We all enjoyed our trip very much. My wife and I are lucky to have visited over 80 countries and this trip ranks among the very best. The tour was very well organized, special places to stay and a very knowledgeable driver who seemed to know about half the people in the country. As you well know Morocco is a visually rich environment, I took dozens of photographs on the trip. Thank you for organizing this for us.
Imperial cities and the Sahara
A journey through Morocco past and present
This classic route includes Morocco’s culturally-rich cities and a night spent in the dunes of the Sahara. From Casablanca, you will drive to the capital city of Rabat, one of Morocco’s lesser-visited cities, where you can experience local life and see the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Berber-era royal fort. You will then head inland to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meknes. Next on your route is Fes, where you will spend a day exploring souks in the winding streets of one of the world’s largest walled cities. You’ll then venture into the Sahara Desert to Merzouga for a remote Berber experience. The following day, enjoy a hike through the steep-walled Todra Gorge. Finally, travel to Marrakesh, stopping at Ouarzazate, the setting for films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
Key information
Destinations | Marrakesh, Rabat, Casablanca, Merzouga, Meknes, Fes, Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate |
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Activity | Nature & Wildlife, Culture |
Physical Level | Easy |
Season | January - December |
Suggested itinerary
Afternoon tour of Casablanca
Day 1 in Casablanca
Morocco’s largest city and the country’s economic hub sits beside the Atlantic Ocean and has a distinctively different vibe from other cities across the Kingdom. Often reputed as having “nothing to see,” the city is full of surprises for those who dare to venture beyond what they are told.
The city started as what’s known as the ancienne medina, previously known as Anfa, before the city developed during the French Protectorate. The art deco lined boulevards and architecturally diverse city centre were built during this era, making it an architecture-lovers dream, along with the port. The Habous area is known as the new medina, and was also developed during the Protectorate.
It’s not hard to miss the Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Africa and the third largest in the world, with a 210m tall minaret that punctures the city skyline. It’s also the only mosque open to non-Muslims in Morocco, but by guided tour only.
Coastal city of Rabat
Day 2 in Rabat
Although it’s the capital city of Morocco, Rabat is often just a half-day stopover on most itineraries. With wide avenues for walking from the old city through the art deco downtown, passing by the Parliament building, exploring the city on foot is enjoyable.
The capital perfectly blends modern architecture and sites (the Mohamed VI Contemporary Art Museum for one is well worth a visit with world-class exhibitions) with historical sites dating back centuries. Kasbah of the Udayas, the Berber-era royal fort sits overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and the Chellah ruins on the banks of the Bou Regreg River have links to the Roman Empire.
The city is an unexpected treasure for those who dare to add a few extra hours or even a day to their itinerary. Nearby Salé, just across the Bou Regreg River receives few visitors and home to a lovely Koranic school where travellers often have the place to themselves to appreciate the architectural beauty.
The ancient walled city of Fes
Day 3 in Fes
Founded in the 9th century, the history of Fes is storied, with various dynasties passing through and making this their capital.
Home to the oldest university in the world, the city was once the centre of knowledge in the region. Thousands of families fleeing the Spanish Inquisition made Fes their home. The culinary and arts and crafts here are renowned across the Kingdom.
Behind closed doors, some of the finest palaces lie where the elite once resided and which open to the public or act as venues during the Fes Festival of Sacred Music.
Today the medina of Fes is the best-preserved medieval city in the Muslim world, with more than 9,000 alleyways and hundreds of workshops housing artisans producing handicrafts using traditional methods. Wandering here is an assault on the senses, but one that visitors tend to enjoy.
Merzouga and the Sahara
Day 4–5 in Merzouga
Once you’ve arrived at Merzouga — the gateway to the Sahara — you will find yourself surrounded by dry heat and vast golden sand dunes. The main attraction here is the Sahara Desert, with mountainous dunes in hues of red and orange that hover above this small town. A night in the desert is a must for most travellers. Try arriving at your campsite for the evening on camelback for a truly Moroccan experience.
Despite being in the middle of nowhere, it’s common for camps to provide piping hot tagines, drumming and traditional music around the campfire under a starry desert sky. Hotels at the edge of the dunes with pools are available for those who want a bit more comfort.
Hike Todra Gorge
Day 6 in Todra Gorge
No trip to Morocco is complete without a walk in the wadis.
The steep-cliff valleys of Todra Gorge are a series of limestone canyons that make for a unique walking experience and are often considered one of the must-sees when visiting Morocco’s south.
Hike along paths that have been carved out by rivers and enjoy spectacular views of pink rock as you pass through. The height of the canyon walls reaches 400m in some places.
Mountain views in Ouarzazate
Day 7 in Ouarzazate
A gateway town to the vast Sahara desert, Ouarzazate is best known for the immense Taourirt Kasbah, a 20th-century palace built for Pacha Glaoui during the French Protectorate. Today, it’s largely an administrative centre, with the city thriving on the film industry and the tourists it draws because of it.
Ouarzazate's red earth landscapes have been the setting for several famous films, supposedly depicting Tibet, Egypt and even ancient Rome and the nearby film studios are open for film buffs. Many of the townspeople have been cast in or worked on the films shot in this region including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Babel.
Given its location, this is the perfect jumping-off place for desert adventures. One night to break up the journey between the Sahara and Marrakesh is often enough.
Bartering in bustling Marrakesh
Day 8–9 in Marrakesh
Marrakesh can be bewitching. Palaces, koranic schools, historical sites and mosques dating back centuries are tucked away next to contemporary designer showrooms and picture-perfect restaurants. Souks filled with brightly coloured textiles, richly-patterned pottery and tribal jewellery are among the treasures on offer in Marrakesh’s medina.
Perfectly manicured gardens, private collections featuring artworks and Moroccan artefacts, and roaming the interiors of centuries-old palaces are all great ways to fill a few days experiencing Marrakesh.
In fact, with new venues, restaurants and boutiques opening frequently, it’s easy to spend a week here and still not see everything or dine in every recommended restaurant. But given the sensory overload that awaits in the old city, time whiled away in a café, slowly watching the world go by is highly recommended. Once you’ve had your fill of the medina, go beyond the old city and explore Gueliz, the neighbourhood developed under French rule. It’s here that the contemporary art galleries and designer showrooms are located and where restaurants serving up cuisine from around the world – including Protectorate-era establishments recalling French brasseries – showcase a completely different side to Marrakesh live to the old city.
Where to stay
Classic
Riad Boussa
A firm favourite among visitors to Morocco, Riad Boussa is located in the heart of the lively Marrakesh medina, providing a calm oasis amid the hubbub of the souk. Enjoy the shaded terrace, cosy lounges and comfort of the well appointed bedrooms, and then set back out again to continue exploring this fascinating city!
Superior
Riad Myra
Ideally located in Fes, in the heart of the Medina, this 4* equivalent hotel offers the traditional welcome of a Moroccan Riad with the elegance of original Moorish architecture, antique furniture and a terrace overlooking the beautiful city of Fes.
Deluxe
Riad Fès
Located in the ancient city of Fès, the Riad Fès hotel serves undying beauty and impeccable service in a warm atmosphere. Discover excellence and get immersed into a new world defined by elegance and exclusivity.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from $2,545pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.