6-Day Imperial Cities Tour from Casablanca

Your tour begins when we meet you in Casablanca, either at the airport or your hotel. We’ll start with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, a stunning landmark that sits right on the Atlantic coast. It’s one of the few mosques in Morocco that welcomes non-Muslim visitors, and the architecture and ocean views are truly impressive. Once you’ve had time to take it all in, we’ll head north to Rabat, the country’s capital.

The city has a calmer, more laid-back feel than you might expect. We’ll walk through the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque neighborhood with blue-and-white painted streets and lovely gardens overlooking the river. You’ll also see the Hassan Tower and pass by the Royal Palace before checking into your riad or hotel for the night.

Overnight in Rabat
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.

The following morning, we drive inland toward Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and often overlooked by travelers. It’s a shame, because the place has incredible history. You’ll see Bab Mansour, a grand gate that’s considered one of the most beautiful in all of North Africa, and visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, a sultan who once ruled from here.

Just outside the city lies Volubilis, an ancient Roman settlement with surprisingly well-preserved mosaics and ruins. It’s a peaceful spot and offers a different perspective on Morocco’s layered past. From there, we continue to Fes, arriving in the early evening. You’ll stay in a riad tucked into or near the medina.

Overnight in Fes
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.

Day three is all about Fes, and honestly, you could spend much longer here. The medina of Fes el-Bali is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, workshops, and hidden courtyards. We’ll arrange for a local guide to help you navigate the maze and make sense of the history.

You’ll visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded over a thousand years ago, and the Bou Inania Madrasa, a beautiful example of Moroccan craftsmanship. The tanneries are a highlight—colorful, pungent, and unforgettable. Later in the afternoon, we suggest heading up to the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic view over the city before returning to your riad to rest.

Overnight in Fes
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.

On day four, we leave Fes and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains. The drive is long but scenic. We’ll stop in Ifrane, a quirky little town with European-style buildings and tidy streets that earned it the nickname “Switzerland of Morocco.” A bit further along, we’ll pause in the cedar forests near Azrou, where you’re likely to encounter wild Barbary macaques. The landscape shifts as we continue south, eventually opening up into plains before we reach Marrakech. You’ll check in and have the evening to yourself after the journey.

Overnight in Marrakech
Hotel, dinner, and breakfast included.

The next day is yours to explore Marrakech. The city is loud, colorful, and full of life. We’ll take you to the main sights: the Koutoubia Mosque with its towering minaret, the Bahia Palace with its intricate tilework and courtyards, and the Saadian Tombs, which were sealed off for centuries before being rediscovered. You’ll also spend time wandering the souks, where vendors sell everything from saffron to leather bags.

And of course, there’s Jemaa el-Fnaa, the central square that becomes a spectacle every evening with performers, food stalls, and musicians. If you’re interested, you can also visit the Majorelle Garden, a tranquil escape from the medina’s energy. You’ll spend another night in Marrakech.

Overnight in Marrakech
Desert camps, dinner, and breakfast included.

On your final day, we drive back to Casablanca. Depending on your flight time, we may have a chance to stop along the way. Otherwise, we’ll take you directly to the airport or wherever you need to be dropped off. It’s a full itinerary, but it covers a lot of ground and gives you a real sense of Morocco’s history, culture, and diversity.