6-Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour – Marrakech, Fes, Rabat & Camel Trek

You will be picked up at 08:00 am and driven to Casablanca, Morocco’s modern economic hub. Begin your journey with a short visit to the Hassan II Mosque, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece standing partly over the Atlantic Ocean. With its towering 210-meter minaret—the tallest in the world—and dazzling mosaics, marble floors, and intricate wood ceilings, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Morocco.

After exploring Casablanca, continue your journey along the scenic Atlantic coastline to Rabat, the political and administrative capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, visit the Oudaya Kasbah, Rabat’s old medina, famous for its narrow alleys, vibrant Andalusian gardens, and charming white-and-blue painted houses overlooking the sea.

Your day continues with a visit to the Chella Necropolis, where Roman ruins blend seamlessly with Islamic heritage, creating a timeless atmosphere of history and spirituality. Walk through the ancient stone pathways surrounded by lush gardens as you explore this extraordinary site.

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Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Moulay Idriss – Volubilis – Fes

After breakfast, depart Rabat and journey through the fertile agricultural plains toward Meknes, Morocco’s second imperial city. Here you will stop to admire and take photos of the monumental Bab El Mansour Gate, one of the most impressive in Morocco, standing as a symbol of the city’s grandeur during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail.

Continue your journey to the sacred city of Moulay Idriss, an important pilgrimage site and one of the country’s most picturesque towns, perched on two hills with winding streets and charming views. Take time to rest and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this small yet significant city.

The adventure continues with a visit to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved Roman towns in North Africa. Stroll among its remarkable mosaics, triumphal arches, and basilicas while learning about its fascinating history.

After exploring Volubilis, you will continue your journey to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional riad or hotel in Fes

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual capital. Accompanied by a local expert, you will explore the labyrinth of Fes El-Bali, the city’s UNESCO World Heritage listed old medina and the largest car-free urban area in the world.

Wander through its maze of narrow alleys filled with fresh produce markets, spice stalls, traditional workshops, and vibrant souks. Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine (Jemaa Karaouiyine), founded in the 9th century and considered the oldest continually operating university in the world. Step inside the stunning Bou Inania Madrasa, one of the few religious buildings in Morocco open to non-Muslims, renowned for its exquisite architecture and zellij tilework.

Continue to the famous tanneries, where leather is still dyed in centuries-old stone vats using natural methods, and explore the artisan quarters where master craftsmen produce pottery, brassware, and intricate carpets. Take time to soak in the atmosphere of the bustling souks, a sensory experience of colors, scents, and sounds.

In the afternoon, your tour expands to Fes El-Jdid (New Fes), home to the Royal Palace and the historic Jewish quarter (Mellah), offering a broader perspective on the city’s layered history and cultural diversity.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional riad or hotel in Fes. (Half Board)

After breakfast, depart from Fes and leave behind its centuries of history as you begin your journey south toward the Sahara. Along the way, you will pass through a series of contrasting landscapes and fascinating towns.

Your first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its clean streets, alpine-style houses, and European charm. Continue to Azrou, a Berber village nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, famous for its cedar forests inhabited by Barbary apes and its handicraft cooperatives where traditional carpets and woodwork are produced.

The road then leads you across the Middle Atlas Mountains and into the high plains around Midelt, known for its apple orchards and dramatic scenery. After lunch, the drive continues through the Ziz Valley, a fertile oasis of date palms framed by dramatic gorges and dotted with ksars (fortified villages).

By late afternoon, you will reach the golden dunes of Merzouga, the gateway to the majestic Erg Chebbi Desert. Here, you will embark on a camel trek across the dunes, riding into the heart of the Sahara to witness a magical sunset over the sand sea.

Your evening will be spent in a traditional Bedouin-style desert camp, where you will enjoy dinner under a sky full of stars, accompanied by Berber music around the campfire. Overnight in comfortable nomadic tents in Merzouga. (Half Board)

Wake up to a desert sunrise and enjoy breakfast at your camp before returning by camel or 4x4 to your driver. Depart Merzouga and head west, passing through Rissani, an important market town and former capital of the Alaouite dynasty. Its traditional souk is one of the most authentic in the region. Continue through Tinjdad, a small Berber town surrounded by desert landscapes.

Arrive in Tinghir, famous for its vast and lush palm oasis stretching more than 40 km along the valley floor. A short walk through the oasis reveals fields of olives, almonds, dates, and pomegranates, with small villages nestled between the greenery—a true contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it.

Next, travel to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering canyon walls rise nearly 300 meters high on either side of a narrow river valley. This rare natural wonder offers a breathtaking setting for a short walk or photography stop. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in the gorge.

In the afternoon, continue through the scenic Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Admire the unusual rock formations, fortified mud-brick villages, and fertile farmland along the river. Passing through Kelaat M’Gouna, the capital of Morocco’s rose-growing region, you’ll have the chance to learn about the production of rosewater and perfumes (especially lively in spring during the Rose Festival).

The day ends in Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” a city famous for its cinematic landscapes and film studios. Dinner and overnight in a traditional kasbah or hotel in Ouarzazate. (Half Board)

After breakfast, take time to explore Ouarzazate, whose name in Berber means “without noise”. Known as the Hollywood of Morocco, this city has been the backdrop for countless international films and series such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Asterix & Obelix, and Game of Thrones. Its unique desert landscapes and cinematic atmosphere make it a magnet for filmmakers from all over the world.

Start with a visit to the Kasbah of Taourirt, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. With its labyrinth of corridors, richly decorated rooms, and views over the oasis, it offers a fascinating insight into Morocco’s history. You may also visit the Kasbah of Tifoultout, another Glaoui stronghold standing proudly on a hill overlooking the city.

Leaving Ouarzazate behind, continue your journey through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, crossing the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass at an altitude of 2,260 meters. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of valleys, Berber villages clinging to mountainsides, and rugged peaks that form Morocco’s highest mountain range.

By late afternoon, descend towards the vibrant city of Marrakech. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel or riad. The evening is at leisure, giving you time to relax or head out to explore the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where snake charmers, storytellers, and food stalls fill the night with unforgettable energy.

Dinner and overnight in Marrakech.