Sahara and Big South, Private tour

Come discover the many facets of Morocco’s cultures and landscapes. Visit Marrakech’s fabulous gardens, palaces and souks; the city of Fez’s magnificent monuments; Zaouiya’s classic medina; Midelt’s stunning views of the Atlas Mountains; Merzouga’s desert and golden dunes; and Ouarzazate’s cinema and Kasbah city, all while travelling in an air-conditioned 4x4 with a professional private drive and spending the night in hotels and desert camps. A truly unforgettable experience. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Marrakech: Admire the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Agdal Garden, and wander through the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa market.

Fez: The first imperial city of Morocco is filled with history: see the magnificent Zaouia Moulay Idriss and the University of Al-Quarawiyine, enjoy lunch in the Medina, explore the historical Jewish Quarter, visit the souks and take in the panoramic views from the Royal Palace and fortifications.

Midelt: This small town between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains is a comfortable place for a break during the route from Fez to the desert.

Merzouga: Take in the glorious sights of its golden dunes.  

Ouarzazate: The perfect starting point for a desert discovery journey, known for being a popular cinema-city and its well-preserved Kasbahs.

Day 1: ARRIVAL MARRAKECH

Once you have collected your luggage, meet your driver/agent who will be waiting for you outside the airport, in front of the Arrivals exit, holding a sign with your name on it. Please do not leave the pick-up area without having met the agent/driver first. Afterwards enjoy a comfortable transfer to your selected hotel. Check in and then spend the rest of the day at leisure, be that hitting the streets and starting to explore the colourful city of Marrakech at your own rhythm or simply relaxing and enjoying the services available at the hotel. 

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 2: MARRAKECH – FEZ (530 Km – 6 Hrs)

After an early breakfast in the hotel, you’ll be picked up from your hotel reception at about 8:00 am. What follows is a delightful trip to Fez running through the quaint little towns of Settat and Berrechid, as well as Casa and Rabat, where you will make a stop for lunch (not included). At the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Fez, Morocco’s first imperial city, boasting more than 12 centuries of history as well as a Medina, which was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This fascinating city’s main sites include Fes el Bali, the inside of the Mederssa Bou Inania, the Attarine madrasah, the Quaraouiyine Mosque, the Nejjarine fountain and the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. Check in at your selected hotel, have dinner and get ready for a new, exciting adventure. 

Overnight in Fez.

Day 3: FEZ – MIDELT (216 Km – 3.5 Hrs)

If you’re feeling energetic, breakfast at the hotel can be followed by a morning tour of Fez, which would take you to explore the Medina, Fes el Bali and this city’s many interesting monuments. After lunch in the Medina (not included), it’s time to hit the road and continue towards Midelt. Along the way, you will drive through Ifrane, a city often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’, and Azrou, a lovely Berber village surrounded by a cedar forest. You’ll reach Midelt at the end of the day, a town located between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Check in at the hotel and have dinner before calling it a day in your selected hotel.

Overnight in Midelt 

Day 4: MIDELT – MERZOUGA (265 Km – 4 Hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel is followed by a fascinating tour of Midelt, after which you will climb back into the coach and drive on towards Merzouga. En route, cross the breath-taking Ziz Valley, explore for fossils in Erfoud and visit Rissani, where you have the option of having lunch. Continue then to the golden dunes of Merzouga, where you’ll feel what it’s like to be in the heart of the desert. Upon arriving at the Palmeras & Dunas Lodge, continue along the sand until reaching the camp where you’ll spend the night. Once you’re comfortably installed in the camp, enjoy a warm dinner sitting around a campfire with the local Berber team. 

Overnight in hotel in Merzouga 

Day 5: MERZOUGA – OUARZAZATE (368 Km – 5 Hrs)

Today you’ll be woken early in the morning – and with good reason! Climb to the top of a sand dune and contemplate a glorious desert sunrise. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime moment and take a memorable photo of the magnificent contrasting colours that streak the sky. Keep the magic going with a traditional breakfast, after which you will drive through the Draa Valley passing through the Berber village of Agdez to finally reach Ouarzazate. Check in to your selected hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Ouarzazate

Day 6: OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH (210 Km – 4 Hrs)

Spend the morning at leisure after breakfast in the hotel. We suggest visiting the magnificent Taourirte Kasbah, which was erected in the 17th century by the Glaoui tribe. Other attractive sites are the local cinema studio and the Fint oasis. After lunch (not included), hop onto the coach for a scenic drive along the Atlas Mountain Range to make your way back to Marrakech, where you’ll arrive in the evening. 

Overnight in Marrakech

Day 7: DEPARTURE MARRAKECH

Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to Morocco and taking your transfer to Marrakech airport depending on when you scheduled your onward flight. 

Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings in Morocco. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.