Fes
Start with a full day discovering the imperial cities of Meknes and the ancient Roman site of Volubilis, then head south across the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Sahara for a magical desert night. Return via scenic mountain routes with plenty of time for photos and relaxation. The tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and desert adventure in a comfortable round-trip format.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Departure/Return: Fes (hotel/riad pickup and drop-off)
Transport: Comfortable air-conditioned van, minibus, or 4x4
Group size: Small shared groups or private options available
Best for: First-time visitors to Fes who want both imperial history and a Sahara desert experience without traveling to Marrakech
Day 1: Fes → Meknes → Volubilis → Moulay Idriss → Fes
Morning pickup from your Fes hotel or riad. Drive to Meknes, one of Morocco's imperial cities. Explore the famous Bab Mansour gate, Lahdim Square, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the royal stables.
Continue to the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis — Morocco's best-preserved ancient site with stunning mosaics, arches, and basilica. Stop in the holy town of Moulay Idriss for panoramic views. Return to Fes in the late afternoon for overnight.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel or riad in Fes (your own or arranged)
Driving time: ≈ 3–4 hours round-trip with stops
Day 2: Fes → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)
Early departure from Fes. Drive south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane ("Moroccan Switzerland") and the Azrou cedar forest for photos and possible Barbary macaque sightings.
Pass through Midelt and descend into the scenic Ziz Valley with its lush palm groves and fortified villages. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Mount camels for a relaxing trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset.
Reach your desert camp for mint tea, a traditional Moroccan dinner, live Berber music and drumming, and a magical night under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional or luxury Berber tent camp in Erg Chebbi
Driving time: ≈ 7–9 hours with scenic stops
Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas
Wake early for a spectacular sunrise over the dunes, followed by a camel ride back (or 4x4 transfer). Enjoy breakfast at the camp and some free time for sandboarding or a short desert walk.
Depart Merzouga and drive north through the Ziz Valley with additional photo stops. Overnight in a comfortable hotel or riad along the route (often in Midelt or near the Middle Atlas) or continue toward Fes depending on pacing.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/riad in the Middle Atlas or Ziz Valley area
Driving time: Moderate (local activities + transfer)
Day 4: Middle Atlas → Fes
Breakfast, then scenic drive back to Fes through the cedar forests and mountain passes with final photo stops. Arrive in Fes in the afternoon or early evening for drop-off at your hotel/riad.
Meals: Breakfast
Driving time: ≈ 5–7 hours with stops
Q: How does this tour balance imperial cities and the desert?
A: Day 1 is dedicated to Meknes and Volubilis, while Days 2–3 focus on the Sahara, with a relaxed return on Day 4.
Q: Is the driving tiring?
A: Day 2 has the longest drive, but it is broken with beautiful stops. The desert experience makes it worthwhile.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Layered clothing (cooler in mountains, hot desert days, cold nights), comfortable walking shoes for Volubilis and kasbahs, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, scarf, small daypack, cash, and a power bank.
Q: Are dietary needs accommodated?
A: Yes — inform your driver on the first day.
Q: Can I upgrade the desert camp to luxury?
A: Yes — luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms are widely available at extra cost.
Q: Is this suitable for families?
A: Suitable for most families and able travelers. Long drives and camel rides should be considered for younger children or mobility concerns.
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Explore more tours from Fes
Enjoy a well-paced journey from the imperial city of Fes across the Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley to the edge of the Sahara. Ride camels into the dunes at sunset, indulge in luxury glamping under the stars with excellent dining and live music, wake to a breathtaking desert sunrise, and return refreshed with scenic mountain views.
Enjoy a private adventure crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains and the scenic Ziz Valley before reaching the edge of the Sahara. Ride camels into the dunes at sunset, spend the night in a traditional or luxury Berber camp with excellent service, witness a magical sunrise, and return to Fes the next day refreshed.
Depart Fes early and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and scenic Ziz Valley to reach the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy a sunset camel ride, spend the night under the stars in a Berber desert camp with traditional music and dinner, wake up to a magical sunrise, and return to Fes the following day with fresh mountain scenery.