8-Day Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert Tour from Casablanca

TOUR ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1: Casablanca - El Jadida - Essaouira 

Begin your journey in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic hub. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque in Africa. Travel along the coast to El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Portuguese fortifications and the famous underground cistern. Continue to the charming coastal town of Essaouira, known for its historic medina and vibrant arts scene.

Day 2: Essaouira - Marrakech 

Explore Essaouira's medina, Jewish quarter (mellah), and witness traditional crafts like thuya wood-carving. The city is renowned for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to constant trade winds. Depart for Marrakech, passing through lush valleys filled with orange groves and ancient olive trees.

Day 3: Discover Marrakech 

Full day exploring the "Red City," founded in 1070 as an imperial capital. Visit:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa: Africa's busiest square and the heart of city life
• Souks: Traditional markets selling leather, carpets, metalwork, and pottery
• City Gates and Walls: 19th-century ramparts stretching 19 kilometers
• Gardens: Menara, Majorelle, Agdal, and Koutoubia gardens
• Palaces: El Badi Palace, Bahia Palace, and the Royal Palace
• Saadian Tombs: 16th-century royal necropolis
• Mellah: The historic Jewish quarter

Day 4: Marrakech - Telouat - Ouarzazate 

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2,260m), enjoying panoramic views and Berber villages. Visit Kasbah Telouat, former residence of the Glaoui family. Continue through the Ounila Valley to see the magnificent kasbahs of Tamdakht and Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage site and famous filming location for movies like Gladiator). Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara" and Morocco's Hollywood.

Day 5: Ouarzazate - Skoura - Dades Valley - Merzouga 

Depart early through Skoura's palm groves and the Valley of Roses. Visit the Todra Gorges, spectacular canyon formations carved by the Todra River. Continue through Tinjdad and Arfoud (famous for fossilized marbles) to reach Merzouga and the Sahara Desert. Experience a magical sunset over the dunes and spend the night in a traditional Berber tent.

Day 6: Merzouga - Rissani - Midelt - Fes 

Wake early for a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. Visit Rissani and the Zawiya Moulay Ali Ash-Sharif mausoleum. Journey through the Ziz Valley, admiring palm groves and gorges. Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, home to Atlas cedar forests and Barbary macaques, arriving in Fes.

Day 7: Discover Fes 

Explore Morocco's spiritual capital, founded in the 8th-9th centuries. Visit:

• Madrasas: Including the University of Al-Qarawiyyin (859 AD) and Saffarin Madrasa
• Medina: UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient walls and gates
• Tanneries: Traditional leather-working districts
• Funduqs: Historic inns and caravanserais
• Gardens: Jnane Sbile and royal palace gardens
• Historic Palaces: Including Dar Batha museum

Day 8: Fes - Meknes - Rabat - Casablanca

Visit Meknes, the sixth-largest city in Morocco and former capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. See Place el-Hedim, Madrasa Bou Inania, and the famous Bab Mansur gate. Continue to Rabat, Morocco's capital, before returning to Casablanca.