Overview:
The 8 Days from Casablanca Imperial Cities to Desert tour offers a captivating exploration of Morocco’s rich culture and historical heritage. During a one-week journey, visitors get the opportunity to tour the majestic towns with historical significance and witness the vastness of the Sahara Desert, creating an unforgettable and thrilling experience.
8 Days from Casablanca Itinerary:
Day 1 : Arrival to Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes
Upon your arrival or pick up you at your hotel in Casablanca for the first day of 8 Days from Casablanca Imperial Cities to Desert. We will visit the Hassan II mosque, the landmark of Casablanca which is the only mosque open for non-Muslims.
The Hassan II Mosque will be the first introduction of Moorish influences in Morocco. So, over 25 thousand worshipers can pray inside and 80 thousand worshipers pray outside in the big square of the mosque. We then travel to Rabat to visit some historical sites, such as Chellah. it islovely spot where you see a breathtaking combination of Roman and Merinid remains.
Thereafter, you visit the unfinished mosque Tower Hassan and the piece of art mausoleum Mohamed 5th. After the tour of Rabat, we move to the next city ,Meknes. It was built by the sultan Moulay Ismael in 18th century. It is also famous for beautiful gates, mosques and madrasas. Overnight in Meknes.
Day 2 : Meknes – Volubilis – Fes
After breakfast, we start our visit of Meknes with the granary Sahrij Swani. It is used to store food and water for the ‘’black Army’’ of the sultan Moulay Ismael. We then visit the mausoleum of the sultan and admire the Arab-Andalusian style.
We will also have a look at the tremendous gate of Bab Mansour. Later on, we discover Volubilis. This Roman archaeological site is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1997). It offers remains of astonishing mosaics, hundreds of Latin inscriptions and artistic materials. After that, we head to Fes.
Day 3 : Fes Guided Tour:
After breakfast you meet our local guide of Fes whome you are going to explore the old medieval medina of Fes and the 1st imperial citywith, a real labyrinthine of more than 9000 alleyways and deserves to be the intellectual and cultural capital of the kingdom.
Mingled with fasi people in these streets full of articles , colours and donkeys carrying goods . The tanneries, which are well-known in Fes, are one of the highlights of the tour. Here, you can observe residents working on goat, lamp, camel, and cow skins in little pits. Fes is ranked number one in crafts. Also, you will treat yourself to a few unique Fes cuisine delicacies.
The southern tower of Fes offers a panoramic view, and you can visit the pottery cooperative there to see how Moroccan mosaic tiles are made. You can also choose to complete your tour of Fes with an entertaining supper performance with belly dancers.
Day 4 : Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga Desert
We are going to leave the medieval Fes and heading to another part of Morocco. Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains .We stop for a short break in Ifran or the small Switzerland where is the first ski resort in Morocco.
We will be surrounded by amazing sceneries and landscapes of mountains and plains. A special species of native monkeys living in cedar woods, over 30 members in one family called Maggot monkeys in Azrou. We will have lunch break in Midelt, it celebrates the festival of apples every years. There is a big contrast of landscapes especially when we drive through Ziz valley to get us to Arfoud ,the gate of the sahara, to Merzouga.
Day 5 : Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges – Palm Groves of Skoura Ouarzazate
After breakfast, we depart from the Sahara and travel to the Eljerf oasis, which still uses an ancient irrigation system. Take a break in Tinjidad before stopping in the Toudra valley for lunch. This valley has a rich history as one of Morocco’s oldest caravan trading routes and the site where the first Moroccan money was minted from silver.
The valley boasts 15 km of date palms and ends with spectacular gorges, popular for rock climbing and picnics. Moreover, we explore the Dades valley, with stunning rock formations formed over millions of years of erosion. We also visit the Rose Valley, the only place in Morocco where we harvest Damascus rose and extract products like rose water and rose oil, perfect for skincare and anti-wrinkle treatment. Overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 6 : Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech
The next morning in Ouarzazate, we’ll visit two places Taourirte Kasbah. It is an example of Berber architecture made of clay and straw, and the cinema studio. Then, we’ll walk through the ancient village of Ait Ben Haddou. A movie site, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Gladiator,”Thami Pasha and a former caravan trading center. We’ll travel north through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, a stunning road with red mountains and Berber villages, to reach Marrakech.
Day 7 : Marrakech
Enjoy a free day in Marrakech exploring the city’s historical and cultural sites. Also, visit the Koutoubia Menaret, Saadian tombs, Palace of Bahia, and Ben Youssef Coranic School. Wander through the medina alleys, admiring local artisans, and end the morning at Jamaa El Fna Square.
Have lunch nearby and spend the afternoon at Majorelle gardens and Gueliz, the new city of Marrakech. In the evening, witness the entertainment at the square before returning to your riad for overnight accommodation.
Day 8 : Marrakech – Casablanca
When you are ready you will have a transfer to the airport of Marrakech or airport of Casablanca and it will be the end of 8 Days from Casablanca Imperial Cities to Desert.
8 Days from Casablanca Imperial Cities info
Included
Comfortable 4X4 vehicle with air conditional
English speaking driver
Fuel and tolls
1-night accommodation in Meknes with breakfast
2-nights accommodation in Fes with breakfast
1-night in Merzouga with dinner and breakfast
1-night accommodation in a hotel in the Ouarzazate with dinner and breakfast
2-night accommodation in Marrakech with breakfast
Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Sandboarding (optional)
Bottle of water during the tour
Excluded
Flight Ticket
Lunches
Drinks
Important! This is a planned tour itinerary; if it does not meet your needs, please contact us. Based on your preferences and the length of your stay, we will develop a bespoke schedule. We provide bespoke Morocco excursions. As more individuals join the tour, the cost decreases. If the payment is fix, transportation expenses will be proportional to the number of passengers. The standard of lodging affects its price. Please contact us for a quote.
