13 Days Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour from Fes – Morocco’s Hidden Gems: Middle Atlas, Merzouga & Marrakech IMPERIAL CITIES TOUR HIDDEN GEMS – An extraordinary journey beginning in the cultural heart of Morocco, Fes, and winding through the Middle Atlas mountains, the golden Sahara desert, the dramatic gorges of the south, the legendary kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the vibrant Red City of Marrakech, the coastal breeze of Essaouira, and finally the capital Rabat before returning to Fes.
This 13-day carefully crafted itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the complete spectrum of Morocco: from the medieval medinas and imperial grandeur to the silence of the desert, the lush valleys of the Atlas, the Atlantic coast, and the hidden Berber villages that most tourists never see.
Begin in Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual capital. Spend two full days exploring its labyrinthine medina, ancient tanneries, and the world’s oldest university. Then journey through the Middle Atlas, stopping in the alpine town of Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. Cross the dramatic Ziz Gorge to reach the Sahara desert of Merzouga, where you’ll ride camels over Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes and spend a magical night in a luxury desert camp under the stars.
Continue through the Todgha Gorges (Morocco’s Grand Canyon), the lush Dades Valley, and the Valley of Roses before arriving at the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah. Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech, the “Red City,” for guided exploration of its palaces, gardens, and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Then escape to the Atlantic coast to discover the white-and-blue medina of Essaouira, with its Portuguese ramparts, fishing port, and vibrant arts scene. Finally, travel north to the capital Rabat to see the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V before returning to Fes for departure.
This 13-day grand tour includes private air-conditioned transportation, an expert English-speaking driver/guide, handpicked premium accommodations (traditional riads, 4-star hotels, and luxury desert camp), daily breakfasts, select dinners, camel trekking, sandboarding, and local certified guides in Fes and Marrakech.
Why choose this 13-day tour from Fes? Perfect for those who want to start in Fes (avoiding the coastal route), includes Essaouira and Rabat, two nights in the Sahara region, and a perfect balance of cities, desert, mountains, and coast.
Request Your Custom Price
We offer personalized pricing based on your budget, group size, and preferences. Contact us for the best price tailored to your needs.
Call or WhatsApp NowDeparture Schedule:
- Departure: 9:00 AM from your Fes hotel or riad (flexible)
- Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
- Return: To Fes on Day 13 (or transfer to Fes airport FEZ)
- Max People: Private tour (flexible group size)
- Min Age: 2+ (family friendly)
Note: This 13-day imperial cities & Sahara tour from Fes is a sample itinerary. Contact us, and we will create a personalized itinerary tailored specifically for you – add activities, modify destinations, or extend your stay.
For any emergency case, please contact: NASSIR GUIDE AND MANAGER at +212 668-810628 (Call) or WhatsApp. Email: contact@geetingaroundmorocco.com
Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.
Pickup: Your hotel / riad in Fes or Fes airport
Drop-off: Your hotel in Fes or Fes airport
Included:
- Air-conditioned private vehicle (13 days)
- English speaking driver/guide (knowledgeable, friendly, flexible)
- Premium accommodations (12 nights: traditional riads, 4-star hotels, 1 night luxury desert camp)
- All breakfasts (12 breakfasts)
- 5 dinners (including desert camp dinner with Berber entertainment)
- Camel trek in Merzouga (sunset and sunrise)
- Sandboarding in the Sahara dunes
- Guided tour of Fes medina (official local guide – 4 hours)
- Guided tour of Marrakech medina (official local guide – 3 hours)
- Entrance fees: Bou Inania Medersa (Fes), Bahia Palace (Marrakech), Ait Benhaddou kasbah, Saadian Tombs, Hassan Tower (Rabat)
- Bottled water in the vehicle (refilled daily)
- Free time for photography at all scenic stops
Excluded:
- International flights
- Lunches and most dinners (except 5 dinners)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, extra activities)
- Tips for driver, local guides, camp staff
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Welcome to Fes! Arrive at Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ). Transfer to your traditional riad in the heart of the medina. Evening orientation walk through the vibrant streets. Overnight in Fes.
Full-day immersion with an official local guide. Explore Fes el-Bali medina, the world’s largest car-free urban area. Visit Al-Qarawiyyin University (oldest university in the world), Bou Inania Medersa, the spectacular Chouara Tannery, Nejjarine Fountain, and the vibrant souks. Overnight in Fes.
Depart Fes through the Middle Atlas mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as “Switzerland of Morocco.” Visit the Cedar Forest of Azrou to see Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Cross the Tizi n’Talghamt pass to Midelt, surrounded by mountains. Overnight in Midelt.
Drive through the spectacular Ziz Gorge with panoramic viewpoints over palm groves. Arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes – the Sahara desert. Late afternoon camel trek into the dunes for sunset. Overnight in luxury desert camp.
Wake for sunrise over the dunes, then camel ride back. Visit Khamlia village to experience traditional Gnawa music. Drive to Rissani, ancient Sijilmassa, and explore its bustling souk. Return to Merzouga. Overnight in Merzouga (hotel near dunes).
Depart Merzouga and drive to the dramatic Todgha Gorges – towering limestone canyons perfect for a walk. Afternoon through the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Overnight in Dades with views of rock formations.
Drive through Dades Gorge and the Valley of Roses (famous for rose products). Stop at Skoura palm grove. Afternoon highlight: UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah, used in Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue to Ouarzazate, “Hollywood of Morocco.” Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Visit Taourirt Kasbah, then ascend the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260m). Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and Berber villages. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon. Evening at Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Overnight in Marrakech.
Full-day exploration with official guide. Visit Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, and Majorelle Garden (Yves Saint Laurent). Explore the vibrant souks. Overnight in Marrakech.
Leisure day. Optional activities: sunrise hot air balloon over Marrakech, traditional Moroccan cooking class, hammam spa experience, or shopping in the medina. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day trip to Essaouira, the charming white-and-blue coastal town. Explore the Portuguese medina (UNESCO), Skala de la Ville ramparts, fishing port, and beach. Enjoy fresh seafood. Return to Marrakech. Overnight in Marrakech.
Drive north to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Visit the Royal Palace (exterior), Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Hassan Tower, and Chellah necropolis. Continue to Fes. Overnight in Fes.
After breakfast, transfer to Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ) for your departure flight. End of this 13-day Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour.
Optional Add-ons: Extend your stay with an overnight in Essaouira, add a hot air balloon ride, or include a visit to Chefchaouen – contact us for details.
Essential Packing List for 13-Day Imperial & Sahara Tour:
- Comfortable walking shoes (for medinas, gorges, and city tours)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime + warm jacket for desert nights & mountains
- Sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Camera / smartphone with extra memory cards
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated in the Sahara)
- Moroccan Dirhams (cash) for tips, lunches, souvenirs
- Scarf or shawl (useful for mosque visits and dusty medinas)
Recommended Items:
- Swimwear (many riads and hotels have pools)
- Power bank and universal travel adapter (Morocco: Type C/E, 220V)
- Small daypack for daily excursions
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Headlamp or small flashlight (for desert camp)
- Bandana or face covering for camel trek (sand protection)
- Windbreaker for Essaouira (Atlantic coast can be windy)
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Languages Available:
- English (fluent driver/guide)
- Français (French)
- Español (Spanish)
- Italiano (Italian)
- Deutsch (German – on request)
Schedule:
- Departure: 9:00 AM from Fes (flexible)
- Return: To Fes on Day 13, morning transfer to airport
Group Type: Private tour (exclusively your party)
Minimum Age: 2+ (family friendly)
Transportation: Modern air-conditioned 4×4 or luxury minivan (WiFi available)
Guide: English speaking driver/guide + local certified guides in Fes and Marrakech
Route: Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Merzouga (Sahara) → Todgha Gorges → Dades Valley → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Marrakech → Essaouira → Rabat → Fes
WiFi Available: Yes (in accommodations, limited in desert camp)
To book, contact us via email at contact@geetingaroundmorocco.com or call/WhatsApp +212 668-810628. Ask for NASSIR, who will assist with booking, customization, and provide the best price for your group size.
This tour starts and ends in Fes (perfect for those flying into Fes), includes two nights in the Sahara region, visits both Essaouira (Atlantic coast) and Rabat (capital), and has a free day in Marrakech for optional activities like hot air ballooning.
The ideal months are March-May and September-November for pleasant temperatures. Spring offers blooming roses in the Valley of Roses. Winter (December-February) has crisp, clear skies and fewer tourists, though desert nights are cold.
Yes, this is a private tour, so the pace is entirely flexible. Families with children are welcome (minimum age 2+). Solo travelers can request a single supplement. We accommodate dietary restrictions and special needs.
You stay in a luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi with private tents featuring proper beds, linens, en-suite bathroom (hot shower and toilet), and a dining tent. Includes dinner, breakfast, camel trek, and sandboarding.
Absolutely. This itinerary is fully customizable. You can add Chefchaouen, include a hot air balloon ride, extend in Essaouira, or adjust the pace. Contact us for a tailor-made quote.
We offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour start date for a full refund. If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible.
