Itinerary

1. Day 1: Drive from Marrakech to Dades Valley

   • Start your trip from Marrakech early in the morning by driving east of Marrakech to the High Atlas Mountains.
   • A few stops will be made to take photos of the gorgeous scenery and a cup of coffee.
   • Drive uphill along curvy roads to the famous Tizi Ntichka pass before you reach Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the first significant stop for sightseeing. The fortified Berber village of Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO-listed landmark. It is also known for being the set for Hollywood epics like the Kingdom of Heaven, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator.
   • Cross the river separating the Kasbah from the main road and explore the village at leisure.
   • Have lunch at leisure at one of the local cafes. Then, continue to Dades valley, driving past Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis and Klaa Mgouna, the capital of the valley of the roses, famous for its rosewater distillation factories.
   • Upon arrival at Boumalne Dades, follow the Dades River on a tiny road passing by different fortified Kasbahs on the side of the road to Dades Canyons.
   • Arrive at your hotel late in the afternoon.

   Dinner and overnight stay at your Dades hotel.

2. Day 2: Travel from Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert

   • Start your journey post-breakfast, driving along the road of 1001 Kasbahs to the Oasis of Tighir. Make your way along the river to Todgha, where you will stop to walk around the oasis under the shade of palm trees.
   • Continue to Todgha Gorges. After spending some time at leisure over there and having lunch at a local café, head over to Rissani, famous for its dates market. This place was the starting point of the ancient trading caravans crossing the Sahara desert to Tombouctou.
   • Move along to Merzouga, driving through some rocky desert landscape.
   • Meet the camel caravan here and begin your ride across the dunes enjoying the sunset in the background.
   • Reach your Sahara desert camp before darkness.
   • Prepare yourselves for a Moroccan-style dinner served under the stars next to the campfire.
   • Late at night, your nomad hosts will entertain you with their drums.

3. Day 3: Drive from Merzouga to Fes

   • Set out early to enjoy a camel trek over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, which boasts terrific sunrise views.
   • Depart on a scenic drive to Fes crossing the Ziz Valley through Errachidia, the Tafilalt region's capital.
   • Carry on your journey to Midelt, where you will stop for lunch before crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests. Drive past the Berber towns of Imouzzar and Ifran, famous winter ski resorts for Moroccans. You might spot some Barbary apes on the way.
   • Arrive at Fes late in the afternoon.
   • Get dropped off at your hotel in Fez or Riad.