Day 1: Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Midelt, and the Atlas Mountains

After breakfast at your riad, depart Fes for Ifrane, a charming mountain village often called "the Switzerland of Morocco," before continuing to Midelt. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Middle and High Atlas mountains, with a stop at Azrou, a Berber village nestled in the largest cedar forest in Morocco, where you might spot Barbary apes. Your journey continues through the breathtaking Tizi Ntalghamt pass and Ziz Gorge, revealing hints of the desert landscape as you approach Errachidia. Then travel through the lush Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views en route to Erfoud and Rissani, arriving in Merzouga by afternoon for an overnight stay in a riad.

Day 2: Exploring Merzouga and the Dunes

Following breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the Merzouga area, visiting the village of Khamlia and the Mifis mines, as well as meeting nomadic families living between the dunes and the Algerian border. Return to the hotel for a refreshing glass of mint tea before embarking on a camel ride led by an experienced guide into the golden sands of Merzouga. Enjoy dinner in front of your tent, where you'll spend the night.

Day 3: Merzouga to Dades via Todra Gorges and Tinghir

Wake up early for what may be the best sunrise of your life, followed by a peaceful camel trek back to Merzouga. After breakfast at the riad, depart for Rissani, Tinghir, and the stunning Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. Enjoy a short hike in the heart of the gorge before driving through the Dades Valley, where you’ll marvel at the remarkable rock formations known as "monkey toes." Overnight accommodation will be at a Hotel in the valley.

Day 4: Dades Gorges to Marrakech via Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, and the High Atlas Mountains

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the final leg of your trip along the Thousand Kasbah route through the Rose Valley, with a visit to the 17th-century kasbah in Skoura and the Taourirt Kasbah, the former residence of the Glaoui. Enjoy lunch in Ouarzazate before heading to Ait Benhaddou, the oldest kasbah in southern Morocco. Finally, make your way to Marrakech, driving for about four hours through the Tizi N'Tichka pass, arriving around 6:00 PM.