10-Day Morocco Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert Tour from Fez

• Pick-up from Fez International Airport. Our driver will wait for you outside the airport's main entrance with a sign on behalf of your name. Then we’ll take you to your Riad or Hotel for check-in. 

• The oldest of the imperial cities, home to the world’s first university dating from the 9th century and one of the most complete medieval cities in existence, founded in 790 A.D. Seeming to exist somewhere between the middle ages and today, the Soul of Morocco stimulates the senses with its visual details, haunting sounds and rich aromas. 
• Guided visit to medieval Medina, Karaouine University, Medersa Attarine, Gate of Kingdom Palace, Jewish area, Fabric of ceramic, the tower and souks. Spend the night at the Riad.

• Begin the visit with a panoramic view of Meknes, which offers a splendid look at the old Islamic Medina with its numerous tall and soaring minarets. Other sites explored include Bab El Mansour, the Hedim Square, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. 

Take the road to the Roman City of Volubilis: 

• Begin your visit by discovering the fascinating Roman ruins adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. The ruins are spread out across several acres and what remains visible are several fragments of wall, parts of massive columns, the capitol, the basilica and a triumphal arch. The ruins reveal how the Roman Empire transformed the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city complete with mansions, a town center, a triumphal arch and temples devoted to the Roman gods. 

Overnight at the Hotel in Chefchaouen.

• After having a breakfast visit to the blue city, the beautiful Chefchaouen brims with attractions. Its heritage is rich. The inescapable Medina with its famous narrow winding alleys, is an opportunity to mingle with the local population. There is also the Kasbah which stands in the middle of the old quarter: its lush gardens, located in the center of the city, are a haven of freshness. Its museum, which is home to a collection of old weapons, some photos of the city, and textiles, is a must-see. 
• In the afternoon, we will visit the Medina of Asilah: Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, adorned with blue and white buildings, and explore its historic charm, the impressive ramparts and gates dating back to Portuguese occupation. Late afternoon we will arrive in Rabat and drop you off at the hotel for check-in.

• After having breakfast, we will visit  the Hassan tower which stands on the hill overlooking the Wadi Bou Regreg. It is a gigantic mosque, emblematic of a wrought-iron entryway with a stairway leading to an impressive dome, in front of the tower we will see the Mausoleum of the king Mohammed V which is a significant landmark in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. It serves as the final resting place of King Mohammed V, who played a crucial role in Morocco's independence, and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah.
• Afterwards, we will explore the kasbah of Oudayas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River. Highlights include its narrow, whitewashed streets, blue-accented houses, Andalusian Gardens, Kasbah Museum, and Kasbah Mosque.
• Sightseeing tour in Casablanca, where there is an elegant mix of Art Deco and Neo-Moorish style buildings lining wide avenues. The visit includes the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Then, we will stop at Rick's Café, which appears in the movie Casablanca. This cafe never existed as the entire movie was shot in Hollywood. Then, we will go for a walk on the Corniche to enjoy the sea breeze and the views of the beautiful Hassan II Mosque.  

Night at the Riad in Marrakech.

• After breakfast at your Hotel, we will drive to Dades Gorges by crossing the high Atlas mountains and 'Tizi N'tichka' pass, which is the highest road pass in Morocco at 2260m altitude, where we will also stop for you at various panoramic views in order to take pictures. Continue your journey to Ouarzazate (The African Hollywood), where we will visit the cinema Atlas Studios. 
• Then we will move to Skoura to visit the Kasbah of Amridil. Through the way of Roses Valley and 1000 Kasbahs we will arrive at Dades Valley, stop at the mountain “Monkey Finger” to take some pictures. Later, we will reach the top of the Dades Gorge through the snake route with a fascinating view over the river. 

Overnight at Dades Valley, in the upper Gorges.  

• After breakfast, we will drive to Todra Gorges (the grand Moroccan canyon), famous for rock climbing at its rock walls that rise to 300m in a narrow part; here, you will have a walk to smell the real nature of green agricultural lands and wide rivers. We will continue down to Erfoud, famous for its fossilized marbles, where you will have the opportunity to visit a workshop that produces Marble fossils. 
• We will arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. You will be welcomed with a cup of tea and have a safe room to be prepared to spend an excellent night in the nomad desert camp. You will have about 1 hour of camel ride to cross the highest sand dunes in north Africa while you enjoy the show of the sunset till you arrive at the Bivouac; you will have a private tent, the tents are well equipped with mattresses, blankets, cushions, hot shower and also private toilet. You will be served a delicious Moroccan dinner, and after that, you will gather around the fire to admire a typical Berber music performed using drums under the sky full of stars.  

• Perhaps make the most of your time in the desert with an early-morning walk over the dunes to enjoy the sunrise. After having breakfast, ride your camel back to Merzouga and meet your driver. Hop back aboard your vehicle and head to Ouarzazate through Alnif, Tazzarine, Nkob, and the Draa Valley. 

Overnight in the hotel.

• Visit Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site where many outstanding films like Lawrence of Arabia or Tea in the Sahara were made. 
• Afterwards, we will visit the Telouet Kasbah. Initially built by the Glaoui family, this grand palace served as the residence of the influential Glaoui clan, who were once powerful rulers of the region. Highlights include its intricate Berber architecture, ornate decorations, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 
• In the afternoon, we will head to Marrakesh and spend the night at your Hotel.

• After savouring a typical breakfast. You will start exploring Marrakesh. Our official tour guide will ensure that you discover the most important parts of historical and cultural interests, including the Bahia Palace, The Medrassa Ben Youssef Koran school, the Jemaa El Fna square place and the Koutoubia mosque. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Medina.
• In the afternoon, you will explore the new city called Gueliz and the Majorelle Gardens. Afterwards, we will depart to Marrakech.