Marrakesh

Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert

From

781.00

Duration

9 days

Max People

24

About This Tour

The 9-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert Tour offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of one of the world's oldest kingdoms. With a diverse artistic heritage shaped by Berbers, Arabs, and Jews, Morocco is a country that captivates every traveler. This tour will take you through the most significant imperial cities, each with its own unique charm and history.

Your journey begins in Marrakech, a vibrant city renowned for its stunning monuments, lush gardens, and bustling street markets. As you explore the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, you’ll be drawn into a world of street performers, delicious food stalls, and vibrant local life. Don't miss a visit to the beautiful Majorelle Garden and the historic Koutoubia Mosque, both showcasing the city's architectural brilliance.

Next, you'll travel to Fez, where you'll delve into the fascinating old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a local guide, you'll navigate the winding alleys, visiting the ancient Al Quaraouiyine University and the traditional tanneries, where you can observe time-honored leather-making techniques. Fez is a city that enchants with its intricate craftsmanship and deep-rooted traditions.

Your tour will also take you to Meknes, where you can admire the grandeur of the Bab Mansour gate, and to Rabat, the capital, where the stunning Hassan Tower and the serene Mausoleum of Mohammed V await your exploration. The tour includes a stop in Casablanca, where you can visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, known for its stunning oceanfront location.

As you head south, the landscape transforms dramatically, leading you to the mesmerizing Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll have the unique experience of riding camels alongside Berber cameleers, navigating the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the sun sets, witness the stunning hues of the desert sky while you ride into the horizon.

Your nights will be spent in comfortable tents nestled among the dunes, where you can enjoy traditional Berber hospitality. Experience the warmth of a campfire as you share stories, listen to local music, and gaze at the star-filled sky, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Throughout the journey, you'll explore ancient fortified kasbahs and lush palm oases, gaining insight into Berber culture and the nomadic lifestyle that has persisted for centuries. This 9-Day Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert Tour beautifully combines cultural exploration with breathtaking natural beauty, making it an unforgettable adventure in Morocco.

What’s Included

  • Transport in a private air-conditioned car
  • Pick up from and drop-off service
  • Experienced & professional English speaking driver
  • Accommodation in air-conditioned private rooms
  • Breakfast is daily included
  • 2 Dinners
  • Licensed Guides in Fez and Marrakech
  • All local taxes
  • Meals other than those mentioned above
  • Drinks to meals
  • All other services which are not mentioned above.
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide/ Driver
  • Travel insurance (*)

1: Arrival in Marrakech

Your private driver will meet you at the Airport and take you to your hotel. Check in to your Hotel and free afternoon to spend at your leisure. It's possible to book an orientation walk with one of our guides

Accommodation: Palm Menara Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: No meals included.
Transportation: Private Vehicule

2: Marrakech City Tour

Embark on a half day guided city tour of Marrakech with a licensed guide and visit the Saadian Tombs, Medrasa Ben Youssef, tour the grounds of the Bahia Palace, marvel at the intricate decoration, and experience the sights and sounds of the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square and its souks. You will have free afternoon to spend at your leisure. Check optional activities below.

Accommodation: Palm Menara Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Vehicule

3: Marrakech - Rabat

Your driver picks you up at 8 AM from your hotel/riad in Marrakech, and start driving north leaving the ochre city behind. Arrive to the commercial capital of Morocco, Casablanca and make a short visit to the splendid Hassan II Mosque, a stunning and breathtaking landmark of Casablanca with the tallest minaret at 210 m. Afterwards, we will go for lunch in one of the restaurant in the beach promenade of the coastal Ain Diab, which is sometimes referred to as Morocco's Miami. After lunch, we will depart to Rabat the political capital of Morocco for the night, with time to explore the town. Visit Rabat's old Medina, Oudaya Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage. Walk through its beautiful narrow streets and small blue, white homes. Then visit the Chella Necropolis where the Roman and Islamic ruins lie side by side whispering endless stories of past centuries. See the Hassan Tower and other sites.

Accommodation: Riad Zyo (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Vehicule

4: Rabat - Fes

After breakfast we will leave the coastal capital city of Rabat  where the treasures of the past blend with the most modern and environmentally friendly achievements behind us we will travel to Meknes. Afterwars we will drive eastwards straight to Meknes, the capital of Moulay Ismaïl (16 C). Visit the city's monuments, like El Hdim Square, Bab Lakhmiss and Bab Mansour, which are among the most beautiful gates in Morocco. Also visit the former Royal Stables and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Lunch in Meknes. After lunch, we will drive to Fes. Its Medina is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often considered the country's cultural capital, it is made up of two old medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid; besides, lies and  la ville moderne, constructed during the French colonial era (1912-1956).

Accommodation: Riad Dar D'Or (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Vehicule

5: Fes Guided Visit

Meet your guide in your Riad/Hotel at 09am and start the visit of “the oldest living Medina in the world”. Start at the gateway of the Royal Palace and the Blue Gate " Bab Boujloud ".  Explore the twisting streets of the old Medina, Madrasa Bounania, the elegant Nejjarine Fountain & Musuem and the pungent Chouara Tannery...

Accommodation: Riad Dar D'Or (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Vehicule

6: Fes - Merzouga

Fez has a special atmosphere. This 13th-century city is an imperial city of long-lasting multicultural history, that reserves unexpected surprises for its visitors. Travel south, passing in Ifrane, "the little Swizerland," where the houses have sloping, remarkable and unusual roofs. A 15 minutes stop to stretch your legs, drink a cup of coffee. We will continue south, cross the majestic Middle Atlas, then stop for a while to observe the Barbary apes in the Oak and the Cedar Forest. Afterwards, we drive to Midelt, "the apple city," relishing the nearby Moulouya River. Here you will have about an hour for lunch before your continue your adventure to the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Later on, we will cross Tizi n'Talghamt pass ( 1907 ) and into the Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oases and palm tree clusters. Along the road, you will see many fortified houses known as ksars—built to protect precious wares, including gold, salt, and spices, to Erfoud and into the Sahara Desert. Erfoud is famous for its fossil finds, worked into beautiful artifacts, that give you the feeling of the beginning of the Saharan oasis of Tafilalet and its immense arid plateaus. Continue your journey to the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Your camels are waiting for you at the edge of the golden dunes, the luggage will be loaded in an 4x4 car and transported to the camp, and you enjoy a beautiful camel ride over the sand dunes, and contempt the majestic desert sunset on your way to the camp. After an hour on camels, you will arrive at the camp where you will enjoy a Berber dinner, and sleep in tents with en suite bathroom. After a delicious meal, fire will be lit and a festive ambiance takes over with musical plays by the staff and cameleers under the starry night of the Desert.

Accommodation: Riad Dar D'Or (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Vehicule

7: Merzouga - Dades Gorge

Wake up in the sunrise for lovely pictures, and breakfast in the open air in the camp, then ride the camels back to meet your driver again at the edge of the dunes. Continue west to pass through a dramatic gate into Rissani; a market town, which holds a livestock auction and is home to a "donkey parking lot." Rissani is a site worth experiencing. Make your way to the oasis town of Tinerhir before reaching the 984 feet (300 m) deep in Todra Gorge. You will have time to explore the gorge with a local guide and relax in the cool water of the shallow Todra River for lunch. Leave Tinghir behind and take the route to the scenic and to one of the most picturesque valleys in Morocco, Dades Valley. We will Head up to Dades gorges, enjoying beautiful Rock formations (called the monkey feet) and fortified Kasbahs scenery along the Dades River. Arrive to the hotel where you will be welcomed with mint tea. Dinner and overnight in Dades Valley.

Accommodation: Riad Rihana Tamlalte (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Transportation: Private Vehicule

8: Dades Gorge - Marrakech

After breakfast we will follow the road of 1000 kasbahs drive around the colourful Berber villages, enjoy beautiful Rock formations (Called the monkey feet) and fortified Kasbahs scenery along the Dades river. Follow the track raod crossing the Valley of Roses with its Kasbah and ksours. In this part, you can see very nice landscapes before you get to Kallaa Mgouna, known for its Festival of Roses, here you can see extensively cultivated farmland bordered with fragrant rose bushes. Continue west to Ouarzazate, passing the palme groves of Skoura. Upon Arrival to Ouarzazate you can join a studio tour and discover how the nearby desert landscapes have been featured in many films. Have lunch in one of the local restaurants. After lunch, drive to the nearby Aït Benhaddou, and go on a walk with a local guide, crossing the river to the other side to discover the fortified ksar with its beautiful Kasbahs, climb to the top of the hill through the ancient alleys of Ait-ben-Haddou. At the end of the afternoon, gain some elevation and head into the magnificent High Atlas Mountains crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass (at 2260 m). Several stops to appreciate the panoramic views and to take pictures.

Accommodation: Palm Menara Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Vehicle

9: Depart Marrakech

Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may be able to do some last-minute sightseeing( Majorelle Garden, Anima Garden...), get some souvenirs before your leave to the airport.

Meals included: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Vehicle

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