The Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour
FromUSD $1,560/person
9-day Tour to Discover the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert
Discover the timeless beauty of Morocco on this immersive 9-day journey through the countryโs historic Imperial CitiesโMeknes, Fez, Rabat, and Marrakechโwith unforgettable time in the Sahara Desert. Travel through the dramatic High Atlas Mountains, lush oases, and the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.
The tour begins in Casablanca and ends in Marrakech or Casablanca.
The tour begins in Casablanca and ends in Marrakech or Casablanca.
Highlights
Explore Moroccoโs Imperial Cities and experience centuries of history and cultureWander the narrow alleys of Fezโs medieval medinaRide a camel across the golden dunes of the SaharaAdmire the spectacular scenery of the High Atlas MountainsVisit ancient kasbahs and desert oases featured in famous filmsExperience musicians, acrobats, and snake charmers in Jemaa el-Fna SquareBrief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival to Morocco โ Casablanca | Casablanca |
| Day 2 | Casablanca & Rabat | Rabat |
| Day 3 | Meknes โ Volubilis โ Moulay Idriss Zerhoune Village โ Fez | Fez |
| Day 4 | Guided Tour in the Imperial City of Fez | Fez |
| Day 5 | Ifrane โ Middle Atlas Mountains โ Cedar Forests- Ziz Palms Valley โ Sahara Desert | Sahara Desert |
| Day 6 | Sahara โ Sijilmassa โ Tinjdada โ Todra Gorges โ Dades Valley | Dades Valley |
| Day 7 | Dades Valley โ Kelaat Magouna โ Skoura Ouarzazate, and Aรฏt Benhaddou Kasbah- Marrakech | Marrakech |
| Day 8 | Explore the Imperial City of Marrakech | Marrakech |
| Day 9 | Depart from Casablanca-CMN / Marrakech-RAK |
Detailed Morocco Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, youโll be met by your professional, English-speaking private driver and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring Casablanca, Moroccoโs largest city and economic hub. Visit the elegant Anfa district, known for its leafy parks and Art Deco architecture, followed by a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque, dramatically perched above the Atlantic Ocean. One of the largest mosques in the world, it is open to non-Muslim visitors and showcases exquisite craftsmanship, from carved cedar ceilings to intricate marble details.
Later, stroll along the Ain Diab Corniche, a lively seaside promenade often called the โMiami of Morocco.โ Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring Casablanca, Moroccoโs largest city and economic hub. Visit the elegant Anfa district, known for its leafy parks and Art Deco architecture, followed by a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque, dramatically perched above the Atlantic Ocean. One of the largest mosques in the world, it is open to non-Muslim visitors and showcases exquisite craftsmanship, from carved cedar ceilings to intricate marble details.
Later, stroll along the Ain Diab Corniche, a lively seaside promenade often called the โMiami of Morocco.โ Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 2: Casablanca & the Imperial City of Rabat
After breakfast, depart for Rabat, Moroccoโs administrative capital and one of its four Imperial Cities. Begin with a panoramic drive through tree-lined avenues and past the Royal Palace. Continue to the Chellah, a medieval necropolis built over ancient Roman ruins, now transformed into a peaceful garden sanctuary.
Visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret, and the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, guarded by the Royal Guard. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with time to stroll through the tranquil Andalusian Gardens.
Visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret, and the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, guarded by the Royal Guard. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with time to stroll through the tranquil Andalusian Gardens.
Day 3: Meknes, Volubilis & Moulay Idriss โ Fez
After breakfast, travel to Meknes, once the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail and often called the โVersailles of Morocco.โ Explore its impressive ramparts, Bab Mansour gate, El Hedim Square, Dar Jamaรฏ Museum, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Visit the royal granaries and stables, an architectural feat of the 17th century.
Continue to Volubilis, Moroccoโs best-preserved Roman archaeological site. Walk among ancient olive presses, mosaics, triumphal arches, and Corinthian columns that offer a vivid glimpse into Roman life.
After lunch, drive through the Zerhoun Hills for panoramic views of Moulay Idriss Zerhoune, Moroccoโs holiest town. Continue to Fez and settle into your riad inside the historic medina.
Continue to Volubilis, Moroccoโs best-preserved Roman archaeological site. Walk among ancient olive presses, mosaics, triumphal arches, and Corinthian columns that offer a vivid glimpse into Roman life.
After lunch, drive through the Zerhoun Hills for panoramic views of Moulay Idriss Zerhoune, Moroccoโs holiest town. Continue to Fez and settle into your riad inside the historic medina.
Day 4: Guided Tour of Fez
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Fez, Moroccoโs oldest Imperial City. Begin with visits to Dar Batha Museum and the Royal Palace gates. Drive through the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and stop at Borj Sud for panoramic views of the medina.
Continue on foot through the UNESCO-listed Fez el-Bali, one of the worldโs largest car-free urban areas. Visit Bou Inania Madrasa, the vibrant dyeing district, traditional brass workshops, and Al Quaraouiyine Universityโthe oldest continuously operating university in the world. Explore spice markets, Nejjarine Square, and the famous tanneries along the Oued Fez.
Continue on foot through the UNESCO-listed Fez el-Bali, one of the worldโs largest car-free urban areas. Visit Bou Inania Madrasa, the vibrant dyeing district, traditional brass workshops, and Al Quaraouiyine Universityโthe oldest continuously operating university in the world. Explore spice markets, Nejjarine Square, and the famous tanneries along the Oued Fez.
Day 5: Middle Atlas Mountains โ Ziz Valley โ Sahara Desert
Depart early and head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests and Berber villages. Spot Barbary macaques near Azrou and continue to Midelt, known for its apple orchards and mineral deposits.
After lunch, drive through the Ziz Valley, dotted with palm groves and fortified ksour. As you approach Erfoud, the landscape begins to change, signaling the edge of the Sahara.
Arrive in Merzouga and transfer to a 4WD vehicle for an off-road journey into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy a camel trek at sunset before settling into a luxury desert camp. Dinner, traditional Berber music, and an overnight stay under the stars complete the experience.
After lunch, drive through the Ziz Valley, dotted with palm groves and fortified ksour. As you approach Erfoud, the landscape begins to change, signaling the edge of the Sahara.
Arrive in Merzouga and transfer to a 4WD vehicle for an off-road journey into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy a camel trek at sunset before settling into a luxury desert camp. Dinner, traditional Berber music, and an overnight stay under the stars complete the experience.
Day 6: Sahara Desert โ Todra Gorges โ Dades Valley
Wake early to witness a breathtaking desert sunrise. After breakfast, visit Khamlia village to experience traditional Gnawa music, then continue to Rissani to explore its historic market.
Travel on to the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering limestone cliffs rise above a cool riverbed. Continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the scenic Dades Valley, where youโll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Travel on to the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering limestone cliffs rise above a cool riverbed. Continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the scenic Dades Valley, where youโll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Dades Valley โ Ouarzazate โ Aรฏt Benhaddou โ Marrakech
After breakfast, travel through the Valley of Roses and visit a local rose cooperative in Kelaat MโGouna. Continue to Ouarzazate, home to the Taourirt Kasbah and famous film studios.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Aรฏt Benhaddou, an 11th-century ksar once vital to trans-Saharan trade routes and featured in numerous films and series. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi nโTichka Pass, stopping for panoramic views.
Arrive in Marrakech and enjoy an evening in Jemaa el-Fna Square, alive with performers, food stalls, and storytellers. Dinner on a terrace overlooking the square.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Aรฏt Benhaddou, an 11th-century ksar once vital to trans-Saharan trade routes and featured in numerous films and series. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi nโTichka Pass, stopping for panoramic views.
Arrive in Marrakech and enjoy an evening in Jemaa el-Fna Square, alive with performers, food stalls, and storytellers. Dinner on a terrace overlooking the square.
Day 8: Explore Marrakech
Spend the day discovering Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, and the colorful souks. After lunch, explore the Majorelle Gardens in the modern part of the city.
In the afternoon and evening, return to Jemaa el-Fna to experience its lively atmosphere and enjoy traditional Moroccan food and mint tea.
In the afternoon and evening, return to Jemaa el-Fna to experience its lively atmosphere and enjoy traditional Moroccan food and mint tea.
Day 9: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy last-minute shopping or sightseeing before transferring to Marrakech (RAK) or Casablanca (CMN) airport for your departure. Leave Morocco with unforgettable memories of its landscapes, culture, and people.
FromUSD $1,560/person
Tour information
09 days / 08 nights
Casablanca-CMN
Casablanca-CMN/Marrakech-RAK
All year round
Customizable
Private
Whatโs Included
Whatโs Included- Private transportation: Air-conditioned and high comfortable vehicle, equipped with free-WIFI.
- English speaking โ friendly, easygoing and open-minded private driver.
- All vehicle charges: Gasoline, parking, toll road.
- Mineral water.
- Elegant Meals:
- Daily Breakfast.
- 1 Dinner in Sahara.
- 1 Dinner in Dades Valley.
- 7 nights at top Quality Moroccan Riads, Hotels & Kasbahs.
- 1 Overnight under an elegant Bedouin-style tent in Sahara Desert.
- Professional and Knowledgeable local guides in major cities.
- All Entrance fees to the historic monuments.
- Luggage handling at all accommodations & airports.
- All transfers- even individual transfers when required.
- VAT & Regional Taxes.
- No hidden fees.
Whatโs excluded
Whatโs excludedโ Airfare & International Travel Insurance.
โ Drinks.
โ Lunch each day.
โ Dinner each day except those mentioned included.
โ Tips & Extra.
Pricing
From 3 to 5 Stars Range
| Tour range | 2 Travelers | 3 to 4 Travelers | 5 to 6 Travelers | 7 Travelers or more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Comfort 3* | $1950 | $1650 | $1560 | Inquire this now! |
| Classic โ Mid Range 4* | $2250 | $1920 | $1820 | |
| Affordable Luxury 5* | $3250 | $2750 | $2590 | |
| Deluxe Luxury โ Highest Level | $4950 | $4455 | $4220 |
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