Depart for Fes. The road to Fes takes us along a beautiful stretch of farmlands where olives, grain, vegetables and grapes are grown. Before arriving to Fes you will visit Meknes and Volubilis. Volubilis is the sight of the famous Roman ruins left from the Roman Empire’s most southern outpost. Meknes is the site of the first Arab dynasty created by Moulay Ismail and has the Medersa Bou Inania and the Bab Mansour, the Gateway to Moulay Ismail Palace. This leads us into the Henri es-Souani, the horses stable and granaries. Upstairs is a rooftop garden and cafe with a great view of the city. Arrive into Fes, check into the hotel.
After breakfast, you will begin your visit of “the oldest living Medina in the world” with a local official tour guide. You will tour the Medina with its “souks” (markets), stopping at the gateway of the Royal Palace, the 9th century Karouine mosque and University. You will visit also the tomb of the city founder “Moulay Idriss II”. Lunch will be at one of the traditional restaurants in the old Medina. After lunch you will continue your tour to visit the Najarine Fountain, the old Harem Garden and the Batha Museum. On the way back to the hotel, you will stop to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
In the morning we will go into the mountains to a region known as Imouzzer, which is blanketed by forests of cedar, juniper and cork oak. the area is well known for having abundant wildlife and we may see many types of birds, wild boar and Barbary apes on our scenic drive. Then the road will start climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains we may see the slopes dotted by the tents and goat herds of nomadic Berbers who call this rugged region home. After late lunch in Midelt, we continue on mountain roads overlooking the wide flowing Oued Ziz. Passing Kasbahs and palm groves we pass through the adobe colored city of Er-Rachidia and arrive in the late afternoon to Merzouga, city on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert, Overnight in Merzouga.