We’ll have a full day to take in the incredible atmosphere that is the Fez medina with our local guide today, who will show us the most special parts of the “city of nine thousand twisted streets.” We’ll visit tanneries and craft souks, spice shops and stalls loaded with dates and olives, giving you a thorough immersion into Moroccan mercantile life. You’ll be introduced to local craftsmen whose artistic talents have been passed from generation to generation and you’ll begin to understand the fine web of traditions that make Moroccan culture so enduring and rich. After a day of getting to know the city, you’ll have the evening free to choose where you want to have dinner from local recommendations. So, save room – this city is known for its incredible gastronomy!

Today we’ll explore the Middle Atlas region as we road trip for the day. You’ll settle into your seat and watch the dramatic changes in landscape through the Middle Atlas Mountains and descending into the vast Sahara Desert. The terrain includes giant cedar forests, high arid mountains, and flattening foothills as you drop into the vast desert. Following a centuries-old caravan route, we’ll pass through the Berber capital of Midelt, an important center for local carpet making. If the weather holds, we will stop to walk around the cedar forests of Azrou to visit a local women’s association who create gastronomy and beauty products from handpicked local herbs. We’ll end the day in Erfoud, a small town in the Sahara, for a good night’s sleep before our desert adventure tomorrow.

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, ladies! Begin your immersion into the Sahara region in the Tifilalt Oasis in the Ziz Valley. Our local host will take us on a walking tour of his village where you’ll enjoy lunch at his family’s humble home. From there we’ll move onward to our desert glamping experience. As the day cools and the desert colors intensify, you’ll mount camels at the edge of the dunes. Accompanied by indigenous Touareg nomads in their famous blue-dyed turbans, we’ll ride into the vast expanse of huge, drifting sand dunes to our desert encampment for the night. After a cold drink and a delicious dinner, relax under a vast star-lit desert sky, eventually to retire to private deluxe tents with mattress beds, linens, pillows and Berber rugs with private toilet facilities in each tent.

Awaken before dawn to saddle your camel for a short ride through the dunes to watch the sun rise over the desert horizon. The true solitude and beauty of the Sahara reveals itself only in such moments. Back at the hotel on the edge of the dunes enjoy breakfast and a shower before heading out for a beautiful day exploring the farms, villages and traditional homes through the Valley of Kasbahs. In the town of Tinjedad we walk through a Ksar, a surreal roofed village of eighty families living in a complex maze of adobe streets and housing. You’ll have an opportunity to stretch your legs and get to know daily life on an optional walk in the picturesque palmerie of the Dades Valley where families tend to their crops. We’ll then get some rest in Skoura for the evening.

Today we’ll continue the journey to Marrakesh with a stop in Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best preserved kasbahs in the region. It’s also known as the “Moroccan Hollywood” because of the blockbusters that were filmed here like Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. It’s truly a feast for the eyes with breathtaking scenery. We’ll continue on to Marrakesh over the High Atlas Mountains on a windy route with spectacular views over Tizi-n-Tickka pass, the highest pass in Morocco. Descending on the other side, the landscape turns green with oaks, walnut groves and oleander bushes. Arriving in Marrakesh by afternoon, there’s time to explore the narrow streets, shops and markets before dusk. As the sun sets, the Djemaa el-Fna square comes alive with an array of jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers, musicians and soothsayers. We recommend popping into a rooftop restaurant for a drink and aerial view of the busy market below.

Today we’ll get a guided tour of the Red City with our private guide. We’ll dive into the souks, markets and food stalls. You’ll see the vibrant colors, rich aromas, music, merchants, street performers and anything else your mind conjures up when you think “exotic.” There is so much to experience in this vibrant city. We’ll walk among the narrow streets and shops of the old city, view the extensive Berber collection of clothing, jewelry, textiles, doors, baskets and carpets. The centuries will roll back as you are regaled with stories of the city’s glorious (and not so glorious) past. We’ll have options to visit the Marrakesh Museum, or walk through Jardin Majorelle, the extensive gardens of French painter Jacques Majorelle with a collection of plants from five continents. Tonight you’ll have dinner free to choose from the endless options of the amazing food scene in Marrakesh. Or, you can opt to join a guided street food tour.

Today we say goodbye…or do we? If you’ve chosen the 9 Day/8 Night package, your tour ends today and you’ll depart from here in Marrakesh. Or, if you’ve chosen to add our optional Essaouira extension, we will continue on to the hip seaside town. On the way, you’ll likely see local goats nibbling on the argan nuts in the trees. We’ll stop in Val d’Argan for a flight of wine en route to the coast. You’ll reach Essaouira in the afternoon, just in time to do a bit of exploring! It has an eclectic foodie scene (maybe the best in Morocco) and a thriving local art scene. You’ll have the night free to spend as you wish!

Many travelers at this point in their journey just enjoy a day to themselves. Essaouira is the perfect place to do this. Whether you want to pop into the local art shops or just spend a day relaxing on the beach on the south side of town, you’ll have the day to do just that! This might be the day to book yourself into a local spa (Moroccan hammam) experience. We’ll give you lots of ideas and all the guidance you need to plan a day that is perfect for you. We’ll gather for dinner for one final meal to hang with our Rise & Rove crew.

We’ll head back to Marrakesh this morning so you can depart for home or continue on to your next adventure! It is where we truly say our final farewells! If your flight time options are such that you need to fly out the next day, we will be happy to assist you in booking a nice accommodation for the night. Please see our guidance around flight times to ensure you have plenty of time at the airport for your departure.