6-Day Tour of Morocco's Imperial Cities & Merzouga Desert

Tour Details

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat

At 12 pm, we'll pick you up from your hotel or riad in Casablanca, or at the city's airport, to begin this tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco.

At Casablanca, we'll visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque. Did you know that its 200-metre (656-foot) minaret made it the tallest temple in the world? On this first day, we'll also wander through the narrow streets of the Casablanca Medina and swing by the souq and Corniche.

Afterwards, we'll head over to Rabat, where we'll settle into the hotel where we'll rest until the next day. Good night!

Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez

After having breakfast at the hotel in Rabat, we'll begin a tour of Morocco's capital. We'll admire the facades of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the citadel Kasbah of the Udayas. You'll be astounded by the blue streets!

We'll then travel to Meknes, a beautiful city at the foot of the Middle Atlas mountains. Here, we'll explore the souqs, Al-Hadim Square, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl.

Next stop? The ruins of Volubilis! You'll be captivated by the remains of this ancient Roman city from start to finish.

Our day will come to an end by travelling to Fez, where we'll spend the night.

Day 3: Fez

On our third day, after breakfast, we'll have some time to explore Fez. Did you know that it is the oldest Imperial City out of the four? We'll visit the Marinid Tombs, the Jewish Quarter Mellah, and the Arms Museum.

Of course, a tour of Fez would not be complete without a stroll through the Medina, one of the most vibrant ones in the country. Hidden amongst its narrow streets, we'll spot mosques, tanneries, and various souqs. You'll love its energetic atmosphere!

Lastly, we'll return to the hotel in Fez to rest.

Day 4: Fez – Azrou – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga

Our fourth day awaits us! Having energised with breakfast, we'll begin our trip through the cedar forests of Azrou until we reach the Ziz Valley. Along the way, we'll see gorges and unique villages like Midelt and Erfoud.

Before the day ends, we'll go on a camel ride to explore the famous Merzouga desert. It'll be an unforgettable experience! Little by little, we'll get to see the sun setting over the desert dunes. What more could you ask for?

Finally, we'll settle into haimas, traditional tents, in a campsite and enjoy a special night in the desert.

Day 5: Merzouga – Todgha Gorges & Dades Valley

Can you imagine what watching the sunrise over the Merzouga desert is like? Incredible! After basking in the colours of the new day, we'll have a tasty breakfast and return to the campsite to continue our tour. We'll travel across the Todgha Gorges, enjoying views of its landscapes and the little villages dotted around the area.

We'll then arrive at the hotel in the Dades Valley to rest for the next day.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh

On the last day, we'll have breakfast at the hotel and hop on the vehicle. We'll drive down the Road of the 1000 Kasbahs until we reach the palmeraie Skoura. A true oasis in the desert!

Following the route, we'll reach Ouarzazate in search of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a fortified city that has been the backdrop to many famous films. Want to know which ones? Find out on this tour!

Lastly, we'll cross the Atlas mountain range and reach Marrakesh at 6:30 pm. This is where this 6-day tour of the Imperial Cities and the Merzouga desert will come to an end.

Tour Accommodation

This tour includes 5 nights of accommodation with breakfast in double rooms at the following hotels and campsites:

• Rabat (3 stars): Hôtel des Oudaïas, Hotel Malak, Hotel Annakhil, Riad Meftaha, or similar.
• Fez (3 stars): Riad Dar Skalli, Riad Letchina, Riad Dar Marhaba, Riad Ghita, Hotel Across, or similar.
• Merzouga: standard or luxury haimas campsite (depending on selection). The luxury camp has a private bathroom inside the haima while the standard camp has a shared bathroom. 
• Dades Valley (3 srats): Auberge Panorama, Kasbah Tizzarouine, Hotel Babylon, or similar.

Pickup & End Points

This tour begins in Casablanca. During the booking process, you can choose for us to pick you up at the arrivals terminal in the airport, at the hotel or riad where you are staying, or at a central point in the city that suits you.

Our tour ends in Marrakesh. Once we arrive, you can opt to stay in the city or be taken to the airport.

Itinerary Adjustments

Meknes is currently closed due to renovation works until further notice, so we won't be able to visit this Imperial City.

Following the latest earthquake that affected Morroco, the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate is currently closed. Nevertheless, you will still be able to take photos from the outside.