7-Day Imperial Cities Tour from Tangier
Tour Description
Embark on a grand tour of Morocco's four Imperial Cities, starting from the northern gateway of Tangier. This 7-day journey immerses you in the rich history and vibrant culture of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, with a final stop in the modern city of Casablanca. It's the perfect itinerary for history buffs and culture lovers.
Tour Highlights
- Explore all four of Morocco's Imperial Cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech.
- Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- See the modern metropolis and Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
- Enjoy guided tours in the most historic cities.
Why Choose This Tour?
Perfect for history buffs, this tour is a deep dive into Morocco's royal past. Starting in Tangier, it follows a logical route south, covering every imperial capital in a seamless, one-week journey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Tangier → Rabat (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
9:00 AM - Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG) or at the port, your private driver will greet you with a sign displaying your name.
9:30 AM - Brief orientation about your Imperial Cities tour. Settle into your comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
10:00 AM - Begin your journey south to Rabat, Morocco's administrative and political capital.
11:30 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.
12:15 PM - Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Alaouite dynasty architecture. See the beautifully decorated tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons.
1:00 PM - 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.
2:00 PM - Lunch break at a local restaurant in Rabat (not included). Savor traditional Moroccan dishes while enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
3:30 PM - Visit the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (optional) or stroll along the corniche for ocean views.
4:30 PM - Explore the modern part of Rabat and learn about its role as Morocco's capital.
5:30 PM - Check into your hotel or riad in Rabat.
6:30 PM - Evening at leisure. Explore the city or enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant (not included).
Day 2: Rabat → Meknes → Fes (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
8:00 AM - Breakfast at your accommodation in Rabat.
9:00 AM - Depart Rabat and travel to Meknes, once the capital of Morocco under Sultan Moulay Ismail.
10:00 AM - Arrive in Meknes and visit the grand Bab Mansour gate, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco. Admire the intricate tilework and calligraphy.
10:45 AM - Explore the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, where the powerful sultan is buried alongside his family.
11:30 AM - Visit the Sahrij Souani basin, the massive water reservoirs that once served the sultan's palaces and gardens.
12:00 PM - Stroll through the old medina of Meknes and visit the historic granaries.
12:45 PM - Lunch break in Meknes (not included). Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine.
2:00 PM - Depart Meknes and travel to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2:30 PM - Arrive at Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman archaeological site in Morocco. Walk among the impressive ruins of this once-great Roman city.
3:30 PM - Private guided tour of Volubilis. See the triumphal arch, capitol building, and beautiful mosaic floors still in their original positions.
4:30 PM - Learn about the Roman Empire's reach into North Africa and the daily life in this ancient city.
5:00 PM - Continue to Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital.
6:00 PM - Arrive in Fes and 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 Fes exploration.
Day 3: Fes Guided Tour (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
9:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Fes.
9:30 AM - Full day guided tour of Fes with a local expert guide begins. Explore the world's largest car-free urban area.
10:00 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.
11:00 AM - Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859 AD and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
11:45 AM - Explore the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Marinid architecture with intricate cedar carvings and zellij tilework.
12:30 PM - Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, housed in a beautifully restored funduq (caravanserai).
1:00 PM - Lunch break at a traditional restaurant in the medina (not included). Try authentic Fassi cuisine such as pastilla or tagine with preserved lemons.
2:30 PM - Continue exploring the medina's souks. Visit the spice market, metal workshops, and textile stalls.
3:30 PM - Visit the Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el Makhzen) and admire its magnificent golden brass doors and intricate tilework.
4:00 PM - Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) with its unique architecture and historical significance.
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 4: Fes → Beni Mellal → Marrakech (7:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
7:00 AM - Early breakfast at your riad in Fes.
8:00 AM - Depart Fes and begin your scenic journey to Marrakech. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
9:30 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.
10:30 AM - Continue through the Middle Atlas, passing through Azrou where you may spot Barbary macaques in the cedar forest.
12:00 PM - Lunch break in the town of Beni Mellal (not included). Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine.
1:30 PM - Continue your journey, entering the High Atlas Mountains. The landscape becomes more dramatic as you climb higher.
3:30 PM - Pass through the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 meters), the highest mountain pass in North Africa.
4:30 PM - Stop at scenic viewpoints along the mountain pass 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).
Day 5: Marrakech Guided Tour (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
9:00 AM - Breakfast at your accommodation in Marrakech.
9:30 AM - Full day guided tour of Marrakech with a local expert guide.
10:00 AM - Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's most famous landmark. Admire the 12th-century minaret and explore the beautiful surrounding gardens.
10:45 AM - Explore the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture. Wander through the intricate courtyards and admire the decorated rooms.
11:30 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.
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, leather goods quarter, metal workshops, textile stalls, and traditional craft areas.
4:00 PM - Visit the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful botanical garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
4:45 PM - End your tour at Djemaa el-Fna square. Experience the lively atmosphere with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls.
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 6: Marrakech → Casablanca (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
8:00 AM - Breakfast at your accommodation in Marrakech.
9:00 AM - Morning exploration of Marrakech. 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 and travel to Casablanca, Morocco's economic hub and largest city.
1:00 PM - Arrive in Casablanca and begin your exploration of this modern metropolis.
1:30 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.
2:30 PM - Explore the mosque's beautiful architecture and learn about its significance in Islamic architecture.
3:30 PM - Visit the Corniche d'Ain Diab, Casablanca's beautiful seaside promenade. Enjoy the coastal atmosphere and watch the sunset over the Atlantic.
4:30 PM - Explore the modern city center and learn about Casablanca's role as Morocco's business capital.
5:30 PM - Check into your hotel in Casablanca.
6:30 PM - Farewell dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant (not included). Celebrate your Imperial Cities tour journey.
Day 7: Casablanca Departure (Flexible Timing)
Morning - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Casablanca.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Final exploration of Casablanca. Options include:
- Visit the Morocco Mall for modern shopping
- Explore the Habous district for traditional crafts
- Relax at one of the city's beautiful cafes
- Take a final walk along the corniche
11:00 AM - Check out from your hotel.
Flexible Timing - Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) for your departure.
Note: Please allow at least 3 hours before your flight departure time for airport transfer and check-in procedures.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes for ancient medinas.
- A good camera for historic architecture.
- An appetite for history.
- Modest clothing for visiting religious sites.
- Sunscreen and a hat.
