9-Day Imperial Cities & Desert Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech

📌 Overview

Nine days covering Morocco’s imperial cities and Sahara desert in one grand journey. Begin in Casablanca, discover Rabat and Meknes, cross to Fès, travel through the Middle Atlas to the Sahara at Erg Chebbi, then wind back south through the Dades Valley and Ouarzazate to conclude in Marrakech. The most comprehensive imperial cities and desert experience available.

🗺️ Itinerary

🌅 Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Morocco’s economic capital

Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, begin your Moroccan adventure with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Explore the Corniche and Mohammed V Square. Welcome dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant.

🌅 Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat

Imperial city and political capital

Drive to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital. Visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque fortified quarter with blue and white streets. Stroll along the Bouregreg River and visit the modern Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

🌅 Day 3: Rabat to Meknes to Fes

Imperial heritage and Roman ruins

Depart for Meknes, another of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Bab Mansour gate, Heri es Souani granaries, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Fes for overnight.

🌅 Day 4: Explore Fes

Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart

Full day exploring Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University (the world’s oldest university), Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tanneries, and the Dar Batha Museum. Get lost in the labyrinth of the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

🌅 Day 5: Fes to Middle Atlas to Merzouga

Mountains, cedar forests and desert gateway

Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at Ifrane (“Little Switzerland”) and the Cedar Forest near Azrou to see Barbary macaques. Continue through the Ziz Valley with its lush palm groves. Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Overnight in a luxury desert camp.

🌅 Day 6: Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes

Desert adventure and Berber culture

Wake up early for sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, explore the desert by 4×4, visiting Khamlia village for traditional Gnawa music. Try sandboarding on the dunes. In the afternoon, take a camel trek to watch the sunset. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner with live music around the campfire.

🌅 Day 7: Merzouga to Tinghir to Todra Gorge to Dades Valley

Canyons and palm groves

Drive to Tinghir and explore the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering rock walls up to 300m high. Enjoy a short hike through the narrowest part of the gorge. Continue to the scenic Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Overnight in Boumalne Dades.

🌅 Day 8: Dades Valley to Ouarzazate

Valley of kasbahs and film capital

Drive through the scenic Dades Valley. Stop at Skoura to visit the well-preserved Amridil Kasbah. Arrive in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios.

🌅 Day 9: Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech

UNESCO kasbah and High Atlas crossing

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village famous for its role in numerous films. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your hotel. Optional farewell dinner in the city.

✅ Includes

  • Private air-conditioned transportation throughout
  • Professional English/French/Spanish-speaking guide
  • 8 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels and luxury desert camp
  • Daily breakfast and 6 dinners
  • Camel trek in Erg Chebbi with sunset and sunrise views
  • 4×4 desert excursion in Merzouga
  • Entrance fees to all mentioned historical sites and attractions
  • Local taxes and service charges

❌ Excludes

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks (except water during meals)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Tips and gratuities (recommended: 5-10 EUR per person per day)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages

ℹ️ Trip Facts

Transport Private minibus (2-12 pax)
Accommodation 3-4 star hotels & luxury desert camp
Meals Breakfast daily, 6 dinners
Start Point Casablanca (airport/hotel pickup)
End Point Marrakech (airport/hotel drop-off)
Group Size 2-12 people (private groups available)
Best Time to Go March to November
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Language English, French, Spanish

❓ FAQ

What makes this tour different from other imperial city tours?

This tour uniquely combines all four imperial cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes) with a Sahara desert experience, giving you the complete Moroccan cultural and natural experience in just 9 days.

Can I start this tour in Marrakech instead of Casablanca?

Yes! We can easily modify the itinerary to start in Marrakech. This would eliminate the drive from Casablanca and give you more time in the imperial cities.

What is the accommodation like in the imperial cities?

We use 3-4 star hotels located in the city centers or medinas, allowing you to easily explore the cities on foot. All hotels have modern amenities and excellent service.

How much time do we spend in each imperial city?

You’ll spend 1 day in Casablanca, 1 day in Rabat, 1 day in Meknes, and 2 days in Fes. This gives you ample time to explore each city’s unique attractions and culture.

What should I pack for both cities and desert?

For cities: comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and a light jacket. For the desert: warm layers for nights, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a small backpack for the camel trek.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?

Absolutely! This tour is perfect for first-time visitors as it covers all the major highlights and gives you a comprehensive introduction to Moroccan culture, history, and landscapes.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

9-Day Imperial Cities & Desert Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech
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