Imperial Cities and Morocco Tour from Casablanca:
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Morocco, starting from Casablanca, to experience the country’s highlights, including the imperial cities and the Sahara Desert. Begin by visiting the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, then explore the historical sites of Rabat, such as the Hassan Tower and Mohamed V Mausoleum.
Continue your adventure with a visit to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the sacred town of Moulay Driss. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Fes during a full-day tour, where you’ll delve into its medina, ancient madrassa, bustling markets, and traditional leather tanneries.
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sahara Desert as you traverse the rolling dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy camel rides and overnight stays in nomad tents at a desert camp near the majestic dunes, and explore the charming village of Merzouga.
Marvel at the natural wonders of the Toudgha Gorges and the Dades Valley before visiting the splendidly restored Kasbah Amredhil and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
Conclude your journey with a captivating tour of Marrakech, where you’ll navigate its vibrant local markets, historic medina, picturesque gardens, traditional madrassas, and the lively Djemaa El Fna square. This Morocco tour from Casablanca promises an unforgettable blend of cultural discovery and natural wonders.
Highlights:
- Explore the architectural wonders of Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Rabat’s Hassan Tower, and Mohamed V Mausoleum.
- Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the sacred town of Moulay Idriss.
- Embark on a comprehensive day trip in Fes, immersing yourself in the vibrant medina, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks like leather tanneries and madrassas.
- Experience the enchanting Sahara Desert with camel rides in Erg Chebbi and overnight stays in nomadic tents.
- Visit the picturesque Kasbah Amredhil and the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
- Embark on a guided tour of Marrakech, exploring its lively souks, historic madrassas, royal palaces, and Djemaa El Fna square.
- Indulge in the finest Moroccan cuisine and relax in charming riads and authentic guesthouses.
What is included:
- Transport in a private air-conditioned & comfortable van or 4WD vehicle
- Experienced English-speaking nomad driver-guide
- Overnight comfortable hotels with air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom
- Two nights in a luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi under private & comfortable tents equipped with private bathrooms and shower
- A camel ride for about two hours with a guide in Erg Chebbi and free sand-boarding, if desired
- Berber drumming & music in the desert camp
- Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech
- Hiking amid beautiful scenery and free time to explore the sites of interest
- Tea/ coffee in the desert camp
What is not included:
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks
- Entrance fees
- Tipping
Itinerary:
1st day: Casablanca
Upon your arrival, your driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Casablanca. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to visit the Hassan II Mosque, renowned as the largest mosque in Africa and the highest religious institution globally. Adorned with exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship and adorned with beautiful tiles, the mosque offers breathtaking views of the ocean, making it a truly remarkable sight.
You will spend the night in a beautiful hotel.
2nd day: Casablanca, Rabat – Fes
After breakfast, we embark on a one-hour journey along the highway to reach Rabat, the esteemed capital city. During your visit, you will marvel at the iconic Hassan Tower, representing the city’s essence, and then proceed to explore the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, a remarkable tribute to the revered king. Immerse yourself further in the lively atmosphere of the medina.
After a satisfying lunch, we venture onto the motorway bound for Meknes, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the bustling medina and capture images of the impressive ramparts.
Subsequently, we head north towards the esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Spanning across vast expanses, this historical site offers panoramic vistas of valleys and hills. Consider hiring a local guide for insightful commentary on the site’s intriguing history.
Our journey then continues to Fes, where you’ll retire for the night in a delightful riad.
3rd day: Fes Guided Tour
Following breakfast, your guided exploration of the medina begins, renowned as one of Morocco’s largest walled cities. Wander through its labyrinthine streets adorned with stalls offering fresh fruits, vibrant spices, meticulously crafted Berber carpets, and various other Moroccan art objects.
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit prominent landmarks such as the Royal Palace, leather tanneries, and pottery workshops. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to explore the Bou Inania Madrassa and the Al-Kairaouine Madrassa.
Indulge in the flavours of Moroccan cuisine at a local restaurant nestled in the heart of the medina. After lunch, conclude your tour and return to your hotel or riad for the evening.
4th day: Fes – Merzouga
Commence your adventure with a morning departure at 08:30 from your hotel or riad in Fes. Journey southwards, passing through Ifrane, affectionately nicknamed the Switzerland of Morocco, where houses boast sloping roofs—a unique feature in this North African country, designed to withstand the winter snowfall.
Continuing onwards, your route takes you over the Middle Atlas Mountains and through the Tizi-n-Talremt pass, meandering along scenic roads lined with oak and cedar trees as far as Azou. Here, a stop is made to observe Barbary macaques playing and foraging for treats.
Following this, proceed to Midelt for lunch, known as the “apple capital” and nestled at the foot of Ayachi Mountain. Continuing further south, travel alongside the mountains, soaking in beautiful views and passing through Berber villages. As you descend the mountains, marvel at the extensive green oases and towering palm groves, marking the beginning of the Ziz Valley.
Arriving in Errachdia and then Erfoud, renowned for its date festival and fossils, visit a local workshop to witness the skilful transformation of fossil-rich rocks into practical and decorative artefacts.
Finally, arrive at the dunes of Merzouga for a sunset camel ride, reaching the desert camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes (250m). From the summit of the dunes, witness a spectacular sunset. Here, amidst the Erg Chebbi dunes, dine and spend the night in a desert camp among the vast dunes.
5th day: Merzouga
After breakfast, explore the Merzouga region, beginning with a visit to the Gnawa people residing in Khamlia. Renowned for their expertise in Gnawa music, originally brought to the region through the sub-Saharan slave trade, they will treat you to a captivating performance of this unique musical style.
Next, head to the historic town of Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling royal family of Morocco. Surrounded by several ksars, fortified villages adorned with numerous towers, Rissani boasts a bustling souk and an open market held three times a week. Stroll through the souk, where a variety of items such as spices, vegetables, household items, and handmade crafts are sold. Rissani sits on the former site of Sijilmassa, a crucial meeting point for the salt caravans originating from Timbuktu in Mali.
In the afternoon, embark on a camel ride led by an experienced guide, traversing the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga to witness the breathtaking sunset over the desert. Dinner will once again be served in the camp, followed by an evening of nomadic music and drumming around a cosy campfire.
6th day: Merzouga – Dades Gorges
If you rise early, witness the serene spectacle of the sunrise painting the dunes in enchanting colours. After breakfast, return to your hotel on camelback and begin your journey eastwards to Marrakech.
Travelling on the paved road, reach Tinjdad. Notice the strange piles of sand following the road, the heads of the “khettarat,” ingenious underground water channels designed to minimise evaporation in the desert heat. Experience the coolness below ground and marvel at the ancient engineering involved.
In the Todra Gorges, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the valley, followed by a riverside stroll through the villages and mountains. Upon arrival at Dades Gorges, enjoy a walk amidst stunning rock formations, kasbahs, and picturesque villages. Spend the night in a beautiful guest house overlooking the valley.
7th day: Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, continue your journey through the Valley of the Roses, with an optional stop at the cosmetics cooperative in Kalaat M’Gouna, which manufactures cosmetic products from the abundant valley roses.
Then, travel along the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs to Skoura Oasis, where you visit Kasbah Amredhil with its museum. This kasbah, once depicted on the old 50 dirham banknote, has been beautifully restored and is well worth a visit.
Before reaching Ouarzazate, stop to visit the Atlas Studios, known for their versatile sets and offering a unique experience of movie sets.
Spend the night in a beautiful riad.
8th day: Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast, a one-hour drive takes you to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, explore the kasbah, renowned for its use as a filming location for numerous Hollywood blockbusters.
Drive along the Ounila Valley with its prosperous villages, stunning mountains, and views of Telouet. Reach Kasbah Telouet, once the palatial residence of the Lords of the Atlas, the Glaoui Family. Although now in ruins, be pleasantly surprised by the architectural marvel of this historic home. Lunch will be either here or later in the mountains.
Cross the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass and arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon. Your driver will transfer you to your riad.
9th day: Marrakech Guided Tour
Following a traditional breakfast at your riad, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Marrakech, encompassing the following highlights:
Majorelle Gardens: Originally designed by Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent, these serene gardens feature a distinctive washed blue setting. Explore its tranquil atmosphere, fish pools, picturesque bridges, lush foliage, and charming cafés and restaurants.
Koutoubia Mosque: Among the largest and most stunning mosques in Marrakech, Koutoubia Mosque stands as a prominent landmark in the red city. Built-in the traditional Almohad style, its towering minaret, reaching 69 meters in height, is adorned with four striking copper globes.
Bahia Palace: Often referred to as “the palace of the beautiful,” Bahia Palace is a magnificent example of 19th-century Eastern architecture, reflecting the opulent lifestyle of the era. Constructed between 1894 and 1900 by Ahmad Ibn Musa, the palace boasts intricately tiled walls and intricately illuminated cedar wood ceilings, showcasing exquisite Fes craftsmanship.
Saadian Tombs: Dating back to the reign of Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansur (1578-1603), the Saadian Tombs were unearthed in 1971 and meticulously restored. Renowned for their delicate ornamentation and distinctive architecture, these mausoleums have become a must-visit attraction for visitors to Marrakech.
Djemaa El Fna Square: Marrakech’s bustling main square is a sensory delight, teeming with juice stalls, dried fruit vendors, spice merchants, snake charmers, henna artists, and captivating storytellers. Explore the lively souks and vibrant shops that surround this iconic square, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Marrakech’s culture and commerce.
You spend the night in an authentic riad.
10th day: Marrakech – Casablanca
You will be transported from Marrakech to either your riad in Casablanca or directly to the airport for your departing flight, thereby concluding your tour from Casablanca to Marrakech.
Price Details
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