8-Day Imperial Cities & Sahara Tour from Casablanca

Day 1: Casablanca Arrival (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 → Fes (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your hotel in Casablanca.

8:30 AM - Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque (if not visited yesterday). Learn about its impressive architecture and cultural significance.

9:30 AM - Depart Casablanca and travel north to Rabat, Morocco's administrative and political capital.

10:30 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.

11:15 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.

12:00 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.

1:00 PM - Lunch break at a local restaurant in Rabat (not included). Savor traditional Moroccan dishes while enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

2:30 PM - Depart Rabat and travel to Fes. Drive through the fertile plains of the Gharb region and enjoy the changing landscapes.

5:00 PM - Arrive in Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital. Check into your traditional riad in the ancient medina.

6:30 PM - Evening at leisure. Explore the immediate vicinity of your riad, enjoy dinner at the riad or a local restaurant (not included), and prepare for tomorrow's comprehensive Fes exploration.

Day 3: 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 4: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

7:00 AM - Early breakfast at your riad in Fes.

8:00 AM - Depart Fes and begin your journey south toward the Sahara Desert. 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 in the city center and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

10:30 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.

12:00 PM - Lunch break in the town of Midelt (not included). Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

1:30 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.

3:30 PM - Pass through the Ziz Valley viewpoint. Marvel at the dramatic canyon landscape and the lush palm groves stretching along the Ziz River.

5:30 PM - Arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Check into your desert hotel and prepare for the evening adventure.

6:30 PM - Meet your camel caravan for the highlight of your trip. Begin your 1.5-hour camel trek across the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi to reach your desert camp.

8:00 PM - Arrive at your desert camp in the heart of the dunes. Enjoy traditional mint tea and learn about Berber desert life from your guides. Dinner at the camp (included) under the stars.

9:30 PM - Evening entertainment around the campfire with traditional Berber music. Enjoy the spectacular desert night sky before retiring to your comfortable tent.

Day 5: Merzouga → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley (5:30 AM - 6:00 PM)

5:30 AM - Early morning optional activity: Watch the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes from your camp or climb the dunes for the best views.

7:00 AM - Breakfast at the desert camp.

8:00 AM - Return by camel to Merzouga village. Freshen up at your desert hotel.

9:00 AM - Depart Merzouga and travel to the Todra Gorges. Drive through the dramatic landscape of the Tafilalt region.

11:00 AM - Arrive at Todra Gorges. Walk through the impressive canyon where crystal-clear water flows between towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 400 meters high. Enjoy the cool shade and perhaps watch local rock climbers.

12:30 PM - Lunch break at a restaurant near the gorges (not included).

2:00 PM - Continue to the Dades Valley, known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." Drive along the scenic road with its winding turns and dramatic rock formations.

3:30 PM - Stop at the Dades Gorges viewpoint for photos of the winding road and spectacular canyon views.

5:00 PM - Arrive at your hotel in the Dades Valley. Check in and enjoy the stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

6:00 PM - Dinner at your hotel (included). Enjoy the sunset views over the Dades Valley.

Day 6: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your hotel with views of the Dades Valley.

9:00 AM - Depart Dades Valley and travel along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs toward Ouarzazate.

10:30 AM - Visit a traditional kasbah along the route to learn about these fortified family homes and their role in Moroccan history.

12:00 PM - Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the "Door of the Desert." Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a impressive fortified palace that was once home to the Glaoui family.

1:00 PM - Lunch break in Ouarzazate (not included). Enjoy lunch with views of the nearby Atlas Mountains.

2:30 PM - Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco's most impressive ksars (fortified villages). This iconic location has been featured in numerous films including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.

3:00 PM - Guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou. Explore the narrow alleys, climb to the granary for panoramic views, and learn about the earthen architecture techniques used in its construction.

4:30 PM - Begin the crossing of the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 meters). Enjoy breathtaking views of traditional Berber villages clinging to mountainsides.

5:30 PM - Stop at scenic viewpoints along the mountain pass for photos and to appreciate the dramatic landscape changes.

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 7: 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 8: 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 7 evening instead of Marrakech. Please inform your driver in advance.