6 Days Fes to Marrakech Tour with Ourika Valley Excursion

Depart from Fes early in the morning and head south through the rolling landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, a charming town often called “Little Switzerland” because of its clean streets, European-style architecture, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Take a short stroll through the town center, enjoying the crisp mountain air and calm atmosphere before continuing to Azrou, known for its cedar forests and playful Barbary apes. Walk among towering cedar trees, enjoy the scent of the forest, and see the monkeys interacting in their natural habitat. Continue your journey through scenic Berber villages and terraced fields that reveal the centuries-old agricultural traditions of the region. Stop in Midelt, a mountain town famous for apples and surrounded by dramatic peaks, for refreshments before descending toward Erfoud and Rissani. As you travel, the landscape gradually changes from green mountains to the golden, arid edges of the Sahara Desert. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where camels await for a sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience the magical desert sunset, then enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and Berber music at your desert camp, spending the night under the star-studded sky.

Wake early to witness the stunning sunrise over the Sahara dunes, when the first light paints the sand in hues of pink and gold. After breakfast, depart the desert for the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas region. The first stop is the Todra Gorges, a magnificent canyon with sheer cliffs soaring over 300 meters. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbed and enjoy the spectacular scenery while observing local villagers tending their gardens and livestock. Continue to the Dades Gorges, also called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where winding roads and jagged cliffs create one of Morocco’s most photogenic landscapes. Along the way, marvel at ancient kasbahs, lush palm groves, and the stark contrast between rocky cliffs and green valleys. Overnight stay in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, enjoying traditional Moroccan hospitality, panoramic views, and a relaxing evening after a full day of sightseeing.

After breakfast, drive west toward Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Gateway to the Desert,” known for its cinematic history and historic architecture. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, once a residence of the influential Glaoui family, or make a brief stop at the Atlas Film Studios, where famous international films were shot. Continue to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its mud-brick architecture and historic role as a caravan trading post. Explore the narrow streets, climb to panoramic viewpoints, and imagine life centuries ago in this fortified village. From here, cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, taking in dramatic views of rugged peaks, valleys, and scattered Berber villages. Descend into the fertile plains and arrive in Marrakech in the evening for an overnight stay in a riad or hotel.

After breakfast, set out for a full-day excursion to the Ourika Valley, located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. This lush, green valley is dotted with small Berber villages, rivers, and olive and fig orchards. Visit traditional markets and meet local villagers, observing daily life in the valley. Hike or walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls, where a series of cascades flow into the river below, offering a refreshing contrast to the desert landscapes experienced earlier. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the tranquil atmosphere of this verdant region. Return to Marrakech in the late afternoon for an overnight stay, enjoying the city’s evening ambiance or a leisurely dinner in a traditional Moroccan restaurant.

Spend a full day exploring Marrakech’s highlights. Begin at Jemaa el-Fna Square, the lively heart of the medina, alive with storytellers, musicians, and street performers. Wander through the colorful souks, filled with spices, textiles, ceramics, and handcrafted goods, experiencing the sights, sounds, and scents of traditional Moroccan marketplaces. Visit the opulent Bahia Palace, with its intricate tilework, carved wood, and tranquil gardens, followed by the Saadian Tombs, a masterpiece of 16th-century Moroccan architecture. End the day at the peaceful Majorelle Garden, an oasis of cobalt blue and exotic plants. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

After breakfast at your riad or hotel, enjoy any final sightseeing or shopping in Marrakech, taking in the last moments of the vibrant city atmosphere. Then, you will be transferred to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure, concluding your 6-day journey from Fes to Marrakech, which combined mountains, desert, gorges, Ourika Valley, and Marrakech city highlights.