8 days tour trip from Casablanca to Imperial cities Sahara desert

Day 1: Arrival to Casablanca

Meet & greet at CASABLANCA Mohammed V airport and then take a brief visit to the thriving economic capital of Morocco – Casablanca city. Depending on flight arrival time, we suggest to visit magnificent Hassan II mosque – the largest in the Kingdom. With space to accommodate 25,000 worshippers, it is the second largest mosque in the world. It is located on the west coast of the city, on a promontory, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Free time for lunch. Then we explore the city, and visit the amazing Cornish of Casablanca. Overnight stay in a hotel. 

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat the capital – Chefchaouen

After breakfast, we drive along the coastline to Rabat. The city is one of the imperial cities in Morocco, and the current capital. It is located on the northwest of Morocco. You will visit the Highlights of the city including the Hassan tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. In addition, The Kasbah of Oudaya. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon we head north through Ouazzane to reach the Blue city of Chefchaouen. The city is located in the Rif Mountains, famous for its buildings and alleyways painted in blue. Finally, overnight in a hotel.

Day 3: Chefchaouen- the Roman ruins of Volubilis- Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, feel free to wander in the beautiful alleyways, of the blue city Chefchaouen. Then we drive to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. It is well preserved, as the UNESCO recognizes it as a World Heritage Site. It has many beautiful mosaics scattered here and there, along with ancient pillars and archways. After strolling in the ruins, we drive 30 km to visit Meknes. The city is considered the Ismail capital and one of the imperial cities. In which we visit Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal stables, the granary. In addition, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Then we head to Fes. Overnight stay in a Riad.

Day 4: Guided tour sightseeing Fes

We dedicate the day to explore the Highlights of Fes city with a local guide. The city is considered one of the imperial cities, besides being the cultural and religious center of Morocco. Firstly, we start the day by visiting the Royal Palace gate. Then the well-preserved medieval Medina, which is listed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. You will visit the Blue gate or Bab Boujloud, the entrance of the old Medina. Which appears to be labyrinth of alleyways and streets. You will enter the Medina to visit The Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine fountain, the Tanneries. Finally the Quaraouin mosque and university, the oldest university in the world. After that, we leave the Medina to visit the Jewish quarter also known as “the Mellah”. Then, we drive to an ancient fortress for panoramic view of the Medina and the city of Fes. Finally, return to your Riad.

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Cedars forest- Midelt – Ziz valley – Merzouga Sahara

After breakfast, we drive south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane. The city is famous for its low temperature, snow and the alpine-style architecture houses. No wonder it is called the Switzerland of Morocco. After that, we continue to cedars forest, where the Barbary macaques live. Feel free to feed them, while wandering in the forest. Later, we continue to Midelt, where we will have a free time for lunch. Then we drive to Merzouga through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the Ziz valley. With stops for panoramic views. In the afternoon, we reach the Sahara desert of Merzouga, where you switch to camels, and cross the sandy desert. You will make a stop on top of a high dune to enjoy the sunset. Finally, you continue to the camp. Which is a combination between the traditional tents of nomads, and the luxury a hotel has. Where you can enjoy the Berber drums music, while dancing around the campfire, under vast open sky of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Day 6: Merzouga Sahara – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley 

Wake up early in the morning is necessary do, in order to contemplate the beautiful sunrise, in the middle of the desert. Free time for breakfast. Then you return on camels to Merzouga, where the driver awaits. Then we leave the desert to visit Rissani town, the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani still a major trading center in the region, with a large souk lively 3 days a week. After a stroll in Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud where we visit one of the workshops of fossilized marble. Then we drive through Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves, to reach the Todra Gorges. The course of Todra River has carved out a grand canyon through the mountains. Making a high red cliff-sided canyon. These gorges are an ideal place for rock climbers. Feel free to wander in the gorges and appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Free time for lunch in a restaurant. Then we continue to the Dades valley, through Boumalne Dades. After that inevitable stops at the “monkey fingers” rock formation, and on spot overlooking the Dades valley. Finally, dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 7: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech 

In the last day, we continue our trip to Kalaa Magouna, to visit the Rose valley. A Rose Festival is held annually in May. Where the locals offer their rose products. From perfumes, rose water, oil, to cosmetic products. We then drive through the palm groves of Skoura to reach Ouarzazate. Next, we visit the studios, in which famous movies were shot. Thereafter we depart to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. A fortified village recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Furthermore, the Kasbah has appeared in many movies including Gladiator, Alexander, the Mummy…etc. In addition, TV series including Game of Thrones. Then we continue to Marrakech, by driving through the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, and the High Atlas Mountains. Stops will be made for lunch, and to take pictures at interesting spots. Finally, we reach Marrakech, and then we drive you to the airport or your accommodation.

Days 8: Marrakech – Casablanca

In the last day, Transfer from the hotel to the Casablanca airport.