8 days· Moderate

8 Days Imperial Cities & Sahara Discovery Tour

Embark on a journey through Morocco’s most iconic landscapes, from the bustling imperial cities to the endless golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. This 8-day adventure combines culture, history, and natural beauty, giving you a complete Moroccan experience. Start in Casablanca, Morocco’s modern metropolis, and explore the imperial cities of Meknes and Fez, where ancient medinas, stunning palaces, and vibrant souks bring history to life. Travel through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, stopping at cedar forests home to playful Barbary macaques, and marvel at the breathtaking gorges and valleys along the way.

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Best time: All year round
Departure: Varied (according to arrival flight)
Start: Casablanca End: Marrakech
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Trip type: Imperial Cities & Real Desert Adventure
Guide languages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Berber
Level: Moderate – Highest altitude 2,260m (Tizi N’Tichka Pass)

Highlights

Camel trek in the Sahara Desert & overnight in Bedouin-style camp
Azrou Cedar Forest & Barbary Macaques
Tizi N’Tichka Pass & High Atlas Mountains
Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO Site)
Atlas Film Studios (Gladiator, Game of Thrones)
Valley of Roses & Dades/Todra Gorges

Day by day

01
Day 1Arrival in Casablanca
Distance / Duration: Airport transfer only
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you can visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques, set dramatically on the Atlantic coast. Take a stroll along the Corniche or enjoy dinner in one of the city’s lively restaurants.
Night · Hotel in Casablanca
02
Day 2Casablanca → Meknes → Moulay Idriss → Volubilis → Fez
- Distance ~290 km
- Driving 5–6 hours
After breakfast, depart for the Imperial City of Meknes, founded by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit Bab Mansour, El Hedim Square, and the Royal Stables, then continue to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco’s holiest town.
Next, explore the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved mosaics and arches. Arrive in Fez by evening and settle into your charming riad within the ancient medina.
Meals: Breakfast included
Night · Traditional riad in Fez Medina
03
Day 3Full-Day Guided Tour of Fez
Walking tour inside the medina
Spend a full day discovering Fez el-Bali, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. With your local guide, wander the labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with tanneries, spice markets, mosques, and artisan workshops.
Highlights include:
- Bou Inania Madrasa – one of the finest Islamic schools in Morocco
- Karaouiyine Mosque & University – the oldest continuously operating university in the world
- Nejjarine Fountain and the Medersa el-Attarine
- The Royal Palace and Jewish Quarter (Mellah)
Evening at leisure to relax or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with traditional music.
Meals: Breakfast included
Night · Riad in Fez
04
Day 4Fez → Ifrane → Azrou Cedar Forest → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga (Camel Trek & Desert Camp)
- Distance ~460 km
- Driving 7–8 hours (with scenic stops)
Today’s drive takes you across the Middle Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara Desert. Stop in Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, then continue through the cedar forest of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques.
Lunch in Midelt before descending into the Ziz Valley, famous for its lush palm groves and traditional kasbahs.
Arrive at Merzouga in the late afternoon, where your camel caravan awaits. Ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset to reach your desert camp. Enjoy mint tea, Berber music, and dinner under a canopy of stars.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Night · Desert camp in Merzouga (standard or luxury)
05
Day 5Merzouga → Tinjdad → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate
- Distance ~370 km
- Driving 6–7 hours
Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels (or 4×4 transfer) back to Merzouga village. After breakfast, travel through Erfoud and Tinjdad toward the breathtaking Todra Gorge, where 300-metre cliffs rise dramatically above the valley floor.
Enjoy a short walk through the gorge before continuing via Boumalne Dades and along the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to reach Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Gateway to the Desert.”
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Night · Hotel or riad in Ouarzazate
06
Day 6Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech
- Distance ~200 km
- Driving 4–5 hours
After breakfast, visit the Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas Film Studios, where many Hollywood films such as Gladiator and The Mummy were shot. Continue to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar made of earthen clay and straw — one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks.
After lunch, cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), enjoying panoramic views and Berber villages en route. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast included
Night · Riad in Marrakech Medina
07
Day 7Marrakech Guided City Tour
Walking tour inside the Medina
Discover the magic of Marrakech, known as the “Red City.” Your local guide will take you through the highlights:
- Koutoubia Mosque and its 12th-century minaret
- Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs
- The Majorelle Gardens (optional visit)
- The bustling souks and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square, alive with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.
Evening free to relax at your riad or enjoy a rooftop dinner overlooking the medina.
Meals: Breakfast included
Night · Riad in Marrakech Medina
08
Day 8Departure from Marrakech or Casablanca
- Distance 0–240 km
- Transfer 15 min (Marrakech) or 3 hrs (Casablanca)
After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Airport or continue to Casablanca depending on your departure plan.
End of your unforgettable Moroccan journey!

Included

Private Transport — Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle throughout the journey
Local Driver-Guide — Fully escorted by an English/French-speaking professional driver
Accommodation (7 Nights) — 6 nights in charming hotels, riads, or kasbahs
Desert Experience — 1 magical night in a Sahara desert camp under the stars
Meals Included — 7 breakfasts & 3 dinners

Not included

International Flights – to and from Morocco
Travel Insurance – strongly recommended
Tips – for guides, drivers, and staff
Drinks & Personal Items – all items of a personal nature
Additional Hotel/Riad Nights – before or after the trek in Marrakech: from €65 per person/twin or €85 single
Entrance Fees – for monuments, museums, or attractions visited during the tour (e.g., palaces, gardens, Roman ruins)