Discover the Magic of Morocco: A Journey through Imperial Cities and Dazzling Deserts
Hop on board an exhilarating 10-day tour filled with discoveries, adventures, and incredible moments. With our "Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert" tour, we offer you the opportunity to experience authentic Morocco, a land of contrasts and rich culture, that invites you to explore its beautiful landscapes, enchanting cities, and unique historical and cultural heritage. Don't settle for routine, choose to live the adventure and discover Morocco from a completely new perspective.
This tour will take you from vibrant Casablanca to the serene and peaceful Sahara Desert, with stops in historic cities and significant cultural sites. You won't just know Morocco, you will live it firsthand, immersing yourself in its rhythm of life, savoring its exquisite cuisine, and becoming part of its rich cultural tapestry. This is not just a trip, it's an experience that will change you, one that you will remember fondly and recount with emotion.
Route Map
Day 1
FROM THE ELEGANT AND COSMOPOLITAN CASABLANCA TO THE HISTORICAL CULTURE OF RABAT
Our tour begins in the stunning city of Casablanca, where we will pick you up directly from your accommodation or the airport. (We can pick you up from Marrakech airport if you land there).
From the moment we start, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere of this metropolis, touring the "Cornish" seafront, a place where urban bustle meets the tranquillity of the Atlantic Ocean.
Next, we will take you to visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque, the second tallest temple in the world, an architectural wonder that will leave you breathless with its intricate design and majesty. Then, you'll have the opportunity to relive one of the most iconic cinema scenes at Rick's Café, a local spot that recreates the bar immortalized by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the classic film Casablanca.
Leaving behind the urban life of Casablanca, we will head north, towards the capital of Morocco, Rabat. In this city, the past and present intertwine in a unique blend, offering a wealth of historical treasures to explore. We will tour the fortress of Oudays, a testament to the military might of the past, and the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohamed V, which are true tributes to the rich history of Morocco.
We will end the day by settling you into your accommodation in Rabat, a cosy 3/4-star hotel or riad, where you can rest and recharge for the exciting journey still ahead of us.
Day 2
From imperial Rabat to ancient Fez: A journey through Meknes and Volubilis
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a delicious Moroccan breakfast will be responsible for starting our second day of travel. With renewed energies, we will embark on a journey through the history and beauty of Morocco, heading to Meknes, the imperial city dreamed of by Sultan Moulay Ismail.
In Meknes, you will find yourself immersed in a tale of a thousand and one nights. Its walls, which tell the story of a glorious past, will be the backdrop for our tour. We will walk through the gigantic Sehrij Souani water reservoir and the majestic royal granaries and stables, where the sultan once kept his 12,000 horses.
Next, you will be fascinated by the magnificent Bab El Mansour gate, a treat for architecture lovers, as well as the lively EL-Hddim square, the tranquil sanctuary of Moulay Ismail's mausoleum, and the grandiose remains of the imperial palace.
After a lunch that will delight your senses, we will leave Meknes and head to the legendary Roman ruins of Volubilis. Prepare for a guided visit that will immerse you in a time when gladiators were the heroes of the day and marble buildings bore witness to unparalleled splendour. If time allows, we will try to capture the magical sunset, when the last rays of the day illuminate the ruins, and the landscape takes on an unusual beauty.
Finally, we will take you to your accommodation, a cosy 3/4-star hotel or an authentic riad in Fez, where you can rest and dream about the adventures that tomorrow will bring on this incredible journey through Morocco.
Day 3
Dive into the heart of Fez: a cultural and historic journey
The third day of our trip will take us to the vibrant heart of Fez, a city that seems to have stopped in time, with a Medina declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. An expert local guide will accompany us to ensure that we don't miss anything in this labyrinthine and fascinating city.
Our day will start with a visit to the elegant Royal Palace, a brilliant example of Moroccan architecture at its finest. We will continue our way to the "Mellah", the old Jewish quarter, a testament to the cultural diversity and coexistence that characterizes Morocco.
We will ascend to the Kasbah Borj fortress, from where we will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Medina, an ocean of rooftops and minarets contrasting with the blue sky.
A visit to the local pottery and tile factory will allow us to appreciate the skill and patience required to create these artistic wonders. We will discover the incredible complexity of the narrow streets of Fez, a network of life and activity that always seems to be in motion.
The tour will continue at the Qarawiyyin Mosque, an architectural gem and a centre of learning that has endured through the centuries. The Nejjarine Museum of Wood Crafts will show us the elegance and craftmanship that can be achieved with this noble material.
The most photogenic moment of the day will undoubtedly be our visit to the Chouara Tanneries. Here, the vibrant colours of the dyes and the hustle and bustle of the workers create a fascinating and timeless scene. The gates of Bab BouJeloud, the Rcif square, and many other captivating places will also be part of our exciting day in Fez.
As evening falls, we will return to the comfort of our Riad in the Medina of Fez, where you can rest and relive the unforgettable moments of the day. But the night still holds a traditional Moroccan dinner, a delicious way to culminate a day full of discoveries and charms.
Day 4
From the heights of the Atlas to the majestic Merzouga Desert
After breakfasting in the tranquil atmosphere of our Riad, we will begin our exciting journey southwards, towards the grand mountains of the Middle Atlas. Our first destination will be Ifrane, fondly nicknamed the "Switzerland of Morocco". Here, amidst its picturesque architecture and clean avenues, you can breathe in the fresh mountain air that attracts tourists and locals during the winter season to enjoy its famous ski resort.
The journey will then take us to Azrou, a charming village nestled between mountains and lush cedar forests. If you're lucky, you might meet the playful Barbary macaque monkeys, a friendly primate species that has become a true symbol of the area.
As we drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, you'll be amazed by the changing landscapes, from green valleys brimming with apple, apricot and plum trees, to rocky heights offering impressive panoramic views. We'll take a break for lunch in Midelt, a peaceful place where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine.
After lunch, we'll cross the High Atlas Mountains, passing through endless palm groves and spectacular views that will invite you to capture the moment with your camera. During this stretch, you'll take the most spectacular photos of your trip, with mountains, valleys, and oases as the backdrop.
Finally, we will arrive at Merzouga, where a magical night awaits you. Here, at the foot of the majestic sand dunes, you will enjoy the hospitality of a Kasbah hotel. From your comfortable room, you can witness how the sun sets behind the dunes, dyeing the sky with a thousand colors before giving way to a blanket of stars like you've never seen before. We assure you that this night in Merzouga will be etched in your memory as an unforgettable memory.
Day 5
An authentic adventure through Erg Chebbi
Have you ever dreamed of discovering the soul of the desert? Today, after enjoying a nutritious breakfast, you'll embark on a 4x4 journey to explore the depths of the Erg Chebbi desert. Feel your heart beating to the rhythm of the wheels advancing on the sand, immersing you in a landscape whose silence and grandeur will take your breath away.
We'll make a stop to share an authentic moment with a nomadic family. We'll have tea together, and you'll get to experience desert life from their perspective. This is a unique opportunity to learn about their traditions, customs, and the simplicity of their daily life in the midst of sandy vastness.
On our journey, we'll encounter relics from antiquity: fossils that have withstood the passage of time in villages that seem forgotten by the world. It's an experience that will connect you to the long history of this enigmatic place.
Upon reaching the village of Khamlia, the mystical rhythm of Gnawa music will welcome you, a unique cultural expression of Morocco's African roots. Here, while enjoying a mint tea refreshment, you can feel how music transcends language barriers.
We'll have lunch tasting a special Berber pizza called Madfouna, a delicious culinary surprise that you'll love.
The afternoon will invite you to explore the dunes in unexpected ways: if you like strong emotions, you can opt for sandboarding, buggy or quad (optional activities).
When the sun begins to descend, you'll ride a camel and enter the dunes to behold one of the most spectacular sunsets you've ever seen. The dunes will be dyed red and gold, creating a surrealistic scenario you'll want to capture with your camera.
Back at the camp, an unforgettable night awaits you: a delicious dinner under the stars, the warmth of a bonfire, and vibrant Berber music that will accompany you well into the night. And when it's time to rest, a luxury tent will provide the necessary comfort to sleep under a starry sky like you've never seen before. A perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Day 6
Sunrise in Erg Chebbi and adventures between Rissani and the Dades Valley
If you thought you'd seen enough magic, a surprise awaits you: sunrise in the desert is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. We'll rise early to climb to the top of the dunes and witness the first ray of sun emerging from the horizon, bathing the dunes in a golden light that awakens Erg Chebbi's landscape to life.
After delighting in breakfast at the camp and soaking in the beauty surrounding you, we'll ride our dromedaries back to our starting point to begin the new leg of our journey.
Our destination will be Rissani, an ancient caravan trading city that speaks to Morocco's rich past. Here you can feel the pulse of a city that used to be a bustling auction center for gold and slaves, and proudly holds the title of being the cradle of the current dynasty.
Next, we'll embark on a fascinating route towards the High Atlas mountains, until we reach Tinghir, a dreamlike oasis framed by mountains and canyons that will take your breath away. We'll walk through the majestic Todra Gorge, a valley of rocky canyons and giant palm trees where we'll pause for a lunch surrounded by this magnificent nature.
The journey continues towards the Dades Gorges, a landscape shaped by time and the elements that will make you feel like you're in another world. Along our way, we'll stop to admire the curious "monkey paths," a natural attraction that adds a mysterious touch to our journey.
By nightfall, you'll stay at a cozy guest house, located in a privileged spot overlooking the valley. Here, you can relax and enjoy the peace of the surroundings before resting for the next day of our exciting journey. A day full of emotions, discoveries, and the unmatched charm of Morocco.
Day 7
From Dades to Marrakech, adventure on the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs
As the sun begins to illuminate the Atlas mountains, we'll embark on an unforgettable journey towards Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert, through the Valley of Roses and amidst the thousand Kasbahs dotting the landscape.
Our path will lead us to the Skoura Oasis, where the famous 17th-century Amridil Kasbah rises, offering us the chance to immerse ourselves in its history with an optional visit. From there, the road will lead us to Ouarzazate, the city that has conquered Hollywood with its magical light and cultural heritage, being the setting for numerous internationally renowned films. Would you like to feel like a movie star? You can choose to visit the famous film studios and discover their secrets.
Next, we'll travel to the imposing Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, an 11th-century fortress that, thanks to its historical value and architectural beauty, has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Walking through its streets, you can imagine the scenes from movies like Lawrence of Arabia or Gladiator that were filmed here. We'll enjoy a lunch surrounded by so much history.
The journey continues through the beautiful Ounila Valley, an ancient caravan route that connected the Sahara with Marrakech through the Atlas mountains. Here we'll find the Telouet Kasbah, former stronghold of the powerful Glaoui family, who once controlled the entire region.
Our route plunges into the heights of the High Atlas, crossing the famous Tizi-N-Tichka pass, the highest paved road in Africa. From its summit, over 2200 meters high, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the Berber villages and the beautiful landscapes surrounding them. We'll take the opportunity to make a stop, stretch our legs and capture these moments with our cameras.
Finally, the last leg of the journey will take us to Marrakech, the red city, where we'll immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere of its old Medina. Here, the adventure continues among the sounds, smells, and colors of this lively city. We'll stay in a cozy Riad, taking refuge in its quiet courtyard before setting out to explore the nightlife of this vibrant city. Get ready for an unforgettable night in Marrakech!
Day 8
Marrakech, a sensory journey in the heart of Morocco
Imagine yourself breakfasting on the terrace of your Riad, with the aroma of mint and the bustle of the city waking up in the distance. At 9 o'clock, your official local guide will be waiting to immerse you in the narrow streets of the Medina and unravel the hidden treasures of Marrakech.
Our first stop will be the Majorelle Garden, a haven of peace that captivated Yves Saint Laurent with its vivid color palette and plant species from around the world. And thanks to our special access, forget about long lines and simply enjoy the place.
From there, we will head to the Palmeraie, a real oasis on the outskirts of the city, where hundreds of thousands of palm trees rise in a spectacle of nature that will leave you breathless.
In the heart of the city, the Koutoubia Mosque stands proud as the largest in Marrakech. You'll see it highlighted by its minaret, decorated with arches and delicate ceramics, a beacon that lights up the night in Marrakech.
Next, we will venture through the majestic Bab Agnaou, the gateway to the Kasbah that houses treasures like the El Badi Palace or the Saadian tombs. Observe its unique floral decoration and the Quran inscription that crowns its arch, testimonies of a regal past.
Walking through the city, we will arrive at Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, where Marrakech's history is told in its architecture and streets.
Our next destination will be the Bahia Palace, an immense 19th-century palace complex and a true gem of Moroccan architecture. Wander through its courtyards and gardens, discover its intricate mosaics and let the grandeur of the place envelop you.
After a tasty and spicy lunch, I'll take you to the vibrant souks of Marrakech. From crafts and leather to jewelry and spices, every corner is full of colors, smells, and sounds that will transport you to a whole new world.
We could not miss a visit to the Marrakech Museum, which occupies the old Dar Menebhi Palace, and offers a fascinating insight into Moroccan culture and art.
And to round off the day, we will delve into the famous Jemaa el-Fna square. Here, magic unfolds in every corner: storytellers, dancers, snake charmers... Morocco's history is lived and felt in every inch of this square, a place where yesterday and today blend in an eternal dance.
At the end of the day, we will take you back to your Riad in the Medina of Marrakech, where you can rest and assimilate all the experiences of a day full of life and discoveries.
Day 9
Designing Your Own Adventure in Marrakech
After the intense days we have spent together, exploring hidden corners and open-air wonders, the time has come for Marrakech to be completely yours.
Today, we want you to decide how to write your own story. You can choose to embrace the hustle and bustle of the city, discover new corners on your own, or simply relax and enjoy the sun and tranquility of your Riad.
But if you feel that you still have energy left to continue discovering, we have a catalog of unique experiences you might consider:
How about a getaway to the Ourika Valley? You could meet the Berbers, the mountain people, discover their way of life, and venture to the waterfalls in a hike full of breathtaking views.
If you're into the sea, a trip along the Atlantic coast to Essaouira Mogador might be your thing. Discover the Portuguese fortresses, dreamy beaches, and the bohemian atmosphere of this coastal city.
Ever dreamed of seeing the world from the heights? Then you can't miss the experience of a hot air balloon ride. You'll see Marrakech and its surroundings as never before, from the silence and tranquility of the heights.
For those who want to pamper themselves, the Hammam and Spa can be the perfect option. In an environment of luxury and peace, you can enjoy massages, beauty treatments, and well-deserved rest.
And if you're feeling adventurous, how about an extreme experience with a Buggy or Quad? Feel the adrenaline rush through your veins as you travel through the landscapes around Marrakech is something you will never forget.
Remember, this is your day to enjoy Marrakech your way. Whether you're discovering, relaxing, or having adventures, we want this day to be unforgettable for you.
Day 10
The farewell from Marrakech, a see you soon
The last day has come, that inevitable moment, but which marks the end of an unforgettable adventure. They have been days full of emotion, surprises, discoveries, and above all, experiences that will remain forever in your memory and heart.
And although today we must say goodbye, we prefer to think of it as a "see you soon". Because Morocco will always be waiting for you, ready to show you new paths and to let you get drunk on its smells, flavors, and colors.
Today we will make sure that your departure is as calm and comfortable as your arrival. We will take you to the airport or accommodation of your choice, always attentive to your needs and making sure you arrive in time to continue your journey.
If you're heading to Marrakech airport, the journey will be short, just 20 minutes separate us from it. But if your destination is Casablanca or Rabat airport, don't worry, we'll make a comfortable and unhurried trip, 2.5 and 3.5 hours respectively.
So relax, look out the window and let Morocco's landscapes keep you company one more time. And remember that although we say goodbye with sadness, we also do it with the joy of having shared this incredible adventure with you. Because in the end, every goodbye is simply the beginning of a new welcome.
Are you ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure? Don't wait any longer! Submit the form and take the first step to discover the magic of this great country. See you in Morocco!
Accommodation for all nights (guest House/ riad / hotel / tent)
Private guided visit of Fez with local Guide
Private guided visit of Marrakech with local Guide
Private traditional nomad tent in the desert camp
Camel trekking in the Sahara desert
Services excluded
Drinks
Tips
Lunch
Highlights
Casablanca
Ouarzazate
Fez
Meknes
Volubilis
Rissani
Tinghir
Ounila Valley
Tizi-N-Tichka
Dades Valley
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
Kasbah Telouet
Berber villages
Todra Gorge
Aditional information
This tour requires a minimum of 2 people
Tour can be customized upon request
Tour provided in English, French, Spanish or Italian
Make an inquiry
Don't wait any longer! This fascinating tour of Morocco is just a click away. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience full of colors, flavors, and breathtaking landscapes that will leave you breathless. If you crave adventure, if you're ready to discover the unknown and are willing to let yourself be captivated by the magic of Morocco, this is your moment.
Submit the form and reserve your place on this exciting tour now. Remember, the best experiences are not those we dream about, but those we live.
Go ahead and embark on the journey of your life!
Even if you want to make some modifications, we can help you achieve the perfect trip.
Every journey is a unique story, are you ready to write yours?
