Desert tours from Fes
6 private trips · from 2 days to 7 days · starting from Fes
Fes is the closest imperial city to the Erg Chebbi dunes, which makes it an ideal starting point for the Sahara. The classic route crosses the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, the Ziz gorges and the Tafilalet oasis to Merzouga, then continues west along the Todra and Dades gorges and the Road of Kasbahs to Marrakech.
Our tours from Fes last from two days — a round trip to the dunes — to seven days with a guided day in the Fes medina and a final day in Marrakech. The one-way tours to Marrakech are the most popular: you see the desert without driving back the same way. Here is the Fes to Marrakech route, stop by stop.
All tours are private and can start at your riad or at Fes airport.
All trips (6)
Plan with our guides
PlanningFes to Marrakech through the Sahara: the route, stop by stop
Cedar forests, the Ziz gorges, the Erg Chebbi dunes, the Todra and Dades gorges and Ait Ben Haddou: the classic desert road from Fes to Marrakech.
City guideFes Travel Guide: How to Explore the World's Largest Car-Free Medina
Plan your trip to Fes, Morocco with this detailed guide to Fes el-Bali, the Chouara tannery, Al Quaraouiyine, Bou Inania Madrasa, riads, food and guides.
PlanningMerzouga or Erg Chegaga? How to choose your Sahara desert in Morocco
Tall, easy-to-reach dunes at Merzouga or a remote sea of sand at Erg Chegaga? A local guide to Morocco's two great deserts, with the trips that go there.
Sight guideBou Inania Madrasa: A Masterpiece of Marinid Art in Fes and Meknes
Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa in Fes, one of the finest examples of Marinid architecture and one of the few religious buildings in Morocco open to non-Muslims.
Sight guideThe Chouara Tannery of Fes: How to Visit Morocco's Most Famous Leather Works
A complete guide to the Chouara Tannery in Fes: its history, how traditional leather tanning works and the best viewing terraces.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Morocco?
Plan at least 7 days for a first trip: enough for one imperial city, the Sahara and Marrakech. With 3 days you can do Marrakech and one night in the desert; 10 days covers the four imperial cities, Chefchaouen and the Sahara at a relaxed pace; two weeks or more adds the Atlantic coast.
Related: How many days do you need in Morocco? Itineraries from 3 to 24 days
What is the best route for a first trip to Morocco?
The classic first route links Fes, the Sahara and Marrakech: arrive in Fes, cross the Middle Atlas to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, follow the Todra and Dades gorges and the Road of Kasbahs, and finish in Marrakech. It takes 4 to 7 days one way and avoids driving back the same road.
Which airport should I fly into?
Marrakech (RAK) is best for the south and the desert, Casablanca (CMN) has the most long-haul flights and suits grand tours, and Fes (FEZ) is ideal if you start with the imperial cities. Flying into one city and out of another (for example Fes in, Marrakech out) saves a full day of driving.
Related: Morocco tours from Casablanca
What can I see in Morocco in one week?
In one week you can combine an imperial city, the desert and Marrakech: for example a guided day in Fes, the Middle Atlas, a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes, the Todra and Dades gorges, Ait Ben Haddou and a final day in Marrakech. From Casablanca, a 7-day loop can also include Chefchaouen and Rabat.
Related: 7 Days: Enchanting Trails of Morocco
Is two weeks enough to see Morocco?
Yes, two weeks is enough to see most of Morocco without rushing: the imperial cities, Chefchaouen, the Sahara, the gorges and kasbahs of the south, and a few days on the Atlantic coast at Essaouira. A 15-day loop can also include the saffron town of Taliouine, Taroudant and the Ouzoud waterfalls.
Explore more
Other departures
By destination