12 DAYS TOUR IN MOROCCO IMPERIAL CITIES AND DESERT TOUR
This exclusive Morocco Imperial Cities and Desert Tour provides an ideal opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of this diverse African nation, immersing yourself in its historic cities, mountain villages, and the warm embrace of its Berber communities.
Spend three nights in the vibrant and dynamic city of Fes, delving into its fascinating history. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Meknes and Volubilis, unraveling the unique cultural fabric and historical narratives of Morocco.
Experience the authentic hospitality of Morocco as you share a meal with a local family in their Marrakech home. Further enrich your journey by connecting with the Berber nomadic people through a visit to their Sahara Desert tents.
Day 1: Casablanca to Rabat
Embark on your Morocco Imperial Cities and Desert Tour from Casablanca, a bustling modern hub that serves as both the starting and concluding point of your journey. While Casablanca is predominantly a commercial and financial center, take a few hours to explore the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, before proceeding to Rabat, the modern capital and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover historical sites such as Chellah, a medieval necropolis from 1154 AD, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, an ancient castle built during the Almohad Caliphate. Conclude the day by settling into a charming riad within the old medina for a delightful dinner and rest.
Day 2: Meknes, Volubilis, and Fez
Following breakfast at the riad, your Morocco Imperial Cities and Desert Tour advances to Meknes, once the capital under Moulay Ismail’s rule. Marvel at architectural wonders like the Bab Mansour Gate, a captivating example of Almohad artistry, and the Dar El Makhzen Palace. Proceed to Volubilis, a well-preserved Roman colonial town dating back to the third century BC, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Center. After exploring these ancient ruins, continue your journey to the day’s final destination, Fes. Enjoy dinner and find repose in a beautiful riad nestled within the medina.
Day 3: Fez city tour
Attempting to capture the awe-inspiring wonder and beauty of the second-largest city in Morocco, the historical capital of the Idrisid dynasty, is a challenging task. Fez boasts one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas, and navigating its labyrinthine alleys is a formidable feat without the guidance of a seasoned local expert. A private English-speaking guide will lead you through the narrow, twisting, and often unmarked lanes, offering a narrative of the exceptionally rich history of the region. Brace yourself for a sensory immersion as you encounter a bustling marketplace with hundreds of merchants and craftsmen selling a diverse array of goods, from dates, fish, spices, rugs to copper urns and crafts. Explore historical landmarks, including Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD, recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating university.
Day 4: Ifrane, Azrou, Erfoud
Leaving Fez behind, embark on a picturesque journey through cedar forests to reach Ifrane, a European-style village boasting an Alpine climate and serving as a popular winter ski resort. Traverse the wooded city of Azrou, nestled amidst mountains and inhabited by Barbary macaques, known for their near-domestication through frequent interactions with human visitors. Hours later, arrive in an area of Morocco that has been likened to certain regions on Mars, both in appearance and possibly geology. Spend the night in a kasbah in the oasis village of Erfoud, where you can unwind by the refreshing pool before or after indulging in a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Day 5: Nomad and Sahara tour
Commence your day with breakfast in the kasbah, marking the initial leg of your Morocco Imperial Cities and Desert Tour as you head toward the Sahara Desert. Stop in Khamlia, a village once inhabited by the former slaves of the sultan of Marrakech, where you can witness traditional Gnawa music and dance and enjoy tea with a nomadic family. The remainder of the day and night will be devoted to immersing yourself in the vast sea of wind-blown sand dunes. Popular activities among visitors include quad biking and sand dune boarding. Reach the camp, with both basic and luxury options available, either via 4×4 or camel ride, and relish dinner while savoring the breathtaking sunset in complete solitude. The outside world’s chatter is entirely muted in this serene setting.
day 6 : merzouga tinghir to dades valley
day 7 : rose valley ouarzazat and ait ben haddou high atlas mountains to marrakech
day 8 : Exploring marrakech day
Day 9 : marrakech to essaouira
Day 10 : essaouira
Day 11 : essaouira to cassablanca
Day 12 casablanca ,depart
Included
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Professional English speaking guide/driver throughout your journey
- 12 days private transportation by (A/C comfortable 4x4/ minivan ) with fuel included
- Medina tour with local guide in Fes
- Medina tour with local guide in Marrakech
- Lodging for 11 nights
- Overnight accommodation in Rabat ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Fes ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Merzouga ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Desert camp ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Dades valley ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Marrakech ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Essaouira ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Casablanca ( with dinner and breakfast )
- 1 hour camel trekking (camel each)
- Sand-boarding
Not included
- Lunches / drinks
- entrances fees
- Personal expenses