9-Day Cultural Tour from Casablanca to Imperial Cities & the Desert
From Casablanca
📝 Tour Description: What to Expect on Your Journey
Discover the imperial cities of Morocco—Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat—on an enriching 9-day journey starting from Casablanca. Experience the blend of royal palaces, historical monuments, and vibrant cityscapes. Venture into the Sahara, sleep under the stars in a desert camp, and enjoy a memorable camel ride across the stunning dunes of Merzouga. Wander through the narrow, bustling streets of Fez and Marrakech, exploring colorful souks and uncovering the rich culture and traditions of Morocco. Throughout the tour, savor Moroccan hospitality and indulge in its exquisite cuisine.
Highlights:
- Visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
- Explore Fez, the cultural heart of Morocco, with visits to souks, tanneries, madrasas, and mosques.
- Experience the charm of Morocco’s four imperial cities over nine days.
- Wander through Casablanca’s streets and admire the historic landmarks of Fez, Meknes, and Rabat.
- Tour the ancient medina of Meknes and marvel at its impressive gates.
- Discover UNESCO World Heritage Kasbahs.
- Navigate the maze-like souks of Marrakech with a local guide.
- Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Enjoy the lush gardens of Marrakech and the lively atmosphere of Jemma el Fnaa Square, with its snake charmers and entertainers.
- Experience a camel ride through the desert dunes.
- Spend an unforgettable night in a desert camp, surrounded by the tranquility of the Sahara.
| Destination | Imperial Cities and Desert → Kasbahs → Marrakech |
|---|---|
| Departure Location | Casablanca |
| Return Location | Casablanca |
| Additional Information | Departure Time: Please arrive by 07:45 AM for a prompt departure at 08:00 AM. Return Time: Approximately 7:00 PM. |
What’s Included / What’s Excluded
- Bottled water during the tour
- Camel Trek in Merzouga (one camel each)
- Half-Board accommodations in selected hotels and Riads
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Official art historian guide during the tour
- Overnight in desert camp dinner included
- Private car minivan or 4WD with fuel included
- Anything not mentioned in the program
- Drinks
- Entrance Fees
- Lunches
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
🌟 Explore the Full Itinerary of Your Journey👇
Warm welcome upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, followed by a comfortable transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Morning: Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, a marvel of modern architecture.
Mid-Morning: Depart for Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco.
Visits: Explore the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Oudayas Kasbah, known for its charming old medina.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch in Rabat before continuing your journey.
Afternoon: Proceed to Meknes, where you’ll visit the famous Bab el Mansour gates, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the stables, and the Sahrij Swani basin.
Evening: Overnight stay at a traditional Riad in Meknes.
Morning: After breakfast, depart for Fez, with a stop at the ancient Roman city of Volubilis for a guided tour of the impressive ruins.
Midday: Continue to Fez and take a break for lunch.
Afternoon: Experience an external visit of Fez, starting with the Royal Palace, followed by a panoramic view of the medina and the local pottery district.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at a charming Riad in Fez.
Morning: Depart from Fez, traveling through the scenic Middle and High Atlas Mountains.
Stops:
- Cedar forests in Azrou to see the playful Barbary monkeys.
- Midelt, known for its top-quality apples, where you’ll stop for lunch. Afternoon: Journey continues through changing landscapes to the Ziz Gorge for picturesque views, and then onward to the Ziz palm grove for memorable photos. Evening: Arrive at the village of Erfoud, continuing to Merzouga, where you’ll settle in at a hotel located at the base of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
Morning: After breakfast, start your exploration of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Tour Highlights:
- Desert plateaus, salt lakes, and the black desert landscape via Dakar Rally tracks.
- Visit to Berber nomadic communities, the ancient mines of Mifis, oases, and Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music and heritage from Sudan. Afternoon: Return to the hotel to prepare for a camel trek. Evening: Ride camels to the heart of the dunes to witness a stunning desert sunset. Experience a magical night under nomad tents, gazing at the stars in the tranquil desert settin
Morning: After returning from the desert camp via camel ride, enjoy breakfast and a refreshing shower.
Journey: Depart for Boumalne Dades, passing through Erfoud and Tinghir.
Stops:
- Small towns and oases, including Jorf with its ancient irrigation system (foggaras), Touroug, and Tinejdad.
- Todra Gorge: Take a lunch break and a short walk through the stunning canyon, famous for its towering red cliffs. Afternoon: Continue your journey through the Dades Valley, arriving at the impressive Dades Gorge. Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at a traditional Kasbah hotel.
Morning: Depart from Boumalne Dades, traveling along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs."
Highlights:
- Valley of Roses in Kalaat M'gouna, famous for its rose products.
- Photo stop at the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate and outside the renowned film studio.
- Visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, an iconic fortified village. Afternoon: Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), marveling at the breathtaking landscapes. Evening: Arrive in Marrakech, where you’ll have the chance to explore the bustling Jemaa el Fna Square at night. Overnight stay at a Riad.
Full-Day Tour: Delve into the vibrant culture and history of Marrakech.
Visits:
- Koutoubia Mosque: Admire the architectural splendor of this Almohad masterpiece.
- Marrakech Museum: Discover Moroccan ceramics, pottery, and jewelry.
- Bahia Palace: Explore its stunning gardens and patios, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture.
- Saadian Tombs: Be captivated by the intricate beauty of the historic tombs.
- Jemaa el Fna: Experience the lively atmosphere of the city’s most famous square. Explore the Surroundings:
- Menara Gardens: A serene, olive tree-lined garden.
- City Walls: View the historic walls surrounding Marrakech.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa: Discover the exquisite Arab-Andalusian architecture.
- Majorelle Garden: Wander through this beautiful botanical garden, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle. Evening: Relax and enjoy your final night in Marrakech at a Riad.
Morning: After breakfast, transfer directly to the airport in Casablanca, depending on your flight schedule.
End of Services: Conclude your 9-day cultural journey across Morocco’s imperial cities and desert landscapes.
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