The 10-day itinerary from Casablanca – the Imperial Cities, providing you with a comprehensive experience of the Sahara desert and insights into the Imperial Cities. The journey will include visits to Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, as well as the remnants of the ancient city of Volubilis.
From there, we will make our way through the Atlas Mountains toward the desert, where unique experiences await: the stunning dunes of Erg Chebbi, enjoying Gnawa music in Khamlia, riding camels, witnessing the breathtaking Saharan sunset, spending a night in a traditional tent, and savoring Berber cuisine.
We will encounter natural wonders such as Todra and Dades Gorges, stroll through oases dotted with palm trees, and explore the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon your arrival at Casablanca airport, the team will greet you and transport you to your lodging. At the arranged time, a driver will collect you to begin a brief tour of the city.
This day starts with breakfast followed by a visit to Morocco’s economic center. You will have the opportunity to appreciate the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. The tour will then proceed to the imperial city of Meknes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll explore landmarks such as the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and Plaza Lahdim. A meal will be enjoyed at a traditional Moroccan restaurant in the city. Afterward, you will continue your journey to Volubilis, the ancient Roman city that dates back to the 4th century A.D. Here, you will explore the archaeological site. The day’s travel will then lead you to Fez, the cultural heart of the nation, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night
Following breakfast, the tour commences with a visit to Morocco’s cultural capital, showcasing its numerous monuments: “Al Karaouine,” recognized as the world’s oldest university established in 859. The tour also features the “madrassas,” or Koranic schools, including the “Mederssa Bou Inania” and the “Attarin.” Additionally, it includes the famous artisans’ path and the vibrant souks (public markets) of Fez. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in the same city.
Begin with breakfast before embarking on a journey to the Middle Atlas Mountains. A quick stop in Ifrane, often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa, precedes the trip to Azrou National Park, which is home to a cedar forest inhabited by friendly monkeys. The itinerary continues as we travel to Midelt for lunch in this remarkable town, known for its mountains that reach an elevation of 1,488 meters, and Erfoud, where a 4×4 will take you directly to the enchanting Merzouga, famous for the vast desert dunes of Erg Chebbi. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in this village.
Today is special as we’ll go for a 4×4 desert expedition. We will visit several villages inhabited by nomadic peoples, including Khamlia, where we will pause to experience the traditional sounds of Gnawa music. After lunch, dromedaries will be ready for us to ride into the desert and witness the breathtaking sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Following this eventful day, we will unwind in a genuine Berber tent beneath the stunning star-filled desert sky, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night in the tent.
After breakfast, we will bid farewell to the desert and travel to the magnificent Todra Gorges, carved by the waters of the Todgha River. We will also visit the Tinghir palm grove before continuing our trip towards the High Atlas, arriving at the striking Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided there.
Start the route of the thousand Kasbahs, the name given to a tour of a series of fortresses built of adobe with crenelated towers and brick ornaments. Arrival in Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight.
Breakfast and then take the route to the village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for having been the setting for several films such as Laurence of Arabia (1962), Gladiator (2000), Cleopatra and The Jewel of the Nile, among others. Continue to Marrakech via the Tizi-N-Tichka mountain pass (2260 m above sea level), a spectacular setting. Arrival and direct transfer to your accommodation in Marrakech.
Start your guided tour of Marrakech at the Menara gardens, featuring their impressive pond, followed by a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, known for its beautiful minaret. Explore the Saadian tombs, which honor the city’s founders, then the Bahia Palace and the Dar Ssi Said Museum. To conclude your day, immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of the renowned Jamaa El Fna. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in the same city.
After breakfast, you will set off for Casablanca, making your way to the airport to board your flight home. This marks the conclusion of the 10-day itinerary from Casablanca – the imperial cities.
Note
Please be aware that this proposed 10-day itinerary from Casablanca – the imperial cities is just a foundational itinerary. If it doesn’t match your preferences, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are able to create a different itinerary specifically suited to your interests and timetable. Our offerings include designing personalized tours and excursions across Morocco.
