Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour

Overnight: Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco's west coast! Casablanca is a modern city with major French influence and an architectural treat. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque sitting on an outcrop over the Atlantic Ocean, estimated to house 25,000 worshippers inside with additional room for 80,000 in its courtyard — one of few mosques where non-Muslims may enter. Feast your eyes on intricate marble work, wood and stone carving, and gilded cedar ceilings. Explore Parc de la Ligue Arabe and the Casablanca Cathedral for fine examples of Mauresque architecture. Visit the Old Medina before touring the Hobous, built in the 1930s by the French. Stroll the Boulevard de la Corniche — often called 'the Miami of Morocco.'

Overnight: Chefchaouen

Continue north to Rabat, the imperial capital. Explore the medieval Chellah Necropolis with its Roman and Islamic ruins, then find the Kasbah des Oudaias — a grand door leading to Rabat's original city center with peaceful white and blue-washed streets. Visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and discover the Hassan Tower, the minaret of the incomplete 12th-century mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. Head northward as the landscape shifts from flat plains to the rocky terrain of the Rif Mountains, and arrive in Chefchaouen — the famous Blue City of narrow, winding streets. Spend time in the compact medina and enjoy a meal in Plaza Outa el Hammam before sunset from the abandoned Spanish Mosque.

Overnight: Fes

Rise early and head to Volubilis, a UNESCO protected site and home to Morocco's best preserved Roman ruins. Wander the expansive complex exploring still-intact columns, large merchant homes, temples, and colorful mosaics including the Labors of Hercules. Continue south to the second imperial city of Meknes and explore the Ville Impériale, the medina, the grand Bab al-Mansour gate, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Carry on east to Fes. Before venturing into the medina, take a short trek up to the ruins of the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic view of the medieval city — best at dusk when the muezzin calls echo through the valley and the city lights begin to glow.

Overnight: Fes

The oldest and perhaps most fascinating imperial city in Morocco, Fes has undergone little colonial development — preserving its medieval appeal. The most complete medina in the Arab world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fes is made up of Fes el Bali, Fes el Jdid, and the Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide to navigate the medina. Begin at Bab Boujeloud gate onto Talâa Kebira and explore souks with Spanish and Tunisian-influenced architecture. One of the most unique sights is the Chouara Tannery — climb a nearby leather shop rooftop for a better view of the 11th-century stone dye pots. Follow your guide to Al-Qarawiyyin Library and Mosque, founded in 859 CE and considered the world's oldest continuously operating university.

Overnight: Merzouga – Bedouin Desert Camp

Cover significant ground today heading south toward Merzouga. Ascend the Middle Atlas through fragrant cedar forests and over the Col du Zad pass. Stop in Midelt — the 'Apple City' — and lunch near the Moulouya River. Continue through the palm forests of the Ziz Valley by way of the Tizi n'Talremt pass. Reach Erfoud, known for dates and fossils, and stop at a local artisan collective to learn about the fossil types found in the area. Head to the sea of sand of Erg Chebbi — where some dunes exceed 600 feet. In Merzouga, meet your camel and hop aboard to trek to your Bedouin-style tent. Race up a dune to watch the desert sunset before returning for dinner and a campfire under a starry sky.

Overnight: Todra Gorge

Wake early to catch the Sahara sunrise, then try sandboarding, an ATV tour, or the Erg Chebbi dune tour. Leave the dunes and discover Khemliya — a traditional Saharan village whose people originally came from Mali. Experience traditional music, drumming, and dancing before walking around the village and its farmed plots in the sand. Visit the market town of Rissani to explore the live animal auction and the famous 'donkey parking lot'. Continue west to Tinerhir and admire the extensive oasis. Stop at the spectacular Todra Gorge and climb down to the water's edge to relax in the refreshing waters of the Todra River.

Overnight: Aït Benhaddou

Journey west along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, many in picturesque disrepair having been made of pisé clay (rammed earth). Pass through Boumalne Dades and reach Kela'a M'gouna, where manicured rose bushes border plots of land — roses cultivated for the cosmetics industry. Continue to Ouarzazate, the desert hub and filming location. Join a movie studio tour and discover which blockbuster films were filmed in the nearby desert. Reach today's final destination: the magnificent UNESCO Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou — a fortified pisé village in a valley near the High Atlas foothills, the most famous kasbah in Morocco. Climb to the old Granary for views over the surrounding ksours and the Ouarzazate Valley.

Overnight: Marrakesh

Your journey continues northwest, ascending the High Atlas and through the iconic Tizi n'Tichka pass. Stop near the summit to enjoy the vista — the highest peak, Mount Toubkal, rises to 13,671 feet (4,167 m). Visit Taddert to tour an argan oil cooperative and discover how the precious oil is extracted. As you descend the north side, notice the dramatic change from arid and barren to humid and verdant. Arrive in Marrakesh and settle into your hotel before venturing to Jemaa el-Fna, which comes alive in the evening with vendors, musicians, snake charmers, and performers. Find a quieter café to enjoy a meal and watch the spectacle unfold.

Overnight: Marrakesh

Founded in the 11th century with Berber rather than Arab roots, Marrakesh is known as the 'Red City' for the natural red pigment in its walls and buildings. Meet your guide and discover the hidden gems of the medina: souks and shops selling their wares. Find your way to the Koutoubia Mosque — Marrakesh's tallest minaret at 253 feet (77 m). Visit the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa Islamic school with its exquisite arabesques, Islamic calligraphy, and colorful geometric tilework. Visit the vibrant Majorelle Gardens, then the Saadian Tombs discovered only in the 1930s. From there, visit the 19th-century Bahia Palace — the most luxurious palace of its time — and admire the intricate woodwork and painted ceilings.

Overnight: Departure

Rise early and complete any last-minute souvenir shopping. Find the 12th-century Almoravid Koubba — the only surviving Almoravid monument, rediscovered in 1948. Visit the Marrakesh Museum housed in the 19th-century Moorish Dar Mnebbi Palace, with a collection of modern and traditional art including Berber, Moroccan Jewish, and Islamic cultures. After lunch, begin the 3.5-hour return trip to Casablanca. Stop for a drink at Rick's Café before catching your flight home. Thank you for experiencing Morocco with Elegant Tours.