7-Day Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen Tour from Casablanca (Group)
Tour Description
Discover the heart and soul of Morocco on this 7-day tour of the four Imperial Cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech. This comprehensive journey from Casablanca also includes a visit to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture that define this captivating North African kingdom.
Tour Highlights
- Explore all four Imperial Cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech.
- Visit the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen.
- See the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Guided tours in the historic medinas of Fes and Marrakech.
Why Choose This Tour?
This is the classic imperial cities circuit with the added bonus of Chefchaouen. It's a comprehensive cultural tour that covers Morocco's most important historical cities in one week.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca (Flexible Timing)
Arrival - Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), your private driver will greet you with a sign displaying your name.
Transfer - Private transfer to your hotel in Casablanca. Settle in and refresh after your journey.
Afternoon/Evening Options (depending on arrival time):
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the third largest mosque in the world and the largest in Africa. Marvel at its stunning oceanfront location, intricate Moroccan craftsmanship, and the spectacular glass floor allowing views of the Atlantic below.
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Stroll along the Corniche d'Ain Diab, Casablanca's beautiful seaside promenade. Enjoy the coastal atmosphere and watch the sunset over the Atlantic.
- Evening: Welcome dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant (not included). Try fresh seafood or traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
8:00 AM - Breakfast at your hotel in Casablanca.
9:00 AM - Depart Casablanca and travel north to Rabat, Morocco's administrative and political capital.
10:00 AM - Arrive in Rabat and visit the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a grand 12th-century mosque. Learn about the ambitious Almohad architectural project and admire the intricate Islamic designs.
10:45 AM - Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Alaouite dynasty architecture. See the beautifully decorated tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah.
11:30 AM - Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th-century fortress with iconic blue and white walls. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the beautiful Andalusian Gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Salé city across the river.
12:30 PM - Lunch break at a local restaurant in Rabat (not included). Savor traditional Moroccan dishes while enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
2:00 PM - Depart Rabat and travel north toward Chefchaouen. Drive through the fertile plains of the Gharb region and begin the ascent into the Rif Mountains.
4:30 PM - Arrive in Chefchaouen, the famous "Blue City" of Morocco. Check into your traditional riad in the medina.
6:00 PM - Evening at leisure. Begin your exploration of the enchanting blue-washed streets. Enjoy dinner at your riad or a local restaurant (not included) while soaking in the magical blue atmosphere of the Rif Mountains.
Day 3: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
8:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen.
9:00 AM - Guided walking tour of Chefchaouen. Explore the medina's famous blue-washed streets and learn about the history of this unique city. Visit the main square, Place Outa el Hammam, with its 15th-century kasbah and waterfall.
10:00 AM - Climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the entire blue city and surrounding Rif Mountains. This is the perfect spot for photography and understanding the city's layout.
10:45 AM - Explore the local markets and artisan workshops. Discover traditional wool products, woven blankets, and leather goods unique to this region. Visit local cooperatives supporting women artisans.
11:30 AM - Free time for personal exploration. Visit the Ras El-Ma waterfall just outside the city, or shop for unique souvenirs in the medina's craft shops.
12:30 PM - Lunch break at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina (not included). Enjoy traditional Rif cuisine while surrounded by the blue cityscape.
2:00 PM - Depart Chefchaouen and travel toward Fes. First stop: the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
3:30 PM - Explore Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman archaeological site in Morocco. Walk among the impressive ruins of this once-great Roman city, seeing the triumphal arch, capitol building, and beautiful mosaic floors still in their original positions.
4:30 PM - Continue to the nearby imperial city of Meknes. Visit the grand Bab Mansour gate, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, and learn about Sultan Moulay Ismail's ambitious building projects.
5:30 PM - Brief visit to the Sahrij Souani basin, the massive water reservoirs that once served the sultan's palaces and gardens.
6:00 PM - Arrive in Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital. Check into your traditional riad in the ancient medina.
7:30 PM - Dinner at your riad (not included). Relax and prepare for tomorrow's comprehensive exploration of this imperial city.
Day 4: Fes Comprehensive Guided Tour (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
9:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad, followed by a full day guided tour of Fes with a local expert guide.
9:30 AM - Begin at the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather has been produced using traditional methods for over a thousand years. Watch the tanning process from the surrounding terraces and learn about the natural techniques used.
10:30 AM - Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859 AD and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Admire the impressive exterior architecture and learn about its role in Islamic scholarship.
11:15 AM - Explore the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Marinid architecture. Marvel at the intricate cedar carvings, zellij tilework, and beautiful calligraphy that adorn this 14th-century Islamic school.
12:00 PM - Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, housed in a beautifully restored funduq (caravanserai). Discover traditional Moroccan woodworking and craftsmanship.
1:00 PM - Lunch break at a traditional restaurant in the medina (not included). Try authentic Fassi cuisine such as pastilla (savory pie) or tagine with preserved lemons.
2:30 PM - Continue exploring the medina's souks. Visit the spice market, metal workshops, and textile stalls. Learn about traditional crafts and watch artisans at work.
3:30 PM - Visit the Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el Makhzen) and admire its magnificent golden brass doors and intricate tilework. While the palace is not open to the public, the exterior is spectacular.
4:00 PM - Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) with its unique architecture and historical significance. Visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue, one of the oldest in North Africa.
5:00 PM - Return to your riad. Evening at leisure to explore the medina on your own or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (not included).
Day 5: Fes → Atlas Mountains → Marrakech (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
8:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Fes.
9:00 AM - Depart Fes and begin your scenic journey to Marrakech. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests and traditional Berber villages.
10:30 AM - Stop in Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its European-style architecture and alpine climate. Take a short walk to see the distinctive stone lions in the city center and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
11:30 AM - Continue through the Middle Atlas, passing through Azrou where you may spot Barbary macaques in the cedar forest. Enjoy the scenic views and watch for these playful monkeys.
1:00 PM - Lunch break in the town of Khenifra or Midelt (not included). Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
2:30 PM - Continue your journey, entering the High Atlas Mountains. The landscape becomes more dramatic as you climb higher, with stunning views of valleys and peaks.
4:00 PM - Pass through the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 meters), the highest mountain pass in North Africa. Stop at scenic viewpoints for photos and to appreciate the dramatic landscape changes.
5:30 PM - Begin your descent toward Marrakech. Watch as the landscape transforms from mountainous terrain to the fertile Haouz Plain.
6:00 PM - Arrive in Marrakech, the vibrant "Red City." Check into your riad in the medina or a hotel in the new city.
7:30 PM - Evening at leisure. Explore the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant (not included), and soak in the lively atmosphere of Morocco's cultural capital.
Day 6: Marrakech Comprehensive Guided Tour (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
9:00 AM - Breakfast at your accommodation, followed by a full day guided tour of Marrakech.
9:30 AM - Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's most famous landmark. Admire the 12th-century minaret, a masterpiece of Almohad architecture, and explore the beautiful surrounding gardens (non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque).
10:15 AM - Explore the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture. Wander through the intricate courtyards, admire the decorated rooms, and learn about the palace's fascinating history.
11:15 AM - Visit the Saadian Tombs, discovered in 1917 after being hidden for centuries. Marvel at the beautifully decorated chambers housing members of the Saadian dynasty.
12:00 PM - Explore the El Badi Palace ruins, once a magnificent 16th-century palace. Climb the towers for panoramic views of the city and the High Atlas Mountains in the distance.
1:00 PM - Lunch break at a restaurant near the souks (not included). Try traditional Marrakchi dishes.
2:30 PM - Walk through the vibrant souks of Marrakech. Explore different sections: the spice market with its exotic aromas, the leather goods quarter, metal workshops, textile stalls, and traditional craft areas.
3:30 PM - Visit the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful botanical garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Admire the exotic plants and the iconic cobalt blue villa.
4:15 PM - End your tour at Djemaa el-Fna square. Experience the lively atmosphere with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls preparing for the evening.
5:00 PM - Return to your accommodation. Evening at leisure to explore more of Marrakech on your own or enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square (not included).
Day 7: Marrakech → Casablanca Airport (Flexible Timing)
Morning - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation in Marrakech.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Free time for last-minute activities. Options include:
- Visit the Marrakech Museum for more insights into Moroccan art and culture
- Explore the Cyber Park (Arset Moulay Abdeslam) for a peaceful green space
- Return to the souks for any final souvenir shopping
- Relax at a traditional hammam (spa) for an authentic Moroccan experience
11:00 AM - Check out from your accommodation.
11:30 AM - Depart Marrakech for Casablanca. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours through the fertile Haouz Plain.
3:00 PM - Arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN). Allow at least 3 hours before your flight departure time for check-in and security procedures.
Note: If you have an early morning flight, you can choose to stay in Casablanca on Day 6 evening instead of Marrakech. Please inform your driver in advance.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for city walking.
- A camera for the many historical and picturesque sites.
- Modest clothing for visiting religious sites.
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).
- An interest in Moroccan history and architecture.
