8 days from Casablanca Imperial Cities to Desert is a journey through Morocco’s culture and history. Visitors can explore the imperial beard cities and the Sahara Desert in one week’s trip, embarking on an adventure of a lifetime.
Day 1 : Arrival to Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes
Upon your arrival or pick up you at your hotel in Casablanca. We will visit the Hassan II mosque, the landmark of Casablanca which is the only mosque open for non-Muslims. The Hassan II Mosque will be the first introduction of Moorish influences in Morocco. Over 25 thousand worshipers can pray inside and 80 thousand worshipers pray outside in the big square of the mosque. We travel to Rabat visit some historical site like Chellah lovely spot In Rabat where you see a breathtaking combination of Roman and Merinid remains. You have the unfinished mosque Tower Hassan and the piece of art mausoleum Mohamed 5th to visit. After the tour of Rabat we move to the next city Meknes. It was buit by the sultan Moulay Ismael in 18th century, famous of beautiful gates, mosques and madrasas. Overnight in Meknes.
Day 2 : Meknes – Volubilis – Fes
Next Morning after a nice breakfast we start our visit of Meknes with the granary Sahrij Swani. It is used to store food and water for the ‘’black Army’’ of the sultan Moulay Ismael. We can visit the mausoleum of the sultan and admire the Arab-Andalusian style. We will have a look at the tremendous gate of Bab Mansour. Only 30 km from Meknes we discover Volubilis .The archeological roman site well-preserved listed in UNISCO (1997),remains of astonishing mosaics, hundreds of Latin inscriptions and artistic materials. Our trip for today will be finished in Fes.
Day 3 : Fes
After breakfast you meet our local guide of Fes ; you are going to explore the old medieval medina of Fes and the 1st imperial city, a real labyrinthine of more than 9000 alleyways and deserves to be the intellectual and cultural capital of the kingdom. Mingled with fasi people in these streets full of articles , colours and donkeys carrying goods . The tanneries, which are well-known in Fes, are one of the highlights of the tour. Here, you can observe residents working on goat, lamp, camel, and cow skins in little pits. Fes is ranked number one in crafts. Also, you will treat yourself to a few unique Fes cuisine delicacies.
The southern tower of Fes offers a panoramic view, and you can visit the pottery cooperative there to see how Moroccan mosaic tiles are made. You can also choose to complete your tour of Fes with an entertaining supper performance with belly dancers.
Day 4 : Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga Desert
We are going to leave the medieval Fes and heading to another part of Morocco. Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains .We stop for a short break in Ifran or the small Switzerland where is the first ski resort in Morocco. We will be surrounded by amazing sceneries and landscapes of mountains and plains. A special species of native monkeys living in cedar woods, over 30 members in one family called Maggot monkeys in Azrou. We will have lunch break in Midelt, it celebrates the festival of apples every years. There is a big contrast of landscapes especially when we drive through Ziz valley to get us to Arfoud ,the gate of the sahara, to Merzouga.
Day 5 : Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges – Palm Groves of Skoura Ouarzazate
After breakfast, we depart from the Sahara and travel to the Eljerf oasis, which still uses an ancient irrigation system. Take a break in Tinjidad before stopping in the Toudra valley for lunch. This valley has a rich history as one of Morocco’s oldest caravan trading routes and the site where the first Moroccan money was minted from silver. The valley boasts 15 km of date palms and ends with spectacular gorges, popular for rock climbing and picnics. Next, we explore the Dades valley, with stunning rock formations formed over millions of years of erosion. We also visit the Rose Valley, the only place in Morocco where we harvest Damascus rose and extract products like rose water and rose oil, perfect for skincare and anti-wrinkle treatment. Overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 6 : Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech
The next morning in Ouarzazate, we’ll visit two places: the Taourirte Kasbah, an example of Berber architecture made of clay and straw, and the cinema studio. Then, we’ll walk through the ancient village of Ait Ben Haddou, famous for being featured in many movies, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Gladiator,” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, we’ll visit the Telouet Kasbah, a fortress built by Thami Pasha and a former caravan trading center. We’ll travel north through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, a stunning road with red mountains and Berber villages, to reach Marrakech.
Day 7 : Marrakech
Marrakech is a popular tourist destination, with Bahia palace, mosaics, stucco, Saadian Tomb, and souks like Jack Majorelle garden. The square Jamaa Elfana is a bustling place with snake charmers, monkeys, food stalls, and musicians. The local guide provides information about the many attractions.
Day 8 : Marrakech – Casablanca
When you are ready you will have a transfer to the airport of Marrakech or airport of Casablanca and it will be the end of imperial cities 8 days in Morocco.