Trip description
The Great South of Morocco is a truly authentic journey to discover the south of the country. This 4x4 begins in Marrakech , a city full of color , dotted with artisans and artists , wonderful squares and aromas that will mark our memories. From the city, we will continue towards the High Atlas , discovering the landscapes as we go. We will leave the mountains behind to reach the Great Erg Chebbi Desert , a spectacle for the senses: endless dunes and that aura that magical places give off will allow us to spend an unforgettable night under the stars . The road will take us through such original places as the villages of Rissani , with its ancestral market , Lake Aguelmane Sidi Ali or Ifrane , Little Switzerland , and its Giant Cedar forests , until we reach Fez . Its Medina , the envy of the Arab world, is a beautiful labyrinth where you can get lost buying a souvenir of your stay in Morocco.
  • Duration
    8 nights / 9 days
  • Places
    Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Boulmane Dades, Tinerhir, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Ifrane, Fez
  • Airport
    Marrakech / Fez
  • Price
  • Duration
    8 nights / 9 days
  • Places
    Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Boulmane Dades, Tinerhir, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Ifrane, Fez
  • Airport
    Marrakech / Fez
  • Price
Day 1 of the itinerary
Arrival in Marrakech

  • Departure from the airport of origin towards Marrakech .
  • Arrival in Marrakech ( 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 5* hotel .
  • Accommodation.
  • Depending on your arrival time, we recommend getting to know the Medina by visiting the unique Djemaa el-Fna Square , which at this time is filled with reciters, fortune tellers, jugglers, tooth pullers, dancers, snake charmers and much more.
  • illuminated outdoor food stalls begin to appear , where you can sample typical dishes.
Day 2 of the itinerary
Discovering Marrakech

  • In the morning , we will take a walking of the Medina of Marrakech accompanied by a local guide .
  • We will start by admiring the Koutoubia Minaret , twin of the Giralda in Seville .
  • We will continue with a visit to the Bahia Palace , an architectural gem.
  • We will enter the narrow streets of the Souk , where we can see artisans working in their traditional trades: weaving carpets, making slippers , among others.
  • We will have the opportunity to find a wide variety of local crafts .
  • We will visit a Berber pharmacy , where they will reveal some of their “ secrets ” to us.
  • We will end the visit in Djemaa el-Fna Square , where the daytime atmosphere is completely different from the nighttime one.
  • In the afternoon , we'll have free time to practice the art of haggling or get lost in the most authentic corners of the Medina.
  • Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* hotel .
Day 3 of the itinerary
Route to the Central High Atlas

  • Today we will leave in a 4x4 vehicle with a driver towards the Central High Atlas .
  • The day includes a route of approximately 310 km , rewarded by the spectacular scenery .
  • We will cross the Tizi-n'Tichka mountain pass , the highest in the country.
  • We will leave behind the green and ochre colors to enter a lunar landscape .
  • We will visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou , declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the setting for multiple films.
  • We will continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of the Roses .
  • Arrival at Boumalne Dades , in the so-called Valley of the Birds , at 1,612 m above sea level in the High Atlas mountain range.
  • Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4* .
Day 4 of the itinerary
From the High Atlas to the Gateway to the Desert

  • This morning we will explore remote trails in the Central High Atlas , discovering spectacular landscapes .
  • We will visit Berber villages such as Boutaghrar , where time seems to have stopped .
  • We will see mountains, canyons, valleys and caves inhabited by nomads .
  • We will travel through the Dades Valley to its gorges , and we will arrive at the viewpoint where we will have a traditional tea .
  • During the visit, we will stop at the rock formations known as “monkey paws” .
  • In the afternoon, we will continue to Tinerhir , a small town with a beautiful panorama of pink houses and palm groves .
  • We will enter the Todra Gorges , where we will walk a little following the course of the river .
  • Later we will arrive at Erfoud , known as “the Gateway to the Desert” .
  • Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca , a unique establishment in Morocco due to its unique characteristics.
Day 5 of the itinerary
Day of Total Desert

  • Today we will experience a day dedicated entirely to the Sahara Desert .
  • We will travel along one of the original Dakar Rally tracks , passing through villages and nomadic camps .
  • We will stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries , which are over 360 million years old.
  • We will enjoy a picnic in an authentic desert oasis.
  • We will arrive at the impressive Great Erg Chebbi , the “ Desert of Dunes of the finest sand ”.
  • We will change the 4x4 vehicle for dromedaries , to enter the heart of the dunes .
  • We will experience a magical sunset from the top of the dunes.
  • Arrival at the Bivouac de Luxe , where we will stay in traditional tents , like those used by nomads.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at the bivouac. Sleeping in the desert under a starry sky is an unforgettable experience.
Day 6 of the itinerary
Sunrise in the dunes and return to Erfoud

  • Date with the Dawn ”: We recommend getting up early to climb to the top of the dunes and watch the magical sunrise .
  • Bedouin breakfast at the bivouac before resuming the journey.
  • We will go around the Erg Chebbi to the abandoned village of Merdani .
  • We will visit the village of Khamlia , of Sudanese origin, where its inhabitants will welcome us with traditional dances and a delicious mint tea .
  • Later, we'll travel to Rissani to visit its traditional market , a key trading place for tribes and nomads donkey parking lot is particularly interesting .
  • Ascent to a natural viewpoint to bid farewell to the desert with one last beautiful panoramic view .
  • We will return to Kasbah Xaluca , where we will have the rest of the day free .
  • After the desert adventure, it will be the ideal time to relax :
  • Enjoy the heated pool , jacuzzi , play tennis or mini golf .
  • Optionally, you can book a traditional hammam or a revitalizing massage .
  • For the more adventurous, there is an optional quad biking excursion through the dunes near the hotel.
  • Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca .
  • During the afternoon, vehicles and drivers will be at your disposal to continue exploring or to explore Erfoud and wander around freely.
The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and SundaysIf it doesn't match the itinerary, an attempt will be made to relocate the vehicle, or if time is limited, the vehicle will be omitted.
Day 7 of the itinerary
From the desert to the mountains: heading to Aguelmane Sidi Ali

  • Departure north through the impressive Ziz Valley , home to more than ten million palm trees .
  • We will leave the desert to begin the ascent through the Atlas Mountains , enjoying incredible landscapes .
  • I pass through Midelt until I reach Aguelmane Sidi Ali , a special enclave at 2,200 metres above sea level , next to the deepest natural lake in Morocco .
  • Lunch at the Hotel Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali .
  • In the afternoon, time to enjoy a privileged natural environment :
  • Stroll around the lake ,
  • Climb into the crater of a nearby volcano,
  • Visit a nomadic family ,
  • Or simply relax in the hotel facilities:
  • Heated pool,
  • And spa and hammam services ( optional ).
  • Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali , a fully restored refuge from 1935 charming evening surrounded by nature.
Day 8 of the itinerary
Heading to Fez: history and nature

  • Early departure towards Fez , passing through:
  • Ifrane , known as “Little Switzerland” for its architecture and alpine atmosphere.
  • The Giant Cedar Forests , where, with luck, we can feed a colony of wild monkeys that live high on the mountain.
  • Arrival in Fez and, in the afternoon, walking tour with a local guide through the old Medina , considered one of the most authentic and best preserved in the Arab world .
  • We will explore its labyrinthine medieval streets , amidst the bustle of its people,
  • We will visit craft centers ,
  • Ancient mosques and palaces steeped in history.
  • 📝 Note : Last day with 4x4 .
Day 9 of the itinerary
Return home

  • At the agreed time , transfer to Fez airport to catch the return flight .
  • 📝 Note : Sometimes flights depart in the afternoon .
  • Then:
  • On day 8 of the itinerary, a free morning would be enjoyed in Aguelmane Sidi Ali .
  • In the afternoon , the change of zone would be made towards Fez .
  • The visit with a local guide in the Medina of Fez would take place on the 9th .
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.