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7 Days imperial cities Tour From Casablanca via Sahara desert
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Casablanca

7 Days imperial cities Tour From Casablanca via Sahara desert

7 Days / 6 NightsPrivate tour

Itinerary

Day 1

Full day in Casablanca

On the first day, we will pick you up early from the airport, port, or your accommodation in Casablanca.

First, we will visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco. It is located on the west coast of the city. After, we’ll have free time for lunch.

Then, we’ll explore the city further, including a visit to the impressive Corniche of Casablanca.

Day 2

Casablanca = Rabat = Chefchaouen "The Blue City"

After breakfast, we’ll drive along the coastline to Rabat. As one of the imperial cities in Morocco, Rabat is the current capital, located in the northwest of the country.

In Rabat, you’ll visit the highlights of the city, including the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Additionally, you’ll explore the Kasbah of the Udayas. You’ll have free time for lunch during the day.

In the afternoon, we’ll head north through Ouazzane to reach the blue-hued city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. This city is renowned for its buildings and alleyways painted in striking shades of blue.

Day 3

Chefchaouen =Meknes = Fes

feel free to wander through the beautiful blue-hued alleyways of Chefchaouen.

We’ll then drive to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a well-preserved site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage. Here, you can admire the stunning mosaics, pillars, and archways scattered throughout the ruins.

Continuing our journey, we’ll drive 30 km to reach the city of Meknes, considered the Ismaili capital and one of the imperial cities of Morocco. In Meknes, we’ll visit landmarks such as Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal Stables, the Granary, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.

Day 4

Full day in Fes

We will dedicate the full day to exploring the highlights of the city of Fes with a local guide. Fes is considered one of the imperial cities of Morocco, as well as the cultural and religious center of the country.

We’ll start the day by visiting the gate of the Royal Palace. Then, we’ll venture into the well-preserved medieval Medina, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll get to see the famous Blue Gate or Bab Boujloud, which serves as the entrance to the old Medina’s labyrinth of alleyways and streets.

As we explore Medina, you’ll visit landmarks such as the Medersa Bouanania, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Tanneries. We’ll also stop at the Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, which is considered the oldest university in the world.

After Medina, we’ll leave to visit the Jewish quarter, also known as “the Mellah”. Then, we’ll drive to an ancient fortress to take in the panoramic views of the Medina and the entire city of Fes.

Day 5

Fes = Ifrane = Midelt = Ziz valley = Merzouga Sahara

We’ll drive south through Imouzzer to visit the city of Ifrane, famous for its low temperatures, snow, and alpine-style architecture – earning it the nickname “the Switzerland of Morocco.”

After exploring Ifrane, we’ll continue on to the cedar forest, where we’ll have the chance to wander and feed the Barbary macaques that call this forest home.

Later, we’ll drive to Midelt, where you’ll have free time for lunch. Then we’ll continue our journey through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way.

You’ll switch to camels and cross the sandy desert. We’ll make a stop at the top of a high dune to enjoy the sunset.

Finally, we’ll reach the camp, which combines traditional nomadic tents with hotel-style luxuries. Here, you can enjoy Berber drumming and music as you dance around the campfire under the vast, starry sky. You’ll have dinner and an overnight stay in the camp.

Day 6

Merzouga Sahara = Rissani = Erfoud = Todra Gorges = Boumalne

Waking up early in the morning is a must in order to witness the beautiful desert sunrise. After taking in the breathtaking view, you’ll have free time for breakfast.

Then, you’ll return to Merzouga on the camels, where your driver will be waiting. From there, we’ll leave the desert and head to the town of Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani remains an important trading center in the region, with a large and lively souk that operates 3 days a week.

After exploring the Rissani souk, we’ll continue on to Erfoud, where we’ll visit one of the workshops specializing in fossilized marble. Then, we’ll drive through the Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves to reach the Todra Gorges. The Todra River has carved an impressive, high-walled canyon through the mountains, creating an ideal setting for rock climbing. You’ll have time to wander through the gorges and appreciate the stunning landscape.

We’ll break for a free-time lunch in a local restaurant before continuing our drive through Boumalne Dades to the Dades Valley. Along the way, we’ll make stops to see the “monkey fingers” rock formation and take in the views overlooking the Dades Valley.

Day 7

Boumalne = Roses Valley = Ouarzazate = Marrakech

On the final day of our tour, we’ll continue our journey to Kalaa Magouna, home to the Rose Valley. Each May, the town hosts an annual Rose Festival, where the locals showcase and sell their rose-based products – from perfumes and rose water to cosmetic items.

From the Rose Valley, we’ll drive through the palm groves of Skoura to reach the town of Ouarzazate. Here, we’ll visit the film studios where many famous movies have been shot over the years.

Afterward, we’ll depart for the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic location has appeared in numerous films, including Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as in the TV series Game of Thrones.

Finally, we’ll make the drive to Marrakech, traversing the Tizi-N-Tichka pass and the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch and to take photos at any interesting spots.

Once we reach Marrakech, we’ll drop you off at the airport or your accommodation, bringing an end to our 7 Days imperial cities Tour From Casablanca.

Price includes

  • Transport air-conditioned 4×4 or deluxe van
  • English /speaking driver.
  • Pick up & drop off at your Riad / Hotel or Airport
  • Breakfast: Includes vegetarian and vegan options
  • Custom stops and breaks during the journey
  • Experienced local Berber and nomad driver/guide

Not included

  • Lunches & Drinks.
  • Entrance fees to monuments.
  • Any Private Expenses