10 Days / 9 Nights – Imperial Cities of Morocco

Casablanca • Rabat • Chefchaouen • Fès • Merzouga (Sahara Desert) • Dadès Valley • Aït Ben Haddou • Marrakech

A complete circuit through Morocco’s imperial cities, the Rif mountains, the Sahara dunes, and the High Atlas kasbah route — ending in the vibrant souks of Marrakech.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Arrival in Casablanca

Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, perched dramatically over the Atlantic. Stroll the Corniche in the evening. Overnight: Casablanca

Day 2 – Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen

Morning drive to Rabat (~1 hour): the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Continue north through the Rif Mountains (~4 hours) to Chefchaouen, the famous « Blue City. » Overnight: Chefchaouen

Day 3 – Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Fès

Morning free to wander Chefchaouen’s blue-washed medina. Drive to Fès via the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, with an optional stop in the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. Overnight: Fès

Day 4 – Full Day in Fès

A full day exploring Fès el-Bali, the largest car-free medina in the world: the Chouara Tanneries, Bou Inania Madrasa, artisan quarters, and the iconic Bab Boujloud gate. Overnight: Fès

Day 5 – Fès → Ifrane → Ziz Valley → Merzouga

Depart for the Sahara via Ifrane (« Little Switzerland »), the cedar forests near Azrou, and Midelt. Descend through the spectacular Ziz Valley oasis. Arrive in Merzouga for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Overnight: Desert camp, Merzouga

Day 6 – Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dadès Valley

Optional sunrise over the dunes. Drive to the dramatic Todra Gorge, then continue to the Rose/Dadès Valley. Overnight: Dadès Valley

Day 7 – Dadès Valley → Télouet → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech

Cross the « Road of a Thousand Kasbahs » and the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with stops at the historic Télouet Kasbah and the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou. Arrive in Marrakech. Overnight: Marrakech

Day 8 – Guided Marrakech Medina Tour

A local guide leads you through Jemaa el-Fnaa, the souks, Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and (time permitting) the Majorelle Garden. Overnight: Marrakech

Day 9 – Free Day in Marrakech

A day at your own pace — shopping, a hammam, or an optional excursion to the Ourika Valley or Atlas Mountains. Overnight: Marrakech

Day 10 – Departure

Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your return flight.

A few things to keep in mind:

• The Fès → Merzouga leg (Day 5) is long (~8-9 hours driving) — plan an early start.
• Spending a night in the desert (Erg Chebbi) is worth it for the full experience.
• Days 7-8 involve heavy mountain-pass driving; a local driver is recommended.
• Best time for this circuit: spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) to avoid extreme desert heat.

Tour Inclusions

• Accommodation:

10-Day Imperial Cities – Night-by-Night Accommodation

Night 1 (Day 1) – Casablanca

Night 2 (Day 2) – Chefchaouen
Night 3 (Day 3) – Fès

Night 4 (Day 4) – Fès

Night 5 (Day 5) – Merzouga
Camp Luxury 

Night 6 (Day 6) – Dadès Valley
Night 7 (Day 7) – Marrakech

Night 8 (Day 8) – Marrakech
Night 9 (Day 9) – Marrakech

Day 10 – Departure (no overnight)

• Meals:
  • Daily half board, including 10 breakfasts and 9 dinners.
• Transport & Transfers:
  • A private, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle with a professional local driver who knows these routes intimately.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech.
  • Camel transfer to and from the desert camp.
• Guided Experiences:
  • An experienced driver-guide who is a local expert on the history, culture, and landscapes of the region.
  • Guided visits to Aït Benhaddou, Dades Gorges, and Todgha Gorges.
  • A sunset camel trek and a campfire evening with traditional music.