Imperial Cities & Blue Dreams: 7 Days From Marrakech to the Desert

Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, your private driver will greet you and transfer you to a comfortable riad in the medina. After a short rest, enjoy a guided walking tour through Bahia Palace, with its intricate zellij tilework and serene courtyards, and the Secret Garden, which offers a quiet escape from the medina’s vibrant energy. Discover hidden souks and local artisans. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and overnight in the riad.

After breakfast, begin your journey toward Casablanca. Upon arrival, explore the city's highlights with a visit to the majestic Hassan II Mosque, set on a platform extending over the Atlantic Ocean. Admire the fine craftsmanship of this modern Islamic structure. Then stroll through the Corniche, Casablanca’s beachfront promenade. Enjoy dinner and overnight in a stylish hotel in the city.

Drive along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Hassan Tower, and the beautiful Kasbah of the Udayas, overlooking the sea. Enjoy lunch at a seaside café before heading into the Rif Mountains. In the late afternoon, arrive in the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, known for its photogenic blue-washed buildings. Relax, explore, and stay overnight in a charming guesthouse.

Enjoy a peaceful morning exploring Chefchaouen’s cobbled alleys, artisan markets, and hilltop views. Later, head south to visit Volubilis, the ancient Roman city filled with columns, mosaics, and the ruins of basilicas and triumphal arches. Continue to Fes, the cultural and religious heart of Morocco. Overnight in a traditional riad.

After breakfast, leave the bustling city for the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” and continue to the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you may spot playful Barbary macaques. Pass through Midelt and descend into the stunning Ziz Valley, filled with palm groves and mud-brick villages. Reach the edge of the Sahara Desert at Merzouga by late afternoon. Camel trek through the golden dunes and watch the sunset before arriving at your luxury desert camp for dinner and live Berber music.

Rise early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast. Depart Merzouga and travel to Rissani, once the center of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty. Then drive through Erfoud, known for fossil workshops, and continue to the Todra Gorges, where 300-meter limestone walls create a dramatic canyon. After a walk and lunch, arrive in the scenic Dades Valley, home to unusual rock formations and fortified villages. Overnight in a comfortable guesthouse.

After breakfast, depart through the Valley of Roses and visit Skoura Oasis, home to the picturesque Kasbah Amridil. Arrive at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-protected ksar and filming site for many international films. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass, making photo stops along the way. Return to Marrakech in the evening. Overnight at your riad