9 days-imperial cities tour from Casablanca to Marrakech

The nine-day trip will start in a Casablanca hotel or airport. The Hassan II mosque, the seventh-largest mosque in the world, will be your next stop. It was built above the Atlantic Ocean.  The best part is that non-Muslim travellers can easily reach it. It’s a great chance to locate an Islamic mosque. It allows Muslims to pray on a glass floor, giving them the unusual sensation of worshipping over the sea, and it can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. The impressive architectural work is open to everyone at all times from the roomy courtyard, which has enough for an additional 80,000 people.  After that, you’ll be escorted to United States Square, an important location in Casablanca’s past. The location of this public area is outside the old medina. This historic square has a stunning outlook of the city.  Then you’ll go to Casablanca’s most attractive area, Quartier Habous. This area, which was developed in the 1920s while Morocco was still a colony, is also known as The New Medina. It has a small-town market atmosphere similar to that of a souk. You can purchase spices, trinkets, and handmade goods in a variety of stores. If you need to make a purchase, remember to haggle! It’s common practise in Morocco to lower the final settlement price to less than 50% of the dealer’s first offer!

After breakfast, we will move toward Rabat, the vibrant city that has served as Morocco’s capital since 1956. As the country’s second-largest city, it draws less tourists than other Moroccan hubs. But Rabat has a lot to offer, and in 2012 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because to its distinctive white architecture.  Start by exploring the Roman and Islamic ruins at the Chellah Necropolis, a mediaeval fortification, and Rabat’s Royal Palace. Find the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohamed V by strolling through the Medina (ancient town). This abandoned 12th-century construction includes 200 columns and the minaret of an incomplete mosque. Spend some time strolling around the lovely streets and the ancient Medina.  Explore regional handicrafts and products at the souks (markets), including carpets, spices, slippers, jewellery, leather, and more. Keep in mind that bargaining is fun! Next you head to Meknes, another interesting distination in Morocco. The city was constructed by the king during the 17th century.  You’ll visit several sites including Sahrij Swani (a sizable pool), Lahdim Square, Bab Mansour Gate, and the Sultan Moulay Ismail Tomb.  Next, you will visit volubilis, an archeological site that manifests the majesty of the Roman Empire. You will listen to your guide as he explains the history of the place as you admire how some mosaics are still intact. Fez will be your last stop.  You will drive up to the Marinid Tombs to get a beautiful view of the old city before you settle into your lodging.

The lively and fortified Medina of Fes, the cultural centre of Morocco, will be yours to explore after a sumptuous breakfast with the guidance of a local. In the morning, your private tour guide will greet you and take you through the winding labyrinth of cobblestone alleys, passing marketplaces, stores, mosques, and other sites.  As you take in Fes’ vintage appeal, you’ll stroll through bustling souks, discover mediaeval Marinid architecture, and visit historical sites. Wander the bustling souks after entering the ancient town through the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), a Moorish gate with three arches (markets). Alleys, streets, and outdoor public spaces are where you can find one-of-a-kind handcrafted things.  Take pleasure in the vivid hues of the rugs, jewellery, and leather goods, or feast on the towers of spices, dried fruits, and gourmet foods. After lunch, you will explore the city’s historic walls and ascend to the Marinid Tombs, a hilltop archaeological site that contains the remains of two mausoleums from the fourteenth century (and a great spot to return to for sunset).  The well-known Chouara Tannery, with its wide selection of vibrant leather colors and age-old methods, is impossible to miss. The world’s oldest continually operational institution, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, was built in the ninth century. Both Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Attarine Madrasa, two 14th-century schools with stunning Marinid and Moroccan architecture and zellij tiles, are additional stops on your itinerary.  You will wander to some of the other Fes landmarks, such as the Mellah (Jewish Cemetery and District) and the Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el Makhzen), which was constructed on the site of a 13th-century Marinid Dynasty castle. Or visit a museum like the Borj Nord, which has a collection of armour and weapons from many centuries as well as breathtaking roof-top vistas. At the end of the day, you will return to the hotel and spent night here.

After waking up and eating breakfast, you will depart from Fes city to Ifrane, where you can find snow in the winter but it gets chilly in the summer. From there, you will travel to the Azrou forest, where you will have the opportunity to take pictures of wild monkeys.  The Atlas mountain scenery will thereafter be your backdrop as you make your way to Midelt city. You’ll stop here for a breather in a tiny Berber café before continuing on to Merzouga hamlet in Erg Chebbi, the country’s charmin sand desert, through Erfoud.  The surrounds of this land offer breathtaking dry landscapes, with a verdant oasis blending with a stony terrain against rocky mountains in the distance. Because of how much the scene resembles Mars, it has attracted the attention of scientists who conduct research there.  Hollywood blockbusters The Mummy and Prince of Persia (2010) were filmed in this dry ecosystem (1999). You will see the massive dunes in Erg Chebbi, which cover an area of 13.5 square miles (35 square km) and are continually shifting and moving in response to the changing wind. Once you arrive in Merzouga, mount your camel and ride over the sand to your camp, which has already been set up for you.  Before heading back to camp for a sumptuous supper and some downtime by the campfire, hike to a nearby sand dune to watch the sun go down.

It won’t be difficult to get up in the morning to marvel at an amazing sunrise over the variously shaped sand mounds after spending a peaceful night beneath the star-studded desert sky.  Then after a delicious breakfast on the fifth day of this 9 days tour from Casablanca, an exhilarating 4×4 ride will allow you to explore the stunning scenery and difficult terrain of the desert. The first destination to visit is Khamlia, a town near the dunes where a dark-skinned ethnic group resides.  You can witness how nomads live by going to one of the local nomads’ homes to discover more about their way of life. You can enjoy a cup of tea while listening to their Gnaowa music here. For lunch, you’ll partake in a customary Berber pizza.  You’ll drive alongside gigantic sand dunes to see the incredible shifting contrasts of the landscape after viewing a historic French mining site from that time period. Sandboarding is an exciting hobby that lets you explore the sand dunes of this Saharan desert.  The popular dune activity of sandboarding is typically included in our camel trekking itineraries. Get on a sand board and explore the grandeur of the Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s highest and longest stretch of continuous sand dunes. The best time to see a beautiful Srij lake in the desert is in the evening. Another name for this is Merzouga Lake. Viewing the sunset close to the lake is worthwhile. This would be a wonderful experience for your trip.  Additionally, it appears that the flamingos live in this lake. You’ll travel to the hotel to have a shower and relax for the 5th night of this 9 days tour from Casablanca.

You will leave the desert after breakfast to go to Rissani to see the market (market days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).  You will next proceed to Touroug and Tinjdad palm farms after visiting the facilities in Erfoud that make petrified marble. An hour later, you’ll reach the Todra Gorges, one of the High Atlas’ top spots. The river’s course carved out a canyon with cliff sides that is very popular with climbers due to its beauty and high rock sides. Free time to savor lunch in this lovely setting.  It is strongly advised to take a brief stroll through the gorges to properly appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.  After passing through Boumalne Dades, you will continue on to the Dades valley, also known as the fig valley, and stop at the “monkey legs” in the late afternoon. It’s difficult to realize that this land was once at the bottom of the sea millions of years ago.  However, this valley spends most of the year without receiving any water at all. During the dry season, the Dades River, which carved out these canyon walls, occasionally appears to be more of a creek than a river.  However, if you visit this valley at the correct time of year when the storms arrive and the snow on the High Atlas mountains melts, you’ll be able to nearly believe that the sea has come back to claim the valley once more. You might be shocked to learn that this valley is one of the many destinations you can visit in this beautiful African country. At the Gorges, you’ll stay the night and have dinner.

Following breakfast, you’ll take a stroll in the Dades Gorge before passing through the Draa Valley, which is dotted with palm trees and Berber settlements. To see more beautiful High Atlas mountain formations ringed by lush orchards of fig, almond, apricot, peach, walnut, and pomegranate trees, one just needs to travel a little distance to Dades Valley.  Next up is Rose Valley, famous for its rose water and cosmetics. It is produced of Damascena Rose, which is also used to make a variety of scents, medicines, and cosmetics. We’ll arrive at Ouarzazate. You’ll visit Ouarzazate’s largest Oscar Film Studio after lunch (Hollywood of Africa).  Then, you travel to the well-known Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, which UNESCO has listed as a World Heritage Site. This Kasbah has appeared in numerous foreign films, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.  You’ll visit this particular Kasbah. After that, you will proceed west while admiring the stunning magnificence of the Atlas Mountains, stopping in Taznakht, a small Berber settlement. After many stops, you will finally arrive at your Riad in the Medina.  In the evening, you’ll have some free time to relax and explore Jamaa Lafna’s lively square with its snake charmers, musicians, fortune tellers, and acrobats. Spent night in hotel.

Following breakfast, you’ll take a stroll in the Dades Gorge before passing through the Draa Valley, which is dotted with palm trees and Berber settlements. To see more beautiful High Atlas mountain formations ringed by lush orchards of fig, almond, apricot, peach, walnut, and pomegranate trees, one just needs to travel a little distance to Dades Valley.  Next up is Rose Valley, famous for its rose water and cosmetics. It is produced of Damascena Rose, which is also used to make a variety of scents, medicines, and cosmetics. We’ll arrive at Ouarzazate. You’ll visit Ouarzazate’s largest Oscar Film Studio after lunch (Hollywood of Africa).  Then, you travel to the well-known Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, which UNESCO has listed as a World Heritage Site. This Kasbah has appeared in numerous foreign films, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.  You’ll visit this particular Kasbah. After that, you will proceed west while admiring the stunning magnificence of the Atlas Mountains, stopping in Taznakht, a small Berber settlement. After many stops, you will finally arrive at your Riad in the Medina.  In the evening, you’ll have some free time to relax and explore Jamaa Lafna’s lively square with its snake charmers, musicians, fortune tellers, and acrobats. Spent night in hotel.

We will transport you to Marrakech’s airport for your departure flight today according to your departure time. You could also finish this tour in Casablanca.  This is where your nine-day journey ends. We enjoy it when a tour goes according to plan, but this is one of the aspects of our job that we despise the most. We form bonds, open up about our secrets, and share our lives after 9 days of journeying together.  It’s true that saying goodbye has never been simple. In spite of the fact that we make every attempt to personalize your vacations, we are aware that each person has unique tastes.  We, therefore, provide a customized tour option that enables you to design your own schedule. We assist you in making travel arrangements and give you the finest advice for a relaxing trip to Morocco. That is all unpaid work. Reach out to us so we can help.