Imperial Cities of Morocco
Overview
The mystery and lure of this fabled kingdom begins in Casablanca and continues through the souks, dense winding kasbahs and entrancing architecture of fascinating cities including magnificent Marrakech. An extension is available exploring the road of 1,000 Kasbahs with the option of spending a night in a Bedouin tent.
7 Days: Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech
10 Days: Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Ourzazate, Marrakech
Inclusions
- Accommodations in your choice of first class or deluxe hotels
- 7-day itinerary: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
- 10-day itinerary: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
-
Transportation in air conditioned vehicles
(10-day itinerary includes non-air conditioned 4WD transfer and 1-hour camel ride) - Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Entrance fees
- Local English-speaking guide
Accommodation
| Rabat | Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses (Deluxe) |
| Fes | Hotel Sahrai (Deluxe) |
| Marrakech | Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa (Deluxe) |
| Casablanca | Sofitel Tour Blanche (Deluxe) |
| Erfoud | L’Hotel by Chateau de Sables (First Class) |
| Ouarzazate | Le Berbere Palace (Deluxe) |
Itinerary
Day 1
Casablanca / Rabat
Morning arrival in Casablanca. Enjoy a tour of “The White City”, driving through the wide avenues and walking the narrow streets of the Medina. Visit United Nations Square, Habous district, Hassan II Mosque (outside) and Corniche Boulevard. Continue to Rabat, the capitol of Morocco. (D)
Day 2
Rabat / Moulay Idriss / Volubilis / Meknes / Fes
This morning in Rabat, visit the Kasbah of Oudayas, Hassan Tower, the minaret of the great mosque, Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Medina, the Royal Palace, the city gates and Chellah Necropolis. Continue to Meknes, with a brief stop at Moulay Idriss, a sacred Islamic town and the Roman Ruins of Volubilis. Tour around Meknes, the “Moroccan Versailles,” before reaching Fes. (BD)
Day 3
Fes
A full day tour of Fes includes the medieval Medina and religious Islamic centers, Medersas, the Karaouine Mosque, the University, as well as the Nejjarin Fountain. Visit the famous souks (markets) of Fes. (BD)
*For those continuing on the 10-day tour, see the Kasbah Trail Extension.
Day 4
Fes / Marrakech
Depart to Marrakech, heading across the Atlas Mountains traveling via Berber villages and small towns. (BD)
Day 5
Marrakech
A full day tour of Marrakech, founded by the Almoravides dynasty at the end of the 12th century. Discover the souks and the Djemaa el Fna Square. Visit Saadyines Tombs, Menara and Agdal gardens, the Koutoubia, and the Bahia Palace. This evening, enjoy dinner at a typical Moroccan restaurant with an accompanying folklore show. (BLD)
Day 6
Marrakech / Casablanca
Morning at leisure. Later travel to Casablanca where you may spend time shopping, walking or relaxing at the Corniche. (B)
Day 7
Depart Casablanca
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)
Kasbah Trail Extension (10 Day Package)
Day 4
Fes / Erfoud
Depart by way of Atlas Mountain Berber villages and the ski towns of Ifrane and Azrou (which look more like Bavaria then Morocco!) to Erfoud, with stops in Midelt, Errachidia and Blue Meski along the way. (BD)
Day 5
Erfoud – Rissani & Erg Chebbi
Morning at leisure. This afternoon excursion to Rissani to visit the 17th century kasbah and the ruins of Ksar Abbar. In the afternoon switch to a 4WD vehicle to traverse the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi which were featured in the film Lawrence of Arabia. Experience a camel ride and spend time walking among the majestic dunes and witness the magnificent sunset. You have the option to stay out in the desert and spend the night in a Bedouin tent (additional cost). (BD)
Day 6
Erfoud / Tinghir / El Kelaa / Ouarzazate
Travel to Tinghir via Tinejdad with its magnificent kasbahs. Visit the Todra Canyons and continue to El Kelaa through the Dades Valley. Travel the road of 1,000 Kasbahs to Ouarzazate. (BD)
Day 7
Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou
Today we explore Ouarzazate, the city originally created as a French garrison and administrative center in the 1920s. It is now the main access point and crossroads of the south and known for its pottery and carpets. Visit Taourirt Kasbah, a majestic 17th-century fortress once a residence of EL Glaoui Pacha featuring a panoramic view of the valley of Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy the visit of Aït Benhaddou, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the region’s most exotic kasbahs, some of which have been featured in famous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator and Games of Thrones. (BD)
Day 8
Ouarzazate / Marrakech
Journey to Marrakech, the Red City”, via the breathtaking landscapes and views of the High Atlas Mountains, admiring everyday life in rural villages and towns. (BD)
Day 9
Marrakech
A full day tour of Marrakech, founded by the Almoravides dynasty at the end of the 12th century. Discover the souks and the Djemaa el Fna Square. Visit Saadyines Tombs, Menara and Agdal gardens, the Koutoubia, and the Bahia Palace. This evening, enjoy dinner at a typical Moroccan restaurant with an accompanying folklore show. (BLD)
Day 10
Depart Marrakech
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)