Embark on the Moroccan Atlas & Sahara Explorer 20-Day Fes Circuit and experience the heart of Morocco like never before. From the bustling medina of Fes to the majestic Atlas Mountains, sweeping Sahara dunes, historic kasbahs, and hidden valleys, each day unveils breathtaking landscapes and authentic local culture. This journey blends adventure, discovery, and immersive Moroccan experiences for a spectacular 20-day circuit.
Day 1: Arrival in Fes
Welcome to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. Spend your first day wandering the ancient medina, a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with artisans crafting leather, pottery, and textiles. Visit Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world, and marvel at the Chouara Tannery, where hides are dyed in colorful pools using traditional methods. Overnight in Fes, enjoying local cuisine and the medina’s evening ambiance.
🗓 Day 2: Fes → Ifrane → Azrou Cedar Forest → Midelt
Depart Fes heading south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a clean and charming town often called “Morocco’s Switzerland,” with European-style architecture and peaceful gardens. Continue to Azrou Cedar Forest, where towering cedar trees create a serene atmosphere and Barbary macaque monkeys play in their natural habitat. Arrive in Midelt, a quiet mountain town, for dinner and overnight stay.
🗓 Day 3: Midelt → Ziz Valley → Errachidia → Merzouga
Descend into the Sahara via Ziz Valley, lined with lush palm groves and historic kasbahs. Pause in Errachidia to explore local markets, taste traditional Moroccan pastries, and interact with locals. By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Take a camel trek into the golden dunes, witnessing a magical sunset that casts long shadows across the sand. Overnight in traditional desert tents under a blanket of stars.
🗓 Day 4: Merzouga → Sunrise & Desert Exploration
Wake up before dawn for the sunrise over the dunes, a serene and awe-inspiring moment. After breakfast, explore nearby dunes, practice sandboarding, or take short walks with local guides to understand desert survival and Berber traditions. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a desert camp and spend the afternoon photographing the ever-changing desert landscapes. Overnight in Merzouga.
🗓 Day 5: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Drive to Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with cliffs rising hundreds of meters, perfect for hiking and photography. Feel the cool breeze and the calm majesty of the towering rocks. Continue to Dades Valley, famous for winding roads and “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Overnight in a guesthouse, enjoying local hospitality and traditional Moroccan meals.
🗓 Day 6: Dades Valley → Skoura → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou
Morning drive through Dades Valley and Skoura Oasis, where centuries-old kasbahs and lush palm groves line the route. Visit Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” with famous film studios and cinematic landscapes. Explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking through narrow alleys and imagining ancient caravan traders. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
🗓 Day 7: Ouarzazate → Tizi n’Tichka Pass → Marrakech
Drive over Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road in Morocco, with panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains. Stop at scenic viewpoints to enjoy the terraced valleys and Berber villages perched on the slopes. Arrival in Marrakech by late afternoon, with evening at leisure to explore the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
🗓 Day 8: Marrakech → Ourika Valley → Marrakech
Full day exploring Ourika Valley, a lush area along the Ourika River. Visit Berber villages, local markets, and small waterfalls. Interact with villagers, learn about traditional crafts, and enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery. Return to Marrakech in the evening for overnight stay.
🗓 Day 9: Marrakech → Essaouira → Marrakech
Day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira, famous for its fortified medina, Atlantic beaches, and vibrant fish markets. Walk along the ramparts, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience the relaxed coastal vibe. Return to Marrakech in the evening.
🗓 Day 10: Marrakech → Ouzoud Waterfalls → Beni Mellal
Depart for Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco’s tallest cascades. Hike along the river, watch the monkeys, and enjoy panoramic views. Continue to Beni Mellal, a bustling city at the foot of the Middle Atlas, for overnight stay.
🗓 Day 11: Beni Mellal → Azilal → Imilchil
Travel through scenic Middle Atlas landscapes, stopping at small villages and mountain viewpoints. Arrive in Imilchil, known for its Berber culture and the famous Imilchil Marriage Festival. Overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse.
🗓 Day 12: Imilchil → Midelt → Erfoud
Descend toward Midelt, enjoying mountain passes and valleys. Continue to Erfoud, a desert town famous for fossils and proximity to the Sahara. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
🗓 Day 13: Erfoud → Merzouga
Morning free in Erfoud to explore local fossil markets. Drive to Merzouga and take a camel trek into the dunes for sunset. Overnight in desert tents.
🗓 Day 14: Merzouga → Rissani → Draa Valley
Visit Rissani, historic trading town, then travel to Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm valley. Explore kasbahs, interact with local communities, and enjoy sunset views over palm groves. Overnight in Zagora area.
🗓 Day 15: Draa Valley → Ouarzazate
Morning exploration of Draa Valley, visiting kasbahs and local villages. Continue to Ouarzazate for overnight stay.
🗓 Day 16: Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades Valley
Drive through Skoura Oasis and back into Dades Valley, stopping for photography and short walks to appreciate unique landscapes. Overnight stay in Dades Valley
🗓 Day 17: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud
Revisit Todra Gorge for early morning photos and a peaceful walk. Continue to Erfoud, overnight in the town before heading back toward the Middle Atlas.
🗓 Day 18: Erfoud → Midelt → Ifrane
Drive through Midelt, pause for mountain vistas and local snacks. Arrival in Ifrane, enjoy the gardens and European-style architecture. Overnight stay.
🗓 Day 19: Ifrane → Fes
Return to Fes, with stops for photos and short walks in the Middle Atlas. Afternoon free to explore any remaining sights or shop in the medina. Overnight in Fes.
🗓 Day 20: Departure from Fes
Transfer to the airport or next destination. Reflect on a 20-day journey filled with mountains, deserts, kasbahs, and Moroccan culture, leaving memories to last a lifetime.