Fes in 3 Days for Couples - Scenic drives through the Middle Atlas and High Atlas
In Collaboration with sahara desert crew tours. Updated on February 23, 2026.
This trip takes you through diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and allows you to explore different aspects of Morocco. During your trip with us, you will experience Moroccan culture and traditions; our driver-guides will explain and answer all the questions you may have during the trip.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with sahara desert crew tours, inspired by the tour 3 Days Fez to Marrakech via Sahara. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Scenic drives through the Middle Atlas and High Atlas
- Camel ride and overnight in Erg Chebbi desert camp
- Walks in Todgha and Dades gorges
- Visit historic Ait Ben Haddou and end in Marrakech
Itinerary
Day 1
Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). Includes afternoon camel ride and overnight in desert tents.
Hotel pickup — Hôtel Batha, Fes
Meet your driver-guide in the hotel lobby for departure. Pickup from other centrally located hotels in Fes can be arranged in advance.
Tips from local experts:
- Be in the hotel lobby 5–10 minutes before the scheduled pickup to keep the group on time.
- Keep a small day bag and any necessary medications with you (main luggage stays in the vehicle).
- Window seats are recommended for best views on the drive out of Fes — ask your driver for the side with the best scenery.
Short stop in Ifrane (Middle Atlas)
Brief photo and refresh stop in Ifrane — a mountain town known for its alpine-style architecture.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a light jacket for the cooler mountain air even in spring mornings.
- Public restrooms are available near the main square; use them before continuing long transfers.
- If you prefer a longer stop, let your driver-guide know in advance so timing can be adjusted.
Cedar Forest (Azrou) — short visit
Visit the cedar forest area near Azrou to see the native cedars and local Barbary macaques from a safe distance.
Tips from local experts:
- Do not feed or approach the monkeys; they are wild and can be territorial.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven ground and short walks.
- Carry small change for local artisan stalls if you plan to buy handcrafted items.
Scenic transfer to Merzouga (with lunch stop en route)
Long day drive across changing landscapes toward Merzouga. Driver-guide will stop for a lunch break (not included) and short rests.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sunscreen and refillable water — bottled water is available at stops but is not included.
- Charge devices while on longer break stops; vehicle may have limited charging capability.
- Motion-sickness prone travellers should sit in the front seats and consider medication before departure.
Camel ride and sunset at Erg Chebbi
Late-afternoon camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes timed for sunset, followed by arrival at the desert camp (tents).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear closed shoes and long trousers for the camel ride to reduce chafing from the saddle.
- Bring a lightweight scarf to protect from sand and a camera with extra battery for sunset photos.
- Carry a small flashlight for the walk from camel drop-off to the camp; desert nights are very dark.
Overnight in desert tents (Merzouga)
Check in to a desert camp set up with traditional tents for the night. Evening includes simple dinner and stargazing.
Tips from local experts:
- Camp facilities are basic — bring any nightly comfort items you need (eye mask, ear plugs).
- Tent heating/cooling is seasonal; bring a light layer for desert nights which can be cool in spring.
- Keep valuables locked in the vehicle before the camel transfer; camp staff can advise on secure storage.
Day 2
Merzouga → Todgha Gorges → Dades Gorges. Morning departure from the camp, walking at Todgha and scenic driving to Dades Valley with overnight in a hotel.
Early morning break at camp — sunrise & breakfast
Optional sunrise at the dunes and breakfast at camp before departure for the gorges.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want dune sunrise photos, be ready 30–45 minutes before sunrise for best light.
- Have a light breakfast at the camp before the long morning transfer to Todgha.
- Confirm any special dietary needs with camp staff the evening before.
Transfer to Todgha (Tinerhir)
Drive from Merzouga toward the Todgha Gorge area. The route traverses desert and oasis landscapes.
Tips from local experts:
- There are limited services en route — bring water and light snacks for the transfer.
- Use the rest stops to stretch legs and take photos of the changing landscape.
- Notify your driver-guide if you need additional restroom or comfort stops to pace the group.
Walk and short exploration — Todgha Gorges
Short guided walk through the Todgha Gorges where the river has carved high limestone walls.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes — the gorge floor can be uneven and sandy.
- Carry a hat and water; shade is limited in the gorge itself.
- The walking segment is moderate; inform the guide if you need a slower pace or more frequent rests.
Lunch break (not included) in Todgha/Tinerhir area
Leisurely lunch stop in the Todgha/Tinerhir area. Lunch is not included in the trip price.
Tips from local experts:
- Restaurants here are typically casual; check for menu options if you have dietary restrictions.
- Carry small change for local purchases and tips; many establishments accept cash only.
- If you prefer to skip a sit-down lunch, request a picnic box from the driver-guide at the previous stop.
Drive to Dades Gorge — scenic route
Afternoon drive along the road that runs between the Todgha and Dades gorges, with photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your camera ready for scenic viewpoints; the road has several short photo pull-outs.
- The driver may stop at local viewpoints — ask for a brief stop if you see a spot you want to photograph.
- Keep a light jacket accessible as canyon breezes can be cool in the late afternoon.
Short walk and viewpoint — Dades Gorge
Short walk and time at a viewpoint in Dades Valley. Evening at a hotel in the valley with views over the gorge.
Tips from local experts:
- The walking here is short but on uneven ground — sensible footwear recommended.
- Evening light is lovely for photos from the valley viewpoint; allow 20–30 minutes for the best shots.
- If you prefer an earlier dinner or quieter room, request it at hotel check-in; hotels vary in layout.
Overnight — Hotel in Dades Valley
Check in to a hotel in the Dades Valley for the night. Dinner and rest; hotel drop-off is included.
Tips from local experts:
- Hotel facilities vary; if you need ground-floor or step-free access, confirm this at booking.
- Evening temperatures can drop; request extra blankets if you feel chilly at night.
- Ask hotel staff about quiet rooms or a table on a terrace for a private evening view.
Day 3
Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas → Marrakech. Visit Ait Ben Haddou then cross the High Atlas to Marrakech with hotel/medina drop-off.
Breakfast and depart from Dades Valley
Morning breakfast and check-out from the hotel in Dades Valley before the day's drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Have an early breakfast to maximize time at Ait Ben Haddou and for the High Atlas crossing.
- Confirm your final belongings and luggage with reception before departure.
- If you plan a late arrival in Marrakech, let the driver know any preferred drop-off location in the city.
Drive to Ouarzazate
Scenic morning drive to the provincial city of Ouarzazate, gateway to southern Morocco and film studios.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive includes winding mountain roads; prefer a front seat if you experience motion sensitivity.
- There will be short stops for photos and refreshments; bring coins for restroom use.
- Carry your passport if you plan to enter any film studios or official sites in Ouarzazate.
Visit Ait Ben Haddou (old kasbah)
Visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou with time to walk through the old kasbah and view the site from the hilltop.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the kasbah paths are steep and uneven in places.
- Bring sun protection and water; shaded areas are limited inside the ksar.
- There is a short uphill walk to the best viewpoint; allow extra time if you prefer a gentler pace.
Lunch break (not included) near Ait Ben Haddou / Ouarzazate
Midday lunch break; lunch is not included in the trip price and can be taken at local restaurants en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Local restaurants may offer tagine and couscous; ask about ingredients if you have allergies.
- Many lunch spots accept cash only — keep some Moroccan dirhams handy.
- If you prefer, request your driver to suggest a quieter restaurant with a views of the kasbah.
Cross High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka pass
Drive across the High Atlas Mountains (Tizi n'Tichka), enjoying alpine scenery and mountain vistas en route to Marrakech.
Tips from local experts:
- Mountain weather can change quickly; keep a light layer accessible and a hat for sun.
- The pass has winding roads — prefer a front seat and follow the guide's safety instructions.
- There are roadside stalls selling local almonds and crafts; carry small change if you intend to stop.
Drop-off in Marrakech (medina / central hotel area)
Arrival and hotel or central medina drop-off in Marrakech; trip concludes on arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off address in Marrakech with the driver-guide during the final approach.
- Traffic in Marrakech can be congested; allow extra time if you have onward plans or flights.
- If staying in the medina, expect narrow streets — drivers may drop you at a nearby landmark or large hotel.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 14 |
| Total Places | 19 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Outdoor, Transfer, Experience, Break, Meal, Attraction, Culture |
