7 Days Imperial Cities and Sahara Tour from Marrakech
Marrakech → Casablanca → Rabat → Meknes → Volubilis → Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga → Todra → Dades → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Overview
In one week this loop connects the four imperial cities with the Sahara. You start on the Atlantic coast with the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the royal capital Rabat, continue to Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, then spend a full day in Fes, the most intact medieval medina in the Arab world.
From Fes you cross the Middle Atlas to the dunes of Erg Chebbi for a camel ride and a night at camp, then return to Marrakech along the road of a thousand kasbahs through the Todra and Dades gorges and Ait Ben Haddou. It is the ideal itinerary for first-time visitors who want to understand Morocco’s history as well as its landscapes.
Tour highlights
- Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan Tower
- Roman Volubilis and imperial Meknes
- Guided day in the Fes medina
- Camel ride and night in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Todra and Dades gorges and Ait Ben Haddou
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat
Drive to Casablanca (about 3 hours) to see the Hassan II Mosque, then continue to Rabat to visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Night in Rabat.
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Day 2
Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes
Drive to Meknes for Bab Mansour and the imperial city, then visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis before arriving in Fes.
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Day 3
Fes guided visit
Full day in Fes el-Bali with a licensed local guide: the medersas, the Kairaouine area, the tanneries and the craft quarters. Second night in Fes.
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Day 4
Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga
Cross the Middle Atlas cedar forest and Ifrane, then the Ziz Valley to Merzouga. Camel ride into Erg Chebbi for sunset and a night at camp.
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Day 5
Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Sunrise in the dunes, then drive west to the Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley for the night.
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Day 6
Dades – Skoura – Ait Ben Haddou
Pass the Valley of Roses and Skoura, visit Ouarzazate and spend the night at Ait Ben Haddou.
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Day 7
Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas back to Marrakech, arriving around midday.
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who speaks English (other languages on request)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in the departure and arrival cities
- Accommodation for every night of the itinerary (hotel, riad or kasbah and desert camp)
- Breakfast and dinner on each overnight stay
- Camel ride to and from the desert camp where the itinerary includes one
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
- Local guides in medinas unless stated in your quotation
- Optional activities (quad, 4×4 excursions, sandboarding…)
- Travel insurance and flights
- Tips and personal expenses
Practical information
Accommodation
1 night in Rabat, 2 nights in a riad in Fes, 1 night in a desert camp, 1 night in the Dades Valley, 1 night at Ait Ben Haddou.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver. Licensed local guide in Fes. Camel ride in Merzouga.
Departure & arrival
Starts: Marrakech · Ends: Marrakech
- Itineraries can be adjusted: tell us your dates, pace and interests
- Accommodation category (standard, superior or luxury) is chosen when you book
- Long driving days include regular photo, coffee and lunch stops
- Bring warm layers for desert nights, especially from November to March
- Final inclusions, price and payment terms are confirmed in your written quotation
Frequently asked questions
Can we add Chefchaouen?
Yes. Our 8 Days Marrakech Morocco Discovery Tour includes Chefchaouen, or we can extend this tour.
Are the city guides included?
The Fes guide is part of this program. Guides in other cities can be added on request; final inclusions are confirmed in your quotation.
Can the tour run in the reverse direction?
Yes, the loop can be done in either direction.
Request this tour
Send your dates and group details. We reply with a personalised proposal. Your request is not a confirmed booking until we confirm it in writing.
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Tell us your dates and we will prepare a clear, personalised proposal.