26/08/2026
8 Days Morocco Private Tour – Sahara, Atlas Mountains & Imperial Cities
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Tour type: Private
Route: Casablanca → Fès → Merzouga → Dades Valley → Aït Ben Haddou → Aït Bouguemez → Casablanca
Day 1 – Casablanca → Fès
Your private Morocco adventure begins in Casablanca, where your driver will meet you and welcome you to Morocco. From Casablanca, we travel directly towards Fès, giving you the opportunity to settle into the journey and enjoy the changing Moroccan landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Fès, check into your traditional riad and enjoy some free time to relax or take a short walk around the surrounding area. As this is the first day of the trip, we keep the schedule comfortable rather than filling it with sightseeing. In the evening, enjoy a Moroccan dinner and prepare for the journey into the Middle Atlas and Sahara tomorrow. Overnight in Fès.
Accommodation: Comfortable traditional riad, Fès
Meals: Dinner and breakfast
Day 2 – Fès → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
After breakfast, we leave Fès and begin our journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, known for its green landscapes and distinctive mountain architecture. We continue towards Azrou and the cedar forests, where we may stop to see the local Barbary macaques if conditions allow. From here, the road climbs and descends through the dramatic Middle Atlas scenery before reaching Midelt, where we can stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue towards the Ziz Valley, with its spectacular oasis landscapes and palm groves. As we approach Merzouga, the scenery gradually changes from mountains and valleys to the vast Sahara. Arrive in Merzouga in the evening and check into your accommodation, ready for your full Sahara experience the following day. Overnight in Merzouga.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel/riad in Merzouga
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3 – Full Day Erg Chebbi & Sahara Desert
Today is dedicated entirely to discovering the Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert. We recommend starting early with sunrise over the dunes before returning for breakfast. Later, your private 4x4 will take you deep into the desert, away from the main tourist routes. You will discover different desert landscapes, including the rocky black desert, and if possible, visit a local nomadic family to learn about their traditional way of life. You can also visit Khamlia village and experience local Gnawa music if you wish. The afternoon is reserved for the dunes. Return to the edge of Erg Chebbi and begin your camel ride at sunset, crossing the golden sands towards your desert camp. After arriving, enjoy dinner, traditional music around the fire and the peaceful atmosphere of the Sahara beneath the stars. Overnight in a desert camp.
Accommodation: Good-quality desert camp with private bathroom
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4 – Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Wake early if you would like to enjoy another spectacular Sahara sunrise. After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel towards Rissani, an important historic trading town in southeastern Morocco. From here, continue towards the Todra Valley and the spectacular Todra Gorge. We will have time to walk through the gorge and appreciate the enormous limestone cliffs and surrounding landscapes. The route then continues through traditional Berber villages and beautiful oasis scenery towards the Dades Valley. The valley is famous for its dramatic rock formations, winding roads and traditional kasbahs. In the afternoon, arrive at your accommodation and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the mountains. This part of the journey is focused on scenery and local landscapes rather than shopping stops or commercial visits. Overnight in the Dades Valley.
Accommodation: Comfortable traditional guesthouse/hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5 – Dades Valley → Valley of Roses → Skoura → Aït Ben Haddou
After breakfast, continue west through the beautiful Valley of Roses, where traditional villages and agricultural landscapes surround the valley. We then continue towards Skoura, a peaceful oasis famous for its palm groves and historic kasbahs. Along the route, there will be opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the scenery. From Skoura, continue towards Ouarzazate and then to Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco's most famous fortified villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient ksar and its traditional earthen architecture before settling into your accommodation nearby. This day offers a wonderful combination of mountain scenery, oasis landscapes, traditional villages and Moroccan architecture. There will be no shopping or cooperative visits unless you specifically request them. Overnight near Aït Ben Haddou.
Accommodation: Traditional guesthouse/hotel near Aït Ben Haddou
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 6 – Aït Ben Haddou → High Atlas → Aït Bouguemez
Today is one of the most special days of the journey as we leave the classic tourist route and head towards Aït Bouguemez, the Happy Valley. After breakfast, travel through the High Atlas Mountains, following mountain roads through remote landscapes and traditional Amazigh villages. The scenery becomes increasingly rural as we approach the valley, with terraced agricultural fields, mud-brick houses and dramatic mountain peaks surrounding the villages. Aït Bouguemez is known for its peaceful atmosphere and strong connection to traditional Amazigh life. Upon arrival, check into your local guesthouse and meet your hosts. Enjoy a traditional meal and take time to experience the slower rhythm of village life. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery. Overnight in an authentic guesthouse in Aït Bouguemez.
Accommodation: Authentic local guesthouse, Aït Bouguemez
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 7 – Full Day Hiking in Aït Bouguemez
Today is dedicated completely to Aït Bouguemez Valley. After breakfast, meet your local English-speaking mountain guide and begin a moderate 4–5 hour hike through the valley. The walking route can be adapted according to your interests and fitness level. Along the way, discover traditional Amazigh villages, old earthen architecture, agricultural terraces and spectacular views of the surrounding High Atlas Mountains. If accessible and appropriate according to local conditions, your guide can also take you towards areas associated with dinosaur footprints. The day is designed around nature and authentic local culture rather than a rushed sightseeing program. You can meet local villagers, learn about traditional farming and experience the landscapes of the Happy Valley. A home-cooked local lunch can also be arranged with a local family or guesthouse, subject to availability. Return to your guesthouse in the afternoon. Overnight in Aït Bouguemez.
Accommodation: Authentic local guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 8 – Aït Bouguemez → Casablanca
After an early breakfast, begin the journey from Aït Bouguemez to Casablanca. Because you have an international flight in the evening, we recommend leaving early and taking the most direct practical route to Casablanca rather than adding unnecessary stops. Depending on road conditions and your flight schedule, we can consider a short stop at Bin El Ouidane, but only if there is sufficient time and it does not compromise your airport arrival. Otherwise, we will continue directly towards Casablanca with a generous safety margin. Your private driver will monitor the timing throughout the journey and make sure you reach the airport comfortably before your international flight. This marks the end of your private 8-day Morocco adventure, combining the cultural heritage of Fès, the Middle Atlas, the Sahara Desert, the Dades Valley, Aït Ben Haddou and the authentic mountain landscapes of Aït Bouguemez.
Tour Highlights
Private 8-day Morocco adventure
Fès and the Middle Atlas Mountains
Ifrane and Azrou
Cedar forests and Barbary macaques
Midelt and the Ziz Valley
Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert
Private 4x4 desert excursion
Possible visit to a nomadic family
Sahara sunset camel ride
Desert camp with private bathroom
Rissani
Todra Gorge
Dades Valley
Valley of Roses
Skoura oasis
Aït Ben Haddou
High Atlas Mountains
Aït Bouguemez / Happy Valley
English-speaking local mountain guide
4–5 hour moderate hike
Amazigh villages and traditional architecture
Agricultural landscapes
Possible dinosaur footprint sites
Optional home-cooked local meal
No shopping or cooperative stops unless requested
What's Included
Private air-conditioned 4WD vehicle or comfortable minivan
Professional English-speaking private driver/guide
Private transportation throughout the itinerary
Fuel, road tolls and vehicle expenses
Driver's accommodation, meals and expenses
7 nights accommodation
Breakfast every day
Dinner at the accommodations
Private 4x4 Sahara excursion
Camel ride in Erg Chebbi
Desert camp with private bathroom
Fès local guide
English-speaking Aït Bouguemez mountain guide
4–5 hour guided hike in Aït Bouguemez
Local cultural experiences
Home-cooked meal in Aït Bouguemez, if arranged and available
Airport transfer to Casablanca on the final day
All planned stops mentioned in the itinerary
Not Included
International flights
Lunches and drinks unless specifically mentioned
Entrance fees to monuments or attractions, if applicable
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tips for the driver and local guides
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Any additional hotel upgrades
Any service not specifically listed under “Included”
