12 days Imperials Cities and Desert from Casablanca

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

After arriving at the airport you will be transferred to your hotel in Casablanca, the commercial and economic capital of Morocco. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and explore the city at your leisure for the fist day of 12 days Imperials Cities and Desert from Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen

After breakfast you will head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where you’ll visit the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Kasbah of the Udayas. After lunch, you’ll drive to the blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains.

Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fes

Will be leaving for Fes at 10:00 pm. We will traverse the expanse of Greenhills, exploring its wide and expansive landscapes, including its immense wheat fields. We pause for lunch in the vicinity of Ouazane and proceed to Volubilis. These remains are the most well-preserved remnants of the Roman era in Morocco.

A guided walk inside the Roman site will transport you to the legends of Rome with the impressive mosaic, streets, columns, and baths. In close proximity is the ancient town of Moulay Driss Zerhoune, where the resting place of the founder of the first Arab Islamic monarchy in Morocco may be located. If time allows, we may make a brief stop in this town to have mint tea before continuing our journey to Fez. We will be staying at a hotel or riad.

Day 4: Fes Sightseeing Tour

Embark on a guided tour of Fes’ Medina, delving into its hidden treasures. For instance, visit the Moulay Idriss mausoleum, Nejjarine Fountains, and the Tanneries. Additionally, explore the Mellah and a living synagogue, and witness the grandeur of the Royal Palace. Capture a panoramic view and visit a renowned ceramic factory before returning to your riad for the night.

Day 5: Fes – Merzouga

Today our 12 days Imperials Cities and Desert from Casablanca, Scenic journey across the Middle Atlas mountains in the morning. The Middle Atlas is the natural habitat of Barbary apes, sometimes known as “themaggot”. A respite in Ifrantown would be much welcomed. It is a renowned destination for ski resorts in Morocco, created during the period of French rule. We are now enjoying a meal in Medilt, a region renowned for its exceptional apple cultivation in Morocco.

Take a moment to pause and capture a photograph at Ziz Valley, the picturesque location where the palm groves and date trees originate. Erfoud, the capital of Fossils in Morocco, offers the opportunity to see a factory where exquisite marble objects are crafted.

Immediately after, we go to the tomb of Mouay Ali Chref in Rissani, the esteemed founder of the present-day Alaouite dynasty of Morocco during the 17th century.We go to Erg Chebbi to have a cup of tea and prepare for our desert camp. Arrange a rendezvous with camels for a camel-ride and go towards the dunes to see the sunset.Stay in a Berber tent overnight.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Camel Trek and Overnight in Berber Tent

Experience a complete desert day with a breathtaking sunrise on top of a dune near the camp. Afterward, return to Merzouga on camels for a hearty breakfast, then explore the sandy Erg Chebbi desert and marvel at Morocco’s highest dune, which stands over 250 meters tall.

We continue then by the road that was formerly used for the “Paris – Dakar” and ends in the mountains that limit with Agelia. Stop at Tissardmin oasis where we can find fossil quarries still present in the area, we continue then by a road where we can see nomad settlements and learn their secrets and manners.

The next stop will be at a viewpoint to contemplate the hole Erg Chebbi. We`ll reach then Kamilia Village, originally from Mali, where we´ll take a relaxing cup of tea meanwhile we listen to a concert of the spiritual music of Gnawa.Transfer to your accommodation and free afternoon to enjoy the town or the dunes next to the hotel to see the sunset. Dinner and night in the hotel.

Day 7: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges

After an early morning sunrise over the desert you’ll trek back to Merzouga and continue your journey through the Todra Gorges, known for their towering rock walls and crystal-clear river. After lunch, you’ll drive through the Dades Valley, with its majestic sand castles and unusual rock formations.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate

After breakfast you’ll drive through the Dades Valley, known for its “thousand Kasbahs,” and stop at the rose city of Kalaat Mgouna to purchase rosewater. You’ll continue to Skoura, where you’ll see the beautiful palm groves, before heading to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” for its many film studios.

Day 9: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Marrakech

Ouarzazate has three film studios and stunning kasbahs. Optional excursion to Taourert Kasbah Next, we go to the settlement of Ait ben Haddou via car. We will visit the best-preserved town in the southern region of the nation.

This village has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Additionally, many movies, including Gladiator and Prince of Persia, have been filmed in this village.We will engage in pedestrian exploration inside the settlement and proceed down the Ounila valley until we get at Telouet Kasbah.

A substantial fortress belonging to the Pacha, who held the highest position of authority in the southern region. Traversing the magnificent High Atlas Mountains Pass (Tizi-n-Tichka, altitude 2260 m) in order to reach Marrakech.

Day 10: Day trip to Essaouira

After breakfast in your riad, you will start travelling to the coastal city of Essaouira. Getting there after about a 2 and a half hour drive to start exploring the city. Walk through the alleys of the medina and view hundreds of handicrafts.

This “City of the Wind” attracts surfers from all over the world. Essaouira knew many civilisations – including the Portuguese occupation, which affects much of its architecture – however, it remains a small village with much history. Because of its size and its characteristic blue doors and washed walls, it is also regarded as Morocco’s “Jewel of the Atlantic”.

You will also visit the women’s co-operative of Argan oil. Here they extract the oil that is famous for its culinary, cosmetic and medicinal properties. Lunch will be free in the medina or in the port. In the afternoon you will travel back to Marrakech. Overnight at riad.

Day 11: Full free day in Marrakech

Enjoy a free day in Marrakech exploring the city’s historical and cultural sites. 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 12: Marrakech – Casablanca Airport

After an early breakfast in your riad, we will drive you to Casablanca airport for your flight back home. End of 12 days Imperials Cities and Desert from Casablanca.