Embark on the Epic Fes Sahara Circuit 10 Days and experience the best of Morocco. From the bustling medina of Fes to the golden dunes of Merzouga, majestic Atlas Mountains, and historic kasbahs, this journey offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and remarkable landscapes. Every day brings new sights, local experiences, and moments that will stay with you forever.
Day 1: Arrival in Fes
Welcome to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco and one of the oldest imperial cities in the country. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After some rest, we will take a gentle evening stroll through the old medina, where the sound of coppersmiths and the aroma of spices fill the air. As pigeons fly over Bab Boujloud, the city gate, you’ll feel the charm of a place that tells a thousand stories.
Day 2: Exploring Fes Medina
Today is dedicated to discovering the treasures of Fes. We will visit Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, and Madrasa Al-Attarine, with its delicate zellige and carvings. At the Batha Museum, you will see traditional crafts and costumes. Later, as we walk through the vibrant souks, you’ll witness the famous tanneries, where leather is dyed in vibrant reds, yellows, and greens. It’s like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages.
Day 3: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis
In the morning, we head to Meknes, often called the “Versailles of Morocco” for its grand gates and walls. We’ll explore Bab Mansour, one of the largest gates in North Africa, and El Hedim Square, alive with local vendors. Then we visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, a ruler who shaped the history of Morocco. After lunch, we continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, where mosaics and columns reveal the glory of an ancient civilization. Return to Fes in the evening.
Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt
Today we leave the city behind and journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and pristine streets. Then we move on to the cedar forest of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. You’ll have time to take photos and enjoy the fresh mountain air. We continue our scenic drive to Midelt, a peaceful town surrounded by rugged mountains, where we spend the night.
Day 5: Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Our desert adventure begins! We travel through the Ziz Valley, where a ribbon of green palm groves stretches between barren mountains. We stop in Erfoud, known for fossils and dates, before reaching Merzouga. Here, the golden sand dunes appear on the horizon. As the sun sets, we ride camels across the dunes to a desert camp. Dinner is served under the stars, with traditional Saharan music creating a magical atmosphere.
Day 6: Merzouga – Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
We wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes – an unforgettable experience. After breakfast, we head towards Tinghir to explore the dramatic Todra Gorges, where sheer cliffs rise up to 300 meters, and the river glistens below. After some time to walk and relax, we continue to the Dades Valley, famous for its rock formations nicknamed “Monkey Fingers.” Overnight in a charming guesthouse among the mountains.
Day 7: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate
In the morning, we explore the winding roads of the Dades Valley, then drive towards the oasis of Skoura, dotted with palm groves and ancient kasbahs. Our journey continues to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa.” Here we visit the Atlas Film Studios, where legendary movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. We spend the night in this cinematic city.
Day 8: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Zagora
Today we explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified ksar that has appeared in countless films. Wandering through its mud-brick alleys feels like traveling back in time. From there, we journey along the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, with endless palm groves and kasbahs. By evening, we arrive in Zagora, the gateway to the desert, where we stay overnight.
Day 9: Zagora – Taliouine – Midelt
We begin our journey north, taking a different route to discover new landscapes. Along the way, we stop in Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron capital, where the “red gold” is cultivated. After learning about this precious spice, we continue through changing mountain scenery to reach Midelt, where we spend our final night before returning to Fes.
Day 10: Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
On our last day, we drive back through the Middle Atlas Mountains. We pause again in Ifrane for photos, then continue to Fes. Depending on your flight time, you’ll have some free time to shop for souvenirs or relax in a traditional café before transferring to the airport.