Imperial Cities & the Sahara Tour

Introduction

The Imperial Cities & the Sahara Tour is an incredible journey that takes you through the heart of Morocco, showcasing the country's rich history, culture and natural beauty. The tour starts in Rabat and ends in Marrakech. These ancient cities are filled with palaces, mosques, and monuments that offer a glimpse into the country's past. The tour also includes a visit to the Sahara desert, where you will have the opportunity to ride a camel, watch the sunset over the dunes, and spend a night in a traditional desert camp. Here, you will learn about the nomadic Berber people and their way of life, as well as the stunning natural beauty of the desert. Overall, the Imperial Cities & the Sahara Tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Morocco, from its rich history and culture to its natural beauty, and a chance to immerse oneself in the local traditions and way of life.

Day 1: Rabat to Fez Via Volubilis

The tour from Rabat and Volubilis is a unique opportunity to explore two of Morocco's most historic and fascinating sites. The tour begins in the capital city of Rabat at 09h am, where you will visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage and its role as a political and cultural center of Morocco. After exploring Rabat, the tour will take you to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, which date back to the 3rd century BC. Volubilis is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history. Visitors can explore the remains of an ancient city, including the Capitoline Temple, the Basilica, and the houses of the wealthy citizens. Overnight stay in Fez

Day 2: Fes

Fez City Tour is a comprehensive exploration of one of Morocco's most historic and cultural cities. The tour will take you through the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will be able to discover the narrow streets and explore the monuments and landmarks such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Dar Batha Museum, and the Bou Jeloud Gardens. The tour also includes a visit to the Royal Palace, which is also a great place to learn about the history of Morocco. Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to see traditional crafts being made at the local souks, such as pottery and leather goods. This tour is perfect for history and culture enthusiasts, as it offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of Fez. Overnight stay in Fez.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert

Traveling from Fez to Merzouga is a journey that takes you from the medieval city of Fez to the desert landscape of Merzouga, passing through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley, where you can see traditional Berber villages and stunning landscapes. Once in Merzouga, you will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of camel trekking and spend the night in a traditional desert camp. You will cross the dunes and admire the sunset and the colors in perpetual evolution. After a traditional dinner with Berber rhythms, you will spend the night under the stars in a nomad tent in the middle of the desert. 

Day 4: Dades Valley & Todra Gorge

You will wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes (optional), before continuing on to Ouarzazate via Dades Valley. The Dades Valley is known for its stunning rock formations, known as "monkey toes", and traditional Berber villages. You'll have the opportunity to explore the valley's kasbahs, palmeries, and traditional Berber houses, and learn about the local culture and way of life. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Dades Gorges and Todra Gorges, which offer spectacular views and great hiking opportunities. After a short lunch break, the tour continues to Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Desert". In Ouarzazate, you'll have the opportunity to visit the the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies have been filmed.

Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Kasbah Ait Benhaddou

Ouarzazate to Marrakech is a scenic drive through the beautiful Atlas Mountains of Morocco. One of the highlights of this trip is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. One of the must-see stops on this journey is the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. This fortress-like village is one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco and has been used as a location for many famous movies and TV shows, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After spending some time exploring the Kasbah and taking in the views, the trip continues to Marrakech, a vibrant and historic city often referred to as the "Pearl of the South".

Day 6: Marrakesh

A full day tour of Marrakech would include a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech and one of the most important landmarks in the city. The mosque is also known for its minaret, which is the tallest in the city. After visiting the mosque, the tour would take you to the Saadian Tombs, a historic site that contains the graves of members of the Saadian dynasty, who ruled Morocco in the 16th and 17th centuries. The tombs were discovered in 1917 and are known for their intricate decoration and beautiful tilework. Then a visit to the Bahia Palace, a 19th century palace that was built for a wealthy Moroccan nobleman. The palace is known for its intricate tilework and beautiful gardens. The tour would also include a visit to the souks, traditional Moroccan markets where you can find everything from spices and textiles to pottery and jewelry. After a short lunch break, continue to the Jardin Majorelle, a garden designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. The garden is known for its exotic plants, fountains, and blue-painted buildings. Finally, the tour would take you to the Menara gardens, a large public park that was built in the 12th century by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min. The garden is known for its large pond, olive groves, and beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains.

Day 7: Marrakech - End of the Tour

Your last day in Marrakech, we will arrange the airport transfer according to your flight departure. End of our services.

What's Included

• Professional Local Guides 
• 4* Hotels on Bed & Breakfast Basis 
• Kasbah Stay (Dinner & Breakfast)
• Private Tent on at Merzouga Desert (Dinner & Breakfast)
• Transport Comfortable A/C Minibus 
• Return Airport Transfer 
• Professional Driver
• Our Assistance