10 Marrakech, the Desert and Fez

Suggested Itinerary Number : 10

Marrakech, the Desert and Fez

This Itinerary takes the visitor to World Heritage Sites of the Marrakech Medina, Ait Ben Haddou and the Fez Medina as part of trip taking in the Atlas Mountains and the stunning dunes, gorges, oases and kasbahs of the deep desert.

Take up to 14 nights, between late Sept to late May, with flights into Marrakech, Fez or Casablanca:

• 2-4 nights Marrakech
• 2 nights Ait Ben Haddou
• 2 nights Skoura Oasis and/ or Ouarzazate
• 1 night Todra Gorge
• 2 nights Merzouga dunes
• 1 night Midelt
• 2-4 nights Fez or Meknes

Transport options: Taxi or car (self-drive or with driver) outside Marrakech; train Fez to Marrakech.

Extension options: Rabat or Meknes stop off between Fes and Marrakech. 10 days’ itinerary possible by removing Todra Gorge and reducing time in Fez and Marrakech.

Activity options: Trekking near Fez and Marrakech. Rock climbing in the Todra Gorge. Camel trek at Merzouga.

The Deep Desert

Normally accessed from the north to Marrakech across the spectacular Tiz n Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains, the deep desert is a vast area of great beauty and peace worth the substantial journey required to see all its varied stunning landscapes.

En route across the mountains the superb ruins of Telouet Kasbah are a worthwhile midway stop en route to Ait Benhaddou, near Ouarzazate, from where you travel to the east via spectacular scenery of Skoura oasis, the Dades “Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs” and Dades and Todra Gorges, then to the Merzouga dunes and onto Fez. There is the option of adding a loop to the South - via the magical Draa Valley and Zagora to the dunes near M'Hamid.

The oasis towns of the region were historically on the trading routes into central Africa and have a wealth of history. 

Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so. One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors. From the atmospheric souks of the medina, to the villages of the High Atlas Mountains a short drive away, Marrakech offers a vast range of options for the visitor either on a short trip or as part of a longer adventure.

Ait Benhaddou

A striking fortified settlement (ksar), renowned as a backdrop to many films (including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator), and deservedly designated as a World Heritage Site, it houses some of the best conserved kasbahs in Morocco.

Skoura

An oasis settlement 45 minutes' drive to the NE of Ouarzazate, it has magnificent  kasbahs such as the magical Kasbah Amerhidil and significant palmeries with hidden lovely off-the-beaten-track guest houses.

Dades Valley and Gorge

The Dades Valley is famous for its colourful kasbahs – often known as the “Valley of the 1000 kasbahs”- and roses which produce a superb quality essential oil celebrated at the Rose Festival in May or June. It is well worth a diversion off the main road to see the most spectacular red rock formations and a stunning gorge in its upper reaches.

The Todra Gorge

This narrow, spectacular gorge up to 300 metres deep is the most spectacular in Morocco and has deservedly become popular with walkers and more especially rock climbers, due to the hundreds of routes available.

Merzouga

This village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi Dunes is the perfect place to take in the essence of the Sahara: the highest dunes in Morocco, attaining a maximum height of 150 metres, lies just 50 kms south-east of Erfoud, roughly midway between Fez and Marrakech.

Midelt

Sitting in the lee of the High Atlas Mountains, at 1,500 metres, Midelt is a market town for farm produce and  carpets produced in its mountainous hinterland rising to over 3,700 metres and supports a weekly Berber souk outside the town on Sundays. The nearby village of Imilchil is famous for a huge market including a “marriage market” which occurs annually in September.  It provides a convenient overnight stop between Merzouga and Fez.

Fez

One of Morocco's gems and one of Islam's greatest cities, the medina of Fez el Bali is recognised as one of the finest in the world. To find your way through the 9000 tiny winding alleyways we suggest a guide to show you sights such as the Medersas, the Mosques, the museums, the palaces and souks  of this former capital city and the main spiritual, religious and culinary centre of Morocco. Its mountainous setting is not only beautiful but also offers many options for outings.

If you prefer a circular itinerary you can travel by good train services between Fez and Marrakech (7 hours) or there is an option to break the journey midway at Rabat.

Request a Quotation or Tel: UK: 0845 345 7195 (local rate) or 01239 710 814