Day 1: Fez - Ifrane - Azrou - Midelt

• Departure: Early departure from Fez (7:00-8:00 AM) heading south towards the Middle Atlas Mountains.

• First stop: Ifrane (1.5-2 hours from Fez), known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and fresh air. Stroll through the park with the stone lion sculpture.

• Second stop: Azrou (30-40 minutes from Ifrane), famous for its cedar forests and Barbary apes. Take a short hike to see them in their natural habitat.

• Continue: Continue to Midelt (about 2-3 hours from Azrou), a quiet village between the Middle and High Atlas, known for its apples and mountain landscapes.

• Night: Accommodation in a hotel or riad in Midelt. Dinner included (probably tagine or harira soup). Total distance: Approximately 200 km (about 5-6 hours with stops).

Day 2: Midelt - Ziz Valley - Erfoud - Merzouga

• Morning: After breakfast, depart south. Cross the Tizi n'Talghamt Pass and reach the Ziz Valley (approximately 2 hours), a spectacular oasis with palm trees and a meandering river. Stop for photos.

• Midday: Continue to Erfoud (1.5-2 hours), famous for its fossils and desert environment. You can visit a fossil workshop if you're interested.

• Afternoon: Arrive in Merzouga (1 hour from Erfoud). Around 3:00-4:00 PM, board a camel for a 1-1.5-hour ride to the camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy the sunset in the desert.

• Night: Berber dinner at the camp (tajine or couscous), drum music, and overnight stay in a tent under the stars. Total distance: Approximately 270 km (about 6-7 hours with stops, plus camel ride).

Day 3: Merzouga - Full day in the desert

• Morning: Wake up early to watch the sunrise from the dunes. Have breakfast at the camp and return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4.

• Free day: Spend the day exploring the area. Options:

• Visit a nearby village like Khamlia to listen to Gnawa music.

• Take a 4x4 ride through the dunes or to the seasonal Dayet Srji lake (when there is water, it attracts flamingos).

• Relax in a hotel with a pool in Merzouga.

• Night: Second night in the desert, either at the same camp or in more luxurious accommodation in Merzouga (if you prefer extra comfort). Distance: Variable, depending on the activities (it can be minimal if you stay nearby).

Day 4: Merzouga - Rissani - Tinghir - Todra Gorges

• Morning: Depart Merzouga after breakfast for Rissani (30-40 minutes), a historic village with a vibrant market (Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays). Explore its souk if you have the time.

• Midday: Continue to Tinghir (about 3-4 hours), passing through desert landscapes and oases. Lunch en route.

• Afternoon: Arrive at the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon. Walk along the river, admire the rock walls, and relax in this natural setting.

• Overnight: Accommodation in a riad or hotel in Tinghir or near the gorges. Moroccan dinner. Total distance: Approximately 250 km (about 5-6 hours with stops).

Day 5: Todra Gorges - Dades Valley - Fez

• Morning: Depart for the Dades Valley (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour). Explore the rock formations and landscape of the valley. Make a short stop for photos.

• Return: Begin the return trip to Fez (approximately 8-9 hours). You'll pass through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and the Middle Atlas Mountains. Have lunch in Midelt or Azrou to break up the journey.

• Arrival: You'll be back in Fez in the early evening (6:00-8:00 PM), depending on your stops. Total distance: Approximately 450-500 km (about 8-9 hours with stops).