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8-Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Tour: Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga & Starlight Ouzina
"An 8-day tour from Marrakech to Fez via the Sahara Desert, featuring Ait Benhaddou, Todra Gorges, Starlight Riad Ouzina, Merzouga, and a guided tour of Fez medina."
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Trajectory
The Daily Scroll
01Arrival in Marrakech
01
Arrival in Marrakech
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Welcome to Morocco! Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your riad in the vibrant Red City.
Day Highlights
- Arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
- Meet and greet and private transfer to your recommended riad
- Depending on your arrival time, optional guided tour of Marrakech with a local guide
- Evening at leisure to relax or explore the Jemaa el-Fna square
- Overnight at your riad in Marrakech
EndOf Day 01
02Marrakech to Dades Gorges via Ait Benhaddou
02
Marrakech to Dades Gorges via Ait Benhaddou
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Cross the mighty Atlas Mountains and step back in time at a legendary fortified city before reaching the scenic Dades region.
Day Highlights
- Breakfast at your riad
- Depart Marrakech and ascend the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m)
- Descend into the Ounila Valley to visit the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Benhaddou
- Explore the ancient fortified village, a famed film location
- Continue to Ouarzazate and along the scenic Route of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Arrive in Boumalne Dades in the Dades Valley
- Dinner and overnight at your hotel or riad
EndOf Day 02
03Dades Gorges to Ouzina via Todra Gorges & Desert Tracks
03
Dades Gorges to Ouzina via Todra Gorges & Desert Tracks
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From dramatic gorges to remote desert tracks, journey to a unique sustainable retreat in the Sahara.
Day Highlights
- Breakfast at your accommodation
- Drive to Tinghir and visit the spectacular Todra Gorges
- Walk between the 300-meter-high cliffs carved by the river
- Travel through desert landscapes to Alnif
- Link up with the historic Paris-Dakar Rally track
- Continue through remote areas to the villages of Ramlia and Ouzina
- Check into the unique Starlight-certified Riad Ouzina TGM
- Dinner and overnight under pristine, star-filled skies
EndOf Day 03
04Ouzina Desert Immersion: Village Life & Nomadic Culture
04
Ouzina Desert Immersion: Village Life & Nomadic Culture
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A full day dedicated to understanding the traditions and environment of this remote Saharan community.
Day Highlights
- Optional sunrise viewing over the Ouzina dunes
- Breakfast at the riad
- Visit Ouzina town: see the communal bread oven and hidden orchards
- Lunch featuring traditional 'Berber pizza'
- Optional henna tattoo experience
- Visit local fossil mines in the afternoon
- Search for an authentic nomadic family to share mint tea and conversation
- Return to Riad Ouzina TGM for dinner and another peaceful night
EndOf Day 04
05Ouzina Desert to Merzouga Desert & Luxury Camp
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Ouzina Desert to Merzouga Desert & Luxury Camp
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Journey from a quiet desert corner to the iconic dunes, culminating in a classic Saharan experience.
Day Highlights
- Breakfast at the riad
- Drive along the Paris-Dakar Rally track towards Merzouga
- Visit Khamlia village for a live Gnawa spiritual music performance
- Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
- Mount your camels for a trek into the heart of the dunes at sunset
- Arrive at a luxury desert camp with private bathroom facilities
- Traditional dinner and Berber music under a spectacular blanket of stars
EndOf Day 05
06Merzouga to Fez via Ziz Valley & Cedar Forest
06
Merzouga to Fez via Ziz Valley & Cedar Forest
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Bid farewell to the Sahara and journey north through lush valleys and forested mountains to the imperial city.
Day Highlights
- Optional sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Breakfast at the camp, then 4x4 transfer back to Merzouga village
- Drive north, passing the vast Ziz Valley palm grove
- Continue to the Azrou Cedar Forest to see the Barbary macaques
- Pass through Ifrane, 'the Little Switzerland of Morocco'
- Late afternoon arrival in Fez
- Transfer to your accommodation in Fez for overnight
EndOf Day 06
07Guided Exploration of Fez Medina
07
Guided Exploration of Fez Medina
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Dive into the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco with a guided tour of its most ancient imperial city.
Day Highlights
- Breakfast at your riad/hotel
- Meet your local Fez guide for a full-day guided tour
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Fes el-Bali medina, one of the world's largest car-free urban areas
- Visit the famous tanneries, medersas (theological schools), and vibrant souks
- See the Royal Palace gates and the historic Jewish Mellah quarter
- Afternoon free for personal exploration or shopping
- Overnight at your accommodation in Fez
EndOf Day 07
08Departure from Fez
08
Departure from Fez
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Your memorable journey concludes with a transfer to the airport, depending on your flight schedule.
Day Highlights
- Breakfast at your accommodation
- Check out and free time until your departure
- Private transfer to Fez-Saïss Airport (FEZ) at the appointed time
- Assistance with luggage and farewell
EndOf Day 08
Extended File
Traverse Morocco from its vibrant southern gateway to its northern cultural capital on this comprehensive eight-day journey. This tour masterfully connects the energy of Marrakech with the scholarly heart of Fez, guiding you through the country's most dramatic and diverse landscapes. You'll cross the High Atlas, explor...
Logistics & Support
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Comprehensive Protection
Guest Narrative
The Guest
Ledger
01
"The entire trip was seamless. From the airport pickup to the desert camp, every detail was handled perfectly. I felt inspired."
Alex Johnson
Solo Traveler • Australia
Expedition: Desert Tour
02
"An architectural masterpiece of a journey. The balance between rugged adventure and absolute luxury was precisely what I wanted."
Sarah Miller
Luxury Explorer • United Kingdom
Expedition: Cultural Tour
03
"The light in the Sahara is unlike anything else. Direct Morocco Tours positioned us perfectly to capture the soul of the desert."
Marc Durand
Photographer • France
Expedition: Mountain Trek
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