Imperial Cities and Desert Tour
Highlights
Imperial Cities and Desert
- Discover the rich history and culture of Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech, each offering stunning architecture, bustling souks, and centuries of heritage.
- Tour famous sites like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Hassan Tower in Rabat, the medina of Fes, the Bahia Palace, and Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech.
- Experience the magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes
Imperial Cities and Desert Tour
Day 1: Casablanca (Arrival)
- Upon your arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), our driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Please note that travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions. If you arrive earlier in the day, we recommend a visit to the impressive Hassan II Mosque just a short distance from the hotel. As the largest mosque in Africa, it can accommodate up to 105,000 worshippers. Built over the Atlantic Ocean to celebrate the King’s 60th birthday, it is a true architectural masterpiece.
- 4-star riad
- Breakfast
Day 2: Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes (Optional City Tour)
- This morning, we’ll travel along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Rabat became the capital under French rule in 1912 and has remained the center of government since independence. Its history dates back to 8 BC, with ancient Roman ruins still visible in the Chellah area, later turned into a royal cemetery by the Merinid dynasty. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour of Rabat’s historic sites. Highlights include the iconic Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the charming Kasbah des Oudaias a former fortress filled with Andalusian charm. We’ll take a break for traditional mint tea at a Moorish café overlooking the Bou Regreg River. After some free time, we’ll continue to Meknes, about two hours away. Once a royal capital, Meknes sits in the fertile Boufekrane River valley. We’ll visit the lively Lahdim Square, known for its local market and colorful displays of olives and spices.
- 4-star riad
- breakfast.
Day 3: Meknes - Volubilis - Moulay Driss - Fes (Optional City Tour)
- After breakfast, we’ll head 45 minutes from Meknes to the ancient Roman site of Volubilis. A local guide will walk us through its fascinating ruins, mosaics, and town layout.Next, we’ll visit the nearby holy town of Moulay Driss, where we’ll see a traditional olive oil press and stroll through a local market filled with fresh produce and marinated olives. Our journey then continues to Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital, with a stop for lunch at a local kebab restaurant (vegetarian options available). Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and is known for its rich history, culture, and spiritual significance. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the city’s famous old medina. Your tour leader will guide you through the maze-like streets and vibrant souks, introducing you to traditional Moroccan ingredients and the aromatic spice blend Ras el Hanout.
- 4-star riad
- breakfast.
Day 4: Fes – Midelt
- This morning, we begin our journey south into the stunning landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, a charming town known for its alpine-style architecture, where we’ll enjoy a short café break. We then pass near Azrou, a small Berber village whose name means "the rock" in the local language. This region is home to the Berbers — the original inhabitants of North Africa — known for preserving their unique culture, traditions, and way of life, far from the influence of the cities. Continuing through the Cedar Forest, keep an eye out for native wildlife, including Barbary macaques. We then travel through high grazing lands, famous for the quality of their sheep breeding, especially in the Timahdit region. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in the quiet mountain town of Midelt, where we spend the night.
- 4-star riad
- breakfast.
Day 5: Midelt - Merzouga
- Today, we travel towards the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n'Talghemt Pass (also known as the "Camel's Pass"). Our route takes us through the dramatic Ziz Gorge to the Tafilalet Oasis, the largest date-producing region in Morocco. The drive takes around four hours, with stops along the way to stretch and admire the landscape. We’ll arrive in Merzouga, located at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, in time for lunch. From here, we switch to 4WD vehicles for an exciting off-road journey across the desert to our Berber-style camp. Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink before settling into your comfortable ensuite tent. In the evening, take a walk on the dunes and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the Sahara. Dinner will be freshly prepared by our camp crew and served under the stars, offering a truly memorable desert experience.
- comfortable nomad-style tent
- breakfast & dinner
Day 6: Merzouga - Rissani - Boutaghrar
- We'll leave the desert behind us this morning and drive along the southern slopes of the High Atlas. After 45 minutes, we'll reach our first stop in the old caravan centre of Sijilmassa, known now as Rissani, where we'll visit its market for spices, traditional herbs, and dates. Continuing along the southern slopes of the Atlas for two and a half hours to Tinerhir, we'll enter Todra Gorge, a narrow gorge with tiny villages and fertile fields along the river. The rock walls rise up to 300 metres and attract rock climbers from all over the world. After a short visit, we'll continue to Dades and then on to Boutaghrar in the Rose Valley.
- 4-star riad
- breakfast.
Day 7: Boutaghrar - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech
- This morning, we begin our journey to Ouarzazate, driving along the scenic Road of 1000 Kasbahs (approx. 2 hours). From there, we continue to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Kasbahs in southern Morocco. It has also served as a backdrop for many famous films. In the afternoon, we drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the stunning Tizi & Tichka Pass, reaching Marrakech after approximately 4 hours. Once settled into the hotel, we’ll head to the vibrant Djemaa el Fna square for an evening tasting tour. This lively market is famous for its street food, local snacks, and unforgettable atmosphere.
- 4-star riad
- breakfast.
Day 8: Marrakech (Optional City Tour)
- This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech with a local expert. The city is divided into two parts: the modern Gueliz district, and the historic Medina, where vibrant souks, narrow alleys, and traditional markets bring the Old City to life. We’ll explore the famous Djemaa el Fna square, filled with storytellers, musicians, performers, and street vendors a truly unforgettable experience. Highlights of the tour include visits to the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, and other key landmarks showcasing the city’s rich history and architecture. In the afternoon, take part in a Moroccan cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare traditional dishes using authentic spices and ingredients. During your free time, you may also wish to explore more of the city’s hidden gems, such as the Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Dar Si Said Museum, or the peaceful Menara Gardens.
- 4-star riad
- breakfast.
Day 9: Marrakech (Return)
- All good things must come to an end. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Marrakech Airport for your flight home
What's Included:
- 7 nights in comfort-category riads and kasbahs as per the itinerary .
- 1 night in the desert in a comfortable nomad-style tent.
- Double room with bath or shower and WC.
- 8x breakfast (B) & 1x dinner (D)
- Camel ride in the desert.
- Airport transfers as per the itinerary.
- Personalized advice.
- Full trip preparation.
What's not Included :
- Flights.
- City tour and entrance fees
- Additional Services.
- Insurance.
