8-Day Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert Tour
Experience Morocco's imperial heritage and Sahara landscapes in one private journey. Travel from Casablanca through Rabat, Meknes and Fes, cross the Middle Atlas to Merzouga, follow the kasbah route to Marrakech, and return to Casablanca.
Imperial Morocco meets the Sahara
This 8-Day Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert Tour is designed for travelers who want to combine Morocco's great historic cities with the landscapes of the Sahara and southern Morocco.
The journey begins in Casablanca and follows Morocco's imperial story through Rabat, Meknes and Fes. Ancient medinas, monumental gates, traditional craftsmanship and Roman ruins reveal different chapters of the country's history before the route turns south.
Beyond Fes, the landscape changes quickly. Travel through Ifrane, cedar forests and the Middle Atlas before following the Ziz Valley toward Merzouga. Here, the road gives way to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, where a camel trek and a night in a desert camp offer a completely different side of Morocco.
The journey continues through the valleys and kasbahs of the south to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. After discovering the Red City with a local guide, return to Casablanca on the final day.
See Morocco change around you
Imperial Heritage
Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis and Fes introduce Morocco through royal capitals, ancient ruins and historic medinas.
Atlas to Sahara
Cross the Middle Atlas through forests and mountain towns before following the Ziz Valley toward the dunes.
Kasbah Country
Leave the Sahara for palm valleys, the Dades region, Ouarzazate and the earthen architecture of Ait Ben Haddou.
Marrakech
Finish with the palaces, souks and lively medina of Marrakech before returning comfortably to Casablanca.
Eight days, many sides of Morocco
Four Imperial Cities
Discover Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech and see how each city tells a different part of Morocco's royal history.
Volubilis
Walk among Roman columns, arches and mosaics at one of Morocco's most important archaeological sites.
Guided Fes
Explore the maze of Fes el-Bali with a local guide and discover traditional workshops, souks and historic monuments.
Erg Chebbi Sahara
Ride camels across the dunes for sunset and spend the night surrounded by the silence of the Sahara.
High Atlas & Kasbahs
Travel through dramatic valleys, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and the mountain landscapes of the High Atlas.
Guided Marrakech
Finish with a local look at Marrakech's historic medina, palaces, souks and famous Jemaa el-Fna.
Imperial cities to desert dunes
Four landscapes that capture the changing character of this private Morocco journey.
Fes
Merzouga
Ait Ben Haddou
Marrakech
8-Day Morocco itinerary
From Casablanca's Atlantic coast to Morocco's imperial cities, across the Atlas to the Sahara and back through Marrakech.
Casablanca and Morocco's Imperial Capital
Your private driver meets you in Casablanca at your hotel or Mohammed V International Airport. Depending on your arrival schedule, begin with the Hassan II Mosque, dramatically positioned beside the Atlantic Ocean.
Travel north to Rabat, Morocco's present-day capital and one of its four imperial cities. Explore landmarks such as Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Kasbah of the Oudayas and other historic areas according to available time.
In the afternoon, continue east toward Meknes, where you settle into your accommodation for the first night.
Imperial Meknes and Roman Volubilis
After breakfast, discover Meknes, the imperial city associated with Sultan Moulay Ismail. See the monumental gates and historic quarters before continuing through the fertile countryside toward Volubilis.
Explore the archaeological remains of the Roman city, where ancient streets, columns and detailed mosaics survive against a beautiful rural backdrop.
Continue toward Fes, one of Morocco's oldest and most culturally important cities. Check into your traditional riad and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Discover Fes with a Local Guide
Meet your local guide after breakfast for a closer look at Fes. Begin with viewpoints and important landmarks before entering the UNESCO-listed medina of Fes el-Bali.
Walk through its narrow streets, historic quarters and busy souks while learning about the city's architecture, religious heritage and centuries-old crafts.
Depending on opening hours and your interests, visits can include traditional madrasas, artisan areas, the famous tanneries, ceramic workshops and viewpoints across the medina.
The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax at your riad or continue exploring independently.
Across the Middle Atlas to the Sahara
Leave Fes and climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane before continuing through the cedar forest region around Azrou.
Travel south through changing mountain landscapes toward Midelt, then follow the road through the Ziz Valley, where a long ribbon of palms cuts through the arid scenery.
By late afternoon, the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. Meet your camel caravan in Merzouga and ride across the sand as the sun begins to set.
Arrive at your desert camp for dinner, traditional music and a night beneath the Sahara sky.
Sunrise, Valleys and the Road of Kasbahs
Wake early if you would like to see sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, leave the Sahara and travel west through the palm-filled landscapes of southern Morocco.
Continue toward the Dades region, with stops to appreciate the changing scenery and dramatic rock formations. The route then passes through the Valley of Roses and the oasis landscapes around Skoura.
Arrive in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon or evening for your overnight stay.
Ait Ben Haddou and the High Atlas
After breakfast, leave Ouarzazate and continue to the famous Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Morocco's best-known examples of traditional earthen architecture.
Walk through the fortified village and climb toward the upper levels for panoramic views over the surrounding valley.
Continue through the High Atlas Mountains, following the winding road across the Tizi n'Tichka region with stops for mountain scenery and photographs.
Descend toward the plains and arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening.
Explore the Red City with a Local Guide
Meet your Marrakech guide after breakfast and begin exploring one of Morocco's most vibrant imperial cities.
Walk through the medina and its colorful souks while discovering the city's architecture, history and everyday life. Your visit can include major landmarks such as Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Koutoubia area and other historic sites depending on your interests and opening hours.
Finish around Jemaa el-Fna, where storytellers, musicians, food stalls and market life create the atmosphere Marrakech is famous for.
The remainder of the day is yours for shopping, relaxing or exploring independently.
Return to Casablanca
Enjoy your final morning in Marrakech at leisure. Depending on your schedule, there may be time for last-minute shopping, a relaxed breakfast or another walk through the medina.
Your private driver then takes you back to Casablanca. Departure time can be adapted to your flight or accommodation plans.
The tour ends with drop-off at your Casablanca hotel or Mohammed V International Airport.
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Fuel and transportation expenses
- Casablanca hotel or airport pick-up
- 7 nights of selected accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Dinner at the Sahara desert camp
- Private desert camp accommodation
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Local guided tour of Fes
- Local guided tour of Marrakech
- Casablanca hotel or airport drop-off
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches
- Dinners not specifically included
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Before you travel
Private & flexible
This tour is exclusively for your group. Stops, departure times and the daily pace can be adapted whenever practical.
Accommodation
We can arrange comfortable riads and hotels or upgrade the itinerary to higher-end boutique and luxury properties according to your preferences.
Desert night
The Sahara night includes a private tent. If you prefer not to ride a camel, ask us to arrange a 4x4 transfer to the camp instead.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. This is a private Morocco tour. You travel only with the people in your booking and have your own vehicle and driver.
The standard itinerary starts in Casablanca and returns to Casablanca on Day 8. Pick-up and drop-off can be arranged at your hotel or Mohammed V International Airport.
The itinerary visits all four of Morocco's imperial cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech.
The standard itinerary includes local guided sightseeing in Fes and Marrakech. Additional guides can be arranged in other cities on request.
Camel trek duration depends on the camp and conditions, but it is normally planned around sunset. Travelers who do not want to ride can request a 4x4 transfer.
Bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, sunglasses and practical shoes. A warm layer is useful because desert evenings and mornings can be cool, especially in winter.
It covers many of Morocco's major cultural and scenic highlights in one route, including the imperial cities, the Middle Atlas, Sahara Desert, southern kasbahs and Marrakech.
Yes. We can change the accommodation level, add extra nights, adjust the route or change the final destination according to your flights, interests and travel pace.
The price depends on your travel dates, group size, vehicle and accommodation category. Send us your details and Marrakech Sand Tours will prepare a personalized quote.
Ready to explore the imperial cities and Sahara?
Send us your travel dates, number of travelers and preferred accommodation style. Marrakech Sand Tours will prepare a private itinerary and personalized quote.
- No payment to enquire Send your dates and group size and we'll prepare your proposal.
- Customize your journey Upgrade hotels, add nights or change the route to fit your flights and travel plans.
- Local support in Morocco Contact Marrakech Sand Tours directly on WhatsApp before and during your trip.
Request your private Morocco tour
Tell us your dates and group size and we'll reply with a personalized itinerary and quote.