Day 1: Exploring the medieval medina of Fes

Welcome to Fes, the oldest imperial city of Morocco, a home to one of the world's largest pedestrian zones. Much of the city hasn't been touched in hundreds of years, taking visitors back to medieval times. You’ll spend a half day with your guide, delving into the frenzy of the maze-like alleyways. You’ll start by Fes el Bali, by going through the impressive Bab Boujeloud gate and work your way in. You’ll browse leather goods in a shop next to the Chouara Tannery, before heading upstairs for a view of the 11th-century dye pots. Afterwards, you’ll visit the oldest operating university in the world, Al-Qarawiyyin University (859 ACE) and catch a glimpse of the decorated interior of the Mosque (non-Muslims cannot enter). You’ll explore as well the Al Attarine Madrasa and marvel at the intricate Zellij (mosaic tilework). You’ll finish your day by visiting Fes el Jdid to check out the Mellah (Jewish quarter and cemetery) and if there's time, you’ll be able to catch the sunset from the vantage point of the Merenid Tombs.

Day 2: Through cedar forests and into the desert

After an early breakfast, you’ll head toward Merzouga. Along the way, you will climb up over the Col of Zad pass (7,146 feet or 2,178 m), by going through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains. You’ll enjoy sightings of the local Barbary macaque monkeys before stopping for lunch in Midelt nearby Moulouya River. And then, you’ll continue over Tizi n'Talremt pass and into the Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oases and palm tree clusters. Along the road, you will see many fortified houses known as ksars—built to protect precious wares, including gold, salt, and spices. Afterwards, you’ll continue to Erfoud, known for its date festival and fossil mining. Here you’ll be able to visit a local collective to learn more about the process and meet some local artisans. Then you’ll hit the road to Erg Chebbi, an extensive sea of sand dunes which shift and travel depending on the changing wind! By reaching Merzouga, you’ll ride your camel and climb through the dunes to your camp. And then, you’ll have the opportunity to climb a nearby sand dune to watch the sunset before returning to camp for a delicious dinner, relaxing by the campfire.

Day 3: Desert towns, lush oases, caravan routes and fortified Kasbahs

Start your day by catching the sunrise before renting a sand board to test your skills. And then, you’ll leave the dunes and head to Khemliya, a traditional Saharan village—its people are originally from Mali. You’ll continue west to pass through a dramatic gate into Rissani. A market town which holds a livestock auction and home for a "donkey parking lot", a site worth experiencing! Afterwards, you’ll make your way to the desert town of Tinghir before reaching the Todra Gorge. You will have time to explore the gorge and relax in the cool water of the shallow Todra River. You’ll travel through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs; you may even come across nomads herding their animals. And then, you’ll head west to Kela'a M'gouna, which is known for its Roses festival, here you’ll see extensively cultivated farmland bordered with fragrant rose bushes. Eventually, you’ll continue west to Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara Desert, where you’ll have a studio tour, popular for its international shooting film industry, and discover the nearby desert landscapes.

Day 4: Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, Tizi n'Tichka Pass over the High Atlas to Marrakech

After breakfast, you’ll head toward Morocco's most famous kasbah and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Aït Benhaddou. It is estimated the old Ksar, dates from the 11th century when it held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route. You’ll stop to explore the narrow streets and passageways of this traditional mud-brick city. From there, you’ll go through the winding road over the High Atlas Mountains, noting the highest peak: Mount Toubkal (13,671 feet or 4,167 m). And then you’ll stop near the top of Tizi n'Tichka Pass to admire the view over the mountain range. Afterwards, you’ll stop at an Argan Oil Cooperative in Taddert to learn how olives are processed, before making your descent down the High Atlas. Upon arriving in the Red City of Marrakech, you’ll settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like. You can visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque to its west. And then, wander around the attached gardens, dotted with fountains, pools, flowers, and palm trees, perfect for a late afternoon stroll when the late-day sun glows on the minaret. Orient yourself around to Jemaa el-Fna Square and discover the lively activity: musicians, performers, snake charmers, and bustling stalls. Grab something to eat or choose a nearby café and enjoy the show!

Day 5: Exploring the Marrakech & Departure

As Morocco's second largest city, Marrakech can be a shock to the senses with its Berber roots rather than Arab. After breakfast, you’ll meet with your guide and start your tour browsing the stalls in the spice market, Souk el-Attarin, or Souk Smata for your choice of slippers, rugs, and leather goods. And then, you’ll visit Ben Youssef Madrasa school of Islam and admire the fine example of Moroccan architecture and intricate craftsmanship. As you walk Marrakech's alleys, you’ll notice the Fondouks—medieval inns that provided merchants with shelter and supplies—that have been converted into homes and shopping areas.
Depending on your flight details, you may wish to visit a few sites south of Jemaa el-Fna. Consider the 500-year old Saadian Tombs, the extensive courtyard and sunken gardens of the 17th-century El Badi Palace, or the intricate woodwork and painted ceilings of the 19th-century Bahia Palace. Or, stick closer to Jemaa el-Fna and visit the Almoravid Kouba, the Marrakech Museum, housed in the 19th-century Dar Mnebbi Palace and home to a collection of sculptures and Moroccan artwork, or the Museum of Moroccan Arts, known for its extensive woodwork collection. And if time allows, take a respite in the Majorelle Gardens before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.