7 Days/6 Nights from Marrakech: The Imperial Cities, Chefchaouen – the Blue City, and the Merzouga Desert

In the morning, we leave your riad in Marrakech and drive north to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and its commercial and industrial center. In Casablanca, we visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, beautifully situated on the Atlantic coast. We then continue our journey to Rabat. Today’s capital of Morocco, Rabat, is located in the northwest on the Atlantic. Although it was founded in the 12th century, it only gained prominence in the 18th century thanks to the Alaouite dynasty. Here, we can explore monuments from various periods that reflect the city’s long history, including Phoenician, Roman, Almohad, and Berber remains. Overnight stay in a hotel.

After breakfast, we continue our journey north to the blue city of Chefchaouen. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, the city is very picturesque with its blue-and-white painted houses and narrow streets. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

After breakfast, we drive to the archaeological site of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Volubilis is a Roman city that served as the capital of Mauretania and was founded in this region around the 3rd century BC. After the visit, we continue to the Imperial City of Meknes. Located in the Saiss plain, Meknes is also known as the “Versailles of Morocco” or the “City of a Hundred Minarets.” Founded in 1061 as a military fortress, it is named after the Berber tribe of Meknassa, which ruled the eastern part of the country from the 8th century. The city complex is a wonderful example of a blend of Spanish and Arab architecture. After the visit, we continue to Fes. Overnight stay in a hotel.

After breakfast, you have the whole day to explore Fes. Fes is one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, situated 350 meters above sea level in a fertile valley. In the medina, you will find workshops for textiles, leather, ceramics, and metalwork, as well as the world’s oldest university. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and, with its buildings, markets, and mosques, is one of the most fascinating centers of the Islamic world. You will be transported back in time, immersing yourself in a medieval atmosphere where your senses will be captivated by the stunning surroundings, unique sounds, rich scents, and vibrant colors. Overnight stay in a riad.

Early in the morning, you leave your hotel/riad in Fes and drive to the desert and the dunes of Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the dunes. The pink-golden dunes (erg) reach heights of up to 160 meters and constantly change shape—enjoy the sunset from the back of a dromedary. We spend the night in a desert camp with a traditional dinner and Berber music. Don’t forget to admire the stars and the vast desert sky.

After breakfast at the desert camp, we continue our journey towards the spectacular Todra and Dades Gorges. Along the way, we pass the rocky desert (Hammada) and, near Erfoud, see some ancient Qanàh—horizontal wells that were historically used to irrigate the desert. We arrive in Tinerhir and explore the beautiful Todra and Dades Gorges, set amidst green palm groves and yellow Berber villages. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional riad.

After breakfast, we continue our journey through the Valley of Roses and Skoura, home to the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. A visit to the Kasbah of Amridil is highly recommended. We then proceed to Ouarzazate to see the Taourit Kasbah, followed by Ait Ben Haddou, an earthen kasbah protected by UNESCO and known as the most beautiful and famous kasbah in Morocco. It has been featured in numerous films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and Gladiator. After this stop, we drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2,260 m), offering breathtaking landscapes. The scenic route passes through oak and walnut groves, Berber villages with stone and earthen houses, and pastures with goats and sheep. We visit the Kasbah of Telouet, located along the old caravan routes and once the residence of the El Glaoui family. We then continue to Marrakech, arriving in the late afternoon.