Morocco’s Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert: A 12-Day Tour from Casablanca

Upon your arrival at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), our friendly team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Casablanca. Settle in and prepare for your grand Moroccan adventure.

Begin your Morocco tour from Casablanca with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, a stunning architectural marvel located on the Atlantic coast. It's one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, offering a unique opportunity to admire its intricate design and soaring minaret. Afterward, we'll travel to Rabat, the modern capital and an imperial city. We'll explore its historic sites like the Oudayas Kasbah, a picturesque fortress with blue and white alleys, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a stunning example of modern Alaouite architecture. Spend the night in a charming traditional riad.

Today, we head to Meknes, the "Versailles of Morocco" and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll explore the city's impressive gates and vast ramparts, including the famous Bab Mansour gate. We'll then journey to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a spectacular archaeological site that showcases Morocco's rich history through its well-preserved mosaics and columns. Our day concludes with our arrival in Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco, where you will stay in a beautiful traditional riad.

Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Fes, Morocco's oldest Imperial City. With an expert local guide, you'll navigate the winding alleyways of Fes el-Bali, the city’s walled medina and a UNESCO site. Visit the iconic Chouara Tannery, the Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest continuously functioning educational institution in the world), and marvel at the stunning architecture of the Bou Inania Madrasa. A panoramic view from the Merenid Tombs offers a spectacular perspective of this historic city. This Fes medina guided tour is an unforgettable sensory experience.

Leave the city behind as we travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains on our Casablanca to Sahara desert tour. Our first stop is Ifrane, nicknamed "the Switzerland of Morocco," for its alpine architecture. We'll continue through cedar forests, home to the Barbary Macaques, and past the Ziz Valley, with its stunning palm groves and breathtaking canyon views. The day's journey culminates in the desert oasis of Merzouga, where you will stay in a hotel near the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes.

Experience the heart of the Sahara on a 4x4 tour around the dunes. Visit a nomadic Berber family to share a cup of tea and learn about their traditional way of life. We'll also stop in the village of Khamlia to enjoy a live Gnawa music performance, a unique form of spiritual music. As the sun begins to set, embark on an unforgettable camel trek Sahara desert Morocco through the golden sands of Erg Chebbi to your luxury desert camp. This Moroccan desert camping tour includes a traditional dinner and a night under a blanket of stars.

Wake up to a mesmerizing desert sunrise before returning to the hotel by camel. After breakfast, we'll drive to Rissani, the historic cradle of the Alaouite dynasty. Our journey continues to the magnificent Todra Gorges, a paradise for rock climbers, before heading to the lush Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a kasbah. You'll witness the dramatic rock formations known as "monkey fingers" and the beautiful scenery of the Dades and Todra Gorges.

Travel through the scenic "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." Visit the captivating Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified clay village and a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous as the filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring this iconic site, we'll cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views, to reach the vibrant city of Marrakech.

Explore the famous "Red City" with a local guide. Visit historical landmarks like the beautiful Bahia Palace, the ancient Saadian Tombs, and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. Wander through the bustling souks, a sensory explosion of colors and sounds, and conclude your tour in the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a UNESCO site filled with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls. This guided Marrakech city tour provides a deep insight into the city's rich culture.

Take a scenic day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira. Known for its refreshing sea breeze and a charming walled medina, this UNESCO-listed city is a perfect escape. Explore the lively fishing port, the historic ramparts, and the local workshops where Argan oil is produced. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before heading back to Marrakech. This Essaouira day trip from Marrakech offers a great contrast to the imperial cities.

Our journey continues back to the Atlantic coast, stopping in the historic city of El Jadida. Once a Portuguese fortress, its walled medina is another UNESCO site waiting to be explored. You can visit the impressive Portuguese Cistern, a subterranean architectural marvel. After a leisurely lunch, we'll make our way back to Casablanca for your final night, reflecting on the amazing journey from the Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert tour.

Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast before we transfer you to Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) for your departure, filled with incredible memories of your journey through the Imperial Cities and Sahara. This marks the end of our 12-day Morocco tour.