8-Day Morocco Tour from Marrakech: Sahara Desert, Fes & Chefchaouen (Imperial Cities Adventure) (Private / Small Group)
A complete 8-day Morocco journey starting in Marrakech: guided city highlights, the High Atlas and Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO), Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, a camel trek to a luxury desert camp in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), then on to Fes for a guided medina tour, and Chefchaouen’s blue streets — finishing back in Marrakech for departure.
Top highlights
- Marrakech: guided city tour (medina, palaces, souks & iconic squares)
- High Atlas crossing via Tizi n’Tichka + Berber villages viewpoints
- Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar + Ouarzazate kasbah route scenery
- Todra Gorge walk + Dades Valley landscapes
- Merzouga (Erg Chebbi): sunset camel trek + luxury desert camp night
- Fes: guided medina tour (UNESCO) with tanneries and artisan quarters
- Chefchaouen: blue streets, mountain views and relaxed medina vibe
- Optional Marrakech experiences: cooking class / hot air balloon (add-on)
Overview
This 8-day Morocco itinerary is designed to combine city culture with dramatic landscapes: Marrakech’s monuments and souks, the Atlas Mountains and UNESCO kasbahs, the Sahara dunes of Merzouga with a camel trek and desert camp, and the heritage-rich imperial city of Fes — plus the famous Blue City of Chefchaouen. It’s ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of guided visits and scenic road-trip moments.
Itinerary (Sample)
- Meet & greet at Marrakech airport (or pickup from your accommodation)
- Transfer to your riad • time to rest
- Optional: Moroccan cooking class (traditional dishes) • evening free
- Overnight in Marrakech
- Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride (add-on)
- Guided Marrakech highlights: medina lanes, Bahia Palace (as available), Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia exterior, Ben Youssef area
- Jemaa el-Fnaa & souks • optional Majorelle Garden (ticket not included)
- Overnight in Marrakech
- Depart Marrakech in the morning (flexible)
- Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka • panoramic photo stops
- Visit Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar (optional guided walk)
- Continue via Ouarzazate / kasbah route toward Dades Valley
- Overnight in Dades area
- Drive to Todra Gorge • short walk between canyon walls
- Continue through oasis towns toward Merzouga
- Sunset camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes (or 4x4 on request)
- Dinner + Berber music • overnight in a desert camp (private tent)
- Early sunrise over the dunes (optional) • breakfast
- Return from camp by camel or 4x4
- Scenic drive via Ziz Valley viewpoints
- Middle Atlas stops • lunch break in Midelt (time permitting)
- Arrive Fes in the evening • overnight
- Guided tour of Fes medina (UNESCO): tanneries, artisan quarters, madrasas (as available), viewpoints
- Royal Palace gates • Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
- Afternoon drive to Chefchaouen through the Rif region
- Overnight in Chefchaouen
- Morning exploration of Chefchaouen: blue streets, artisan shops, viewpoints
- Free time for photos and cafés
- Afternoon transfer back to Marrakech (long drive)
- Overnight in Marrakech
- Breakfast at your accommodation (time permitting)
- Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport according to flight time
- End of services
Included & details
- Private (or small-group) A/C vehicle with driver-guide
- Airport transfers in Marrakech (arrival + departure)
- 7 nights accommodation: riads/hotels + desert camp (Merzouga)
- Daily breakfasts
- Dinner at the desert camp + Berber music show
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi (or 4x4 transfer on request)
- Stops for sightseeing and photography along the route
- Lunches and most dinners (except camp dinner)
- Drinks (soft drinks / extra bottled water beyond what’s provided)
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Tips and personal expenses
- Flights and travel insurance
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, cooking class, studio visits, spa/hammam)
- Luxury desert camp upgrade (ensuite bathroom) — subject to availability
- Hot air balloon ride in Marrakech (sunrise)
- Moroccan cooking class experience
- Private local guides in Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen (if not included)
This route includes long scenic drives (especially Sahara → Fes and Chefchaouen → Marrakech). Atlas roads are winding, and desert nights can be cool (Oct–Mar) — pack warm layers. Monument tickets are usually paid on-site; we keep the schedule flexible for photo stops and breaks.
FAQs
Yes. We can customize pace, hotel category, add extra nights, and adjust stops based on your interests.
No. A 4x4 transfer to/from the desert camp can be arranged if you prefer not to ride camels.
They can be included if requested, but they are often offered as optional add-ons depending on your package.
This itinerary includes 1 night in a Sahara desert camp in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi).
Bring comfortable shoes, warm layers for the evening, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small day bag. In winter, pack a heavier jacket.
