Imperial Cities & Merzouga Desert Tour Package: 6 Days
Description
Embark on a journey through the rich heritage of Morocco by exploring the four cities that once served as its capital in our 6-day tour of the Imperial Cities. Experience the vibrant atmospheres of Casablanca, Fez, Meknes, and Rabat, along with the awe-inspiring Merzouga Desert!
Tour Details
Day 1: Marrakech - Casablanca - Rabat
Our adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel, riad, or the airport at the scheduled time. Leaving behind the bustling Marrakech, we set off towards the Imperial Cities of Morocco. Our first stop will be in Casablanca, where we will visit the magnificent Hasan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque on the African continent.
Following this, we will explore the Old Medina of Casablanca, allowing you to navigate the souks, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque corniche. After a fulfilling first day, we will make our way to Rabat, where you will settle into your hotel for the night.
Day 2: Rabat - Meknes - Fez
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a guided tour of Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. Highlights include the exterior of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and the stunning Kasbah Udayas, famous for its striking blue walls.
Next, we'll visit Meknes, a city renowned for its impressive palaces and bustling souk, making it a unique destination. Following this, we will explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, celebrated for being one of North Africa's best-preserved archaeological sites. Here, you can admire exquisite mosaics, historical columns, and remains of temples and villas, showcasing the significance of this once-great city. Our day will conclude with an overnight stay at a hotel in Fez.
Day 3: Fez
Day three is dedicated to exploring Fez, the oldest imperial city in the country. This walled city boasts remarkable landmarks, including the Merinid tombs, the Mellah Jewish Quarter, and the Museum of Weapons.
You will also have the opportunity to navigate the vibrant Medina of Fez, known for its lively atmosphere filled with mosques, tanneries, bustling squares, and numerous souks waiting to be discovered!
We will return to the hotel for a restful night.
Day 4: Fez - Azrou - Midelt - Erfoud - Merzouga
After breakfast, we will depart in our vehicle, passing through the enchanting cedar forests of Azrou towards the Ziz Valley. Along the way, we’ll explore quaint villages such as Midelt and Erfoud.
As the sun begins to set, we will mount our camels for an exhilarating experience in the Merzouga Desert, emulating the Berber lifestyle. Witnessing the sunset cast its vibrant hues over the dunes will create a memorable experience.
Upon arrival, we will settle into our haimas at the Amazigh camp, where dinner will be served, providing an unforgettable evening in this distinctive setting.
Day 5: Merzouga - Todra and Dades Gorges
Awake to the sight of sunrise over the Merzouga Desert while enjoying breakfast before returning to the hotel to freshen up and continue our explorations. Driving through the stunning Todra Gorges, we will marvel at the breathtaking scenery and visit picturesque Amazigh villages along the route.
Our journey will conclude with a stay in the Dades Valley, where a hotel awaits for a rejuvenating night.
Day 6: Dades Gorge - Ouarzazate
After breakfast, we will set out along the Thousand Kasbah route toward the stunning Skoura palm grove. A visit to Ouarzazate, known for its historical significance as a filming location for many iconic movies, will be the highlight of this leg of the tour.
We will then cross the Atlas Mountains via the pass, arriving back in Marrakech around 6:30 pm. Here, we will bid you farewell, concluding our remarkable 6-day journey.
Accommodation Details
Your accommodations throughout the tour will be in double rooms at the following locations:
- Rabat: Des Ouidaias, Hotel Malak, Hotel Annakhil, Riad Meftaha, or similar
- Fez: Riad La Perle de La Medina, Riad Ghita, Riad Dar Skalli, Hotel Across, or similar.
- Merzouga: Standard or Superior Haima Camp (Azawad Luxury Desert Camp or similar). The standard haimas accommodate up to 4 people with a private bathroom, while the superior haimas cater to 5 guests and come with additional amenities. Please be aware that during peak seasons, like Easter or Christmas, standard-category camps may use shared facilities.
- Dades Valley: Hotel Panorama, Dar Essyaha, Kasbah Tifawen, Hotel La Kasbah de Dades, Hotel Babylon, or similar.
Pickup & Drop-Off Points
The tour begins in Marrakech, from where you can select your preferred pick-up point—be it the airport arrivals hall, your hotel or riad, or another central location.
At the tour's conclusion, you can opt to remain in Marrakech or arrange for transportation to the airport.
Temporary Closures
Meknes is currently undergoing renovations and thus will not be accessible for visits. However, a brief scenic drive around the historical center is included.
Minimum Group Size
This tour requires a minimum of 5 participants. Should this number not be met, the option to conduct the tour privately for an additional fee is available.
What's included
- Pickup and drop–off at the airport or hotel
- Transport by minibus or bus
- English–speaking driver
- English–speaking guide in Volubilis and Fez
- 5 nights' accommodation
- Half board in Merzouga and Dades Valley
- Camel ride in the Merzouga Desert
- Basic Wifi for instant messaging only
What's not included
- Lunch and drink
- Tickets to monuments
- Dinners in Casablanca and Fez
- Guide at Ait Ben Haddou: 2EUR per person
- Air conditioning: 30 EUR per tent (superior category camp)
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 168 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
The driver will pick you up from the entrance of your hotel or riad at the scheduled time.
Important Info
We recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Food and drinks are not included in the price of the activity. The price for a 1.5-liter bottle of water is 10MAD.
On the day of the day trip, you can bring your suitcase throughout the entire tour (a suitcase weighing between 44-50 lbs/20-23 kg, a trolley suitcase, a small backpack, or a carry-on bag). Upon arrival in Merzouga, your large suitcase can be safely left in the vehicle or at our logistics base. For the camel trek to the camp, we recommend bringing only a small backpack with the essentials for the night.
Temporary Closures
Meknes is closed for renovations until further notice, so it will not be possible to visit this Imperial City. However, we will go on a brief scenic tour around the city's historical centre.
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