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 vibrant city brimming with color, artisans , and artists, boasting charming squares and aromas that will leave a lasting impression. From the city, we'll continue towards the High Atlas, discovering breathtaking landscapes along the way. Leaving the mountains behind, we'll reach the Erg Chebbi Desert, a spectacle for the senses: endless dunes and the aura that emanates from such magical places will allow us to spend an unforgettable night under the stars. The road will take us through unique towns like Rissani, with its ancient market, Lake Aguelmane Sidi Ali , and Ifrane, the "Little Switzerland," with its forests of giant cedars, before finally arriving in Fez. Its Medina, the envy of the Arab world, is a beautiful labyrinth where you can lose yourself while shopping for souvenirs of your time 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).
  • pickup Airport transfer to the Riad in the Medina or 5* hotel.
  • Accommodation.
  • Depending on your arrival time, we recommend a first glimpse of the Medinaby visiting the incomparable Djemaa el-Fna Square, which at this time of day is filled with reciters, fortune tellers, jugglers, tooth pullers, dancers, snake charmers and much more.
  • As night falls, small, illuminated food stalls begin to appear outdoors, where you can sample typical dishes.
Day 2 of the itinerary
Discovering Marrakech

  • In the morningtour walking of the Medina of Marrakech accompanied by a local guide.
  • We will begin by admiring the Koutoubia Minaret, twin of the Giralda of Seville.
  • We will continue with a visit to the Bay Palace, an architectural gem.
  • We will venture into the narrow streets of the Souk, where we can see artisans working in their traditional crafts: 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 "little secrets".
  • 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 will have free time to practice the art of bargaining 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 nature of its landscapes.
  • 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 many films.
  • We will continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses.
  • Arrival at Boumalne Dades, in the so-called Valley of the Birds, at an altitude of 1,612 m 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 venture into remote tracks of the Central High Atlas, discovering spectacular landscapes.
  • We will visit Berber villages like Boutaghrarseems to have time.
  • 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 towards Tinerhir, a small town with a beautiful panorama of pink houses and palm groves.
  • We will venture into the Todra Gorges, where we will walk a little following the course of the river.
  • Later we will arrive in Erfoud, known as “the Gateway to the Desert”.
  • Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca, a unique establishment in Morocco due to its peculiar characteristics.
Day 5 of the itinerary
Total Desert Day

  • 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 make a 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 very fine sand".
  • We will exchange the 4x4 vehicle for dromedaries, to venture into 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 Sunrise”: we recommend getting up early to climb to the top of the dunes and contemplate the magical sunrise.
  • Bedouin breakfast at the bivouac before resuming the journey.
  • We will circle 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 location for trade between tribes and nomadsis quite curious donkey "parking" area.
  • Ascent to a natural viewpoint to say goodbye 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 perfect 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 the possibility of taking an optional quad bike excursion through the dunes near the hotel.
  • Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca.
  • During the afternoon, the vehicles and drivers will be at your disposal to continue exploring or to go to Erfoud and walk around freely.
The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and SundaysIf it does not coincide with the itinerary, an attempt will be made to relocate or, in case of lack of time, it will be omitted.
Day 7 of the itinerary
From the desert to the mountains: heading towards Aguelmane Sidi Ali

  • Departure in a northerly 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 mountain range, enjoying incredible landscapes.
  • I pass through Midelt until I reach Aguelmane Sidi Ali, a special enclave at 2,200 meters altitude, next to the deepest natural lake in Morocco.
  • Lunch at the Xaluca Spa Aguelmane Sidi Ali Hotel.
  • In the afternoon, time to enjoy a privileged natural environment:
  • Take a walk around the lake,
  • Ascend to the volcano nearby
  • Visiting 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 former refuge from 1935 , completely restored, ideal for a charming night 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 lives high in the mountains.
  • Arrival in Fez and, in the afternoon, a walking tour with a local guide through the ancient Medina, considered one of the most authentic and best preserved in the Arab world.
  • We will explore its labyrinthine medieval alleyways, 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
I'm going home

  • At the agreed time, transfer to Fez airport to catch your return flight.
  • 📝 Note: Sometimes flights depart in the afternoon.
  • Then:
  • Day 8 of the itinerary would be a free morning in Aguelmane Sidi Ali.
  • In the afternoon, the change of zone towards Fez.
  • The guided tour of the Medina of Fez would take place on day 9.
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.