Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour – 10 Days

Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour – 10 Days

Discover the best of Morocco on this 10-day tour, including the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, plus a few days in the desert. You’ll weave through the streets of the ancient Medina, ride camels across the shifting sands of the Sahara, explore mud-brick cities among desert towns, and traverse the towering rocky peaks of the Atlas Mountains.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the Hassan II Mosque

  •  paths and hedges designed as a blue streets of Chefchaouen

  •  dissimilarity between four imperial cities: Marrakech, Rabat, Fez & Meknes,

  • Sleep under the stars in an elegant Bedouin-style tent in the Sahara Desert

     

Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour 10 Days program itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Casablanca

Welcome to the west coast of Morocco! Welcome to Casablanca. Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, is a modern city heavily influenced by France. For architectural enjoyment, visit the popular Hassan II Mosque to admire its exquisite craftsmanship. Perched on an outcrop above the Atlantic Ocean, the Hassan II Mosque can accommodate an estimated 25,000 worshipers, with additional space for 80,000 in its courtyard. The Hassan II Mosque, unique to Morocco, is one of the few mosques that allows non-Muslims to enter. Feast your eyes on intricate marble work, carved wood and stone, and gilded cedar ceilings.

Explore the Parc de la Ligue Arabe and visit Casablanca Cathedral (no longer in use) for a great example of mid-19th-century Moorish architecture (a hybrid of European Art Deco and Moorish styles). Before visiting Hobous or the new Medina, visit the Old Medina (Old City), the only part of the city that predates the French protectorate. Built by the French in the 1930s, Hobous is a great place to find an olive, vegetable and spice market, as well as see more Moorish architecture. Stroll along the Corniche, often referred to as the “Miami of Morocco”.

 

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Day 2: Casablanca To Rabat and Chefchaouen

Continue north to the imperial city and present-day capital Rabat, a bustling city with a rich history. Explore the medieval fortifications of the Necropolis of Chellah in the center of Rabat and discover its Roman and Islamic ruins. Find the Kasbah Des Oudaias, a gateway to Rabat’s pristine city center, and stroll quietly through its tranquil white and blue streets. Visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens, then explore the Hassan Tower, the minaret of the Remnant Mosque, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a 12th-century project that was abandoned shortly after it was built.

Continue north and watch the landscape change from flat plains and rolling hills to the rocky terrain of the Rif Mountains. Known as the “Blue City”, Chefchaouen is made up of narrow winding streets and blue buildings, enjoying a relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. While away the time in the compact medina on the northern slopes, enjoy a meal in Outa El Haman Square before visiting the Kasbah (old fortification). As the day draws to a close, head to the abandoned Spanish Mosque for one last view of Chefchaouen as the sun sets.

 

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Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fez Via Meknes

Get up early for sweeping photos before heading to the Roman city of Volubilis. Volubilis is a UNESCO protected site with the best preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Stroll through the vast complex and discover the still intact columns of old buildings, large merchant houses, temples and colorful mosaics, including the laborers of Hercules.

Continue south to your second imperial city, Meknes. Take some time to explore the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and Medina. Be sure to see the magnificent Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

Continue east to Fes. Before venturing into the medina, take time to complete a short trek up the hill to the ruins of the Merenid Tombs for panoramic views of the medieval city. The best time to visit the mausoleum is around dusk. As the city lights begin to come on, the call of the muezzin can be heard in the valley, adding to the atmosphere. Or, from another vantage point, find your way to the Mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery) in Fes el Jdid. Return to your traditional riad for a hot meal.

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Day 4:Fez Tour Guide

Fez, the oldest imperial city in Morocco (Meknes, Marrakech and Rabat are the others), is perhaps the most worth exploring. A UNESCO-protected site, the city hasn’t experienced much colonial development, allowing you to experience its medieval charm. Fez is made up of two ancient medina districts, Fes el Bali (where you’ll spend most of your time) and Fes el Jdid (the newer part of the city), as well as the French-designed Ville Nouvelle in the early 20th century. Starting in Fes el Bali (789 AD), meet your guide who will help you navigate the narrow and labyrinthine ancient streets of the medina.

Notice the Spanish and Tunisian-influenced architecture as you pass the various souks (markets) selling spices, leather goods and pewter. Known for its tanneries and the pungent smells associated with them, visit the popular Chouara tanneries and climb to the roofs of nearby shops to get a better idea of what’s going on. Visit the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa and admire zellij tiles, then visit one of the world’s oldest still functioning universities, Al-Qarawiyyyin University (859 AD). Find the mellah (Old Jewish Quarter) in Fes el Jdid for another panoramic view of the city.

 

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Day 5: Fez To Merzouga Desert

Wake up early to watch the desert sunrise, then try your sandboarding tricks. You also have the option of taking an Erg Chebbi (sand dune) tour or an ATV tour. Visit Khemliya, a traditional Saharan village nearby, to experience traditional drumming and dancing, followed by a walk around the village. Leaving the dunes, stop at the market town of Rissani, entered through an impressive gate. Famous for its livestock auctions, it’s worth your while to find a “donkey park” to please your senses.

Continue to Tinghir. This desert town has stunning views of neighboring towns and is surrounded by an expansive river oasis. Stop at Todra Gorge, today’s final destination. Standing 984 feet high and carved by the Todra River through the red limestone, here you can take leisurely walks in and around the canyon and relax in the cool waters of the shallow river below.

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Day 6: Merzouga To Todra Gorge Via Rissani

Wake up early to greet the rising sun before getting ready to go sandboarding. You also have the option of taking an ATV tour or an Erg Chebbi (sand dune) tour. Alternatively, if you prefer to hang out poolside in Merzouga, arrangements can also be made.

Leave the dunes behind to explore the traditional Saharan village of Khemliya – whose inhabitants are originally from Mali. Experience traditional music, drumming and dancing, followed by a relaxing stroll around the village and its cultivated land on the beach. From there, visit the big market town of Rissani to discover the live animal auction and nearby ‘Donkey Park’. Continue west to Tinghir, admiring the vast oasis and the complex of buildings behind the green. Stop at Todra Gorge, then climb down to the water’s edge to relax in the refreshing waters of the Todra River.

 

 

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Day 7: Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and Aït Benhaddou

Your journey continues west along the Valley of the Thousand Castles, many of which fell into disrepair and were built with pisé clay (rammed earth). Cross the Boumalne Dades until you reach the land of Kela’a M’gouna, surrounded by manicured rose bushes. Used in the cosmetic industry, roses are grown to make rose water and rose oil.

Continue west to Ouarzazate, the popular desert center and filming location. Take a movie studio tour and discover which of your favorite movies were shot in the nearby desert location. Movie buffs might enjoy a visit to the Film Museum.

Arrive at your final destination for the day, the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou – a fortified pisé village in a valley near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Morocco’s most famous Kasbah and a UNESCO-protected site, Aït Benhaddou occupies an important position on the trans-Saharan trade route between the southern desert and Marrakech and Ouarzazate.

Climb up the old granary for views of the surrounding ksours (personal kasbahs) and the Ouarzazate valley. Wander the narrow alleys and passages, and pay a nominal fee to enter an old castle or two if you wish.


 

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Day 8: Tizi n’Tichka across the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech

Your journey continues northwest, up the High Atlas mountains and across the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Stop near the top of the pass for vistas and the highest peak, Mount Toubkal at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet). From there, visit Taddert to visit an argan oil cooperative to learn how the argan is processed to extract the precious oil used in the health and beauty industry. As you continue down the northern side of the range, you’ll notice a dramatic change in climate and scenery: from arid and barren to wet and verdant.

Upon arrival in Marrakech, check into your hotel and proceed to Marrakech’s main square, Jemaa el-Fna. The square comes alive in the evening with vendors, musicians, artists and performers, including a snake charmer! Stroll through the many stalls and start to orientate around the square: the souks to the north, the Koutoubia Mosque and gardens to the west, and the Kasbah area with Saadian tombs, Bahia Palace and Badi Palace to the south. Find a quiet café near the square for a meal and watch the spectacle unfold before you.

 

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Day 9: Marrakech Tour Guide

Nicknamed the “Red City” for its 1,000-year-old red sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakech has been a prosperous city since the Berber Empire (1062 ACE). Meet your guide for a half-day tour, starting with a tour of the stalls of Souk el Attarin (spice), Souk Haddadine (blacksmith) and Souk Smata (slippers). Visit the Souk des Teinturiers (Dyeers’ Open Air Market) and visit the Koutoubia Mosque, noting along the way some of the small lanes that lead to open spaces. These fondues were once medieval inns, providing travelers and merchants with shelter for themselves and their animals.

At 253 feet (77 meters), the unmissable minaret is the tallest tower in Marrakech. You can relax in the adjoining garden before heading to the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Built in the 16th century, this religious school once housed students from the nearby mosque. Admire Moroccan craftsmanship: carved cedar, stucco stucco and zellij tiles. Visit the Marrakech Museum or the Moroccan Art Museum for more examples of traditional art and woodwork. South of Jemaa el-Fna is the Kasbah area, which has several sights worth seeing: the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace, Bahia Palace, and the Jewish Mellah and cemetery.

 

 

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Day 10 Departure from Casablanca

Get up early and do all your last-minute gift and souvenir shopping before hunting down the 12th-century Almoravid Koubba. Next, visit the Marrakech Museum. Housed in the 19th-century Moorish Dar Mnebbi palace, the museum houses modern and traditional art, including artefacts from Berber, Moroccan Jewish and Islamic cultures. If you have time, you might want to visit the Moroccan Art Museum (also known as the Dar Si Said Museum), known for its extensive collection of woodwork.

After lunch, start your journey back to Casablanca (about 3.5 hours). Before your return flight to your next destination, grab a drink at Rick’s Café, a popular Casablanca-inspired restaurant and bar.

 

More great 10-day Morocco itineraries

Looking for more type for your trurs to Morocco? Check out these other 10-day Morocco itineraries, including outdoor adventures, cultural tours, and curated tours.

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INCLUDED

  •  include Private tour
  • Daily breakfast Hotel accommodation and all transportation in Casablanca
  • Airport Full transportation with air-conditioning,
  • gas and driver English speaking guide and driver Overnight in Chefchaouen, Fez, Dades Valley, Merzouga, Ouarzazate and Marrakech ,
  • Tour Guide in Fez & Marrakech
  • including breakfast 
  • Daily including breakfast, free time to explore scenic spots, take photos, etc.
  • Customized and flexible stops
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NOT INCLUDED

  • Lunch
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance tickets to monuments
  • Tips

NOTE : At Traveling Morocco Agency we offer Luxury & Standard accommodations Tour from Casablanca to Casablanca via chefchaouen, fez, essaouira Ouarzazte,Merzouga & Dades valley & Marrakech
So please feel free to contact-us

Book Your Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour – 10 Days with Traveling Morocco Agency , We have Luxury & Standart options for our guests .