Morocco Imperial Cities Tour

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The imperial cities in Morocco, Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, and Rabat have all been the capital at some point in Morocco’s history; Rabat is the current holder and home to Morocco’s King, Mohammed VI.

This Morocco imperial cities tour is only one-week discovering Morocco’s historic Imperial cities, but it will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime!  You will get off the beaten path to visit the lesser-explored regions of Morocco, immersing yourself in Morocco’s imperial cities and combining fun and adventure. You’ll have the chance also to experience Moroccan cuisine each day of your Morocco vacation.

The typical imperial cities tour begins in Casablanca, where you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. You’ll be off to Rabat, Morocco’s capital overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Witness the deep history and the impressive architecture in Meknes, then move next to Fez, which has been capital twice since under different rulers. Sure, you will be fascinated by Its exceptional fortified old medina, delicious food, and colorful tanneries.

End your private tour in Marrakech, the most famous imperial city in Morocco. There is no better way to discover the culture and the local daily life in Morocco’s Imperial Cities like you will find it in this private tour through the eyes of our Morocco Travels Experts.

If you would like to spend time anywhere or add some other cities such as Chefchaouen, Essaouira, or start your Morocco Imperial Cities Tour from Tangier, we would be more than happy to customize it for you.

Highlights

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Morocco Tour

Day 1: Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco! Welcome to Casablanca. The largest city and the economical capital in Morocco. Upon landing in the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. You’ll make your way through customs and see the professional, English-speaking private driver ready to take you to your hotel, where you will check in and relax.

Depending on your arrival time, you will visit this bustling modern metropolis, starting your morocco tour at the elegant residential district of Anfa, well known for its green parks and Art Deco villas. Move next to visit the amazingly-beautiful Hassan II Mosque sitting pretty on an outcrop over the Atlantic Ocean, the second largest mosque in the Islamic world after the Masjid al-Hamra in Mecca.  Uniquely in Morocco, non-Muslims are permitted to enter to the Hassan II mosque. This architectural masterpiece is a symbol of an Islam open to the world, took 7 years to complete. Feast your eyes on the gilded cedar ceilings, the intricate marble work, stone and wood carving.

On now to the Ain Diab Corniche, take a stroll along this stunning lively Atlantic coast, often referred to as the Miami of Morocco. Finish the day in Casablanca and settle into your accommodation.

Day 2: Casablanca & the Imperial City of Rabat 

Following a full breakfast at the hotel in Casablanca, you’ll be off to Rabat, the administrative Imperial capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, founded in the 12th century. Start your sightseeing Morocco imperial cities tour with a drive through this graceful city of parks and gardens along Victory Avenue to the King’s Palace to savor and photograph its impressive finest Islamic architecture. Next you arrive to explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah in the heart of Rabat and explore its Roman and Islamic ruins, once a prosperous Roman enclave called Sala Colonia, their Necropolis is today a garden of olive, fig trees, banana palm trees, hibiscus, and bougainvillea. Wander around the Medina to stop by the monumental unfinished Hassan mosque, the tower was intended to be the largest minaret in the world along with the mosque, but the construction on the mosque stopped after death of the Sultan Yacoub el Mansour of the Almohad dynasty in 1199. Additionally, continue to the Mohamed V Mausoleum, guarded by the mounted Royal Household Guard, the last resting places of the late King Mohammed V and of his son, the late King Hassan II.

After a stop at a local restaurant to try the delicious Moroccan food, head to visit the Kasbah Oudayas  overlooking the Atlantic, which offers an opportunity for fabulous photography, enjoy the flowers bloom in the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and stroll quietly in the peaceful streets.

Rest and relax in a delightful Riad to experience living in the traditional home and enjoy mesmerizing views in the heart of the capital.

Day 3: Roman Ruins at Volubilis →Moulay Idriss Zerhoune →The Imperial City of Meknes

After breakfast we shall now set out to the Imperial City of Meknes (whose Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), situated west of the Saiss plain between the pre-Riffian elevation of Zerhoun and the foothills of the Middle Atlas, Meknes was once called “the Moroccan Versailles”, and chosen by Moulay Ismaïl in 1672 to be the capital of his empire. Throughout its history, its importance grew due to the strategically-central location, clement weather, abundant water and supplies. Spend enough time exploring its 40 km of Ramparts, the monumental gate of Bab Mansour, the lively el-Hedim Place, the magnificent Museum of Dar Jamaï, and the splendid Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.  From here to the huge granary and the stables – once accommodating the Sultan’s 20,000 Arabo-Berber ‘Barb’ horses – built next to a the El Heri es-Souani fed by underground channels that brought fresh water all the way from the distant Middle Atlas Mountains. Now, we leave Meknes to the Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins at Volubilis, where you’ll have a real sense of Roman lifestyle exploring the ancient olive presses, mansions, incredible mosaics, monumental arches and Corinthian still-intact columns.

We shall break for lunch at Volubilis before driving alongside the dark, outlaying ridges of the Zerhoun Hills for a panoramic view of the town of Moulay Idriss, the holiest Islamic town in the kingdom of Morocco. Continue to the Imperial City of Fes and your hotel or riad for a well-earned rest in the fortified old medina.

Day 4: Exploring the Imperial City and medieval medina

After a full breakfast at your Riad in Fes, you’ll begin your professionally-guided tour of the oldest imperial city of Fez, by visiting Dar Batha Museum, an Hispano-Moorish palace housing some admirable collections of traditional Morocco’s art, then drive through the impressive Dar el Makhzen to stop at the Royal Palace well-known with its magnificent seven bronze gates. From here continue through the Mellah with its intense atmosphere to the Borj Sud, here to take in the panoramic view of the fortified Medina. Now, start your walking tour of the labyrinth ancient Fes Medina,  discover the bustling maze of alleyways, visit the Bou Inania Mosque; the colourful es-Sabbaghine with its Street of the Dyers, the brass workers at es-Saffarine, and the impressive al-Quarawiyyin Mosque -University, pass through the aromas of the Souq el-Atterine area of spices and groceries to the delightful el-Nejjarine Square with its fountain and caravanserai, where you will stop nearby for lunch at an authentic local restaurant.  On now to the renowned Tanneries on the bank of the Oued Fes, then move to the pottery’s kilns, and visit perfumes and beauty products at the Souq el-Henna. Leave the Medina from the Bab Boujloud to continue your tour over the magnificent ramparts with its beautiful gates, make our way to the 16th century Saâdien watchtower at the North Borj and its Weapons Museum.
End you’re your full day trip contrasting culture and journey into some 1,200 years of history in Fez at your riad.

Day 5: Fes -> Beni Mellal -> Marrakech

From one great place to another, Today embark on the longest journey of your Morocco imperial cities  tour to travel to Marrakech. The itinerary from Fes to Marrakech is filled with beautiful sights. You’ll drive up into the Middle Atlas Mountains through Cedar forest and Berber villages, then move along the base of the High Atlas Mountains. Take in the natural stunning landscapes. it will be a wonderful change of scenery!

Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel/ Riad and then head off to the Jemaa el-Fna, the lively center square of the red medina. It comes alive at night with the local storytellers, musicians, acrobats, entertainers, mouth-watering barbeque pits and fresh orange juice sellers, the square of Jemaa El Fna is well worth a visit. Enjoy a quiet cup of mint tea on the terrace of a local café over the spectacular bustling square, before, a delicious dinner that awaits you in your riad/ local restaurant. Rest and get ready for tomorrow, as the colorful Marrakech await your arrival.

Day 6: Explore the Red City 

Unlike Fes, the red imperial city of Marrakech has Berber roots, it was once a substantial trading imperial capital for Berber tribes of the High Atlas Mountains and today remains a significant morocco travel destination. Meet your private tour guide and start exploring lively Marrakech!

Get lost in the red medina, start your day tour in Marrakech at the Koutoubia Mosque, then move next to the Kasbah area with the Saadian Tombs, visit the colorful souks, and Bahia Palace in the north, continue to El Badi Palace in the south. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy your sumptuous lunch at one of the best local restaurants in Marrakech, before you drive to visit the botanical Majorelle Gardens in the New City built by the French.

In the afternoon, orient yourself around the Jemaa el-Fna Square. As the sun sets, it comes alive with storytellers, musicians, dancers, acrobats, and even snake charmers. Also, many rows of food stalls will begin to appear, serving anything from full local meals to fresh fruit drinks, and dried dates and fruits., have a bite and a glass of the Moroccan sweet mint tea in one of the many cafés that sit above the square and enjoy the spectacle below.

Day 7: Depart from Casablanca / Marrakech

Complete any last-minute shopping, or you may wish to spend additional time exploring Marrakech’s Islamic and Moroccan architecture and artisanship at its finest. before catching your flight home from Marrakech Airport ( RAK) or Casablanca Airport (CMN).  You’ll depart enriched by the accumulated knowledge, breathtaking views, and new friendships shared during your amazing experience in Morocco imperial Cities.