Leaving Fes early, your route climbs through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where cedar forests are home to Barbary macaque monkeys. Crossing the Col du Zad pass, you feel the crisp mountain air and see Berber villages dotted along the slopes. Continuing south, you descend into the lush Ziz Valley, punctuated by palm oases and ancient ksars that have long held stories of desert caravans. You make a stop in Midelt, often called “the apple city,” for lunch, then head onward to Erfoud, where fossil artisans craft ancient stone into beautiful keepsakes. As you reach Merzouga, the entrance to the desert, camels await to lead you across shifting Erg Chebbi dunes. You climb a dune to enjoy a desert sunset, then settle into your camp for a traditional dinner and an evening around the fire under a sky full of stars.

At dawn, you watch the sunrise over the Sahara dunes, a moment of serene beauty as light dances across the sand. After breakfast, you visit the nearby Berber village of Khemliya, where the Gnawa musicians welcome you with deep, rhythmic music and open hearts. Leaving the dunes, you drive to Rissani, a desert town rich in heritage. From there, you continue toward Tinghir, arriving at the breathtaking Todra Gorge. You walk between towering red cliffs carved by the river, feeling both small and deeply connected to the land. Later, your journey carries you through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, with its earthen fortresses, before finally reaching Ouarzazate, the cinematic heart of southern Morocco, where you rest for the night.

The morning brings a drive to the legendary Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You explore its clay-built alleys, ancient granaries, and dramatic ramparts, imagining the trade caravans that once passed through. Then the road climbs high into the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, you stop at an argan oil cooperative to see how this prized oil is produced by local women. As you descend toward Marrakech, the landscape changes, and the energy of the Red City grows. Once in Marrakech, you might wander through Jemaa el-Fna square as life pulses around you, or simply relax as the evening breeze cools the city.

On your final day, Marrakech reveals its many faces. Wandering through its bustling souks, you sense the creativity and craftsmanship in every turn — leather goods, carpets, spices, and metalwork. You visit the graceful Ben Youssef Madrasa, with its stunning tilework and carved cedar wood, and then take in the history of the Saadian Tombs and the ornate Bahia Palace, which reflect the elegance of former dynasties. If time allows, you visit the Majorelle Garden, a tranquil sanctuary of cobalt blue and green, before making your way to your departure point. As you leave, you carry with you a mosaic of memories: ancient medinas, towering dunes, mountain passes, and the vibrant soul of Marrakech.

AQ – 5-Day Moroccan Highlights Tour Is five days enough to experience Fes, the Sahara, and Marrakech? Yes, although the itinerary is ambitious, it’s designed to offer a rich snapshot of Morocco’s most iconic regions — the imperial city of Fes, the Sahara Desert, and the vibrant Red City — while still allowing for meaningful experiences in each place. What kinds of accommodation are included? Accommodations typically include a riad in Fes, a desert camp in Merzouga, and a comfortable hotel or riad in Marrakech. This mix captures the authentic spirit of each environment. When is the best time to do this tour? The optimal periods are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are warm during the day but more comfortable in the desert and mountains. Can the itinerary be changed? Yes, this tour is flexible. You can request additional nights in the desert, add quad biking or sandboarding, upgrade to luxury camps, or extend your stay in Fes or Marrakech. What should I pack for a trip that covers both desert and mountains? You should bring layers — light fabrics for daytime heat, warm clothing for desert nights, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a scarf or shawl to protect against sun and sand. How is transportation handled? You will travel in a private 4×4 or minivan, accompanied by a local driver/guide who is familiar with mountain roads, desert tracks, and all the scenic stops along the way.