Tours from Fes
4 Days Atlas Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
Tour Overview: 4 Days Atlas Private Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
Experience the beauty and diversity of Morocco on this 4-Day Fez to Marrakech Desert Tour. From the lush Middle Atlas Mountains to the golden Sahara dunes, this journey combines breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and authentic Berber experiences.
Your adventure begins in Fez, traveling through the charming town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”, and the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild monkeys roam freely. Traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains and the scenic Ziz Valley, passing traditional Berber villages before arriving at the edge of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.
Spend the evening under a nomadic Bedouin tent, enjoying camel treks, desert music, and the star-filled Sahara sky. The tour continues through Rissani, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, and the Valley of Roses before reaching Ouarzazate and the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for blockbuster movies. The journey concludes as you return to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains, witnessing picturesque villages, terraced farms, and spectacular mountain vistas.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and the magic of Morocco’s most famous landscapes.
Tour Hilights: 4 Days Atlas Private Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
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Explore the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild monkeys.
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Cross the scenic Ziz Valley with its dramatic gorges and palm oases.
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Discover Erfoud, the capital of fossils, with its fascinating fossil shops.
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Experience the Sahara Desert at Erg Chebbi, including camel rides and overnight in a traditional nomadic tent.
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Visit Khamlia village, home of the Gnawa music and dancing traditions.
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Witness a magical sunrise over the Sahara dunes and climb the dunes for stunning panoramic views.
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Explore the largest traditional souk in southern Morocco at Rissani.
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Drive through Todra Gorges and Dades Valley, known for dramatic rock formations and the Valley of Roses.
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Stay in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood of Africa,” and visit its film studios.
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Walk through the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, featured in Gladiator, Sahara, and The Kingdom of Heaven.
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Return to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying breathtaking views and Berber villages along the way.
Itinerary Details of the 4 Days Atlas Private Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
Day 1: Fez – Merzouga
After your arrival, we travel to the Switzerland of Morocco, this is what describes the departure to Merzouga via Ifrane, we enjoy watching the monkeys escalading treesin cedar forest of Azrou, and then continue via the Middle Atlas Mountains, then via Ziz Valley and its gorges and Errachidia, final station is the capital of fossils this is what the town of Erfoud is famous of.
This day is devoted to enjoy the peace and enchantment of the desert, we spend the night in a sweet Hostel near the dunes.
Day 2: Merzouga grand Tour – Erg Chebbi
Today we’ll start the grand tour of the dunes after having breakfast, we’ll explore new fantastic places in Morocco, and find the peace, we’ll pass by Khamlia village where clapping and dancing are a must. enjoy the music of Gnawa and then continue via the desert nomads, we ride camels for a long time from the afternoon till the night in the middle of nudes under a nomadic Bedouin tent.
Day 3: Erg Chebbi – Ouarzazate
In this day we wake up early to see the beautiful magical sunrise and climb the dunes, followed by ride the camel, all this will be done before get back to hotel where we can take our breakfast and go to Las Ouarzazate via Rissani we’ll visit the traditional Souk which considered the largest throughout the South of Morocco, and then continue towards Todra Gorges, Dades valley, the Valley of Roses and the oases of Skoura. At the end of the day we’ll arrive to Ouarzazate and spend the night in the Hotel.
Day 4: Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Starting with breakfast, then make a short visit to Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou before going to Marrakech, many films were shot there, including Sahara, The Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator, and Cleopatra. We’ll continue driving to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka, where we see Berber villages and farms on the side of the mountains. The final station of this journey ends when we arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon.
Book this tour
Tour Price Includes
- Private air-conditioned transportation with a professional driver throughout the tour
- Licensed local guides
- Accommodation in quality hotels, riads, and a luxury desert camp in Merzouga (private tent)
- Daily breakfast at all accommodations
- Camel trek into the Sahara Desert with a sunset/sunrise experience
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- Assistance from the tour operator team throughout the trip
Tour Price Excludes
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, snacks, etc.)
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (at your discretion)
- Optional activities not listed (e.g. quad biking, hammam & spa experiences)
- Any additional excursions on Day 10 based on flight schedule (e.g. extra Ourika or Atlas trek)
Gallery of the 4 Days Atlas Private Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
More info about the places we will visit in this 4 Days Atlas Private Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
Fez – The Spiritual & Cultural Heart of Morocco
Fez (or Fès) is one of Morocco’s most fascinating imperial cities and the oldest of the four. Founded in the 8th century, it is widely regarded as the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to more than 9,000 narrow streets, making it one of the largest and most intricate medieval cities in the world.
Within its ancient walls, time seems to stand still. Artisans still work in small traditional workshops producing leather, pottery, carpets, brassware, and woodcraft, using methods passed down through generations. The famous Chouara Tannery, with its colorful dye vats, is one of the most iconic sights in Morocco.
Fez is also a major center for learning and religion. The University of Al Quaraouiyine, established in 859 AD, is recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest existing university in the world. Minarets and madrasas rise above the medina, while mosques and historic madrasas such as Bou Inania and Al-Attarine showcase extraordinary Andalusian and Moorish design.
Entry into the city is marked by the beautiful Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate), leading into a lively world of souks, local cuisine, and historic monuments. Fez is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to understand the essence of Morocco, its history, traditions, and everyday life.
Starting your journey here offers a wonderful contrast between urban heritage and the peaceful desert awaiting ahead.
Marrakech – The Red City
Marrakech is where your desert journey begins. A city full of history and vibrant traditions, it is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Founded in the 11th century, Marrakech blends old and new, luxurious hotels next to ancient palaces.
The medina is a maze of colorful souks filled with spices, leather goods, carpets, and handcrafted treasures. The beating heart is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a UNESCO cultural heritage square where storytellers, musicians, and local food vendors create a magical evening atmosphere.
Landmarks include the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the stunning Majorelle Garden. Marrakech is the perfect introduction to Morocco’s rich culture before heading into the mountains and the Sahara.
High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass
As you leave Marrakech, the scenery changes dramatically. The High Atlas Mountains are the highest in North Africa, forming a natural barrier between the coastal cities and the Sahara Desert.
This route has been historically important for trade caravans, and today it remains the most picturesque road connecting Marrakech to the desert.
High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass
As you leave Marrakech, the scenery changes dramatically. The High Atlas Mountains are the highest in North Africa, forming a natural barrier between the coastal cities and the Sahara Desert.
This route has been historically important for trade caravans, and today it remains the most picturesque road connecting Marrakech to the desert.
High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass
As you leave Marrakech, the scenery changes dramatically. The High Atlas Mountains are the highest in North Africa, forming a natural barrier between the coastal cities and the Sahara Desert.
This route has been historically important for trade caravans, and today it remains the most picturesque road connecting Marrakech to the desert.
Dades Valley & Dades Gorges – The Land of Thousand Kasbahs
Known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, the Dades region is famous for its dramatic landscapes. Here the river has carved a deep canyon through the rose-colored mountains, creating one of Morocco’s most stunning natural wonders.
Highlights include:
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The “Monkey Fingers” rock formations
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The breathtaking zigzag road viewpoint
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Traditional Berber homes made of earth and stone
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Green oases lined with fig, almond, and palm trees
Staying overnight here allows you to admire the valley’s beauty in the changing light of sunset and sunrise—spectacular moments for photos and relaxation.
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes – Sahara Desert Experience
The highlight of your adventure arrives as you reach Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s most famous dune field. The dunes can rise up to 150 meters, shifting constantly with the wind to create a dream-like landscape.
Experiences that make Merzouga unforgettable:
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A peaceful camel trek through golden dunes at sunset
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Sandboarding for those who want more adventure
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Overnight stay in a traditional or luxury desert camp
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Berber music around the campfire
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Stargazing under one of the clearest skies in the world
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A sunrise that paints the dunes in gold and red
Merzouga is the perfect place to disconnect, relax, and appreciate the beauty and silence of the Sahara Desert.
