10-Day Imperial Cities, Sahara & Coast: Fes to Essaouira
Tour Overview
This 10-day route links three very different sides of Morocco in a single one-way trip: the scholarly medieval city of Fes, the golden dunes of the Sahara at Merzouga, and the relaxed Atlantic port of Essaouira, with Marrakech’s souks and palaces at the midpoint.
It’s a natural choice for travelers flying into Fes and wanting to finish their trip somewhere calmer than a big city, or for anyone who has already spent time in northern Morocco and is ready to head south through the desert toward the coast. The itinerary follows the same well-established desert crossing as our other tours, with two full free days built in at the end to properly unwind in Essaouira.
Highlights
Itinerary
Arrival in Fes
Arrive in Fes and settle into your riad. Evening at leisure, with an optional walk to the Bab Bou Jeloud gate at the entrance to the old medina.
Guided Tour of Fes
A full day exploring Fes el Bali with a local guide, visiting the Chouara Tannery, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the historic Al Quaraouiyine university quarter.
Fes to Merzouga via the Middle Atlas
Head south through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques, crossing the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to Merzouga, arriving in time for a sunset camel trek into the dunes.
Merzouga Desert Day
Rise for a desert sunrise, then spend the day visiting nomadic families and the village of Khamlia for traditional Gnaoua music.
Merzouga to Dades Valley via Todra Gorges
Drive to Tinghir to walk through the towering Todra Gorges, then continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Dades Valley for the night.
Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou
Travel via Ouarzazate to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, then cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech.
Guided Tour of Marrakech
Explore the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque with a local guide, before wandering the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square at dusk.
Marrakech to Essaouira
Drive west through argan tree forests to the Atlantic coast, arriving in the fortified port town of Essaouira for an afternoon exploring its medina and harbor.
Explore Essaouira
A free day to explore Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina and Portuguese sea ramparts, relax on the beach, or browse the art galleries and thuya woodwork workshops.
Departure from Essaouira
After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech airport (approximately 2.5 hours) for your onward flight.
What is Included
- •Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional English-speaking driver/guide
- •9 nights accommodation in riads and hotels as listed
- •1 night in a luxury private desert camp in Erg Chebbi
- •Camel trekking in the Merzouga dunes
- •Local expert guides in Fes and Marrakech
- •All breakfasts and 3 dinners
What is Not Included
- •International flights
- •Lunches and drinks
- •Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- •Tips and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transport back to Fes included if I need to fly from there?
Is transport back to Fes included if I need to fly from there?
Can we add extra nights in Essaouira at the end?
Can we add extra nights in Essaouira at the end?
Book Your Adventure
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