Timeless Morocco Journey: Imperial Cities, Blue Towns & Desert Nights

Arrive at Casablanca Airport and transfer to your hotel. 

Casablanca, fondly known as ‘Casa’, sits along Morocco’s Atlantic coast and is the country’s economic, cultural, and industrial hub. Often overlooked by tourists in favor of Morocco’s more famous cities, Casa offers hidden gems including Art Deco and Moorish Revival architecture from the colonial era. Explore the Old Medina, marvel at the majestic King Hassan II Mosque, or admire the ornate Mahkama du Pacha with its intricate tiles and carved ceilings. Relax by ocean-view cafes along the waterfront boulevard.

In the evening, join us for a welcome dinner at the legendary Rick’s Café, famous from the Bond movie.

Depart Casablanca for Chefchaouen via Rabat, enjoying scenic landscapes on this approximately 5-hour drive.

Rabat Highlights: Visit the Royal Palace, Oudaya Kasbah, Hassan Tower, and Mohammed V Mausoleum to experience the city’s rich heritage. Lunch in Rabat before continuing to Chefchaouen.

Chefchaouen: Nestled high in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is renowned for its blue-painted medina, cobblestone streets, leather and weaving workshops, and historical landmarks. Explore the charming waterfall, the ruins of an old mosque, and the shaded Uta el Hammam square featuring the 15th-century Kasbah with ethnographic exhibits.

In the evening, take a walking tour of the Blue City and capture the magical hues of its streets. End the day watching the sunset from the Spanish Mosque overlooking the town.

After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen for Fes via Meknes (approx. 4 hours).

Volubilis: Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the mosaics, temples, and grand structures that reflect Morocco’s Roman legacy.

Meknes: Discover Morocco’s longest city ramparts, Bab Mansour gate, and royal stables, highlighting the grandeur of the Ismailia capital.

Continue to Fes, Morocco’s former capital, blending Arabic architecture, historic alleyways, vibrant markets, and modern culture. Visit the Karaouine Mosque, Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, and stroll through bustling souks filled with silver, leather, and handicrafts.

Spend a full day exploring Fes, a timeless medieval city. Stroll past green-glazed minarets, hidden courtyards, and artisan workshops that preserve traditional techniques.

Highlights: Visit Bouanania Medrasa, Attarine Medrassa, and the renowned Chouara Tannery to witness traditional leather-making and vibrant dyes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of the old city.

Afternoon: Explore Fes’ lively souks and Fez Jdid, an extension of the city bustling with life and culture.

Evening: Participate in a unique culinary experience with a local family, learning to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes and sharing a meal together.

Depart early after breakfast, traveling through cedar forests, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the mineral-rich town of Midelt, stopping for lunch along the way.

Merzouga & Erg Chebbi: Arrive in the desert village of Merzouga, set against golden dunes stretching over 30 kilometers and rising 160 meters high. Enjoy a camel ride or 4×4 adventure into the desert to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunset.

Overnight in a traditional desert camp, experiencing local cuisine and tribal music around a fire under the stars.

Start early with a sunrise hike over the dunes. Travel through the Todra Gorge and lush palm valleys en route to Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate: Known as Morocco’s “Hollywood,” this town sits at the junction of the Dades and Draa Valleys, surrounded by the High Atlas Mountains and desert landscapes. Optional visit to Atlas Film Studios, the world’s largest studio, famous for films like The Mummy and Game of Thrones.

Evening at leisure in Ouarzazate.

Visit the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site almost unchanged since the 11th century. Walk the winding streets and admire clay architecture featured in films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

After lunch, cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi N’Tichka Pass to Marrakech. Evening at leisure.

Marrakech: A UNESCO-listed city at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, home to Djemaa el Fna, Morocco’s largest Berber market and one of the world’s busiest squares.

Morning guided tour of Marrakech’s Medina, starting at the Koutoubia Mosque and continuing to Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece with gardens and exquisite interiors.

Afternoon visit to Le Jardin Secret, historic gardens and residences from the Saadian dynasty. Explore the medina’s powder-pink walls, taste Moroccan delicacies on an authentic food tour, and browse souks and spice markets for souvenirs.

Morning leisure before checking out at noon. Drive to Casablanca (approx. 3.5 hours) for a city tour:

• Hassan II Mosque, with the tallest minaret in the world and a glass floor overlooking the sea.

• Central Market, Habous District, Royal Palace, and Mohamed V Square.

• Optional visit to Morocco Mall.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Reflect on the memories of Morocco’s vibrant cities, desert landscapes, ancient treasures, and warm hospitality.