Fes in 3 Days for Couples - Sunset & sunrise camel trek in Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
In Collaboration with Desert Life Tours. Updated on February 5, 2026.
A romantic 3-day road trip from Fes through the Middle Atlas and Sahara dunes to Marrakech — sunrise & sunset in the Erg Chebbi dunes, private tented nights under the stars, dramatic gorges and UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou. Designed for couples seeking intimate moments, scenic photo stops and comfortable pacing.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Desert Life Tours, inspired by the tour 3 Days Luxury Desert Tour From Fes To Marrakech via Merzouga. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Sunset & sunrise camel trek in Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
- Private luxury desert camp overnight
- Cedar forests & Barbary macaques near Ifrane/Azrou
- Todra Gorges and Dades Valley scenic drives
- Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO) and Atlas Film Studios
- Scenic drive over Tizi n'Tichka into Marrakech
Itinerary
Day 1
Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley — end the day with a sunset camel trek and overnight in a private luxury desert tent.
Hotel/Riad pickup in Fes
Meet your driver/guide for a morning pickup from your Fes accommodation. Confirm suitcase placement and comfort preferences (AC, seat choice).
Tips from local experts:
- Have passports and the lead traveller's phone accessible for the driver to confirm pickup.
- Ask the driver to store small valuables in the vehicle — less to carry in the medina at morning pickup.
- Request a window seat on the right side of the vehicle for the first leg (better mountain views toward Ifrane).
Drive Fes → Ifrane (scenic transfer)
Scenic mountain drive crossing into the Middle Atlas. Short comfort/photo stops en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep light layers handy — mornings in the Atlas can be cool even in May; perfect for cozy couple photos.
- Ask the guide for a quick stop at a viewpoint for a candid couple photo with pine/Alpine-style houses in the background.
- Bring sunglasses for changing light conditions as you climb; window reflections spoil photos, so step out for pictures when safe.
Explore Ifrane (short stroll & photos)
Walk around Ifrane's tidy parks and Alpine-style architecture. A quick café stop can add a cozy moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroll hand-in-hand through Al Akhawayn Park for a low-key romantic photo spot away from crowds.
- If you want a quick coffee, seek a shaded terrace with views of the town square for a relaxed break.
- Ifrane is compact and stroller-friendly; easy, low-effort stop for couples who prefer minimal walking.
Cedar Forest (Azrou) — meet Barbary macaques
Walk among ancient cedars and spot friendly Barbary macaques in the Azrou cedar forest.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a respectful distance from macaques — they make for charming photos, but avoid feeding them.
- For a romantic touch, follow a short shaded trail together to a quiet clearing for a picnic-style snack.
- Paths are relatively level here — good for comfortable strolling and close-up nature photos.
Drive through Middle Atlas → Midelt (lunch stop)
Continue the drive; stop in Midelt for a relaxed lunch and short rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a calm local restaurant or riad terrace in Midelt for a slow, romantic lunch away from busy roadside cafes.
- Order tagine or seasonal salads — Midelt-area produce is fresh in spring and perfect for lighter meals after mountain air.
- Ask for a shaded outdoor table if the weather's warm — great ambiance and people-watching together.
Ziz Valley drive (scenic palm-oasis views)
Wind down from Midelt into the Ziz Valley — dramatic contrasts between date palms and desert landscapes.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for a short photo stop where palms frame the river — golden light in late afternoon is especially romantic.
- Plan a quick shared snack near the palm groves for a private moment away from the vehicle.
- Wear comfortable shoes if stepping into the palms for photos — soft ground and small irrigation channels are common.
Arrive Merzouga — prepare for camel trek
Final drive into the Merzouga area. Change for the dunes and meet the camel handlers.
Tips from local experts:
- Change into comfortable clothes for the dunes; long sleeves protect from sun and sand and look elegant at sunset.
- Ask for a light scarf (shemagh) from handlers — it makes dramatic, romantic photos against the dunes.
- Confirm camel pace and pairings (couples often ride two adjacent camels) so you can share the sunset experience side-by-side.
Camel trek into the dunes & desert sunset
Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach your private luxury camp — watch the desert sunset together.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to sit together at the crest of a dune for sunset — the shifting colors are perfect for a souvenir photo or short video.
- Bring a compact tripod or ask your guide to take couple portraits during the golden hour.
- Sip mint tea together as the sun sets — many camps offer a welcome tea which is a cozy, intimate ritual.
Dinner & overnight in a private luxury desert tent
Private tent with ensuite (depending on the booked option), dinner with live Berber music and stargazing time.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a small lantern or candlelight table at dinner for a more intimate atmosphere under the stars.
- If you prefer silence after music, ask staff for a quieter dining spot or a private after-dinner tea near the tent.
- Stretch and take a short desert walk together after dinner — the night sky here is exceptionally clear for stargazing.
Day 2
Early sunrise in the dunes, then return to Merzouga and travel west through Rissani, Erfoud, Todra Gorges to the Dades Valley — dinner and overnight at a comfortable valley hotel.
Sunrise watch at the dunes
Wake early to watch a desert sunrise — quiet, intimate and unforgettable.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a warm layer for early-morning chill and a thermos or ask camp staff for hot tea to sip together.
- Pick a higher dune pre-arranged with staff — the panoramic view is more dramatic for couples' photos.
- Keep camera batteries warm (carry them in an inner pocket) — cold mornings drain them faster.
Breakfast at the camp
Hearty breakfast at the camp before mounting camels to return to Merzouga town.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for some fresh fruit and mint tea for a light, refreshing start after the chill of dawn.
- If you prefer a later-sit or private breakfast spot, request a terrace table — a peaceful moment together.
- Keep the breakfast relaxed — avoid heavy meals if you plan to ride camels back to town immediately.
Camel return to Merzouga & load vehicle
Camel ride back to the meeting point in Merzouga where your vehicle awaits for the westward journey.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm luggage pickup with camp staff so the vehicle is ready while you finish the camel ride.
- Take a last pair photo on the camels at the meeting point — guides can usually help capture it.
- If anyone is sensitive to motion, sit toward the middle of the camel line for a steadier ride.
Visit Rissani — traditional souk
Short visit to Rissani, a lively market town and the former capital of Tafilalet. Explore stalls and local crafts.
Tips from local experts:
- Wander hand-in-hand through quieter lanes early in the morning before the market peaks for more intimate browsing.
- Carry small change and ask vendors politely before photographing — friendly interaction makes better photos.
- If you prefer privacy, head for tea at a shaded café overlooking the souk bustle rather than the busiest stalls.
Erfoud — fossil workshop visit (short)
See fossilized marble workshops and learn about the area's prehistoric finds — a quick cultural stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a short private demonstration of polishing or carving to make the visit memorable and slightly romantic in its uniqueness.
- Avoid buying large items on impulse — arrange careful packing for fragile purchases to take to your hotel.
- Look for small fossil keepsakes as a low-cost couple memento (and ask for gift-wrapping).
Lunch break (near Tinghir / Todra)
Relaxed lunch near Todra Gorges — time to rest and sample local specialties before canyon time.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a terrace table if available — a shaded, quiet spot makes a lovely midday break for couples.
- Order a local tagine or fish (where offered) for a shared plate to sample more flavors together.
- Ask for mint tea after the meal — a cultural pause to savor while planning photos in the afternoon.
Todra Gorges — walk & photos
Explore the dramatic canyon walls of Todra Gorges. Short, easy walk along the riverbed and canyon floor — ideal for couples' photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes; the canyon floor can be rocky but is generally easy to walk together.
- For an intimate photo, climb to a small viewpoint on the quieter side of the gorge — ask the guide for a lesser-known spot.
- If you like climbing, try a short guided easy scramble together for a shared adventure memory.
Drive to Dades Valley — scenic viewpoint stops
Drive to Boumalne Dades through spectacular roadside vistas — stop for photos at the 'monkey fingers' rock formation.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to time a stop for golden-hour-style photos if daylight allows — the valley looks especially romantic late afternoon.
- Stretch legs at a scenic pullout together and enjoy a short private snack from your daypack.
- If you wish, request a coffee stop at a family-run café en route for a warm local welcome.
Dinner & overnight in Dades Valley hotel
Check-in to a comfortable Dades Valley hotel; dinner and relaxed evening with valley views.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a room with a valley or mountain view for a private terrace moment at sunrise or sunset.
- Ask the hotel to arrange a romantic table (candles or secluded corner) for dinner if you want a special atmosphere.
- Confirm wake-up and breakfast times for an easy departure next morning without rush.
Day 3
Dades Valley to Marrakech via Rose Valley, Skoura palm grove, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou — crossing the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka with photo stops — finish in Marrakech.
Breakfast in Dades Valley
Leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departure. Time for a relaxing start and couple photos with mountain vistas.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a later breakfast if you want to soak in early morning valley light and take a few photos together.
- Order fresh local bread and jam for a simple, romantic Moroccan breakfast pairing.
- Check luggage arrangement for an easy, stress-free check-out when you leave for the road.
Kalaa Magouna — Rose Valley visit (seasonal)
Short stop in Kalaa Magouna (Rose Valley) — spring is rose season and offers fragrant fields and sweet photo opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- In May the roses are typically in bloom — ask a local vendor for a small rose souvenir or rosewater sample to take home.
- Walk together among the fields for private photos; avoid the busiest farm entrances if you want quiet moments.
- Check for a local artisan selling rose-based products — a small purchase helps support the community and creates a romantic keepsake.
Skoura Palm Grove — quick stroll & photo stop
Drive through Skoura's palm groves and enjoy a short palm-lined walk — a quieter alternative to crowded palm oases.
Tips from local experts:
- Find a small shaded spot for a private pause and a shared snack in the palms.
- The palmeraie light is gentle mid-morning — perfect for relaxed couple portraits.
- Respect irrigation channels and ask to step only on established paths to preserve the palms.
Ouarzazate — Atlas Film Studios visit & short city tour
Visit Atlas Studios (one of the world’s largest film studios) and take a short drive through Ouarzazate town.
Tips from local experts:
- If you both enjoy cinema, ask the guide for the quieter backlot areas for private exploration and photos.
- Seek a calm café with a terrace in Ouarzazate for lunch or espresso — a nice midday couple pause.
- Buy a small film-themed souvenir for a playful keepsake of the trip together.
Lunch in Ouarzazate
Relaxed lunch in town; fuel up for the afternoon's highlights and mountain crossing.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a quiet riad-style restaurant if available — an intimate atmosphere is ideal for couples.
- Sample a local chicken or vegetable tagine for two, served with shared sides.
- Reserve a window or terrace table to watch the town while you eat — a calm moment before the long drive.
Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO) — explore the ksar
Visit the famous ksar of Ait Ben Haddou — climb the ancient paths and take in the fortified lanes and views.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes for the climb and pause on a high terrace for a private panoramic photo.
- Aim for the quieter upper lanes for more intimate exploration away from tour groups.
- Ask a local guide to tell a short story about a film shot here — it creates a memorable shared moment.
Cross Tizi n'Tichka pass — high Atlas photo stops
Drive across the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka with scheduled scenic stops for photos and short walks.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to stop at a high viewpoint for a shared hot drink and panoramic photos — dramatic scenery is ideal at golden hour.
- Bring light layers as temperatures change quickly when climbing the pass.
- If you suffer from motion sensitivity, sit together in front seats and take small sips of water to stay comfortable.
Arrive Marrakech — drop-off at Jemaa el-Fna / your accommodation
Conclude the tour with drop-off at central Marrakech (Jemaa el-Fna) or selected accommodation — end of services.
Tips from local experts:
- If you wish to extend your romantic time, ask the guide for a rooftop riad recommendation in the medina with dinner reservations.
- Plan a late evening rooftop mint tea in Jemaa el-Fna to cap your journey with city lights and music.
- Confirm where your luggage will be stored if you plan a short stroll in the medina before hotel check-in.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 8 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 18 |
| Total Places | 18 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Experience, Hotel, Meal, Neighborhood, Culture |
