A circular tour with the Imperial Cities of Morocco, starting from Casablanca and finishing in Marrakech. Travel through the North of Morocco and the desert, before looping up to the High Atlas mountains and Marrakech. Experience the vibrancy of three beguiling Imperial Cities and the famous blue citadel of Chefchaouen; camp overnight in the Sahara desert; lodge en-route to Marrakech and the mountains in one of Morocco’s lush garden oases; and end the journey in the UNESCO-listed Marrakech medina. This private tour takes in five of Morocco’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the option to visit a sixth (Essaouira/Mogador) as a full day trip from Marrakech.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔  Dinner
✔  Breakfast
Departure & Return
Departure:  ,

We will be in front of Terminal 1

Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary

Casablanca, Rabat

1
Hassan II Mosque The tour will begin from Casablanca - the largest city of morocco. If you arrive early, you can go for sightseeing in Rabat and visit the Hassan II Mosque, which is famous for its Minaret (tallest in the globe). If you arrive late, you may have to rest the night in the beautiful city of Casablanca and visit Rabat the next day.

Duration:  2 hours

Rabat, Chefchaouen

1
Chefchaouen If you didn’t get the opportunity to explore the intriguing marvels of Rabat on Day 1, you can do that in the morning before traveling towards Chefchaouen, nestled in the foothills of the Rif Mountains. Arrive during the afternoon, check in at your guest-house and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Explore the captivating medina by foot. There will also be time tomorrow morning for the town, before setting off for Fes.

Duration:  4 hours

Chefchaouen To Fes

1
Chefchaouen Enjoy your morning at leisure in the blue citadel of Chefchaouen.

Duration:  3 hours

2
Fez Depart for Fes early afternoon. Check-in at your Riad on arrival.

Duration:  3 hours

Day Trip To Volubilis and Meknes

1
Volubilis Volubilis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is home to the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. With its triumphal arches and basilicas, the skyline is peppered with examples of Roman architecture. However, the greatest treasures of Volubilis are the superb mosaic floors, which have been excellently preserved and left in situ. Three outstanding examples include Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck and a portrait of Amphitrite in a chariot. From Volubilis to Meknes (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Duration:  3 hours

2
Meknes In Meknes, the impressive monuments recall the splendor of a city first built in the 17th century by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail to rival the court of his contemporary, Louis XIV of France. During your visit to Meknes you will see the monumental Bab Mansour gateway, considered to be one of the finest of the great gates of Morocco, the Granaries and the Royal Stables, which were built to accommodate some 12,000 horses. You may also see Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum, one of the few shrines in Morocco that can be visited by non-Muslims.

Duration:  3 hours

3
Fez Return to Fes and rest of day at leisure.

Duration:  60 minutes

Fes Sightseeing Tour With Local Guide

1
Fes el-Bali The ancient Fes medina is purported to be the largest, urban car-free zone in the world and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fes has significant religious importance in Morocco as it was the seat of the founding Muslim dynasty. It is also the seat of the al-Karaouine University, which has its origins in the 9th Century; one of the oldest universities in the world, it was once one of the leading intellectual centers of the Mediterranean and Arab world. The medina also offers an insight into traditional Moroccan craft-working and Moorish architecture (influenced by emigration from the Iberian peninsula). There are the leather tanneries which may be photographed, and numerous other craft-working districts in the medina. You may be able to visit the Medersas Bou Inania and el Attarin (14th Century) but the other religious buildings are not open to non-Muslims. Final night in Fes.

Duration:  5 hours

Fes To Desert Camp

1
Erg Chebbi Dunes Early departure for the day’s journey to the desert frontier. Gaining altitude, via part of Morocco’s cedar forest region, cross the Middle Atlas mountains and descend via the Ziz Gorge and river. Drive through the Tafilalet region (which the Ziz irrigates) of verdant date palms bordering the Sahara. This region, of historical importance, once marked the crossroads of the West African caravan routes, and is the origin of the establishment of the Alaouite dynasty (17th Century), the dynasty that still holds power in Morocco today. You will meet your camel caravan at the end of the road and make the 1 hour trek* to reach your desert camp for the night. Enjoy sunset at the dunes and dine before enjoying the campfire and star-gazing. *Alternatively, request your driver to take you to camp with the jeep.

Duration:  6 hours

Desert Camp, Todra Valley, Dades Valley, Skoura

1
Gargantas del Todra Leaving the Sahara desert behind, travel westwards to visit the foothills of the Atlas mountains and the famous natural Gorges, the Todra and Dades Gorges.

Duration:  4 hours

2
Skoura Follow the direction of the Dades River west to reach the palm oasis of Skoura, with the Atlas mountains still visible to the north.

Duration:  2 hours

Skoura, Ait Benhaddou, Marrakech

1
Ait Ben Haddou Visit some of the south of Morocco’s most intriguing kasbah monuments, en-route to Marrakech, before crossing the High Atlas mountains. The Kasbah Amridil at Skoura, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, and the Telouet Kasbah. Enjoy the patchwork of Berber villages in the river valleys in this region and the contrast of colors as the scenery changes; from arid pre-Saharan to alpine to farmland and olive groves. Cross the mountains at the Tichka Pass and gradually descend to the plain of Marrakech, expecting to arrive late afternoon.

Duration:  6 hours

Marrakech Sightseeing Tour

1
Marrakech Optional activities would be a Moroccan cookery course at a cookery school and/or a traditional Moroccan ‘hammam’ (bathing/cleansing ritual in a heated room). Visit the Maison de la Photographie, the Musee des Confluences (next to the Dar el Bacha), the Bahia Palace (19th Century) and le Jardin Secret. The afternoon can be spent in the ‘souks’ (the marketplace for Moroccan crafts such as leather, carpets, pottery and spices) or at the botanical Jardins Majorelle in the new town. The gardens at La Mamounia are also noteworthy. *If you want to get out of town, go to the Anima Garden on the Ourika Road.

Duration:  5 hours

Optional Day Excursion to Essaouira

1
Essaouira Possible excursions away from Marrakech would be to Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast (6 hours round-journey), or to the foothills of the High Atlas mountains (via an animal rescue shelter, up to 5 hours round-journey).

Duration:  4 hours

Marrakech or Casablanca Airport Transfer

1
Casablanca After your breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer you to the airport at your flight time. If time permits and Hassan second mosque is missed on the first day, we will visit it today before we take you to the airport.

Duration:  3 hours

Additional info
•  Wheelchair accessible
•  Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
•  Public transportation options are available nearby
•  Specialized infant seats are available
•  Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
•  All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
•  Not recommended for pregnant travelers
•  Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Free cancellation
 0
Price:
From $1651.99
Ticket:
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
duration:
11 days
Guide in:
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.