8 Days Desert Imperial Tour Casablanca to Marrakesh, Morocco

Day 1: Airport transfer and overnight in Casablanca

Upon your arrival at the Casablanca airport, our professional and experienced driver will be waiting to take you to the world-renowned Hassan 2 Mosque located in the heart of the city. After exploring the mosque, our driver will then transport you to your designated hotel in Casablanca for your ultimate comfort and convenience.

Overnight in Casablanca. (BB)

​

Day 2: From Casablanca to Chefchaouen via Rabat and Rif Mountains

Today, our professional and experienced driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Casablanca and embark on a scenic journey along the Atlantic Ocean towards Rabat, the current capital of Morocco and one of the imperial cities. Our first stop will be at the historic Oudaya Kasbahs, a well-preserved fortress against the Atlantic Ocean. We will then visit the iconic Hassan Tower, the most prominent landmark in Rabat, and take in the stunning views of the Mausoleum of the former kings of the Royal Family, located next to the tower. We will then make our way to the Royal Palace, the residence of the current royal family. Afterwards, we will visit the Chalah, a Phoenician sloping site that overlooks the Bou Regreg river. We will then proceed to Chefchaouen, passing through the rolling fields of wheat and barley and the breathtaking scenery of the Rif Mountains. In the evening, we will arrive in Chefchaouen, a charming city that is renowned for its blue-washed houses and streets and is nestled beneath the peaks of the Rif Mountains. We will then drop you off at your accommodation where you can take a well-deserved rest before exploring Morocco's most picturesque town. Experience the magic of Chefchaouen with a memorable walk through its charming streets.

Evening at leisure and overnight in Chefchaouen. (BB)

​

Day 3: Chefchaouen city sightseeing escorted tour with a local guide

Today, you will have a full day of leisure in Chefchaouen, the picturesque Blue City of Morocco. To fully appreciate the charm of this small, serene city, we recommend taking a morning stroll and discovering its unique attractions. The buildings in Chefchaouen are renowned for their bright blue appearance, giving the city a fresh and inviting feel.

The city offers several intriguing sights to visit, including the historic Jewish Mellah, the 14th-century Kasbah, the stunning Ras El-maa waterfalls, and the Spanish mosque on a hilltop near the Medina.

In the evening, immerse yourself in local culture of Morocco by gathering at the small square near the Kasbah, which is teeming with local restaurants, shops, and entertainment. For the adventurous trekkers, we offer an optional activity to visit the breathtaking Akchour waterfalls, a lush national park located 40km from Chefchaouen. Our professional and experienced driver will take you there and you will be accompanied by a local guide who will escort you on a magnificent trek through ranges, gorges, and valleys, filled with cedar forests.

At the end of the day, our driver will return you to your accommodation in Chefchaouen, the Blue City, for a restful evening.

Evening at leisure and overnight in Chefchaouen. (BB)

​

Day 4: From Chefchaouen to Fes via Rif Mountains, Volubilis and Meknes

Today, we embark on a journey to explore Fes, the most historically and culturally rich city in Morocco. As we depart from Chefchaouen, we will travel through the picturesque Rif Mountains to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, an archaeological site dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Our next stop is the whitewashed town of Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco's most important pilgrimage sites. Following our visit, we will proceed to Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco's most fortified imperial city. During our visit to Meknes, we will have the opportunity to witness some of its iconic landmarks, including the Bab Mansour gate, the Qara prison, L'hdim square, and Sehrij E'ssouani.

Finally, we will arrive in Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco, where we will drop you off at your centrally located accommodation in the old city. We hope you will enjoy your stay and make unforgettable memories during your visit to Fes.

Overnight in Fes. (BB)

​

Day 5: Fes sightseeing with a local guide

Today, embark on an immersive and educational walking tour of the historic city of Fes, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Experience a journey back in time as you explore the ancient streets of rich with cultural heritage and traditional charm.

Begin the tour by visiting the renowned Blue Gate, also known as Bab Bou Jloud, the entrance to the bustling Medina from the west. Proceed to the Quaraouine Mosque, considered one of the oldest universities in the world, followed by a visit to the Madrassa Bou Inania, one of Fes' finest theological colleges.

Stroll through the vibrant Medina Souks, the oldest marketplace in Fes, offering a range of unique handcrafted goods and souvenirs. The tour continues to the Tanneries, a highlight of Fes renowned for its traditional process of producing high-quality leather, unchanged since medieval times.

With the assistance of your guide, take advantage of the opportunity to see and discover anything else in the city that may interest you. At the conclusion of the tour, your guide will escort you back to your comfortable Riad in the heart of Fes.

Overnight in Fes. (BB)

​

Day 5: From Fes to the Sahara Desert Merzouga via Ifrane, Azrou forest, Midelt and Arfoud

This morning, our guide will meet you at your Riad in Fes and embark on a journey to the Merzouga Desert. Our first stop will be in Ifrane, known for its clean, modern, and well-ordered appearance and its nickname as the "Switzerland of Morocco." We will then visit the cedar tree forest of Azrou, where we will observe the Barbary apes, a type of Macaque.

Next, we will travel to Midelt, the "country of apples," for a delicious lunch before heading to the Atlas Mountains and following the Ziz Valley to the city of Er-Rachidia, which serves as the gateway to the desert and southern Morocco.

As we continue our drive south, we will pass through the Ziz Oasis, filled with palm groves and Berber villages, until we reach Erfoud, a city renowned for its fossils dating back hundreds of millions of years. Our final destination will be the Merzouga Desert, where we will take a pit stop at a hotel in the dune line before embarking on a camel ride adventure to our desert camp within the dunes.

The night will be spent in the desert camp, where we will enjoy a traditional local music performance around the fire and experience the authentic cultural heritage of the desert.

Overnight in Merzouga Desert at a desert camp (BB Berber music live show around the fire included).

​

Day 6: Merzouga Desert excursions & Tea with Nomads

Embark on a captivating excursion through the picturesque Erg Chebbi sand dunes and Merzouga Desert, one of Morocco's most breathtaking tourist destinations. Our experienced team will provide convenient pickup services from your desert camp to embark on your journey of discovery.

Your first stop will be at a traditional Nomad's tent, where you will have the opportunity to indulge in a customary cup of tea and gain a deeper understanding of their rich culture and way of life. Then, visit the historic Mfis village and its one of the oldest coal mines, a remnant from the French occupation.

Discover the Khamlia village, the home of descendants of escaped slaves and renowned for their traditional Gnaoua music. Enjoy a live performance before savoring a delicious lunch at a local Berber Pizza restaurant. After your meal, continue your exploration of the desert to visit one of its most incredible sights, a seasonal lake that serves as a haven for desert birds, including desert warblers and flamingos.

Relax at your hotel in the dune lines and take in the breathtaking views of the dunes from your terrace at the end of the day. For those seeking extra adventure, there is a variety of optional desert sports and activities available to choose from. Recharge and rejuvenate, as we will be ready to embark on another thrilling adventure tomorrow.

Overnight in a desert camp - Merzouga Desert. (HB)

Day 7: From Merzouga Desert to Dades Valley via Rissani, Todgha Gorges and Tinghir

Embark on a captivating journey as you commence your day with a sunrise hike to the towering dune, the highest in the surrounding desert. After your morning exercise, relish a shower and a wholesome breakfast at the desert camp before setting out on your journey.

Your first destination is the historic town of Rissani, once a thriving hub for trading gold and slaves in Morocco. Today, it is a bustling commercial center, showcasing vibrant local markets and bustling souks, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic local lifestyle.

Your next stop is Tinghir, a former center for trading caravans, where you will have the opportunity to visit the awe-inspiring Todgha Gorges, a 300-meter deep canyon that was formed by the fusion of limestone rock formations and water from the Anti-Atlas Mountains.

Continue your journey through the road of thousands of Kasbahs and reach the picturesque countryside of Dades, famously referred to as the "land of figs." Marvel at the diverse and dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley as you traverse through.

Conclude your day by spending the night in the Dades Gorges and relish the stunning view of the lush green fields dotted with fig and walnut trees.

Overnight in Dades Valley (HB).

​

Day 8: From Dades Valley to Marrakech via Roses Valley, Ouarzazate and Ait-Benhaddou

After a nourishing breakfast, we will embark on the next leg of our tour and make our way towards the vibrant city of Marrakech. During the journey, we will traverse through the picturesque Imgoun Valley, known for its abundant production of roses, and the Skoura Oases, where we will pause to visit the Amridil Kasbahs. These kasbahs are renowned for their historic significance and authenticity, having been built in the 17th century.

Upon reaching Ouarzazate, often referred to as the "Cinema Capital of Morocco," we will visit the Touaririrt Kasbah, a popular tourist attraction in the city. We will then continue a short distance to the Ait-Benhaddou Kasbahs, a UNESCO-protected village made of red mud brick and dating back to the 11th century when it served as a major stopover for caravans. This village is widely recognized for its use as a film set in popular productions such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After admiring the cultural and historical significance of these sites, we will cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains, taking in the panoramic views from the Tizi N'Tichka pass, which stands at an elevation of 2260m. Upon arrival in Marrakech, we will drop you off at your accommodation within the city's ancient old quarter.

​

Inclusions:

• Air-conditioned Vehicle.
• English speaking driver/guide.
• Comfortable accommodations for 8 nights: ( 5 BB).
• Full day guided city tour of Fes.
• Guided visit of the Roman Ruins.

Exclusions:

• Drinks and personal items.
• Lunch.
• Entry fees to monuments and historical sites.

Notes:

• Our tours are open for further customization, Contact us to help you design your tour.