Trip description
The Great Southern Morocco is an authentic journey to discover the south of the country in depth. This 4x4 begins in Fez , where its Medina , the envy of the Arab world, envelops us in a beautiful labyrinth full of history and life. The route takes us through such original places as the villages of Ifrane , known as Little Switzerland , and the impressive Lake Aguelmane Sidi Ali , until reaching Erfoud , the gateway to the Great Erg Chebbi Desert , a spectacle for the senses. The endless dunes and the magical aura that these unique landscapes give off will allow us to experience an unforgettable night under the stars . After the immensity of the desert, we will cross the High Atlas , discovering new landscapes full of authenticity at every step. The route culminates in Marrakech , a city full of color , dotted with artisans and artists , with wonderful squares and aromas that will remain engraved in our memories.
  • Duration
    9 nights / 10 days
  • Places
    Fez, Ifrane, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Tinerhir, Boulmane Dades, Marrakech
  • Airport
    Fez / Marrakech
  • Price
  • Duration
    9 nights / 10 days
  • Places
    Fez, Ifrane, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Tinerhir, Boulmane Dades, Marrakech
  • Airport
    Fez / Marrakech
  • Price
Day 1 of the itinerary
Arrival in Fez

  • Departure from the airport of origin to Fez .
  • Arrival in Fez . (Depending on the time of year, there may be a time difference. )
  • Pick up at the airport and transfer to the Riad in the Medina or 4* Hotel .
  • Dinner and accommodation.
  • Note : Depending on your flight arrival time , the guided tour of Fez may be moved forward to this day, leaving the following day free to enjoy the change of area .
Day 2 of the itinerary
From Fez to the Middle Atlas and Aguelmane Sidi Ali

  • In the morning , we will take a walking tour with a local guide through the ancient Medina of Fez , one of the most authentic and best preserved in the Arab world .
  • We will walk through its labyrinthine medieval streets , full of life, with craft centers , mosques and palaces .
  • In the early afternoon , departure in a 4x4 vehicle with driver heading south, crossing the Middle Atlas .
  • We will pass through Ifrane , known as " Little Switzerland " for its architecture and surroundings.
  • We will cross the Giant Cedar Forests , where, with luck, we will be able to feed a colony of wild monkeys .
  • Arrival at Aguelmane Sidi Ali , a natural enclave at an altitude of 2,200 metres .
  • Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali , a charming retreat built in 1935 and recently restored.
Day 3 of the itinerary
From Lake Aguelmane Sidi Ali to the Erfoud Desert

  • We will wake up next to the deepest natural lake in Morocco, in a privileged natural .
  • Possibility of:
  • Stroll around the lake.
  • Climb the crater of a nearby volcano.
  • Visit a nomadic family.
  • Enjoy the hotel facilities :
  • Heated pool.
  • Spa and hammam services ( optional ).
  • Lunch at Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali .
  • In the afternoon , continuation of the trip to the Desert .
  • I pass through the Ziz Valley , with more than ten million palm trees .
  • Arrival in Erfoud , known as "the Gateway to the Desert" .
  • Accommodation and dinner at the Kasbah Xaluca , listed as unique in Morocco for its peculiar characteristics .
Day 4 of the itinerary
Total Desert Day: Oasis, Dunes and Night Under the Stars

  • We will travel along one of the tracks used in the Dakar Rally , exploring desert villages and nomads .
  • Stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries , over 360 million years old .
  • Picnic-style food in an authentic oasis .
  • Arrival at the Great Erg Chebbi , the famous desert of fine sand dunes .
  • We change from the 4x4 vehicle to camels to enter the heart of the dunes .
  • We will enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the golden sand.
  • Arrival by camel to the Bivouac de luxe , where we will spend the night in traditional tents like those used by desert nomads .
  • Accommodation and dinner at the camp.
  • A spectacular night under the stars that will be remembered forever.
Day 5 of the itinerary
Sunrise in the Dunes and Return to Comfort

  • “Date with the Dawn” : We recommend getting up early to climb to the top of the dunes and watch the sunrise .
  • Bedouin breakfast at the camp.
  • Departure by car to go around the Erg Chebbi until reaching the abandoned village of Merdani .
  • Visit to the Sudanese village of Khamlia , where its inhabitants will welcome us with traditional dances and mint tea .
  • Excursion to Rissani* to visit its traditional market , a supply center for tribes and nomads.
  • Curious visit to the donkey “parking lot” .
  • Climb to a natural viewpoint to bid farewell to the desert with a panoramic view.
  • Return to Kasbah Xaluca and free afternoon to relax :
  • Heated pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Tennis or mini golf
  • Traditional hammam (optional)
  • Relaxing massage (optional)
  • Quad biking excursion through the dunes (optional)
  • Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca .
  • Chauffeur-driven vehicles will be available in the afternoon if you wish to continue exploring the area or stroll around Erfoud .
* The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. If the market doesn't coincide with the route, we will try to reschedule your visit, although this is not always possible.
Day 6 of the itinerary
From Erfoud to the Todra Gorges and Dades Valley

  • Departure by road to Tinerhir , a prosperous town with a beautiful panorama of pink houses and lush palm groves.
  • Ideal starting point for visiting the famous Todra Gorges , where we will take a light walk following the course of the river.
  • Continue to Boumalne Dades , located at 1,612 meters above sea level in the Valley of the Birds , in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains .
  • In the afternoon, tour the Dades Valley until reaching its spectacular gorges .
  • Stop at a panoramic viewpoint where we will enjoy tea with a view .
  • On the descent, a brief stop to observe the curious rock formation known as the “monkey’s paws .
  • Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4* .
Day 7 of the itinerary
Exploration of the Central High Atlas and the M'Goun Gorges

  • We will go deep into the Central High Atlas mountain trails , discovering spectacular landscapes .
  • We will visit Berber villages such as Boutaghrar and Amskar , where time seems to have stopped.
  • We will enjoy the diversity of landscapes : mountains, canyons, valleys and caves inhabited by nomads .
  • We will walk through the M'Goun Gorges , a stunning and little-traveled natural setting.
  • Lunch en route, in an authentic local “Gite d'Etape”
  • Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4* .
Day 8 of the itinerary
From the Atlas Mountains to Vibrant Marrakech

  • A journey of approximately 310 km , offset by the spectacular scenery along the way.
  • Departure towards Marrakech crossing the High Atlas .
  • Visit to the Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for international films and series.
  • Crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass , the highest road pass in the country, with incredible panoramic views .
  • Transition from the lunar landscape of the south to the green and ochre tones of the north.
  • Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon.
  • We recommend getting your first taste of the city by visiting Djemaa el-Fna Square , where in the evening the atmosphere is filled with street performers , traditional food and popular shows .
  • Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel.
Note: Last day of use of the 4x4 vehicle with driver.
Day 9 of the itinerary
Discovering the Secrets of Marrakech

  • Walking tour of the Medina of Marrakech with a local guide .
  • Start at the Koutoubia Minaret , twin sister of the Giralda in Seville .
  • Tour of the Bahia Palace , a jewel of Moroccan architecture.
  • Immerse yourself in the narrow streets of the Souk , filled with artisans in action :
  • Carpet weaving
  • Making slippers
  • Infinite variety of traditional crafts
  • Visit a Berber pharmacy , where we will learn about some of their natural remedies and traditional secrets .
  • Return to Djemaa el-Fna Square , with a daytime atmosphere very different from the previous night.
  • Free afternoon to practice the art of haggling or discover the hidden corners of the Medina .
  • Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel.
Day 10 of the itinerary
Return Home

  • At the agreed time , transfer to Marrakech airport .
  • Boarding for the return flight to the city of origin.
At Xaluca Tours, all our programs are custom-designed to suit each traveler. Below, you can find the document with indicative prices for this program during peak and off-peak seasons.

👉 View program with detailed prices.

Remember that these prices are only a reference: each trip is quoted individually based on the number of people, dates, accommodation category, and included services.