Experience Morocco’s Imperial Cities on an 8-day private tour through Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis, Fez & Marrakesh. Discover UNESCO sites, vibrant souks, and timeless traditions, with expert local guides, comfortable stays, and fully customizable itineraries to match your travel style.
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“Perhaps the logical question to ask at this point is: Why go? The answer is that when a man/women, has been there and undergone the baptism of solitude he/she can’t help himself. Once he/she has been under the spell of the vast luminous, silent country, no other place is quite strong enough for him/her, no other surroundings can provide the supremely satisfying sensation of existing in the midst of something that is absolute. He/She will go back, whatever the cost in time or money, for the absolute has no price”. Paul Bowls
What’s the Big Deal? Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back (for the part that did not meet your expectations and did not keep our promises) because we exceed your expectations!
What you expect in this Morocco Imperial Cities Tour?
Visiting The romantic Casablanca: “Of All The Gin Joints In All The Towns In All The World, She Walks Into Mine.” What Hemphry Bogart said when Ingrid Bergman arrived at Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca.
Visiting the Cultural Rabat: Boasting historical and modern architecture and world-class culture, Rabat will leave you hungry for more. Modern Capital, old city.
Visiting the medieval Meknes: “The beautiful is everywhere, the beautiful runs the streets, I’m stunned by everything I see“
Eugene DELACROIX describing Meknes in 1832.
Visiting the roman ruins of Volubilis: Seeing the ruined city appear between the olive groves, is simply incomparable. It’s on the UNESCO world Heritage list for a reason.
Visiting the holy city of Fez: “If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on FEZ.“
Visiting the happy city of Marrakesh:” It’s amazing, it’s moving, it’s furious, it’s anxious, it’s joyful and it’s way more real than anything you’ll ever experience in a western city”. Robert Plante
Book your Morocco trekking adventure with us and enjoy expert planning, local knowledge, and full flexibility. Whether you’re hiking for a day or embarking on a multi-day trek, we tailor each route to your fitness level and preferences. Our mountain guides ensure a safe and enriching journey, while handpicked guesthouses or camps add an authentic touch to your experience. From the High Atlas peaks to remote Berber villages and scenic coastal trails, every step reveals a new side of Morocco’s natural and cultural beauty.
Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International airport (or Marrakesh, or Rabat or Fez airport) depending on your airline arrival. a representative will greet you and take you to your hotel in Casablanca.( or Marrakesh, or Rabat or Fez) Night at the hotel in Casablanca,(the main entrance to Morocco). You may take it easy and rest up for the adventure-packed days ahead or head out and explore the vicinity of your hotel on your own.
“Everybody Comes to Rick’s“
For those looking for a taste of old Hollywood glamour, an optional dinner in Rick’s Cafe is a must. This beautiful bar and restaurant was inspired by the Rick’s Cafe from the film Casablanca whit Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. The decor does its best to live up to it. Serving American, French and Moroccan food, head along on a Sunday to enjoy the evening jazz session and pop up to the 1st film for a free screening of the legendary “Casablanca movie”. You don’t meet SAM the pianist but certainly you listen the famous song “As time goes by”. You can ask the pianist: “Play it again, Sam”!
Ricks Cafe
“Rabat is a cultural city deep-rooted in history. Crossing the walls is like entering another world ; walk among ancient vestiges, gardens and storks.” ONMT.
After breakfast at the hotel in Casablanca, you will visit the richly decorated Hassan II Mosque the second tallest minaret in the world.. The Great Mosque was built by late King Hassan II. An a master piece of Arabo-Andalusian architecture. 25,000 worshipers inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque’s outside ground.
After a panoramic visit of the Cornish ( seaside) visit of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes church and its stained glass windows, then departure for Rabat, capital of Morocco, listed UNESCO world heritage in 2012. Modern capital and historic city: a shared heritage.
Arrival in Rabat and guided visit of:
Mohammed V Mausoleum: This monument is dedicated to the memory of the late monarch Mohammed V, considered the symbol of the Liberation of the Nation. The grandfather and father of the present king are buried here. The visit of this monument is a great opportunity to appreciate the true value of traditional Moroccan art.
–Hassan Tower left unfinished when its founder died in 1199. Twin of the Giralda in Sevilla in Spain (built at the same time and by the same Monarch, as well as the Koutoubia minaret in Marrakesh).
The Royal Palace (exterior), created in 1785 by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, the main seat of the monarchy since 1912;
–Kasbah Loudaya on the seafront where Robinson Crusoe was locked up before escaping to Brazil. Kasbah of the Oudayas a real fortress dating back to the XII century. With its monumental Almohad portal.
Visit Mohamed VI Museum of Modern Arts: The Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI), opened in 2014, stands as an impressive testament to Morocco’s fervent commitment to modern and contemporary art. It’s an African Modern Art museum
Then departure for the city of Meknes. Arrival and installation at your Luxury Riad.
Mausoleum Moulay Ismail
“it is a place made for painters … the beautiful abounds … the beautiful runs the streets, I am stunned by all that I saw, I am at this moment like a man who dreams. ”
Eugene de Lacroix said of Meknes in 1832
Breakfast at the hotel then guided visit of MEKNES, a UNESCO World Heritage from 1996. The 17th century capital whose ruler King Moulay Ismail, modeled himself on France’s ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV.
-Meknes had its heyday under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail who declared it capital of his reign for over 50 years!
Admire the monumental Bab el Mansour gate considered as the finest and most photographed gateway in Morocco.
The royal stables housed 12000 horses.
The granary which contained enough to feed the city for 6 months in case of a siege but no siege lasted more than a week.
The King Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.
What’s special in Meknes? Meknes is the capital of olives and olive oil also the only city in Morocco where you can find decorations and jewelry made by copper-smiths!
Volubilis, The Roman City.
-The Roman ruins of Volubilis, an a UNESCO World Heritage site from 1997, are the most well preserved roman ruins in Morocco.
Here, you can see the Roman theater, the oval plaza, the victory Arch, facing the main route and built in 217 in honor of the Roman emperor Caracalla, formally had a bronze chariot and other important landmarks.
The Romans building the city of Volubilis around 40 AD in order to keep control of this North African region.
Then route to FEZ where you will check-in to your hotel or Riad: ( an a aristocratic house) for two nights.
*(Fez is ranked 7th place award Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best destinations in the world 2023 by TripAdvisor)
“If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on FEZ.” Sepada
Fez is not easily engaged To reach it, it’s necessary to return by the main entrance, at once visible and veiled, of the sacred. Because Fez is a sanctuary. It is so moreover that Soufis, these initiated of the Islam, always called her: Zaouïa. The traveler who came by far knew that by arriving near the city, he is to his founder and to his very patron saint that he asked for the hospitality. For him, Fez is the city of Moulay Idriss.
Fez panoramic view
After breakfast, the whole day will be devoted to discovering Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage from 1981 and the oldest of the imperial cities. Dating from the 9th century, Fez it’s one of the most complete medieval cities in existence continuously inhabited since its construction in the 10th century.
You will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful carpets of Fez in pure wool or in pure silk woven by women cooperative from generation to generation, (the myth says that Aladdin’s carpet was woven in Fez?) The Fez carpets known throughout the world for their finesse and the beauty of their colors and floral patterns. “We need objects to remind us of the commitments we’ve made. That carpet from Morocco reminds us of the impulsive, freedom-loving side of ourselves we’re in danger of losing touch with.” Alain de Botton
Taste and savor the delicious dish and traditional pastries. You will also explore the famous souks. Optional Lunch in aristocratic house transformed in restaurant. Continue sightseeing in the afternoon. You will visit:
Bou Inania Madrasa: built by the Merinid sultan Abu Inan. According to its foundation inscription, construction started on December 28 in 1350.
The water clock : finished in 1355: an ingenious time counting system to indicate to passers-by the time of prayers as well as the opening and closing times of shops (a public clock in 1350)
The Najjarine Fountain: richly decorated by zelluejo and stucco. Used to provide drinking water to traders coming from afar, neighbors, craftsmen and passers-by for their ablution before prayers and a watering hole for the draft animals of the caravanserais.
The museum of wood Arts and Crafts: Centered on a courtyard, the rooms are given over to displays of traditional artifacts of craftsmen’s tools.
“The University Al-Karaouine : The oldest university in the world isn’t Oxford or the Sorbonne—it’s the University of Al-Karaouine in Fez. Is recorded by traditional sources as having been founded by one of these women refugees, Fatima al-Fihria, in 859. UNESCO and Guinness World Records consider it the oldest continuously operating university in the world” Wikipedia.
The American Foundouk the only one hospital in the world devoted for donkeys: an a special discovery!
What’s special in Fez? wool and silk carpets, leather, pastries, Pastilla, craft gifts. Pottery.
Return to the hotel and overnight. Book your imperial cities tour now
Dinner in the best traditional restaurant in Morocco ,In an idyllic setting in a Riad from a thousand and one nights (except drinks) or a Moroccan evening in an restaurant whit spectacle. (Drink not included)
After breakfast at the hotel, early departure by highway (6 h) or by Middle Atlas road (8 h ) with several stops on the way for Marrakesh city.
On the way to Marrakesh by Atlas road ( slow tourism ) you visit the city of Ifrane a ski resort voted the second cleanest city in the world after Calgary in Canada! You will pass by the city of Azrou known by its college of which several high executives of Morocco were formed there. Shortly before you make a stop at the forest of cedars to contemplate macaque monkeys in freedom and take a photo with the Gouraud cedar. Gouraud is a French General he lost his arm during the first world war and who gave his name to this cedar. (the cedar and the french General both have their arms cut off.)
Goureaud Cedar
You continue towards Khenifra before beginning your descent towards the plains of Tadla, the granary of Morocco, and the vast orange groves in Morocco. In the town of Beni Mellal, small tour at the Ain Assardoune spring to stretch your legs then continue your way, via EL KELAA known for the quality of its olive oil before arriving at the end of the day in Marrakesh.
Arrival and installation at your hotel or luxury Riad. Time at your disposal. You may take it easy and rest up for the Marrakesh visit ahead or head out and explore the vicinity of your hotel on your own. Of course we are always here at your service if you need anything.
What’s special in Marrakesh? Tanjia ( stew cooked in the pot ), Berber carpet, leather, handicraft and her Nightlife and 2 casinos (at your risk)
“If in Marrakesh were my stories, i would live there”
Medersa Ben Youssef
Smile you are in Marrakesh : The Happy City!
They was told me about this magical oasis city, that the sun floods with its light and does not leave until it is entrusted to the moon. A city where the olive trees, orange trees and roses of its gardens rival paradise. Colors, atmosphere, perfumes, smiling and welcoming faces. A city of lights, a happy city that knows how to welcome its guests and make them happy.
This city is Marrakesh! And if Marrakesh were my stories, i would live there.
“Never stop smiling, even when you’re sad, someone might fall in love with your smile”.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
After breakfast at the hotel, guided tour of Marrakesh, the Bahia Palace, a jewel of Arab-Andalusian architecture: 150 rooms lavishly decorated, built by the vizir Ba Hmad for his favorite: Bahia, considered by many to be a symbol of eternal love.
You will visit The Koutoubia minaret: “The mosque was founded in 1147. The minaret tower, is decorated with varying geometric arch motifs. It likely inspired other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville( Spain) and the Hassan Tower of Rabat, which were built in the same era.The Koutoubia minaret is also considered an important landmark and symbol of Marrakesh”. Wikipedia.
You visit the Medina and its multicolored souks where the art of negotiation is done around a glass of mint tea:
Marrakesh Medina & Souks (Market)
A real labyrinth where the crowd snatches you, then brings you into the game of rays of light. In a maze of shady streets, we cross the copper souk where dinandiers hammer the metal ancestral way. In the souk of the dyers, they dry large skeins of wool with rich colors, stretched from one wall to another on poles. And At the carpets souk (market), it soled at auction to the highest bidder.
And the potter’s souk presents tajine dishes, glazed pottery and beautiful ceramics. We also cross the souk of jewelers, leather-workers and cabinetmakers. In the end the spice souk, there, the scents of saffron, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, orange blossoms daze the senses.
Further on the shelves of apothecaries line up amber, musk, henna pots, jasmine or rose extract vials. And to end on a high note, visit the famous Jemma el Fna square. An open-air theater, invaded at dusk by acrobats, monkey and snake trainers, musicians, storytellers, Henne tattoo artists, fortune tellers of good fortune and one of the great street food places in Morocco!
What’s Jemaa el Fna square listed an UNESCO Intangible world heritage from 2001? by Juan Goytosolo
*Agora, theatrical performance. Point of convergence: open and plural space, vast field of ideas, peasants, shepherds, roundworms, merchants coming from bus stations, taxi ranks, drowsy car rental stops. Merged into an idle mass, absorbed in the contemplation of the daily hustle and bustle. Supported by license and heedless of the terrain, in a continuous and capricious movement: immediate contact between strangers, oblivion of social constraints, identification in prayer and laughter, temporary suspension of hierarchies, joyful equality of people. »
Jemaa el Fna Place
Paying Visit Jacques Majorelle Gardens and Berber museum: the house of the french designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berger, the must visited site in Morocco.
Night at the hotel or luxury Riad.
Optional dinner cabaret live show: Jazz, gospel, blues, hip hop, classic, world music… (please advise in advance: mandatory reservation). Book your experience now or contact us for more information. We’re here to help!
After breakfast at the hotel, ( If you arrived by Casablanca airport, departure for Casablanca at anytime you want, arrival and installation at your hotel. Time at your disposal. If you have to leave by Marrakesh airport: night in Marrakesh)
“ And that, in the end, the most interesting people always leave.”. Paulo Coehelo
After breakfast in the hotel and according your time flight, transfer to airport for your return flight.
So, are you coming to Morocco with us?
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This itinerary of imperial cities tour is only a suggestion, all our trips are customizable according to each client.
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What a fantastic journey! The day trip to Essaouira was one of the highlights of my vacation—fresh seafood, ocean breeze, and a charming medina to explore.
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DESERT ROOM TRAVEL is a Moroccan travel company based in Marrakech that specialized in planning your best Morocco tours, travels, holidays to Morocco & excursions with local insider knowledge.
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