Across the Atlas Mountains and Cedar Forests

Leave Fes and head south toward the Sahara Desert for an unforgettable experience: a camel ride and an overnight stay under the starry sky. Continue traveling south, crossing the Middle Atlas mountain range and the Zad Pass ($2,178$ meters – $7,146$ feet). As you travel toward Midelt (the "Apple City"), you will drive through the cedar forest where you can see families of Barbary apes in the trees and along the roadside. Enjoy the scenery of cedar trees and apple orchards along the way.

The Ziz Gorges and the Legionnaire Tunnel

Next, travel to the Ziz Valley over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'Tlghmet Pass ($1,900$ meters – $6,233$ feet), which links the cities of Fes and Meknes to the Sahara Desert. Wind down through the dramatic Ziz Gorges starting from Rich; these gorges provide a rocky passage south through the "Tunnel du Légionnaire," built by the French in 1928. The river here brings life to the southern valley.

Oases, Ksars, and Fossil Treasures

Continue to the Ziz Valley, where the largely hidden river feeds a string of oases. Dotted along its greenbelt are many Ksours (fortified houses), built to protect families in a tradition that lasted until the 1930s. Travel to Erfoud, famous for its annual date festival and fossil mining. Visit a fossil factory to learn how fossil rock is transformed into decorative products such as tables and fountains.

Sunset Camel Ride and Berber Camp

Erg Chebbi is our final destination of the day. Here, you will prepare to mount your camel and cross the sand dunes to reach your Berber camp. Along the way, you can stop to witness the sunset before heading straight to the camp, where you will enjoy dinner and traditional Berber music.

Sunrise and Desert Landscapes Wake up early to catch the sunrise before enjoying breakfast at your hotel near the sand dunes. Our desert journey continues toward Erfoud for a second visit. On the way to the Toudra Valley, we drive through many desert towns and see numerous Kasbahs (fortified houses), which offer incredible views of the villages situated near the extensive Toudra River, surrounded by 48 km of palm groves.

Exploring the Toudra Gorges Leave the main road to walk through the Toudra Gorges, located 15 km from the city of Tinghir. Its huge walls change color with a magical effect; you can walk through the canyon and relax by the cool water.

The Dades Valley and Local Farmlands Shortly after walking through the Toudra Gorges, we return to the main road to travel toward the Dades Valley. Along the way, the valley reveals traditional Berber villages and lush farmland filled with almond and fig trees. You will spend the night at your hotel in the Dades Valley.

The Valley of Roses and Skoura Oasis Travel along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and pass through the Dades Valley. Stop in the Rose Valley, famous for its annual Rose Festival. Here, you can visit a local cooperative to learn how rose petals are transformed into rose water and oil. Visit Kela'a M'gouna to gaze at the manicured rose bushes. Continuing westward, you will drive through the immense Oasis of Skoura on your way to Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate: The Hollywood of Morocco Arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the "Hollywood of Morocco." Stop to admire the 17th-century Taourirt Kasbah, a historic building made of a traditional mud and straw mixture. You can learn about the region's cinematic history, as scenes from Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Black Hawk Down were filmed nearby. To understand more about the filming process, you may take an optional tour of Atlas Studio or visit the Musée du Cinema to see locations featured in films and series like Prison Break and Game of Thrones.

Ait Benhaddou UNESCO Heritage Site Half an hour later, the road turns toward the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 17th century. It was once a vital trading center for Berber tribes and caravans traveling from the Sahara Desert to Marrakech. Wander through its alleys and passageways before climbing to the top to reach the granary, where you can admire a panoramic view of the village and the surrounding area. You can even cross the river to explore the gate featured in the Game of Thrones series.

Crossing the High Atlas Mountains Travel toward Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains. As you drive, you will notice the dramatic changes in the landscape. Climb over the Tizi N'Tichka pass (2260 meters) and stop to admire the scenery and stretch your legs. As you descend the pass, visit an Argan oil cooperative to learn how Argan fruits are turned into products like oil and skincare. You will notice the climate and sights changing once more as you leave the mountains, with an expected late afternoon arrival in Marrakech.

The Red City and its Berber Heritage Far from the old Medina of Fes, Marrakech has deeper Amazigh (Berber) than Arab historical roots. Marrakech, nicknamed the "Red City," has always been a major economic center for the Berber tribes of the Atlas Mountains. Start your day by visiting the top tourist attractions of this vibrant city.

Historic Palaces and Royal Tombs Next, visit the Bahia Palace, a stunning 19th-century structure featuring rooms beautifully decorated with stucco, paintings, and mosaics, as well as several lush gardens. Continue to the Saadian Tombs, an ancient royal necropolis located inside the royal Kasbah on the southern side of the Kasbah Mosque.

Jemaa el-Fna and the Koutoubia Mosque Marrakech's main square, Jemaa el-Fna, is a famous marketplace in the heart of the Medina. Popular with both locals and tourists, it remains the soul of the city; in the afternoon, the square comes to life with musicians and storytellers. Orient yourself to the west to find the Koutoubia Mosque and its beautiful garden. Built in the 12th century, its minaret remains the tallest building in Marrakech, standing at 70 meters.

Architectural Gems and the Majorelle Garden Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Islamic school, to admire its exquisite tile work and carved cedar ceilings. Finally, head to the new city (Nouvelle Ville) to find the Majorelle Garden. This one-hectare botanical garden and artist landmark was created by the French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle starting in 1923. He worked on it for nearly forty years, and it includes a famous cubist villa designed by the French architect Paul Sinoir.

Departure Transfer Depending on your flight details, you will be transferred from your hotel to the Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure.