of relaxation, followed by dinner and traditional entertainment.

Day 5: Desert Sunrise, Ziz Valley, and Fes – Exploring Morocco’s Cultural Heart

Merzouga → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou Forest → Ifrane → Fes

On the final day, we retrace our journey back through Erfoud and into the dramatic Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and ancient kasbahs. The area is a photographer’s paradise, offering sweeping desert vistas and picturesque villages.

After a stop for lunch in Midelt, we continue through the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may spot the elusive Barbary Apes. Our last stop is Ifrane, a charming alpine town often called the "Switzerland of Morocco."

Finally, we arrive in Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital, home to one of the world’s best-preserved medieval Islamic cities. After settling in at your riad, you can enjoy a peaceful evening in this historical city.

What’s Included

• Transportation: 5 days in a comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicle or minivan
• Guides: Services of an experienced, multilingual local guide/driver
• Accommodation: 2 nights in well-rated hotels/kasbahs/riads, 2 nights in a luxury Berber desert camp (private tent)
• Meals: Dinner & breakfast daily (half-board)
• Camel Ride: One camel per person for the desert trek
• Sandboarding: Optional and free (undertaken at your own risk)
• Traditional Music: Live music performance in the desert
• Travel Insurance: Passenger travel insurance for 5 days (within the vehicle only)

What’s Not Included

• Flights
• Lunches
• Tips, entrance fees, drinks, and personal items