Morocco Imperial Cities Tour From MarrakechTo Chefchaoun

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Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-Day Morocco Imperial Cities Tour from Marrakech to Chefchaouen, a journey that blends Morocco’s royal heritage, spiritual depth, and desert beauty.
From the colorful streets of Marrakech to the blue charm of Chefchaouen, this adventure unfolds through historic medinas, dramatic landscapes, and the golden dunes of Merzouga.

You’ll explore UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, wander through the ancient medina of Fes, and enjoy a camel trek into the Sahara Desert before relaxing in Morocco’s most photogenic town, Chefchaouen.
This tour perfectly balances culture, comfort, and discovery, ideal for travelers who want to experience Morocco’s imperial past and natural wonders in one unforgettable itinerary.

Trip Highlights

Explore Marrakech’s historic palaces, tombs, and gardens with a local guide.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Visit Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and the Valley of Roses.
Discover the Todra Gorges and experience camel trekking in Merzouga.
Sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi.
Tour the Fes Medina, one of the world’s oldest and most vibrant.
Wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, Morocco’s most charming town.
Visit the imperial capitals of Meknes and Rabat, and Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight stay in the “Red City.”

Day 2 – Full-Day Exploring Marrakech

After breakfast, begin a guided city tour of Marrakech. Visit the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, El Badii Palace, and Ben Youssef Madrasa.
After lunch, explore the Majorelle Gardens, Menara Gardens, and Koutoubia Mosque before ending the day at the bustling Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Day 3 – Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

Depart Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m). Stop at panoramic viewpoints and visit the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue to Ouarzazate, visiting the Atlas Film Studios, then travel through the Valley of Roses to reach Dades Valley for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 – Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, drive to the spectacular Todra Gorges, a favorite destination for climbers and photographers. Continue to Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops.
Arrive in Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits. Enjoy a 90-minute camel trek over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi as the sun sets.
Dinner and overnight in a luxury desert camp with Berber music around the campfire.

Day 5 – Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes

Wake early to watch the sunrise, then enjoy breakfast and a shower before departing toward Fes. Stop at the panoramic Ziz Valley viewpoint and have lunch in Midelt.
Drive through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary monkeys, then pass through Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
Arrive in Fes by evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6 – Exploring Fes Medina → Meknes → Chefchaouen

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Fes Medina, visiting the Royal Palace Gate, Jewish Quarter, Al-Qarawiyyin University, Tanneries, and Moulay Idriss Mausoleum.
After lunch, continue to Meknes to see Bab Mansour Gate, Sahrij Souani, and Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum before driving north to Chefchaouen, the enchanting “Blue Pearl.”

Day 7 – Chefchaouen → Rabat

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free morning to explore Chefchaouen’s blue-painted medina, narrow alleys, and artisan shops.
Later, depart for Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, where you’ll check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 – Rabat → Casablanca → Marrakech

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Rabat, visiting the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum, and Kasbah of Oudayas.
Continue to Casablanca for lunch and a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, followed by stops at the Corniche and Mohammed V Square.
Drive back to Marrakech for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9 – Departure from Marrakech

Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Marrakech Airport for your departure.

What's included

Pick-up / Drop-off from Marrakech Airport
Private air-conditioned minibus with professional English-speaking driver
Official guides in Marrakech and Fes
Entrance fees to all mentioned monuments
7 nights in carefully selected 4★ hotels or riads
1 night in a luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi
Camel trekking at sunset & sunrise
Private bathroom with hot shower & toilet in your desert tent
Breakfasts and dinners throughout the tour (vegetarian options available)
Free time for photo stops, walks, and exploration

What’s Not Included

Know Before You Go

Tour operates year-round; private and small-group options available.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended for medina and desert areas.
Warm clothing advised for desert nights (October–March).
Upgrades to 5★ or luxury riads available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this tour suitable for first-time travelers to Morocco?

Yes, this 9-day itinerary offers a perfect mix of Morocco’s culture, desert, and landscapes, great for first-time or returning travelers.

2. How long is the camel trek in Merzouga?

Approximately 1.5 hours each way, timed for sunset and sunrise over the dunes.

3. Are city tours guided?

Yes, you’ll enjoy guided tours in Marrakech and Fes with certified English-speaking local guides.

4. What is accommodation like?

You’ll stay in 4★ hotels or charming riads, plus one night in a luxury desert camp with ensuite facilities.

5. Can the itinerary be customized?

Absolutely, the tour can be personalized with extra nights in Chefchaouen, Tangier, or Essaouira, or upgraded accommodations.