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

If you're based in Casablanca and seek to discover some of Morocco's most enchanting locations, embark on a 6-day journey through the Imperial Cities and the Merzouga desert. This experience will take you through Meknes, Rabat, Fez, Volubilis, and the majestic desert landscape before concluding in Marrakesh.

Tour Details

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel or riad in Casablanca, or from the airport, at the scheduled time. We will commence our exploration of the Imperial Cities of Morocco.

In Casablanca, a visit to the remarkable Hassan II Mosque awaits. Its impressive 200-meter (656-foot) minaret is the tallest of any religious building worldwide. This initial day will also lead us through the winding alleys of the Casablanca Medina, where we will also stop at the souq and the vibrant Corniche.

Following this, we will proceed to Rabat for check-in at the hotel, where you can unwind until the following day. Sweet dreams!

Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez

After breakfast at the Rabat hotel, our journey through Morocco's capital begins. We will admire the stunning facades of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the picturesque citadel known as Kasbah of the Udayas with its striking blue streets.

Next, we will travel to Meknes, nestled at the base of the Middle Atlas mountains. Here, visits to the local souqs, Al-Hadim Square, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl will be part of our itinerary.

Our subsequent destination is the ruins of Volubilis, where you'll be captivated by the historic remnants of this ancient Roman settlement.

Our day concludes with a journey to Fez, where we will rest for the night.

Day 3: Fez

On the third day, after breakfast, we will have time to delve into the wonders of Fez, recognized as the oldest of the Imperial Cities. Our visits will include the Marinid Tombs, the Jewish Quarter Mellah, and the Arms Museum.

No visit to Fez would be complete without wandering through the vibrant Medina. Here, the narrow streets reveal a tapestry of mosques, tanneries, and numerous souqs that contribute to the city's buzzing atmosphere.

We will then return to our accommodation in Fez for some rest.

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

On the fourth day, after a hearty breakfast, we will venture through the cedar forests of Azrou, heading toward the picturesque Ziz Valley. This journey allows us to witness stunning gorges and quaint villages like Midelt and Erfoud.

Before sunset, a memorable camel ride in the renowned Merzouga desert will take place, giving you the chance to witness the sun dip behind the rhythm of the sandy dunes. What an experience!

We will conclude the day by settling into haimas, traditional tents at a campsite for a special night under the stars.

Day 5: Merzouga – Todgha Gorges & Dades Valley

Welcome to sunrise in the Merzouga desert—an awe-inspiring sight! After soaking in the morning hues, we will enjoy breakfast and return to the campsite to continue our adventure. The journey through the Todgha Gorges offers breathtaking landscapes and charming local villages.

We will then reach our hotel in the Dades Valley for the night.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh

On our final day, after breakfast at the hotel, we'll board the vehicle for a drive along the Road of the 1000 Kasbahs, making our way to the beautiful palmeraie Skoura, a true desert oasis!

Continuing onward, we will arrive in Ouarzazate, where we will seek out Ait-Ben-Haddou, a fortified village that has served as the backdrop for many iconic films. You'll have a chance to learn more during the tour!

Finally, we will traverse the Atlas mountain range and arrive in Marrakesh at around 6:30 pm, marking the end of our 6-day journey through the Imperial Cities and the Merzouga desert.

Tour Accommodation

The itinerary includes 5 nights of lodging with breakfast in double accommodations at a selection of 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, Hotelo Across, or similar.Dades Valley (3 stars): Auberge Panorama, Kasbah Tizzarouine, Hotel Babylon, or similar.

On day four, our overnight stay will be in haimas camping in Merzouga. The standard haimas accommodate a maximum of 4 guests, while the premium ones can hold up to 5 guests, both having private bathrooms.

There is a clear distinction between the standard and premium camps in terms of food and tent decor.

During peak seasons, such as Easter or Christmas, it's possible that standard tents may incorporate shared bathroom facilities.

Both the hotels and desert camps do not offer individual room options. For single travelers, there may be additional fees, but you will have your own space without sharing with others. There are also options for triple or family-sized rooms and haimas, fully available based on your chosen category.

Pickup & End Points

This tour commences in Casablanca, where you can request your pickup from the arrivals area at the airport, your accommodation, or a convenient central location.

Concluding in Marrakesh, you can choose to remain in the city or arrange for transportation to the airport after our arrival.

Itinerary Adjustments

Meknes is currently closed for renovation until further notice, and a visit to this Imperial City won't occur.

In light of the recent earthquake in Morocco, the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate is presently closed; however, you may still capture photographs from the exterior.