In Casablanca and looking to explore Morocco's most charming spots? On this 6-day tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco and Merzouga, we'll visit Meknes, Rabat, Fez, Volubilis, and the desert, before ending our route in Marrakesh. You'll love it!
Tour Details
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat
At the indicated time, we'll pick you up from your hotel or riad in Casablanca, or at the city's airport, to begin this tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco.
At Casablanca, we'll visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque. Did you know that its 200-metre (656-foot) minaret made it the tallest temple in the world? On this first day, we'll also wander through the narrow streets of the Casablanca Medina and swing by the souq and Corniche.
Afterwards, we'll head over to Rabat, where we'll settle into the hotel where we'll rest until the next day. Good night!
Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez
After having breakfast at the hotel in Rabat, we'll begin a tour of Morocco's capital. We'll admire the facades of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the citadel Kasbah of the Udayas. You'll be astounded by the blue streets!
We'll then travel to Meknes, a beautiful city at the foot of the Middle Atlas mountains. Here, we'll explore the souqs, Al-Hadim Square, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl.
Next stop? The ruins of Volubilis! You'll be captivated by the remains of this ancient Roman city from start to finish.
Our day will come to an end by travelling to Fez, where we'll spend the night.
Day 3: Fez
On our third day, after breakfast, we'll have some time to explore Fez. Did you know that it is the oldest Imperial City out of the four? We'll visit the Marinid Tombs, the Jewish Quarter Mellah, and the Arms Museum.
Of course, a tour of Fez would not be complete without a stroll through the Medina, one of the most vibrant ones in the country. Hidden amongst its narrow streets, we'll spot mosques, tanneries, and various souqs. You'll love its energetic atmosphere!
Lastly, we'll return to the hotel in Fez to rest.
Day 4: Fez – Azrou – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga
Our fourth day awaits us! Having energised with breakfast, we'll begin our trip through the cedar forests of Azrou until we reach the Ziz Valley. Along the way, we'll see gorges and unique villages like Midelt and Erfoud.
Before the day ends, we'll go on a camel ride to explore the famous Merzouga desert. It'll be an unforgettable experience! Little by little, we'll get to see the sun setting over the desert dunes. What more could you ask for?
Finally, we'll settle into haimas, traditional tents, in a campsite and enjoy a special night in the desert.
Day 5: Merzouga – Todgha Gorges & Dades Valley
Can you imagine what watching the sunrise over the Merzouga desert is like? Incredible! After basking in the colours of the new day, we'll have a tasty breakfast and return to the campsite to continue our tour. We'll travel across the Todgha Gorges, enjoying views of its landscapes and the little villages dotted around the area.
We'll then arrive at the hotel in the Dades Valley to rest for the next day.
Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh
On the last day, we'll have breakfast at the hotel and hop on the vehicle. We'll drive down the Road of the 1000 Kasbahs until we reach the palmeraie Skoura. A true oasis in the desert!
Following the route, we'll reach Ouarzazate in search of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a fortified city that has been the backdrop to many famous films. Want to know which ones? Find out on this tour!
Lastly, we'll cross the Atlas mountain range and reach Marrakesh at 6:30 pm. This is where this 6-day tour of the Imperial Cities and the Merzouga desert will come to an end.
Tour Accommodation
This tour includes 5 nights of accommodation with breakfast in double rooms at the following hotels and campsites:
- Rabat (3-star): Hôtel des Oudaïas, Hotel Malak, Hotel Annakhil, Riad Meftaha, or similar.
- Fez (3-star): Riad La Perle de La Medina, Riad Dar Skalli, Riad Letchina, Riad Dar Marhaba, Riad Ghita, Hotel Across, or similar.
- Dades Valley (3-star): Hotel Panorama, Dar Essyaha, Kasbah Tifawen, Hotel La Kasbah de Dades, Hotel Babylon, or similar.
The fourth night will be spent at a haima camp in Merzouga (Azawad Luxury Desert Camp or similar). Standard haimas have a maximum capacity of 4 people, while superior haimas have a maximum capacity of 5 people. Both categories include a private bathroom.
The standard and premium camping are completely separated, there are differences in the food and the interior decoration of the haimas.
Additionally, during peak season, like Easter or Christmas, the standard category may have tents with shared bathrooms.
Both in the hotels and in the desert camping sites, there are no individual rooms. If you book for a person, an additional fee will be applied. You will not need to share your rooms or haimas with strangers. If you prefer, there are also triple or family-sized rooms and haimas available with the same differences depending on the category.
Pickup & End Points
This tour begins in Casablanca. During the booking process, you can choose for us to pick you up at the arrivals terminal in the airport, at the hotel or riad where you are staying, or at a central point in the city that suits you.
Our tour ends in Marrakesh. Once we arrive, you can opt to stay in the city or be taken to the airport.
Itinerary Adjustments
Meknes is currently closed due to renovation works until further notice, so we won't be able to visit this Imperial City.
Following the latest earthquake that affected Morroco, the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate is currently closed. Nevertheless, you will still be able to take photos from the outside.
