12 Grand & desert Tour From Fez

Welcome to Fez, Morocco’s spiritual capital and one of the world’s most fascinating ancient cities. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your charming riad or hotel located within the city’s historic medina. Spend your first afternoon wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site where life unfolds as it did centuries ago. Here, artisans hammer copper, weave carpets, and dye leather using techniques passed down through generations. From the towering Bab Boujloud Gate to the aromatic spice markets and mosques echoing the call to prayer, Fez is a feast for the senses. Enjoy your first Moroccan dinner and rest in preparation for the grand adventure ahead.

Today is dedicated to discovering the imperial city of Fez, whose Arabic name means “pickaxe.” It is Morocco’s first imperial city, located in the northern inland region of the country. Fez is composed of two historical medina quarters: Fez el-Bali and Fez el-Jdid.

Our guided tour begins in Fez el-Jdid, where we’ll admire the magnificent Royal Palace with its golden gates, followed by a walk through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. We will then visit the famous Bab Boujloud Gate, decorated with blue and green tiles — the symbolic colors of the city. Next, we’ll explore the exquisite Bou Inania Madrasa, built in the mid-14th century, before heading to the Borj South Hill, offering panoramic views over the ancient medina of Fez el-Bali.

We’ll stop at a traditional ceramic factory to learn about the city’s renowned pottery craftsmanship, then continue to Fez el-Bali to explore its historical monuments. Among them is the Medersa El-Attarine, an architectural gem built in 1323 by the Marinid Sultan Uthman II Abu Said, located near the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque. Founded by Fatima al-Fihri between 857 and 859, this mosque and university became one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world.

To conclude our tour, we will visit the Chouara Tanneries, one of the oldest and most famous in Morocco, where traditional leather-dyeing methods have remained unchanged since medieval times. After this fascinating day of discovery, we’ll return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Fez

Leave the bustling medina behind and begin your scenic journey south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, a landscape of cedar forests, winding roads, and picturesque villages. Stop in Ifrane, known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” for its alpine architecture and clean, orderly streets. Continue to Azrou, home to playful Barbary monkeys in the cedar woodlands. The road leads through Midelt, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, before descending into the lush Ziz Valley, dotted with palm groves and kasbahs. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Mount your camel and trek across the golden sands as the sun paints the desert in shades of orange and red. Tonight, dine under the stars at a luxury Sahara desert camp, accompanied by Berber drum music and the timeless silence of the dunes.

Awaken early to witness one of nature’s most magical scenes — the sunrise over the Sahara dunes, where soft golden light spreads across the endless horizon. After breakfast at camp, return to Merzouga and depart for Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region and the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty. Visit its authentic souk, filled with local produce, spices, and traditional crafts. Continue toward Tinghir, where the stunning Todgha Gorges await — towering canyon walls carved by the Todgha River, offering a paradise for photographers and hikers alike. After a leisurely walk and lunch in the gorge, continue along the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where rose-colored cliffs and palm oases create a dreamlike panorama. Dinner and overnight in a charming riad overlooking the valley.

This morning, enjoy breakfast with views of the valley before traveling along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, one of Morocco’s most scenic drives. Stop at Kalaat M’Gouna, the “City of Roses,” famous for its fragrant distilleries and the annual Rose Festival celebrating the harvest of Damascus roses. Continue toward Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinematic capital, nicknamed the Hollywood of Africa. Visit the Atlas Film Studios, where epic films such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones were filmed. Explore the impressive Kasbah Taourirt, once a palace of the powerful Glaoui family. Enjoy a relaxing evening in a comfortable riad or hotel in Ouarzazate, with dinner served under the desert stars.

After breakfast, travel to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most iconic ksar (fortified village). Stroll through its ancient alleyways and climb to the top for a panoramic view of this earthen wonder, which has starred in countless movies. Continue your journey north across the High Atlas Mountains through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, reaching an elevation of 2,260 meters. The winding road offers breathtaking views of valleys, terraced farms, and Berber villages nestled in the mountainsides. By evening, descend into the red-hued city of Marrakech, where palm trees and ancient walls welcome you. Check into your riad and enjoy a relaxing dinner in the city’s lively atmosphere.

Start your day with a guided exploration of Marrakech, the “Red City,” known for its rich history, lively souks, and architectural treasures. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in the city, and admire the intricate details of the Saadian Tombs. Discover the elegant Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Andalusian design, and stroll through the bustling Medina, where each alley reveals vibrant stalls of spices, carpets, lanterns, and jewelry. In the afternoon, relax in the enchanting Majorelle Garden, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. As night falls, head to the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square, alive with snake charmers, storytellers, and street food vendors — the beating heart of Moroccan life.

After breakfast, leave the red city behind and journey west toward the breezy Atlantic coast. En route, stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative, where you’ll witness the traditional method of extracting this precious oil used in cosmetics and cooking. Arrive in Essaouira, a charming seaside town famous for its whitewashed medina, blue fishing boats, and artistic spirit. Wander through narrow streets filled with art galleries and craft shops, explore the old Portuguese ramparts, and breathe in the salty air of the Atlantic. Enjoy a seafood lunch by the port and perhaps an afternoon walk along the golden sands. Overnight in Essaouira’s peaceful medina or beachfront riad.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for Casablanca, Morocco’s modern metropolis and commercial capital. The coastal drive offers beautiful ocean views and charming seaside villages. Upon arrival, visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece built partly over the Atlantic Ocean and one of the world’s largest mosques. Stroll along the Corniche, explore the Habous District, and experience Casablanca’s elegant mix of French colonial and Moroccan styles. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable hotel overlooking the ocean or city center.

After breakfast in Casablanca, the country’s vibrant economic hub, we begin our day with a panoramic city tour. You’ll visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the world, built partly over the Atlantic Ocean. Its intricate marble, cedar, and mosaic craftsmanship showcase the very best of Moroccan artistry. Continue along the scenic Corniche of Ain Diab, a beautiful seafront promenade lined with cafés and palm trees, and explore the modern Habous District, where French colonial architecture blends harmoniously with traditional Moroccan design. You’ll also see the United Nations Square, the Royal Palace area, and other emblematic landmarks that represent Casablanca’s unique fusion of history and modernity.

After lunch, we travel north to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Upon arrival, we begin our guided visit with the impressive Royal Palace, home to the King of Morocco, before heading to the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret that dates back to the 12th century. Facing it stands the elegant Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and the resting place of King Mohammed V and his sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. We then stroll through the peaceful Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque blue-and-white fortress overlooking the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic Ocean.

Enjoy some free time in Rabat’s medina or along the palm-lined boulevards before checking into your hotel or riad. Dinner and overnight stay in Rabat — Morocco’s coastal capital that beautifully combines royal history, Andalusian charm, and a serene seaside atmosphere

After lunch, we continue toward Meknes, another imperial jewel of Morocco built by the powerful Sultan Moulay Ismail. Here, you’ll admire the monumental Bab Mansour Gate, considered one of the most beautiful in North Africa, and visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, a resting place of Morocco’s most ambitious ruler. Explore the vast Heri es-Souani granaries and the historic medina, where time seems to stand still among traditional markets and ancient walls.

In the late afternoon, the journey continues through scenic countryside and olive groves toward Fez, the cultural capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, check into your riad or hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening reflecting on the imperial wonders you’ve discovered throughout the day

After breakfast in Rabat, we depart toward the imperial city of Meknes, often referred to as the “Versailles of Morocco.” Built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, Meknes is a city of grandeur, history, and charm. Upon arrival, we’ll begin our guided tour with a visit to the magnificent Bab Mansour Gate, one of the most beautiful gates in North Africa, adorned with exquisite zellige tiles and marble columns. Nearby lies the El Hedim Square, a lively open plaza surrounded by souks, cafés, and traditional shops. We then visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, the resting place of the powerful sultan who transformed Meknes into a splendid imperial capital. Continue to the Heri es-Souani Granaries and Stables, an architectural masterpiece that once stored the sultan’s grain and housed over 12,000 horses — a true testament to Meknes’s royal power.

After lunch, we journey east toward the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, one of Morocco’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the well-preserved ruins, including the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, impressive columns, and vibrant mosaics that depict Roman myths and everyday life — all set against a backdrop of rolling green hills. This open-air museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s ancient past and its connection to the Roman Empire.

By late afternoon, we continue to Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and the cultural heart of the kingdom. Upon arrival, check in to your traditional riad or hotel within the historic medina. Enjoy dinner and a restful evening, preparing for the final day of your Moroccan adventure in this timeless city of art, religion, and learning

After breakfast at your riad or hotel, enjoy some free time to soak in the peaceful morning atmosphere of Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. You may wish to take one last stroll through the medina’s narrow alleys, filled with the scent of spices, leather, and freshly baked bread, or stop by a local shop to pick up authentic souvenirs such as ceramics, brass lanterns, or handwoven carpets — timeless reminders of your Moroccan journey.

At the scheduled time, your driver will transfer you to Fez Airport for your departure flight. As you leave this enchanting city behind, carry with you the unforgettable memories of your 12-Day Grand & Desert Tour from Fez — a journey that revealed Morocco’s most remarkable contrasts: from ancient imperial capitals to golden Sa