Your 7-day Morocco Imperial Cities tour begins with your arrival at Casablanca Airport, where your driver will be waiting to welcome you and start your journey through Morocco’s historic cities. Depending on your arrival time, the first visit of the day is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the most important religious monuments in Morocco and one of the few mosques in the country open to non-Muslim visitors. Built partly over the Atlantic Ocean, this architectural masterpiece is known for its intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar wood, marble floors, and spectacular seaside setting.
After your visit in Casablanca, continue north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco and one of the country’s four imperial cities. More relaxed than Casablanca, Rabat offers a refined mix of history, royal heritage, and coastal charm. On arrival, explore some of its most important landmarks, beginning with the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a grand mosque dating back to the 12th century. Just across from it, visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where Moroccan royal traditions and exquisite craftsmanship come together in one of the city’s most respected monuments.
The day continues with a visit to the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a historic fortified quarter overlooking the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic coast. With its narrow Andalusian-style lanes, white and blue painted houses, quiet gardens, and panoramic views, this is one of the most charming corners of Rabat and a perfect introduction to Morocco’s imperial cities. After the visits, transfer to your accommodation in Rabat and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight stay: Riad or hotel in Rabat
After breakfast, continue your journey inland toward Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and a destination appreciated for its calmer atmosphere, grand gates, and deep historical character. Once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, Meknes still reflects the ambition of that era through its monumental architecture and old fortified walls.
On arrival, begin exploring some of the city’s most important landmarks. Visit Lahdim Square, the lively heart of the old city where local life, small shops, and the atmosphere of the medina come together. Just beside the square stands Bab Al Mansour, considered one of the finest and most beautifully decorated gates in Morocco, famous for its impressive scale and elegant green and white tilework. You may also visit Qara Prison, an underground site known for its labyrinth-like structure and the fascinating stories that surround it.
After visiting Meknes, continue to Volubilis, one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once an important Roman outpost, Volubilis is known for its remarkably preserved mosaics, ancient columns, arches, and foundations that offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s long and layered history. Walking through the ruins gives a very different perspective on Morocco, far beyond the imperial cities and medinas.
Later in the day, continue your drive to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, transfer to your accommodation in the medina and prepare for a deeper exploration of the city the following day.
Overnight stay: Traditional riad in Fes
Today, a local expert guide will lead you through the heart of Fes, one of Morocco’s most captivating imperial cities. Walk through the walled streets of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where centuries-old architecture, bustling souks, and the scent of spices fill the air at every turn. Visit the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of the city, and learn about Fes’s remarkable history dating back to the 9th century.
Explore the Bou Inania Medersa, a stunning 14th-century theological school adorned with intricate zellige tilework, carved stucco, and cedar wood ceilings. Continue to the world-famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather has been dyed using the same traditional techniques for over a thousand years. Watch craftsmen work from the rooftop terraces of surrounding shops, with the vivid hues of the dye vats spread out below.
Along the way, discover artisan workshops, ceramic studios, and local markets that offer genuine insight into Fes’s living culture. In the evening, enjoy free time to relax, visit a traditional Hammam, or join an optional Moroccan cooking class to learn the secrets of local cuisine.
Overnight stay: Traditional riad in Fes
After breakfast in Fes, your adventure takes you south toward the iconic Sahara Desert. The journey winds through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, where cedar forests, charming villages, and playful Barbary macaque monkeys create a picture-perfect backdrop. Stop in Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, a mountain town famous for its European-style architecture, lush parks, and calm atmosphere, a refreshing contrast to Morocco’s bustling cities.
Continuing south, pass through traditional Berber villages and the palm-filled Ziz Valley, a fertile oasis with date palms and desert landscapes stretching toward the horizon. This route offers excellent photography opportunities and a genuine glimpse of rural Moroccan life, with kasbahs, mud-brick villages, and local markets along the way.
By late afternoon, arrive at Merzouga, the gateway to the legendary Erg Chebbi dunes. Embark on a camel trek into the dunes as the sun begins to set, following the golden sands while the sky turns warm shades of orange and pink. As night falls, arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you can relax and enjoy a traditional Moroccandinner under the stars. Gather around the campfire to listen to Berber music, soak in the desert silence, and spend an unforgettable night in the heart of the Sahara.
Overnight stay: Luxury desert camp in Merzouga
Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, a breathtaking experience as the first light of dawn slowly illuminates the golden sands. After breakfast at the desert camp, begin your journey back from the desert toward the south of Morocco.
Your first stop is Rissani, a historic town near Merzouga, famous for its vibrant traditional souks and its role as a center of Berber culture. Explore the bustling marketplace, where local merchants sell spices, dates, pottery, and handmade goods, and get a genuine glimpse into the daily routines of the region’s inhabitants.
From Rissani, travel west through the Draa Valley, a scenic oasis dotted with palm groves, mud-brick kasbahs, and small Berber villages stretching along the Draa River. Stop at key viewpoints to admire the valley’s lush greenery against the backdrop of rugged desert mountains. Continue your drive to Ouarzazate, known as the Gateway to the Sahara and a hub for Morocco’s film industry, where historic kasbahs and dramatic desert landscapes have attracted major international productions including Gladiator and The Mummy. Check into your accommodation and enjoy the evening in this desert town.
Overnight stay: Riad or hotel in Ouarzazate
After breakfast in Ouarzazate, your journey continues to the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. Stroll through its narrow winding streets, admire the traditional mud-brick architecture, and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains. This kasbah has been the backdrop for many famous productions including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy, making it a highlight for both history and cinema enthusiasts.
Next, continue through the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest major mountain pass in North Africa, reaching approximately 2,260 meters above sea level. Along the way, enjoy spectacular landscapes of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and small Berber villages perched on the hillsides. Stop along the route for photos and to take in the dramatic mountain scenery.
By the afternoon, descend into Marrakech, the Red City, known for its bustling medina, colorful souks, and vibrant atmosphere. Check into your riad and spend the evening soaking in the city’s energy. Wander through Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, explore artisan workshops, or relax at your riad after a day of unforgettable landscapes.
Overnight stay: Traditional riad in Marrakech
On your final day, discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Marrakech with a knowledgeable local guide. Begin by wandering the winding streets of the medina, where bustling souks, colorful textiles, and aromatic spices bring the city to life. Visit the striking Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, and explore the ornate Saadian Tombs and the exquisite Bahia Palace, two of the city’s finest examples of Moroccan royal architecture and craftsmanship.
Stroll through lush gardens and artisan workshops, where traditional skills such as pottery, leatherwork, and metal engraving are still practiced today. Take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city, and enjoy your last moments in Morocco soaking in its unique energy and vibrant culture.
In the evening, transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of a week immersed in Morocco’s imperial cities, desert landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences.
End of tour with Navigate Morocco
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
This itinerary can be arranged as a fully private tour for your group or as a shared small-group tour, depending on your preference and budget. Contact Navigate Morocco to discuss the best option for you.
What level of fitness is required?
The tour involves moderate walking in city medinas, kasbahs, and desert dunes. No special fitness level is required, though comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended for the cobblestone streets and sandy terrain.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. Navigate Morocco can adjust the tour duration, cities visited, or activities included to suit your schedule and personal interests. Simply get in touch and we will tailor the experience for you.
When is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert?
The best time is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are pleasant and skies are clear. Summers can be extremely hot in the desert, while winter nights can be cold, though daytime temperatures remain comfortable.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included daily throughout the tour, along with a traditional dinner at the desert camp. Other meals can be arranged upon request or enjoyed independently at local restaurants along the route.
Will I need a visa?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many travelers can enter Morocco visa-free for short stays, but it is always best to check with your local consulate or embassy before travel.
What type of accommodation is included?
You will stay in a mix of carefully selected traditional riads, comfortable hotels, and a luxury desert camp in Merzouga. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, character, and authentic Moroccan feel.
Is the camel trek suitable for everyone?
Yes. The camel trek is slow-paced and guided by experienced local handlers, making it suitable for most travelers. If you prefer not to ride a camel, a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp can be arranged as an alternative.
What should I pack for this tour?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, light layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings in the mountains and desert. A small daypack is ideal for excursions and day trips.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Casablanca with an airport pickup and ends in Marrakech with a drop-off at Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation, depending on your onward travel plans.
