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

If you find yourself in Casablanca and wish to uncover the captivating treasures of Morocco, look no further than this 6-day journey through the Imperial Cities and the Merzouga desert. Our route encompasses Meknes, Rabat, Fez, Volubilis, and the enchanting desert landscape, culminating in Marrakesh. An unforgettable adventure awaits!

Tour Details

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat

Your adventure commences with a pickup from your Casablanca hotel or riad, or from the airport at the designated time, as we embark on a tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco.

We will start in Casablanca, where the stunning Hassan II Mosque awaits. Standing at an impressive 200 meters (656 feet), it holds the title of the tallest mosque worldwide. Embrace the charm as we stroll through the narrow pathways of the Casablanca Medina, exploring the local souq and the lively Corniche.

Subsequently, we will proceed to Rabat, where you can unwind overnight at our chosen hotel. Rest well for the exciting days ahead!

Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez

Awaken to breakfast at the hotel before setting off to explore Morocco's capital. Together, we'll admire the majestic facades of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, renowned for its striking blue streets!

Our journey continues to Meknes, a picturesque city nestled at the foot of the Middle Atlas mountains. Here, we'll delve into bustling souqs, visit Al-Hadim Square, and pay our respects at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl.

The next highlight will be the archaeological site of Volubilis, where remnants of the ancient Roman civilization are sure to fascinate you.

We’ll conclude the day by traveling to Fez, where we will take our rest for the night.

Day 3: Fez

Awake to a sumptuous breakfast and get ready to discover Fez at your leisure. Renowned as the oldest among Morocco's Imperial Cities, we will visit the Marinid Tombs, the charming Jewish Quarter Mellah, and the intriguing Arms Museum.

No visit to Fez is complete without wandering through its vibrant Medina, famous for its narrow alleys filled with life, where we will encounter mosques, tanneries, and bustling souqs, all infused with an invigorating spirit.

We will then return to our hotel in Fez for a restful evening.

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

On the fourth day, after breakfast, we will set off through the cedar forests of Azrou, making our way to the scenic Ziz Valley. As we travel, prepare to be captivated by stunning gorges and enchanting villages like Midelt and Erfoud.

Before day’s end, embark on a camel ride across the famed Merzouga desert. Witness the breathtaking sunset over the dunes — a remarkable experience that you won’t soon forget.

For the night, we will cozy up in haimas (traditional tents) at our campsite, embracing the unique desert atmosphere.

Day 5: Merzouga – Todgha Gorges & Dades Valley

Imagine the wonder of witnessing the sunrise over Merzouga desert. Once you experience it, you’ll find it truly remarkable! Following breakfast, we’ll make our way back to the campsite to continue our adventure, crossing the magnificent Todgha Gorges and savoring the striking landscapes and quaint villages along the way.

We will then reach our hotel in the Dades Valley, where you can relax for the night.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh

On the final day, we gather for breakfast before boarding our transport. Our journey will take us along the Road of the 1000 Kasbahs, leading us to the verdant palmeraie Skoura, a serene oasis.

Continuing on, we’ll visit Ouarzazate and discover the fortified city of Ait-Ben-Haddou, renowned for being the setting of numerous famous films. Curious to find out more? Join us on this tour!

As our journey approaches its conclusion, we will cross the majestic Atlas mountains, entering Marrakesh at 6:30 pm, marking the end of this 6-day exploration of the Imperial Cities and Merzouga desert.

Tour Accommodation

Your tour includes 5 nights of accommodation with breakfast in double rooms at thoughtfully selected hotels and campsites:

Rabat (3-star): Hôtel des Oudaïas, Hotel Malak, Hotel Annakhil, Riad Meftaha, or similar options.Fez (3-star): Riad La Perle de La Medina, Riad Dar Skalli, Riad Letchina, Riad Dar Marhaba, Riad Ghita, Hotel Across, or similar.Dades Valley (3-star): Hotel Panorama, Dar Essyaha, Kasbah Tifawen, Hotel La Kasbah de Dades, Hotel Babylon, or similar.

Your fourth night will be under the stars at a haima camp in Merzouga (Azawad Luxury Desert Camp or similar). Standard haimas accommodate up to 4 people, while superior haimas can hold up to 5, and both come with private bathrooms.

Note that standard and premium accommodations are clearly distinguished, which reflects differences in food quality and haima decor.

During peak seasons, such as Easter and Christmas, the standard category may offer tents with shared bathrooms.

In both hotels and desert camps, individual rooms are not available. If you are booking for one, an additional fee will apply, but you won’t have to share your rooms or haimas with any stranger. Alternatively, we offer triple or family-sized accommodations with the same distinctions as the categories mentioned.

Pickup & End Points

This journey begins in Casablanca. You can select your preferred pickup location during the booking process, whether it be at the airport arrivals terminal, your hotel or riad, or a convenient city center point.

The tour concludes in Marrakesh. Upon arrival, options to remain in the city or transfer to the airport will be available.

Itinerary Adjustments

Due to ongoing renovation works, Meknes is temporarily closed and will not be part of the itinerary.

Additionally, following the recent earthquake in Morocco, the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate is also closed, though you will still be able to take photos from outside.