Imperial Cities & Desert Circuit – 12 Days / 11 Nights
Trip description
Embark on an exceptional journey that weaves together the history and natural beauty of Morocco with timeless elegance.
This prestigious circuit takes you through the ancestral splendors of the Imperial Cities — enchanting Marrakech, enigmatic Fes, imperial Meknes, and elegant Rabat — where majestic palaces, labyrinthine medinas, and vibrant souks tell the story of past dynasties.
The route then opens onto infinity, crossing the majestic passes of the Atlas Mountains to reveal the magic of the Sahara Desert, including destinations such as Merzouga and its golden dunes.
Tour itinerary
Arrival at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, transfer to Rabat, check-in, dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will visit the Mechouar of the Royal Palace, the Chellah ruins, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
After lunch, we will head towards Chefchaouen, a beautiful town where all the houses are painted blue.
Upon arrival, we will enjoy a guided visit of the Kasbah, the central mosque, and the medina. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or guesthouse in the medina.
After Chefchaouen, we will head towards the historic city of Meknes to visit El Hedim Square, Bab El Mansour (the massive gate that serves as the entrance to the old city), and the Jewish quarter.
We will then continue to Fes, where we will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel or traditional riad.
We will start the day exploring the oldest city in Morocco, winding through its narrow streets and alleys in Fes.
We begin with an exterior visit of the Royal Palace, followed by the Jewish quarter, where the first Mellah in Morocco was built in the 16th century.
We ensure you visit all major cultural and historical sites, including the famous Al Quaraouiyine University, considered the oldest university in the world. We also visit the Tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss.
After lunch, you will visit local Moroccan craft cooperatives, then enjoy the atmosphere of the old medina of Fes before returning to your hotel or riad for the evening.
After continuing through breathtaking landscapes, we will pause in Ifrane, often called the “Little Switzerland of Morocco,” a green and peaceful town in the Middle Atlas known for its alpine-style architecture and clean mountain air.
We will then have lunch in Azrou, a town famous for its cedar forests and traditional Berber culture.
The journey continues towards Midelt, passing through changing scenery of mountains and wide valleys.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, we continue our journey towards the great Moroccan desert, passing through Errachidia and Erfoud.
Upon arrival in Merzouga, luggage will be left in the vehicle before starting a wonderful camel trek at sunset across the dunes.
After the ride, we return to the desert camp to relax and take a shower. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner around the campfire with Berber music in the background. The atmosphere is unforgettable under a star-filled sky and among the majestic sand dunes.
After dinner, spend a peaceful and restful night in traditional caidal tents in the desert camp.
Departure towards Tinghir through the Ziz Valley, surrounded by tamarisk trees and palm groves. Visit of the palm oasis followed by an excursion into the Todra Gorges, continuing to the end of the narrow and impressive canyon.
The journey continues through the Dades Valley along the famous Road of the Thousand Kasbahs, passing oasis to oasis, including El Kelaa M'Gouna (the Rose City) and Skoura.
After breakfast, we depart towards the fascinating Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will enjoy a short stop to visit and discover this remarkable architectural masterpiece, which has served as a filming location for many movies such as *The Mummy*, *Gladiator*, *Babel*, and *The Jewel of the Nile*.
We then continue our journey to Marrakech via the Tizi N’Tichka mountain pass.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or riad.
A full day dedicated to exploring the charming ochre city of Marrakech with a local guide.
The visit begins with the Koutoubia Mosque, followed by the Bahia Palace, and the famous Jemaa el-Fna square in the medina. The tour continues with the renowned Majorelle Gardens.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to relax at the hotel or enjoy shopping in the souks.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.
After breakfast, we depart towards Essaouira, a peaceful and relaxing coastal town.
On the way, we stop at an argan oil cooperative to discover how women from local villages produce natural argan oil using ancient traditional methods passed down from mother to daughter.
Upon arrival in Essaouira, we explore the medina (formerly known as Mogador) with a local guide. The medina is full of small artisan shops, especially wood carving and Thuya wood crafts, practiced here for centuries.
The city enjoys a mild microclimate and attracts visitors from cities like Marrakech. Many artists and musicians have settled here. Essaouira also hosts major cultural events such as the Gnaoua Festival and the Printemps Musical des Alizés.
We continue with a visit to the souks and the small fishing port, where we enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, we return to Casablanca where our journey comes to an end.
Free time – dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca International Airport Casablanca.
End of services.
