Trip description
The Great South of Morocco is an authentic journey to discover, above all, the magic of the country's south .
The 4x4 begins in Fez, whose Medina —a jewel of the Arab world—is a beautiful labyrinth where you can lose yourself amidst history and tradition. The road passes through unique places like Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland," and Lake Aguelmane Sidi Ali, before reaching Erfoud, considered the gateway to the Erg Chebbi Desert. There, the endless dunes and the magical aura of the desert will gift us an unforgettable night under the stars. We will leave the desert behind to cross the High Atlas Mountains, traveling through breathtaking landscapes that connect villages, gorges, and mountains. Finally, we will arrive in Marrakechcity vibrantfull of colors, aromas, artisans and artists, where every corner leaves an indelible mark on your memory.
  • Duration
    7 nights / 8 days
  • Places
    Fez, Ifrane, Aguelmame Sidi Ali, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Tinerhir, Boulmane Dades, Marrakech
  • Airport
    Fez / Marrakech
  • Price
  • Duration
    7 nights / 8 days
  • Places
    Fez, Ifrane, Aguelmame Sidi Ali, 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 the city. (Depending on the time of year, there may be a time difference).
  • Airport pickup and transfer to the Riad in the Medina or 4* Hotel.
  • Dinner and accommodation.
Note: Depending on the flight's arrival time, the guided tour of Fez could be brought forward to this day.
Day 2 of the itinerary
Fez – Middle Atlas – Aguelmane Sidi Ali

  • Walking tour of the Medina of Fez with a local guide. Considered one of the most authentic and best-preserved in the Arab world.
  • A tour through its labyrinthine medieval alleyways, full of life, craft centers, mosques and palaces.
  • Departure in a 4x4 vehicle with driver towards the south, crossing the Middle Atlas.
  • Stop in Ifrane, known as Little Switzerland for its architecture and landscapes.
  • A journey through the Giant Cedar Forests, where, if you're lucky, you can feed a colony of wild monkeys.
  • Arrival at Lake Aguelmane Sidi Ali, at an altitude of 2,200 meters.
  • Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali, a historic retreat built in 1935 and recently restored for a charming stay.
Day 3 of the itinerary
Aguelmane Sidi Ali – Ziz Valley – Erfoud

  • We will wake up at the foot of the deepest natural lake in Morocco, surrounded by a privileged natural environment.
  • Possibility of:
  • Take a walk around the lake.
  • Climb to the crater of a nearby volcano.
  • Visiting a nomadic family.
  • Enjoy the hotel's facilities, such as the heated pool.
  • (Optional) services spa and hammam.
  • Lunch at Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali.
  • In the afternoon, the journey continues towards the Desert.
  • Journey through the Ziz Valley, with more than ten million palm trees.
  • Arrival in Erfoud, known as the Gateway to the Desert.
  • Dinner and accommodation at Kasbah Xaluca, a unique accommodation in Morocco due to its special characteristics.
Day 4 of the itinerary
Erfoud – Oasis – Erg Chebbi – Bivouac de Luxe

  • Today we will experience a truly deserted day.
  • We will travel along one of the tracks used in the Dakar Rally, visiting villages and desert nomads.
  • Stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries, which are over 360 million years old.
  • -style meal in a real oasis.
  • Arrival at the Great Erg Chebbi, the desert of dunes of very fine sand.
  • I'm swapping my 4x4 vehicle for dromedariesto get into the heart of the dunes.
  • We will contemplate an unforgettable sunset from the top of the dunes.
  • Arrival at the Bivouac de Luxe, where we will sleep in traditional tents, like those used by nomads.
  • Dinner and accommodation in the desert. Sleeping under the stars is a spectacular experience.
Day 5 of the itinerary
Sunrise in the dunes – Khamlia – Rissani – Kasbah Xaluca

  • “Date with the Sunrise”: It is recommended to get up early to walk to the top of the dunes and see the sunrise.
  • Bedouin breakfast at the camp.
  • 4x4 excursion to circle the Erg Chebbi and reach the abandoned village of Merdani.
  • Visit to the Sudanese village of Khamlia, where its inhabitants will welcome us with traditional dances and mint tea.
  • Continue towards Rissani* to visit its traditional market, where the tribes and nomads of the desert still stock up.
  • Its unusual parking area is striking: the donkey "parking".
  • Climb to a natural viewpoint to enjoy one last panoramic view of the desert.
  • Return to Kasbah Xaluca and the rest of the day is free to relax after the desert experience.
  • Afternoon possibilities:
  • Bathing in the heated pool
  • Relax in the jacuzzi
  • A game of tennis or mini-golf
  • Access to the traditional hammam (optional)
  • Relaxing massage (optional)
  • biking excursion Quad through the nearby dunes (optional)
  • Chauffeured vehicles will be available to continue exploring the area or to go to Erfoud for a free stroll.
  • Dinner and accommodation at Kasbah Xaluca.
* The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. If this doesn't coincide with the tour, we will try to reschedule the visit for another time, although this isn't always possible.
Day 6 of the itinerary
Tinerhir – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

  • Exit on paved road towards Tinerhir, a small and prosperous town that offers a beautiful panorama of contrasts with its pink houses and palm groves.
  • It is the ideal starting point to explore the famous Todra Gorges, where we can walk a little following the course of the river.
  • Continuation of the journey towards Boumalne Dades, a town located at an altitude of 1,612 meters, in the heart of the Valley of the Birds, in the High Atlas Mountains.
  • In the afternoon, a tour through the Dades Valley to its spectacular gorges.
  • Arrival at the panoramic viewpoint, where we will have tea while enjoying the views.
  • During the descent, we will make a stop at the curious rock formations known as the “monkey paws”.
  • Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.
Day 7 of the itinerary
Boumalne Dades – Aït Ben Haddou – Tizi n'Tichka – Marrakech

  • A day with a long journey ahead (approximately 310 km), compensated by the spectacular landscapes we will find along the way.
  • Departure towards Marrakech.
  • En route, visit the Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the setting for various film productions.
  • We will cross the Tizi n'Tichka, the highest mountain pass in the country, where we will leave behind the lunar landscape to give way to the green, ochre and earthy colors typical of this region.
  • Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon. We recommend a first glimpse of the city by visiting the incomparable Djemaa el-Fna Square, which at that time is filled with reciters, fortune tellers, jugglers, tooth pullers, dancers, snake charmers and other colorful characters.
  • At nightfall, illuminated food stalls are set up outdoors, where you can sample typical dishes.
  • Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel.
Note: Last day with 4x4 vehicle and driver.
Day 8 of the itinerary
Marrakech – Guided tour and return

  • In the morning, a walking tour of the Medina of Marrakech with a local guide.
  • Start of the route admiring the Koutoubia Minaret, twin of the Giralda of Seville.
  • Visit to the Bay Palace.
  • A tour through the narrow streets of the Souk, where we can see artisans working live: carpet weaving, slipper making, etc.
  • Opportunity to discover and acquire a wide variety of quality local crafts.
  • Visit a Berber pharmacy, where they will explain some of their traditional remedies.
  • Return to Djemaa el-Fna Squareto observe how the daytime atmosphere completely changes compared to the nighttime atmosphere.
  • Free afternoon to practice the art of bargaining or explore the corners of the Medina on your own.
  • At the agreed time, transfer to Marrakech airport to take the return flight.
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.