This 8-day tour offers a complete Moroccan experience, beginning and ending in Casablanca. You will explore four imperial cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech. The journey includes ancient Roman ruins and a night in the Sahara Desert. You will traverse the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, visit UNESCO-listed kasbahs, and wander through the world’s oldest living medina. The tour balances history, culture, and natural beauty for a comprehensive Moroccan adventure.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Casablanca towards Fes. The route passes through the capital, Rabat, and continues through fertile farmlands. Before reaching Fes, you will explore two significant historic sites. First are the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the southernmost outpost of the Roman Empire. Next is Meknes, the imperial city founded by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Here, you will visit the Bou Inania Medersa, the grand Bab Mansour gate, and the impressive Sahrij es-Souani stables. A stop at a rooftop café offers panoramic city views. You then continue to Fes for hotel check-in.
After breakfast, a licensed local guide leads you through the oldest living medieval Medina in the world. Your exploration includes the bustling souks, the Royal Palace gateway, and the 9th-century Karouine Mosque and University. You will also visit the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, the city’s founder. Lunch is served at a traditional restaurant within the Medina. The afternoon continues with visits to the Najarine Fountain, the old Harem Garden, and the Batha Museum. The day ends with a panoramic view of the city before returning to your hotel.
In the morning, you travel into the mountains towards Imouzzer. This region is blanketed in forests of cedar, juniper, and cork oak. It is known for its abundant wildlife, including birds, wild boar, and Barbary apes. The road climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains, where nomadic Berber tents may dot the slopes. After a late lunch in Midelt, you continue along mountain roads overlooking the Ziz River. Passing kasbahs and palm groves, you travel through Errachidia before arriving in Merzouga by late afternoon. You will stay overnight on the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Following breakfast, you embark on a tour around the Erg Chebbi dunes. The day includes a visit to a local home to hear traditional Gnawa music. You will also see deserted mines, meet Berber nomads, and explore a palm oasis. After returning to Merzouga for lunch, you have time to relax. In the afternoon, you begin a camel ride into the golden dunes. You will spend the night at a well-equipped desert camp. Before dinner, you can climb a high dune for sunset photos. The evening features drum music under a spectacular star-filled sky.
Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes before riding camels back to Merzouga. After breakfast and a shower at the hotel, your journey continues towards the Dades Valley. The route passes through Rissani and Erfoud, a town famous for its dates. You then proceed through Tinejdad before visiting the dramatic red cliffs of the Todra Gorges. The day ends in the stunning Dades Valley, surrounded by multi-colored rock formations.
Departing the Dades Valley after breakfast, you drive to Ouarzazate, known as “Moroccan Hollywood.” Here, you visit a cinematographic museum before exploring the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This is Morocco’s most impressive fortress and has featured in films like Gladiator. Afterwards, you cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest road pass in Morocco. The route offers spectacular views of valleys, mountains, and Berber villages. You arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Today is dedicated to exploring Marrakech. Your sightseeing includes the historic Menara Gardens, the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful Majorelle Gardens, the Bahia Palace, and the Dar Si Said museum. Lunch is optional within the Medina. The afternoon includes a walk through the vibrant souks. The day concludes with a sunset drink from a café terrace overlooking the bustling Jemaa El Fna square. Dinner and overnight are at your hotel.
You will depart Marrakech in the morning and drive back to Casablanca. The transfer will take you to the airport for your departure flight.
