15 Days from Casablanca to the Imperial Cities

Beginning of the Adventure

Your journey begins in Casablanca, where you will be welcomed and transferred to Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Morning – Arrival in Casablanca

You will be picked up from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport or your Casablanca accommodation.

Afternoon – Exploration of Rabat

In Rabat, you will visit:

• Kasbah of the Oudaias: A picturesque fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with white and blue streets and Andalusian gardens
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V: A masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture, housing the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons
• Hassan Tower: The unfinished minaret of a massive mosque begun in the 12th century, surrounded by Roman columns

Evening – Overnight in Rabat

Heading to the Blue City

Today, we head to Chefchaouen, known as the Blue City. Enjoy free time to explore the picturesque streets and unique atmosphere of this city.

Morning – Journey to Chefchaouen

We depart from Rabat and drive north toward the Rif Mountains. The drive takes approximately 4 hours.

Afternoon – Arrival in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is nestled in the Rif Mountains and is famous for its buildings painted in various shades of blue.

You will have free time to:

• Wander through the blue washed alleyways of the medina
• Visit the Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square
• Shop for local handicrafts
• Climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views

Evening – Overnight in Chefchaouen

History and Culture

After a morning in Chefchaouen, we head to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and then to Meknes. Then, we arrive in Fes.

Morning – Free Time in Chefchaouen

Enjoy a final morning in the Blue City before departure.

Afternoon – Roman Ruins of Volubilis

Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. You will walk through the ruins, seeing triumphal arches, basilica, capitol, beautiful mosaic floors, and remains of houses.

Late Afternoon – Visit to Meknes

Meknes was the capital of Morocco during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail. You will visit:

• Bab Mansour: The most beautiful gate in Morocco
• Heri es-Souani: The royal granaries and stables

Evening – Arrival in Fes

We arrive in Fes in the evening.

In Fes, you will immerse yourself in Moroccan culture with a guided tour of its labyrinthine medina.

Morning – Exploration of the Medina

Your local guide will lead you through the winding alleyways of Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO listed medina. You will discover:

• The Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture
• The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD (exterior view)
• The Chouara Tannery, where leather has been dyed for over a thousand years
• The Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts

Afternoon – Souks and Vibrant Markets

Continue your exploration through the vibrant souks. You will have free time to shop and explore on your own.

Evening – Overnight in Fes

Road to the Desert

We leave Fes behind and head to Midelt, passing through Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco.

Morning – Stop in Ifrane

We stop in Ifrane, an alpine style town with red tiled roofs, flower filled roundabouts, and a stone lion carved into the rock.

Crossing the Middle Atlas

We continue through the Middle Atlas mountains, passing through:

• The Cedar Forest, home to wild Barbary macaques
• The Ziz Valley, a dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees

Afternoon – Arrival in Midelt

Midelt is a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountains.

Evening – Overnight in Midelt

Meeting the Desert

Today we head to Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara. Enjoy panoramic views and explore the palm grove of Erfoud.

Morning – Journey to Erfoud

We drive from Midelt to Erfoud, approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Afternoon – Exploration of Erfoud

Erfoud is known for its fossil industry and its beautiful palm grove. You will have time to explore the palm grove and visit a fossil workshop.

Evening – Overnight in Erfoud

Adventure in the Sahara

We arrive in Merzouga, where your desert experience will begin. Enjoy an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes and a magical night in a Berber camp.

Morning – Short Drive to Merzouga

We drive from Erfoud to Merzouga, approximately 1 hour.

Late Afternoon – Camel Ride into the Dunes

You will enjoy an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Each person receives their own camel. The trek is timed to arrive at a high dune for sunset.

Evening – Night in a Berber Camp

You will spend a magical night in a Berber camp under the starry Sahara sky. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and live Berber music around the campfire.

Between Mountains and Canyons

We leave the dunes behind and head to the stunning Todra Gorges.

Early Morning – Sunrise and Departure

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, ride your camel back to Merzouga village.

Morning – Journey to Todra Gorges

We drive to the Todra Gorges, approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Exploration of Todra Gorges

The Todra Gorges are a stunning narrow canyon of red rock, with walls rising up to 300 meters high. You will have time to walk through the canyon and take photographs.

Evening – Overnight near Todra Gorges

Amazing Landscapes

Today we head to the Dades Valley, where you can enjoy stunning mountain landscapes and visit ancient kasbahs.

Morning – Exploration of Dades Valley

The Dades Valley is known for its dramatic rock formations, winding river, and traditional Berber villages. You will visit:

• The famous monkey fingers rock formation
• Ancient kasbahs along the valley
• Panoramic viewpoints

Evening – Overnight in Dades Valley

Exploration in Ouarzazate

Before arriving in Ouarzazate, you will visit the Amerhidil Kasbah and explore the Skoura oasis.

Morning – Visit to Skoura Oasis and Amerhidil Kasbah

Skoura is a beautiful oasis of palm trees with many ancient kasbahs. The Amerhidil Kasbah is one of the most famous and well preserved.

Afternoon – Exploration of Ouarzazate

In Ouarzazate, you will discover:

• Atlas Film Studios: One of the largest film studios in the world
• Taourirt Kasbah: A stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture

Evening – Overnight in Ouarzazate

Arrival in Marrakech

On this day, we will make a stop at Aït Ben Haddou before continuing to Marrakech.

Morning – Visit to Aït Ben Haddou

Aït Ben Haddou is a stunning fortified village of red adobe clay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous film location.

Afternoon – Journey to Marrakech

After Aït Ben Haddou, we continue to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Marrakech

You will have free time to explore the city.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

In Marrakech, you will enjoy a guided tour of the city, including iconic landmarks.

Morning – Exploration of Marrakech

Your local guide will take you to:

• Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech (exterior visit)
• Menara Gardens: A peaceful garden with a large reflecting pool
• Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th century palace
• Saadian Tombs: The resting place of Saadian dynasty rulers

Afternoon – Jemaa el-Fna Square and Souks

You will visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna square and have time to explore the vibrant souks.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

Beach Relaxation

Today, we head to the Atlantic coast of Morocco. You can relax on the beach, explore coastal towns, or enjoy delicious seafood.

Morning – Journey to the Coast

We drive from Marrakech to the Atlantic coast, approximately 2 to 3 hours. Destinations may include Essaouira or a beach town near Casablanca.

Afternoon – Free Time on the Beach

Enjoy free time to relax on the beach, swim, or explore the coastal town.

Evening – Overnight on the Atlantic Coast

Return to Casablanca

We return to Casablanca, where you can explore the city one last time before saying goodbye to Morocco.

Morning – Journey to Casablanca

We drive from the coast to Casablanca, approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Afternoon – Exploration of Casablanca

You will have free time to explore Casablanca, including:

• The Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world
• The Corniche, the coastal promenade
• The Habous Quarter, a modern medina

Evening – Overnight in Casablanca

Today is the last day of our journey. Enjoy your final hours in Casablanca before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last minute shopping or exploration.

Your driver will transfer you to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport at the appropriate time.