Trip description
The Great Southern Morocco is an authentic journey to discover the essence of the south of the country. This 4x4 route begins in Fez , whose Medina , the envy of the Arab world, is a beautiful labyrinth in which to get lost and let yourself go. The road leads us through unique places such as Ifrane , known as "Little Switzerland," and its majestic forests of giant cedars , until we reach Erfoud , the gateway to the Great Erg Chebbi Desert . There, a spectacle for the senses awaits us: endless dunes and that magical aura that surrounds special places will give us an unforgettable night under the stars. We will leave the desert behind to enter the High Atlas , discovering unique landscapes, stopping to contemplate their beauty, to chat with the villagers, and to savor, without rushing, the authenticity of its hidden villages and impressive gorges. From the mountain, we finally arrive at the city. Marrakech , vibrant and full of color, welcomes us dotted with artisans and artists, wonderful squares, and aromas that will remain forever etched in our memories.
  • Duration
    9 nights / 10 days
  • Places
    Fez, Aguelmame Sidi Ali, Ifrane, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Tinerhir, Boulmane Dades, Ouarzazate, Marrakech
  • Airport
    Fez / Marrakech
  • Price
  • Duration
    9 nights / 10 days
  • Places
    Fez, Aguelmame Sidi Ali, Ifrane, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Tinerhir, Boulmane Dades, Ouarzazate, Marrakech
  • Airport
    Fez / Marrakech
  • Price
Day 1 of the itinerary
Flight from Fez to 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 the flight arrival time, the guided tour of Fez could be brought forward to this day, leaving the next one free to adapt to the change of zone.
Day 2 of the itinerary
Fez – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Erfoud

  • 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'll walk through its medieval streets , full of life, where we'll discover craft centers, mosques, and palaces amidst the bustle of its inhabitants.
  • In the early afternoon , we will depart in a 4x4 vehicle with a driver heading south, crossing the Middle Atlas until we reach Ifrane , known as “Little Switzerland” due to its striking resemblance to that country.
  • We will cross the Giant Cedar Forests , where, with a bit of luck, we will be able to feed a colony of wild monkeys that live in the upper part of the mountain.
  • We will continue through the Ziz Valley , home to more than ten million palm trees , until we reach Erfoud , a city known as “the Gateway to the Desert.”
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Kasbah Xaluca , a unique accommodation in Morocco for its architectural and service characteristics.
Day 3 of the itinerary
Erfoud – Desert Tracks – Oasis – Erg Chebbi – Bivouac

  • Today we will experience a truly desert-like day .
  • We will travel along one of the tracks used in the Dakar Rally , passing through villages and meeting desert nomads .
  • We will stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries , over 360 million years old , and enjoy a picnic in an authentic oasis .
  • We will continue until we reach the Great Erg Chebbi , the famous desert of fine sand dunes .
  • There we will change our 4x4 vehicle for camels , to enter the heart of the dunes and contemplate an unforgettable sunset .
  • We will arrive with the dromedaries at the Bivouac de Luxe , where we will stay in traditional tents , like those used by desert nomads.
  • Dinner and overnight stay. Sleeping under the stars will undoubtedly be a spectacular experience.
Day 4 of the itinerary
Erg Chebbi – Merdani – Khamlia – Kasbah Tombouctou

  • “Date with the Dawn” : It is advisable to get up early to climb to the top of the dunes and watch the sunrise , a unique experience.
  • Bedouin breakfast and departure by vehicle to go around the Erg Chebbi to the abandoned village of Merdani .
  • We will continue to the Mines of Memphis , and later we will visit the Sudanese village of Khamlia , where its inhabitants will welcome us with traditional dances and mint tea .
  • Arrival at the Kasbah Tombouctou and free time to enjoy at our leisure.
  • Possibility of:
  • Stroll through the dunes
  • Visit the nearby villages of Merzouga and Hassi Labyed (“Pozoblanco”)
  • Optionally enjoy the comforting ritual of the Hammam (traditional bath)
  • At the agreed time, we will depart for a natural viewpoint , from where we can contemplate a beautiful panoramic view of the desert .
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Kasbah Tombouctou.
Day 5 of the itinerary
Rissani – Relax at Kasbah Xaluca

  • Departure along desert tracks until reaching Rissani* , where we will visit some of its centuries-old kasbahs .
  • We will visit its traditional market desert tribes and nomads still obtain their supplies today .
  • “parking lot” for donkeys is especially curious .
  • Return to Kasbah Xaluca and rest of the day free to relax after several days in the desert.
  • Possibilities during the afternoon:
  • Take a dip in the heated pool
  • Enjoy the jacuzzi
  • Play tennis or mini-golf
  • Take a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) (optional)
  • Receive a relaxing massage (optional)
  • Quad biking through the dunes near the hotel (optional excursion)
  • Chauffeur-driven vehicles will be available to the group should they wish to continue exploring the area or take a free stroll through Erfoud .
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Kasbah Xaluca.
*Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and SundaysIf it doesn't match the route, we'll try to reschedule the visit to another time, although this isn't always possible.
Day 6 of the itinerary
Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Boumalne Dades

  • Departure by paved road towards Tinerhir , a small and prosperous town that offers a beautiful panorama of contrasts , with its pink houses among green palm groves .
  • From here we will enter the spectacular Todra Gorges , where we can take a walk following the course of the river between impressive rock walls.
  • Continuation of the trip to Boumalne Dades , a town located at 1,612 m above sea level in the High Atlas Mountains , known as the Valley of the Birds .
  • In the afternoon, we will tour the Dades Valley until we reach its gorges , where we will enjoy tea at a panoramic viewpoint .
  • During the descent, we will stop at the curious rock formations known as the “monkey paws” .
  • Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.
Day 7 of the itinerary
Central High Atlas – Berber Villages – M'Goun Gorges – Dades

  • Today we will travel along mountain trails deep into the Central High Atlas , crossing spectacular landscapes .
  • We will visit Berber villages such as Boutaghrar and Amskar , where time seems to have stopped.
  • Along the way we will discover mountains, canyons, valleys and caves where nomadic families .
  • We will explore the impressive M'Goun Gorges , enjoying an unforgettable walk through one of the most remote areas in southern Morocco.
  • Lunch will be served en route at a “Gîte d'Étape” , a traditional rural mountain accommodation.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.
Day 8 of the itinerary
Dades – Aït Ben Haddou – Tizi n'Tichka – Marrakech

  • 310 km of travel ahead of us , which will be amply rewarded by the spectacular scenery .
  • Departure towards Marrakech .
  • En route, we will visit the emblematic Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou , declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the setting for numerous film productions .
  • We will cross the Tizi n'Tichka , the highest mountain pass in Morocco, where we will leave behind the lunar landscape of the south to enter the green and ochre colors of the north.
  • Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon .
  • We recommend taking advantage of this first contact with the city to visit the legendary Djemaa el-Fna Square , which at this time is filled with reciters, fortune tellers, snake charmers, dancers, tooth pullers, jugglers and much more.
  • At nightfall, the square transforms into a vast open-air food market, with traditional food stalls illuminated under the stars.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel.
Note: This is the last day of the 4x4 vehicle tour.
Day 9 of the itinerary
Marrakech – Guided tour of the Medina

  • In the morning, we will take a guided walking tour of the Medina of Marrakech , accompanied by a local guide .
  • We will begin by admiring the Koutoubia Minaret , considered the “twin sister” of the Giralda in Seville .
  • We will visit the Bahia Palace , one of the best examples of Moroccan architecture.
  • We will enter the narrow streets of the Souk , where we will be able to see the artisans in full activity:
  • Weaving carpets
  • Making slippers
  • And discovering an infinite variety of quality traditional crafts
  • We will visit a Berber pharmacy , where they will reveal some of their natural remedies and secrets .
  • We will return to Djemaa el-Fna Square , where the daytime atmosphere offers a very different experience from the previous night.
  • Free afternoon to explore the Medina at our own pace or practice the art of haggling .
  • Dinner and overnight stay in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel.
Day 10 of the itinerary
Marrakech – Return

  • At the agreed time , transfer to Marrakech airport for 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.