Description
There is no desert on this trip: all eight days go to the four imperial cities — Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech — and to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. It is a loop that begins and ends in Casablanca, with the same private driver at the wheel from first day to last.
Three nights in Fes are the heart of it, and the city becomes your base. One full day is spent in the medina with a local guide, among the tanneries, the pottery workshops and the Bou Inania Madrasa; the next is a trip out to Volubilis, the holy town of Moulay Idriss and Meknes, with its Bab Mansour gate and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
The pace is calm by Moroccan standards. There is only one genuinely long transfer, on day five, when you cross the Middle Atlas and skirt the High Atlas on the way down to Marrakech. Two nights there bring a guided day around the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Koutoubia, and evenings on Djemaa el-Fna.
It suits travellers who come to Morocco for its history and its medinas rather than its dunes, who would rather not spend their days in the car, and who fly home from Casablanca. Breakfasts and dinners are included; entrance tickets to the monuments are not.
| Day | Departure from | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | — | Casablanca |
| 2nd | Casablanca | Fes |
| 3rd | Fes | Fes |
| 4th | Fes | Fes |
| 5th | Fes | Marrakech |
| 6th | Marrakech | Marrakech |
| 7th | Marrakech | Casablanca |
| 8th | Casablanca | — |
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Casablanca:
On arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, one of our drivers will welcome you and take you to your hotel — it may be Omar, Ahmed or another of our team of local drivers, and the same person stays with you for all eight days. Afterwards you explore the city, including a visit to the famous Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, set on the ocean shore.
Day 2
Casablanca > Rabat > Fes:
After breakfast you travel by minibus to Fes. On the way you stop in Rabat, the capital of Morocco and home of the king. You have lunch there and enjoy the calm coastal atmosphere. After lunch you continue your journey to Fes, the spiritual heart of Morocco.
Day 3
Fes city tour:
After breakfast you begin a guided tour of the ancient medina of Fes, one of the largest walled cities in the world. You walk through its narrow streets, full of stalls with fresh fruit, colourful spices, hand-woven rugs and traditional crafts.
Highlights include visits to the Royal Palace, the famous tanneries and the pottery workshops. For lunch you can choose to eat in a traditional restaurant in the medina. After lunch the tour continues before you return to your riad to relax.
Day 4
Fes > Volubilis > Moulay Idriss > Meknes > Fes:
After breakfast you set off to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. These remains, dating back 2,000 years, offer a glimpse of life during the Roman Empire. Next you visit the holy city of Moulay Idriss.
Lunch is in Meknes, one of Morocco’s historic imperial cities. In the afternoon the guide shows you Meknes before you return to Fes for dinner at your riad.
Day 5
Fes > Marrakech:
You leave early after breakfast for a scenic journey to Marrakech. The drive takes you through the beautiful Middle Atlas mountains and along the edge of the High Atlas range.
Once in Marrakech you check in at your hotel and head to the lively Djemaa el-Fna square, the heart of the old city. In the evening you can watch street performances, storytellers and musicians and enjoy delicious open-air grilled food. You can also relax with a cup of tea in a rooftop café and watch the square come to life.
Day 6
Marrakech city tour:
After breakfast you enjoy a full-day guided tour of Marrakech. You visit famous sites such as the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and other hidden treasures of the city.
After lunch you continue to the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque and explore the lively Djemaa el-Fna square again. The day ends with a walk through the colourful souks (markets), where you can buy local crafts and souvenirs.
Day 7
Marrakech > Casablanca:
In the morning, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or for exploring Marrakech. In the afternoon you return to Casablanca for your last night in Morocco.
Day 8
Departure from Casablanca:
After breakfast you are transferred to Casablanca airport for your departure flight.
Book the 8-day tour from Casablanca to the imperial cities of Morocco
The price of the 8-day tour from Casablanca to the imperial cities starts at 400 euros, but may vary according to the number of travellers, the season and the accommodation.
Book nowNote: The itinerary of the 8-day imperial cities tour from Casablanca can be adapted to your wishes.
Included
- Transport in a modern private air-conditioned car
- Fuel
- Experienced driver (multilingual)
- Accommodation
- Dinners
- Breakfasts
- Local guides
Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Extra personal expenses and tips (optional)
- Entrance fees (tickets)
Frequently asked questions
What are the highlights of this 8-day tour?
This tour covers Morocco's four imperial cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech, each rich in history and culture. It also includes a visit to Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed Roman archaeological site.
The highlights usually include:
1. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
2. The Kasbah of the Udayas and the Royal Palace in Rabat
3. The Bab Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail in Meknes
4. The medieval medina, the tanneries and the Bou Inania Madrasa in Fes
5. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech
6. Roman mosaics and ruins at Volubilis
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The accommodation is a mix of 3 to 5-star hotels and traditional Moroccan riads. Riads are charming guesthouses, often located in the medina and decorated with local tiles, fountains and inner courtyards. Luxury upgrades are usually available on request.
Are entrance tickets and meals included in the tour?
Yes, breakfasts and dinners are included every day. Entrance tickets to monuments and historic sites are not included.
How much free time is there for exploring or shopping on your own?
In cities such as Marrakech and Fes you will usually have free afternoons or evenings to enjoy local food, shop in the souks or relax in a hammam. Each itinerary is different, so check the daily programme for exact times.
Is a guide included for the whole trip?
You will have an experienced Italian-, French- or English-speaking driver for the whole trip, plus Italian-speaking local guides in Fes and Marrakech, who join you for the in-depth medina tours. This gives you better cultural context and easier navigation through complex areas such as the old medinas of Fes and Marrakech.
What our travellers say
Excellent
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