Desert & Imperial Cities of Morocco – 8 Day

Upon arrival at Mohamed V Airport, you’ll be greeted and assisted before transferring to your hotel in Casablanca for check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax at leisure. Dinner is at your convenience, and you’ll spend the night at the Sofitel Tour Blanche Casablanca.

After breakfast, set out for Rabat, Morocco’s political capital. Visit the striking Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the picturesque Oudaya Kasbah, overlooking the river.

Continue to Meknes, once the imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Enter through the grand Bab Mansour Gate and, if time allows, step inside the impressive Moulay Ismail Mausoleum to admire its intricate decoration.

From here, the journey leads to Volubilis, the Roman outpost whose sprawling ruins showcase mosaics, temples, and triumphal arches that have stood the test of time.

The day ends in Fès, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, where you’ll enjoy dinner at leisure and overnight at your riad or hotel.

Spend a full day uncovering the wonders of Fès, often called the world’s finest example of a living medieval city. Its ancient medina, Fès el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the jewel of Moorish civilization. With its winding alleyways and hidden corners, Fès reveals its secrets slowly, rewarding visitors with every turn.

Your guided exploration includes the Bou Inania Medersa, the elegant Nejjarine Fountain, and the labyrinthine souks where artisans still practice traditional crafts. You’ll also visit the famous tanneries, a colorful scene that has remained unchanged for centuries.

After lunch at leisure, continue to the Batha Museum, a Hispano-Moorish palace from the late 19th century, home to beautiful collections of traditional art from Fès. Later in the afternoon, you can relax at your riad, enjoying its gardens and pool, or visit Fès Jdid, the “New Fès” built by the Merinids in the 13th century, with its Royal Palace and gardens.

Today’s journey takes you across the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests and the Alpine-style ski resort of Ifrane before descending into the desert regions. Continue through the sweeping palm groves of the Ziz Valley, with its lush oases stretching for miles, until the landscape gives way to the golden sands of the Sahara.

Arrive in Erfoud, where 4×4 vehicles will transfer you deep into the desert to your charming luxury camp in Merzouga, set beside the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes.

As night falls, gather around the bonfire under the star-filled sky. The silence of the desert is broken only by traditional music and dance. Savor a delicious dinner, then retire to your private nomad tent for an unforgettable overnight in the Sahara.

A very early wake up and a camel ride till the highest sand dunes in North Africa, up to 150 m, to witness the Holy desert sunrise. Departure and continuation to Tineghir for a short visit in the centre of this small town.Lunch at leisure on the spot.Followed by a short 1 hour trek in the Todgha Gorges.Continuation to Boumalene through DadesValley.Dinner and overnight

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This morning, drive through the lush Dades Valley along the scenic “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Pass through the Kelaa Mgouna Valley, renowned for its fragrant Damascus roses and annual Rose Festival.

Continue to Ouarzazate, often called “Morocco’s Hollywood” for its desert landscapes and world-famous Atlas Studios, where countless international films have been shot.

Stop for lunch at the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, a magnificent fortified village that has served as the backdrop for many iconic movies and TV series.

In the afternoon, cross the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,200 m) in the High Atlas Mountains, following winding roads with sweeping views of Morocco’s highest peaks. Arrive in Marrakech by evening, where the rest of the day is free at leisure. Dinner on your own, with overnight stay in Marrakech.

This morning, depart by 4x4 for a full-day excursion into the High Atlas Mountains. Take a guided hike through the Imnan Valley, where terraced fields, mud-brick villages, and sweeping mountain views showcase the beauty of rural Morocco.

At midday, enjoy a homemade lunch with a local Berber family, a memorable cultural exchange that offers a glimpse into traditional daily life.

In the late afternoon, return to Marrakech, where the evening is free to relax or explore at your own pace. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in Marrakech.

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Spend the day exploring the treasures of Marrakech, Morocco’s most exotic city. Visit the Saadian Tombs, with their delicate Granada-style carvings, and the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Continue to the famous Medersa Ben Youssef and the enchanting Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Admire the Koutoubia Minaret, the city’s most iconic landmark and a jewel of Islamic architecture.

In the evening, experience the legendary atmosphere of Djemaa El Fna Square, where acrobats, musicians, dancers, storytellers, and food stalls bring the square to life in a centuries-old nightly ritual.