Day 1 – Arrival in Fez
You begin your journey in what is perhaps the most impressive of the imperial cities, Fez. On arrival, you will be met by our driver, who will take you to your hotel on the edge of the medina. The riad is simple, but the staff are exceptionally friendly, and there is a lovely courtyard where you can relax with a glass of Moroccan mint tea. The location is ideal, with Bab Boujloud, the main gateway to the medina, just a five minute walk away.
If you would like to eat in the medina this evening, it is best not to go too late, as it closes at 19.00. If that feels too early, you can head to the newer part of the city, where restaurants remain open until 21.30.
Day 2 – Meet the craftsmen of Fez
Fez is renowned as one of the world’s great centres of craftsmanship. Today, a local guide will lead you through the medina’s narrow alleys, where artisans continue to practise age old traditions of leatherwork, pottery, woodcarving and silk weaving. It is easy to lose your way in the maze of streets and miss some of the most interesting places, but your guide knows the workshops hidden away from the main tourist routes.
You will see how colourful leather slippers are made using hides from Fez’s famous tanneries and visit a traditional village oven. There is also the chance to enjoy a cup of tea in a family home. The day offers a wonderful insight into local life and a rare opportunity to meet the city’s skilled craftspeople.
Day 3 – On the road to Erfoud
In the morning, you will collect your car from the rental company. From Fez, it is a full day’s drive, so it is wise to set off early, allowing you to travel at a relaxed pace and make stops along the way. Driving in Morocco is straightforward, and having your own car gives you complete freedom. Along the route, you might like to pause at the Gorge du Ziz, an impressive gorge beside a lake, before continuing on to Erfoud.
On the edge of the desert town of Erfoud, we have selected a special kasbah hotel for you. The rooms are decorated in traditional Moroccan style, and there is a swimming pool, which will be very welcome after the long journey. In the evening, the terrace is lit with candles, creating a perfect setting to enjoy a tagine under the stars.
Day 4 – Camel ride into the desert for the night
There’s no need to rush today. Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing by the pool. Later in the afternoon, when the temperature begins to drop, leave Erfoud and drive for about an hour towards the desert. In the distance, the impressive sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi will rise on the horizon.
You will arrive at your kasbah hotel in Merzouga, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink in the garden before mounting a camel for the final leg of your journey into the desert. After around 30 minutes of steady travel across the dunes, you will reach a traditional Bedouin tented camp, where you will spend the night. The camp is simple, with shared toilet facilities and a separate tent for meals. Beds and blankets are provided in the tents. Take the time to soak in the silence, the star-filled skies, and the vastness of the desert while the camel guides prepare your traditional meal. Temperatures can drop significantly in the evening, so it’s wise to bring a warm jumper.
Day 5 – From Merzouga to the Dades Valley
Day 6 – Hike in the Dades Valley
In the morning, you will explore the mountains with a local guide, following the river through the valley past fields of date palms. Along a mountain road, you will visit a Berber family and enjoy a cup of tea with them. From a viewpoint above, you can admire the striking contrast between the red mountain walls and the green riverbed below. After returning to your hotel for lunch, the tour continues. You will pass through the palm oasis of Skoura and see a sign for Kasbah Ben Moro by the side of the road. A short ten-minute walk through the palm gardens brings you to the kasbah.
In the afternoon, you will set off for the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the drive is around three hours. Your first stop is your kasbah-style mud hotel, which has a lovely swimming pool and a terrace with views of the famous kasbah. You can then cross the river on your own, and at the gate of the kasbah pay a small entrance fee of about one euro. Step back in time as you wander through the winding streets and gateways of this historic village.
Day 7 – Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech
Enjoy a final view of Ait Benhaddou over breakfast before getting back in the car. You will drive through the white peaks of the Atlas Mountains on your way to Marrakech. After the peace and quiet of the interior, the bustling city can feel a little overwhelming, but it is convenient that you can return the car here.
From there, you will take a taxi to your hotel on the edge of the medina, just a ten-minute walk from Djemaa El Fna Square. Marrakech may not have many historic buildings or museums, although the gardens and the striking cobalt-blue Maison de Jardin Majorelle are well worth a visit. The real highlights are the souks and Djemaa El Fna, with its street performers and vibrant atmosphere. We thought staying here would give you the best experience of the city.
Days 8 & 9 – Days to explore Marrakech
Day 10 – Time to head home
Accommodation
