The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Imperial Cities & Sahara Escape

Eight private days from Casablanca through Rabat, Meknes and Fes to the Sahara and Marrakech.

Rated 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
Duration
8 days
Route
Casablanca > Marrakech
Travel style
Private journey
Price
Price on request

Overview

In eight days The Imperial Cities & Sahara Escape visits all four imperial cities of Morocco (Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech) and adds the great journey across the Middle Atlas to the dunes of Merzouga and back over the High Atlas.

As a private journey, you choose your pace and can add guides, extra nights or upgraded accommodation.

Route: Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis, Fes, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou, Marrakech

Highlights

  • Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
  • Rabat, Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis
  • A guided day in the medina of Fes
  • Camel trek and a night in the Sahara
  • Todra Gorge and Ait Ben Haddou
  • Marrakech

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1 Casablanca to Rabat

    about 90 km, 1.5 h Overnight: Rabat

    Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, then drive to Rabat to see the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower.

  2. Day 2 Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis and Fes

    about 260 km, 5 h with stops Overnight: Fes

    Visit Meknes and Bab Mansour and the Roman ruins of Volubilis before reaching Fes.

  3. Day 3 Fes

    Overnight: Fes

    Guided day in the medina of Fes el-Bali.

  4. Day 4 Fes to Merzouga

    about 470 km, 8 h with stops Overnight: Desert camp

    Across the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and down the Ziz Valley to Merzouga. Camel trek at sunset to camp.

  5. Day 5 Merzouga to the Dades Valley

    about 280 km, 5 h with stops Overnight: Dades Valley

    Sunrise over the dunes, then via the Todra Gorge to the Dades Valley.

  6. Day 6 Dades Valley to Marrakech

    about 330 km, 6 to 7 h with stops Overnight: Marrakech

    Through Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou and over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech.

  7. Day 7 Marrakech

    Overnight: Marrakech

    A day for the medina, palaces, gardens and Jemaa el-Fna.

  8. Day 8 Departure

    End of tour

    Transfer to Marrakech airport, or to Casablanca airport (about 240 km) on request.

Distances and driving times are approximate and depend on road conditions and stops. Every route can be adapted.

Accommodation

We book riads, guesthouses, kasbah hotels and desert camps that match the comfort level you choose: comfortable and authentic, superior or luxury. The exact properties depend on your dates and availability and are confirmed by name in your personal proposal before you book.

What is included

  • Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English or Spanish-speaking driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary, in your chosen comfort level
  • Breakfast and dinner on the nights indicated in your proposal
  • Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
  • Personal assistance before and during your trip

Not included

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks unless stated
  • Entrance fees to monuments
  • Local guides in the cities, unless included in your proposal
  • Optional activities (4x4, quad biking, sandboarding)
  • Travel insurance and tips

Optional upgrades and customization

  • Luxury desert camp with private bathroom
  • Boutique riads and kasbah hotels
  • Private dinner in the dunes
  • Official local guides in the medinas
  • Extra nights, or a different starting or ending city

Practical information

Group size
Private journey, only for you and your companions.
Departure
Any day, on the dates you choose.
Price
Personalized quotation according to dates, number of travellers and accommodation.
Luggage
A soft bag or small suitcase is ideal; for the desert night take only an overnight bag on the camel.
Clothing
Layers, comfortable shoes, a scarf, sunglasses and a warm layer for desert nights.
Booking
Send an enquiry; nothing is booked until you confirm your proposal.

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