Trip description
The Great South of Morocco is an invitation to discover the most authentic side of the country. A 4x4 route that starts in Marrakech , a vibrant city, full of intense colors , dotted with artisans and artists , charming squares and intoxicating aromas that are etched in the memory. From here, we will enter the High Atlas , crossing imposing landscapes until we leave the mountains behind and reach the Great Erg Chebbi Desert . There, the endless golden dunes and the magical silence of the desert will give us a unique night under the stars . The journey continues through such unique enclaves as Rissani , with its ancestral market ; Lake Aguelmane Sidi Ali , a corner of high-altitude serenity; or Ifrane , known as Little Switzerland , surrounded by Giant Cedar forests . Finally, we will arrive at Fez , where its legendary Medina , considered the best preserved in the Arab world, becomes the perfect setting to lose yourself among narrow streets, souks and unforgettable memories of Morocco.
  • Duration
    9 nights / 10 days
  • Places
    Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Boulmane Dades, Tinerhir, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Aguelmame Sidi Ali, Merdani, Rissani, Ifrane, Fez
  • Airport
    Marrakech / Fez
  • Price
  • Duration
    9 nights / 10 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, it is recommended to get your first taste of the Medina by visiting the unique Djemaa el-Fna Square , which at that time is filled with reciters, fortune tellers, jugglers, tooth pullers, dancers, snake charmers and much more.
  • At dusk small, 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 guided walking tour of the Medina of Marrakech with a local guide .
  • We will begin by admiring the Koutoubia Minaret , twin of the Giralda in Seville .
  • We will continue towards the Bahia Palace .
  • We will enter the narrow streets of the Souk , where we will see different artisans :
  • Carpet weavers
  • Slipper makers
  • And a wide variety of traditional crafts
  • We will visit a Berber pharmacy , where they will reveal some of their ancestral “secrets” .
  • We will end the route at 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 authentic and hidden of the Medina at our leisure
  • Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* hotel .
Day 3 of the itinerary
Heading to the Central High Atlas

  • Departure with 4x4 vehicle and driver towards the Central High Atlas .
  • A journey of approximately 310 km , with spectacular landscapes that will make the trip very enjoyable.
  • We will cross the Tizi-n'Tichka , the highest mountain pass in the country , where the green and ochre tones give way to an lunar landscape .
  • En route, we will visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou , declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and famous for being the setting for numerous films .
  • Continuation of the trip passing through Ouarzazate and the Valley of the Roses , until reaching Boumalne Dades , a town located in the Valley of the Birds , at 1,612 meters above sea level in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains .
  • Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4* .
Day 4 of the itinerary
Exploration of the High Atlas and the M'Goun Gorges

  • Adventure day along remote trails in the Central High Atlas spectacular landscapes of .
  • Visit Berber villages such as Boutaghrar and Amskar time seems to .
  • Observation of caves inhabited by nomads , an authentic image of life in the mountains.
  • Hiking tour of the M'Goun Gorges , one of the most beautiful and less traveled areas in southern Morocco.
  • Lunch en route in a traditional Gîte d'Étape , a rural mountain accommodation.
  • Return, accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4* .
Day 5 of the itinerary
From Dades to the Desert through Todra

  • Morning tour of the Dades Valley , with a stop at its impressive gorges and a visit to the viewpoint where we will have tea .
  • Stop at the curious rock formations known as “monkey paws” .
  • Continue to Tinerhir , a picturesque town of pink houses and palm groves , access point to the Todra Gorges .
  • Hike through the Todra Gorges , following the course of the river between vertical cliffs.
  • Route to Erfoud , known as “the Gateway to the Desert” , and arrival at the Kasbah Xaluca , accommodation and dinner in a unique and charming setting.
Day 6 of the itinerary
Adventure in the Great Erg Chebbi Desert

  • Full day of desert exploration in a 4x4 vehicle, following tracks from the legendary Dakar Rally .
  • Visit to remote villages and meet with desert nomads .
  • Stop at the impressive Marine Fossil Quarries , over 360 million years old.
  • lunch in an authentic oasis , surrounded by nature and silence.
  • Arrival at the Great Erg Chebbi , the Desert of fine sand dunes .
  • Swap the 4x4 for camels to enter the heart of the dunes and experience an unforgettable sunset .
  • Accommodation in a Bivouac de Luxe , in traditional tents , with dinner included .
  • A magical night under the stars , nomadic style.
Day 7 of the itinerary
Sunrise among the dunes and rest at Kasbah Xaluca

  • “Date with Dawn” : It is advisable to get up early to climb to the top of the dunes and watch the sunrise over the desert.
  • Bedouin breakfast at the Bivouac and return by 4x4.
  • Route to the abandoned village of Merdani and visit to the Sudanese village of Khamlia traditional dances and mint tea .
  • Stop in Rissani * to explore its ancient market , a trading post for tribes and nomads. A curious visit to the famous donkey parking lot .
  • Climb to a natural viewpoint to bid farewell to the desert with a unique panoramic view .
  • Return to Kasbah Xaluca and free afternoon to relax after the desert adventure.
  • Possibility of enjoying the heated pool , jacuzzi , tennis , mini golf , or a hammam (Turkish bath) or an optional massage .
  • For the more adventurous, there's the option of taking a quad bike excursion through the dunes surrounding the hotel.
  • Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca.
  • Note: The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays . If you cannot match up, an attempt will be made to reschedule the market or the visit will be cancelled.
Day 8 of the itinerary
From Aguelmane to the heart of the Atlas

  • In the morning , we head north through the impressive Ziz Valley home to over ten million palm trees
  • We will leave the desert behind to begin the ascent through the Atlas Mountains , enjoying spectacular landscapes as we go.
  • I pass through Midelt until I reach Aguelmane Sidi Ali , a natural enclave located at 2,200 meters above sea level , next to the deepest natural lake in the country.
  • Lunch at the Hotel Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali.
  • In the afternoon , free time to enjoy this privileged natural environment:
  • Walk around the lake
  • Optional ascent to the crater of a nearby
  • Visit to a nomadic family in the area
  • Enjoy the hotel facilities : heated pool, or spa and hammam services (optional)
  • Accommodation and dinner at the Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali , a former refuge dating back to 1935 converted into a charming high-mountain boutique hotel .
Day 9 of the itinerary
Towards Fez: from cedars to history

  • Early morning departure towards Fez .
  • I pass through Ifrane , known as “ Little Switzerland ” for its architecture and alpine surroundings.
  • Journey through the famous Giant Cedar Forests , where, with luck, we will be able to feed a colony of wild monkeys .
  • Arrival in Fez at noon.
  • In the afternoon , a walking tour with a local guide through the Medina of Fez , considered one of the most authentic and best preserved in the Arab world.
  • Tour of its medieval streets
  • Discover craft centers , mosques and palaces hidden among the local bustle
Note: Today will be the last day with 4x4 vehicle and driver.
Day 10 of the itinerary
Return home from Fez

  • At the agreed time , transfer to Fez airport for your return flight.
Note: Sometimes outgoing flights are in the afternoon. In that case:

  • On the 9th, the morning would be free in Aguelmane Sidi Ali
  • And in the afternoon we would transfer to Fez , leaving the guided tour of the Medina for the 10th .
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.