Villes Impériales & Grand Désert

Embark on an exceptional journey that gracefully weaves the thread of Moroccan history and nature with infinite grace. This prestigious tour will lead you through the ancestral splendours of the Imperial Cities – Marrakech the captivating, Fes the enigmatic, Meknes the imperial, and Rabat the elegant – where majestic palaces, labyrinthine medinas, and shimmering souks recount the glories of past dynasties. Then, the road will open to the infinite, crossing the majestic passes of the Atlas Mountains to reveal the magic of the Sahara Desert.

Imperial Cities & Desert Tour 12 Days / 11 Nights

There, in the golden silence of the dunes, elegance transforms into contemplation: a camel ride at dusk, a night under a star-studded canopy, and dawn over the sands of Erg Chebbi or Chegaga, promising an adventure that will remain etched in the soul. It is the perfect fusion of the splendor of ancient cities and the raw poetry of the great Sahara.

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat

Arrival at Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca, transfer to Rabat, check-in, dinner, and overnight at the hotel.

• Accommodation : Rent-inn Boutique Hotel or Similar • Distance : 90KM ~ 1h10 Drive

Day 2: Rabat – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, we will visit the Mechouar of the Royal Palace, the Chellah ruins, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Hassan Tower. After lunch, we will head to Chefchaouen, a beautiful city where all the houses are painted blue. Upon arrival, we will take a guided tour of the Kasbah, the central mosque, and the Medina. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or guesthouse in the Medina.

• Accommodation : Dar Bleumain or Similar • Distance : 250KM ~ 4h10 Drive

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Meknes – Fes

After Chefchaouen, we will head towards the historic city of Meknes to visit El Hdim square, Bab El Mansour (the massive gate which is the entrance to the old city), and the Jewish quarter. We will continue to Fes where we will have dinner and spend the night in a traditional hotel or Riad.

• Accommodation : Riad Soleil d’Or or Similar • Distance : 260KM ~ 4h30 Drive

Day 4: Fes City Tour

We will start the day by exploring the oldest city in Morocco, winding through its alleys and narrow streets. 
We will begin with an exterior visit to the Royal Palace, followed by the Jewish quarter where the first Mellah was built in Morocco, in the 16th century.
We will ensure you visit all sites of cultural and historical interest, including the famous Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest university in the world.
We will also visit the Tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum. After lunch, you will visit some local Moroccan craft cooperatives, then enjoy the atmosphere of the old medina of Fes before ending the day back at your hotel or Riad.

• Accommodation : Riad Soleil d’Or or Similar

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt

We continue our journey through alternating grandiose landscapes: then we will take a break in Ifrane, the "Little Switzerland of Morocco," a haven of greenery and fresh air in the heart of the Middle Atlas, famous for its chalet architecture and its majestic cedar forest. We will have lunch in Azrou then continue towards Midelt. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• Accommodation : Moon Rise Villa or Similar • Distance : 220KM ~ 3h30 Drive

Day 6: Midelt – Errachidia – Erfoud – Merzouga

Breakfast then continuation of the journey towards the great Moroccan desert, passing through Errachidia and Erfoud. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we will leave the luggage in the car to go on a wonderful camel ride at sunset before returning to the camp to rest and shower. In the evening, a dinner around the campfire with Berber music in the background. An unmissable atmosphere under the starry sky and among the majestic sand dunes. After dinner, enjoy a quiet and relaxing night under the Caidal tents of the camp.

• Accommodation : Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp • Distance : 265KM ~ 3h30 Drive

Day 7: Merzouga – Tinghir – Skoura

Departure towards Tinghir, through the Ziz valley, surrounded by tamarisks and palm trees. Visit the palm grove followed by an incursion into the Todra Gorges, to the end of the carriage road, along a narrow and impressive canyon. Continuation towards Skoura along the Dades Valley, on the Road of 1001 Kasbahs, from oasis to oasis: El Kelaâ des Mgouna (the city of roses) then Skoura.

• Accommodation : Les Jardins de Skoura or Similar • Distance : 330KM ~ 4h30 Drive

Day 8: Skoura – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech

Breakfast and departure towards the fascinating Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You are invited for a short break to visit and discover this magnificent architectural masterpiece where several films were shot, such as: The Mummy, Gladiator, Babel, The Jewel of the Nile... Departure for Marrakech via the Tizi N'Tichka pass. Dinner and overnight in a hotel or Riad.

• Accommodation : Rawabi Hotel or Similar • Distance : 250KM ~ 4h20 Drive

Day 9: Marrakech

A full day to visit the charming ochre city of Marrakech. We will visit some important monuments with a local guide, starting with the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, and the Jamaa el Fna square in the Medina, then the famous Majorelle Gardens. Free afternoon to rest at the hotel or go shopping in the souks. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

• Accommodation : Rawabi Hotel or Similar

Day 10: Marrakech – Essaouira

After breakfast, departure towards Essaouira, a quiet and very relaxing port city. En route, we will take a break at an argan oil production cooperative where we will discover how the women of the Douar (village) make natural argan oil using ancient techniques inherited from mother to daughter.
Upon arrival in Essaouira, we will discover the medina with a local guide, formerly named "Mogador." The medina of Essaouira hosts many small art craft shops, notably carpentry and carving on Thuya wood, which have been practiced in Essaouira for centuries. The city enjoys a microclimate that attracts many visitors from other cities like Marrakech. 
Many artists, painters, and musicians have settled there. Essaouira hosts every year in April the Printemps musical des Alizés and the Gnaoua festival, a spiritual music that attracts thousands of young people.
Visit the souks and the small port of the city where we will have a good fresh fish meal for lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• Accommodation : Hôtel Océan Vagabond or Similar • Distance : 180KM ~ 2h30 Drive

Day 11: Essaouira – Casablanca

After breakfast, return to Casablanca where our trip ends. 
Free time – Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• Accommodation : One Hotel or Similar • Distance : 370KM ~ 4h00 Drive

Day 12: Casablanca

After breakfast, Transfer to Casablanca International Airport.
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