This eight-day journey through Morocco offers an immersive experience of the country’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Starting in Marrakech, the itinerary covers scenic mountain passes, ancient kasbahs, the golden dunes of Merzouga, and the historic cities of Fes and Rabat, before returning to Marrakech. With guided tours, traditional Moroccan meals, and comfortable accommodations, this tour provides a comprehensive view of Morocco's wonders.
Imperial Morocco and Sahara Discovery
Overview
Included
Excluded
Itinerary
You will be picked up by a driver at the airport who brings you to your accommodation. After a break and when freshened up after your journey, you will be enjoying a guided tour to various historical sites and stroll through the medina (old city); wander through the colorful souks (markets); visit Jemaa el-Fna square, the bustling heart of the city and enjoy a mint tea and some Moroccan pastries at a café.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Marrakech.
Meals: lunch, or dinner (depending on arrival time)
Guided Tours: Historic sites in Marrakech, medina, souks, Jemaa el-Fna
Activities: City tour, exploring souks, tea at a café
After breakfast ,Begin your journey from Marrakech and cross the Tizin'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, stopping to enjoy the stunning panoramic views and traditional Berber villages along the way. Arrive at the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and historic ksar that has served as a set for numerous famous films. After exploring the kasbah, continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," where you can visit Kasbah Taourirt and the Atlas Studios. From Ouarzazate, proceed to Skoura, a beautiful oasis known for its extensive palm groves and traditional mud-brick kasbahs. Here, visit the Kasbah Amridil, a well-reserved kasbah that offers insight into traditional Moroccan architecture and life. Skoura’s peaceful surroundings and lush landscapes make it a perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of southern Morocco.
Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Skoura
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Guided Tours: Kasbah Telouet, Ait Ben Haddou, Kasbah Taourir,Kasbah Amridil
After breakfast, depart from Skoura and travel through the Dades Valley, stopping to explore the vibrant Berber villages along the way. Visit the Dades Gorges before continuing on to Tineghir, where you’ll admire the lush palm groves. Head to the Todra Gorges and take a trek along the impressive 300-meter-high cliffs, a favorite spot for mountain climbers and nature enthusiasts. After exploring the gorges, continue eastward toward the Sahara Desert with a lunch stop along the way. En route to Erfoud, you’ll encounter ancient khettarat—ingenious underground water channels that help prevent evaporation in the desert climate. You’ll have the chance to descend into these channels to experience the coolness and marvel at the historic engineering. In Erfoud, known for its fossils and figs, visit a workshop where fossil-rich stones are crafted into unique items. Continue to the Erg Chebbi dunes, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy the breathtaking desert landscape before settling into a riad near the Merzouga dunes for the evening. This riad offers an ideal place to relax and prepare for the unforgettable experience of the Sahara.
Accommodation: Riad
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Guided Tours: visit the "khettarat.
After breakfast, embark on a full day of desert adventures around Merzouga. Start with a visit to the nearby Khamlia village, renowned for its vibrant Gnawa music. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional music performance and gain insight into the rich cultural heritage of this community.Around midday, enjoy a unique Berber lunch, featuring the delicious and traditional Berber pizza,(Medfona ) a stuffed bread cooked and filled with meat, spices, and vegetables—a true local specialty! In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a 4x4 tour around the Erg Chebbi dunes, visiting nomadic settlements to experience the lifestyle of local desert families. You’ll also have the chance to visit fossil sites, learning about the unique geological history of the Sahara. As evening approaches, meet your camels and set out on a beautiful sunset camel ride through the golden unes, arriving at a traditional Berber desert camp. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome and a delicious dinner around a campfire, accompanied by traditional music, under the magical, star-studded sky of the Sahara.
Accommodation: Desert camp in Merzouga.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Guided Tours: Ziz Valley, Erg Chebbi dunes,Khamlia village for Gnawa music
Activities: Camel trek, sunset viewing
An early wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the highest dune of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga one of the best moments of the desert, afterwards you will have breakfast in the camp, pack and go back either on camels or by 4x4 leaving the dunes behind to meet your driver. Drive along the Ziz Valley, remarkable for the extent of its palm trees and the volume of dates produced each year. Notice the many ksars, fortified houses merchants built to protect their wares. Stopping for a panoramic view of the oasis of Aoufous in the Tafilalte region. Continuation Midelt (the 'apple city') to lunch. Appreciate the scenery: the Moulouya River and the apple orchards, a-crossing the pass of Tizi N’tlramt. After lunch you will be driven to Fes (the medieval city) via the Cedar forest near Azrou and the mountain of the middle Atlas with the possibility to see the Barbary apes (monkeys). You may have a stop in Ifrane (the Switzerland of Morocco). At the end of the day you arrive to the spiritual capital of Morocco - Fes. After a long day on the road we drop you off at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Fes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Guided Tours: panoramic views of the Ziz Valley and Aoufous oasis, Cedar forest near Azrou, stop in Ifrane
Spend the day exploring Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Begin with a visit to the Fes el Bali Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its narrow streets filled with bustling markets and traditional workshops, including the iconic Chouara Tanneries. Key highlights include Al Quaraouiyine University, the world’s oldest still-operating university, and the beautiful Bou Inania and Al Attarine Madrasas, celebrated for their impressive architecture. You’ll also visit the sacred Zaouia Moulay Idriss II shrine and admire the exterior of the Royal Palace while exploring the Fes el Jdid district.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a traditional restaurant in the medina, and dinner at the hotel.
Guided Tours: Fès el Bali (Vieille Médina), Tanneries Chouara, Université Al Quaraouiyine, Médersa Bou Inania, Médersa Al Attarine, Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, Palais Royal (extérieur), Quartier Fès el Jdid
After breakfast, depart from Fes and head to Meknes, the former capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail. In Meknes, you’ll explore historical landmarks such as Bab Mansour, El Hdim Square, the Royal Stables, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Volubilis, an ancient Roman site known for its well-preserved ruins. By late afternoon, continue to Rabat, where you can explore Morocco's political capital. Rabat is home to numerous cultural and historical sites, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the charming Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the Bouregreg River.
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Rabat
Meals: Breakfast in Fes, lunch in Meknes, dinner in Rabat
Guided Tours: Meknes (Bab Mansour, Royal Stables, Mausoleum), Volubilis, Rabat landmarks (Hassan
Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Kasbah of the Udayas)
On your final day, travel from Rabat to Marrakech, with a stop in Casablanca along the way. In Casablanca, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, renowned for its stunning architecture and scenic seaside location. After visiting the mosque, continue the journey back to Marrakech. Upon arrival, enjoy an additional night in Marrakech, allowing time for last-minute sightseeing, shopping, or simply relaxing in the vibrant city.
Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Guided Tours: Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca; optional evening activities or last-minute visits in Marrakech
Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may be able to do some last-minute sightseeing and buy some souvenirs before you will be accompanied to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch (depending on departure time).