7 Days Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert Tour from Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco, marking the beginning of your extraordinary 7 Days Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert Tour from Casablanca! Your adventure starts with a pick-up from your hotel, Riad, or the airport in Casablanca. Our journey commences by heading north to Rabat, the present-day capital and an imperial city steeped in history. Explore the iconic Hassan Tower, a minaret adjacent to the unfinished mosque, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V.

Next, your voyage leads to Fez, with a captivating stop at Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Delve into the remnants of this former Roman stronghold, adorned with colonnaded streets, ancient homes, structures, and olive presses.

Continuing our exploration, we reach Meknes, a charming city boasting a more intimate and less bustling Medina than that of Fez. Wander through gardens, palaces, and marvel at the impressive Bab al-Mansour gate. Don’t miss the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, an architectural gem. In the afternoon, our journey brings us to Fes, often referred to as the “spiritual capital of Morocco.” After checking into your hotel for the night, take a leisurely stroll through the city, immersing yourself in its vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas.

Discover more than just a hat with a twirling tassel; Fez unfolds as a treasure trove of exotic delights on this best-of-Morocco tour. Today, immerse yourself in the UNESCO-protected Fez Medina through the eyes of a local, guided by your own private guide. Navigating the labyrinthine network of arms-width alleyways and donkey-width roads within the UNESCO-protected Fez medina, estimated to be around nine thousand in number (though the counter remains a mystery), can be perplexing even for those who have spent years in this charming city. Your guide will reveal hidden stories, tucked-away corners, the intricacies of daily life, and the grandeur of its Medersas and palaces. Experience the marvelous Fez as only a true local can unveil. Plan ahead with the assistance of our Fes Full-Day Guided Tour.

Begin your day with an early start and journey southward towards Merzouga. Traverse the alpine town of Ifrane, then explore the cedar forest in Azrou, home to playful monkeys. Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and pause for lunch in Midelt, known as the ‘apple city’. Continue your adventure over the Tizi n’Talghomt pass, offering stunning views, and descend into the Ziz Valley, renowned for its hidden oases and clusters of palm trees. Proceed to Erfoud, famed for its date festival and fossil mining. Take the opportunity to visit a local collective, understand the intricate process, and meet skilled artisans. Continue the journey towards Merzouga, where a restful night in the hotel awaits, ensuring you are fully rejuvenated for the upcoming Sahara adventure.

Rise early to witness the mesmerizing desert sunrise, followed by the excitement of sandboarding. Optionally, embark on an ATV tour through the majestic Erg Chebbi desert dunes, the largest in Morocco. The morning is yours to explore Merzouga’s unique charm before gearing up for an unforgettable night beneath the stars.

Our journey begins with a visit to the Gnawa people, originally from Sudan, offering insight into their music and lifestyle. Revel in the panoramic view of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Next, venture to nomadic families in their tents for tea, providing a profound cultural experience. In the afternoon, meet your camel and trek through the desert, crossing red dunes until only sand and sky surround you. Pause to witness the sunset, eventually reaching the camp. Take in the serene landscapes, savor a Moroccan dinner under the stars next to a campfire, and relish Berber music performed with drums under the starlit sky.

After an enchanting tea session, we conclude the tour by visiting the fossil-rich Tissardmine oasis in the afternoon, returning to Merzouga. Then, embark on a camel ride to the camp, where you can explore the mysterious Erg-Chebbi sand-sea. The night unfolds with alfresco dining under the stars, followed by a night in a Bedouin-style tent or, preferably in the summer, sleeping under the open sky.

Overnight at a desert camp.

Don’t miss the opportunity to greet the morning sun as it embarks on another glorious journey. If you rise with the first light, settle on the sand dunes and witness the sunrise gradually illuminating the dusty summer skies, creating a moment of awe. Upon returning to a local hotel, a refreshing hot shower and a hearty breakfast await.

Bid farewell to the dunes and make a stop in the vibrant market town of Rissani, entering through its impressive gate. Explore the town known for its lively livestock auction, and don’t forget to discover the charming ‘donkey parking lot’ for a delightful experience. Traverse through the picturesque Dades Valley and Boumalne Dades, taking a pause in Kela’a M’gouna to admire the blooming rose bushes. Visit a rose collective to witness the fascinating process of transforming rose petals into rose water and oil.

Continuing westward, make a stop in Ouarzazate and uncover the cinematic history of its nearby regions, featured in iconic movies like Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Black Hawk Down. Your overnight stay will be at a riad in Ouarzazate, offering a comfortable and authentic accommodation experience.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an exploration of Taourirt Kasbah. Nestled on the town’s edge, this former Glaoui residence is renowned for its captivating beauty, making it one of Morocco’s most stunning kasbahs.

Following this, our journey takes us beyond the town for an exclusive visit to the Atlas Corporation Studios, a well-known cinematographic center. Our next destination is the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, located 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate. This kasbah stands as one of the most intriguing red earth castles along the ancient road of the Kasbahs, earning its UNESCO World Heritage status. Notably, it has served as the backdrop for numerous historical films, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Last Temptation of Christ, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.

As our Fes Merzouga Desert trip draws to a close, we embark on a scenic journey across the High Atlas mountains. Our route takes us through the Berber town of Taddert and over the 2260 meters high Tizi-in-Tichka pass. Along the way, we make stops to savor panoramic views and capture the charm of Berber villages and their picturesque landscapes.

The final leg of our adventure brings us to the enchanting red city, Marrakech, where we drop you off at your hotel or Riad. We sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed the richness of our Fes Merzouga Desert journey.

Indulge in an early breakfast before we embark on the journey back to Casablanca airport, where you will catch your return flight. As our 7 Days Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert Tour from Casablanca concludes, we sincerely hope you’ve relished the entire experience with our team!