Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour From Casablanca

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Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 9-Day Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert Tour from Casablanca, a journey that reveals the essence of Morocco’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
From the imperial grandeur of Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech to the tranquil blue charm of Chefchaouen and the golden sands of Merzouga, this immersive tour blends ancient medinas, mountain landscapes, and the mystical Sahara Desert.
Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, sleep under a starry sky in a Berber desert camp, explore UNESCO sites like Ait Benhaddou, and experience Morocco’s vibrant cities with expert local guides.

Perfect for travelers seeking an in-depth Moroccan adventure that combines the country’s iconic cities, scenic routes, and authentic desert life.

Please note: This itinerary is just a suggested program. If it doesn’t fully match what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to design a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and duration of stay. We specialize in creating personalized tours and experiences across Morocco.

Pricing: The cost of the tour varies depending on the number of travelers, the more people joining, the lower the price per person. Since transportation is a fixed cost, it will be divided among participants. Prices also depend on the category and quality of accommodation selected.
Please contact us for an exact quote based on your group size and travel preferences.

Trip Highlights

Discover Morocco’s four imperial cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech.
Explore the blue streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains.
Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.
Ride camels and camp overnight in the Sahara Desert at Merzouga.
Walk through the majestic Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley.
Visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Enjoy guided city tours of Fes and Marrakech with local experts.
Relax in traditional riads and luxury desert accommodations.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Casablanca

Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
If time allows, explore the city’s highlights including the Hassan II Mosque, Habous Quarter, Mohammed V Square, and Anfa District.
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Casablanca.

Day 2 – Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen

After breakfast, visit Rabat, Morocco’s political capital, to see the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, Mohamed V Mausoleum, and Oudaya Kasbah.
Continue your journey north into the Rif Mountains, arriving in the magical blue-washed town of Chefchaouen.
Explore its serene medina and photogenic alleys before settling in for the night.

Day 3 – Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes

Depart Chefchaouen and head to Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological site.
Explore ancient ruins like the Triumphal Arch and the House of Orpheus.
Continue to Meknes, known for its monumental Bab el-Mansour Gate, then travel onward to Fes for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 – Full-Day Guided City Tour of Fes

Discover Fes el-Bali, Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual heart.
Visit the Royal Palace, Bou Inania Madrasa, Tanneries, Nejjarine Fountain, and Al-Qarawiyyin University, the world’s oldest.
After lunch, enjoy free time to explore the vibrant souks and artisan workshops.

Day 5 – Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Erfoud → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

Depart Fes early for a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Stop in Ifrane, “Morocco’s Switzerland,” and Azrou’s Cedar Forest, home to Barbary monkeys.
After lunch in Midelt, continue through the Ziz Valley to reach Erfoud and then Merzouga.
Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes to catch the sunset and spend the night at a luxury desert camp with Berber music and dinner under the stars.

Day 6 – Merzouga → Todra Gorges → Ouarzazate

Wake early for a stunning sunrise over the dunes, then return to Merzouga for breakfast and a shower.
Travel through Rissani and Tinghir, stopping to explore the dramatic Todra Gorges with its towering canyon walls.
Continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, passing Dades Valley and Skoura Oasis.

Day 7 – Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate.
Continue to the legendary Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its role in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m) to arrive in Marrakech for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 – Full-Day Guided City Tour of Marrakech

Explore Marrakech, known as the “Pearl of the South.”
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Majorelle Garden.
After lunch, wander through the souks and vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square, filled with musicians, storytellers, and food stalls.

Day 9 – Marrakech → Casablanca (Departure)

After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca Airport for your departure flight.
We hope you leave Morocco with lasting memories of your adventure through its imperial cities and desert wonders.

What's included

Pick-up & drop-off from Casablanca Airport
Private transfer in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Guided tours in Fes and Marrakech with official local guides
Entrance fees to all monuments and sites listed
Visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios
7 nights in 4★ hotels or riads
1 night in a luxury desert camp (private ensuite tent)
Breakfasts and dinners during the tour (half-board, vegetarian options available)
Camel trekking at sunset and sunrise
Private bathroom with hot shower & toilet in desert camp
Moroccan folklore entertainment at the camp

What’s Not Included

Know Before You Go

Camel ride duration: approx. 1–1.5 hours each way.
Warm clothing recommended for desert nights (October–March).
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available upon request.
Optional 5★ hotel upgrades or 4x4 desert transfers available.
Tour can start or end in Marrakech if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this tour private or shared?

All tours are private with your own vehicle, driver, and flexible schedule.

2. What kind of desert camp is included?

You’ll stay in a luxury desert camp with private ensuite tents, real beds, hot showers, and traditional Berber entertainment.

3. Can I skip the camel ride?

Yes, you can travel to and from the camp in a 4×4 vehicle instead.

4. Are entrance fees included?

Yes, all monument and site entry fees mentioned in the itinerary are included.

5. When is the best time to take this tour?

Spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November) offer the best weather conditions.

6. Can I extend my stay in Marrakech or Fes?

Of course! Extra nights, day trips, or customized experiences can be added upon request.

7. What should I pack for the desert?

Comfortable clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and warm layers for chilly nights.

8. Is Wi-Fi available in the desert camp?

Some luxury camps offer limited Wi-Fi in communal areas — but the magic is in disconnecting under the stars.