5 Day Student Trip from Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga

Overview

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1Arrival in Fez and city tour

   First, we pick you up at Fez Airport and take you to your riad. After you settle in, we start to explore Fez, one of the oldest imperial cities in Morocco. Then we walk through the medina of Fez el-Bali, with its narrow streets, busy souks and craft workshops.

   If time allows, we also visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the area around Al Qarawiyyin University and Nejjarine Square. Next, we stop at the old leather tanneries. Finally, you go back to the riad to rest on your first night in Fez.

   Accommodation: Fez.

2. 2

   Day 2Fez – Ifrane – Cedar forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

   After breakfast, we leave Fez early and drive south across the Middle Atlas. Our first stop is Ifrane, a small town with Alpine-style houses and quiet gardens. Next, we visit the cedar forest of Azrou. With some luck, you also see wild Barbary macaques between the old trees.

   Then the road climbs through the mountains to Midelt, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we follow the Ziz Valley with its palm groves and oases. Later, we pass Errachidia and Erfoud and finally reach Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

   As soon as we arrive, the desert adventure begins. First, you ride a camel across the dunes to watch the sunset. After that, you reach the desert camp for a Moroccan dinner and Berber music around the fire. Finally, you sleep under the stars of the Sahara.

   Accommodation: Merzouga desert camp.

3. 3

   Day 3Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

   Early risers can watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we drive to Rissani, an old market town with a long trading history. Then we cross the desert landscapes and small villages of southern Morocco.

   Next, we reach Tinghir, a green oasis full of palm trees. Here you walk into the Todra Gorges, between huge rock walls. Afterwards, we continue to the Dades Valley, with its red rocks and winding mountain roads. Along the way, we also stop several times for photos. In the late afternoon, you arrive at your hotel in the valley.

   Accommodation: hotel or riad in the Dades Valley.

4. 4

   Day 4Dades Valley – Valley of the Roses – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

   After breakfast, we leave the Dades Valley and head west towards Marrakech. First, we pass the Valley of the Roses, where local families grow roses and make rose products. Then we continue to Ouarzazate, one of the main gateways to the desert.

   Next, we visit the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This old earthen village appears in many famous films. After the visit, we cross the High Atlas on the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Along the road, you see great views and small Berber villages. Finally, we arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon. You then have free time to relax or to walk around Jemaa el-Fna square.

   Accommodation: Marrakech.

5. 5

   Day 5Marrakech – airport transfer

   After breakfast at the riad, you have free time in Marrakech, depending on your flight. If you have time, you can also walk through the medina and its souks. Besides, you can visit the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fna square. At the agreed time, we drive you to Marrakech Airport. This is the end of the cheap Fez to Marrakech tour.

What is included

Photos of the cheap Fez to Marrakech tour