Imperial Cities & Merzouga Desert Tour Package: 6 Days
Description
Explore the historical significance of Morocco by visiting its four former capitals on an immersive 6-day tour of the Imperial Cities. Your journey will take you through Casablanca, Fez, Meknes, and Rabat, and also include an enchanting experience in the renowned Merzouga Desert.
Tour Overview
Day 1: Marrakech - Casablanca - Rabat
The adventure begins with your pickup from a specified hotel, riad, or the airport at the scheduled hour. Departing from Marrakech, we’ll set out toward the treasures of Morocco's Imperial Cities. Our first destination is the vibrant Casablanca, where we will visit the impressive Hasan II Mosque, the second largest mosque on the African continent.
Afterward, a stroll through the Old Medina of Casablanca awaits, allowing for visits to the bustling souk and a leisurely walk along the corniche. Once our first day concludes, we will proceed to Rabat for an overnight stay at our hotel.
Day 2: Rabat - Meknes - Fez
Following breakfast, a guided exploration of Rabat, the current capital city, begins. We will admire key structures from the exterior, including the Royal Palace, Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and the fortified quarter known as Kasbah Udayas, renowned for its distinctive blue walls.
Next, we will travel to Meknes, renowned for its opulent palaces, majestic mosques, and an expansive souk that highlights its uniqueness. On our agenda is a visit to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, celebrated as one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in North Africa. Here, you will marvel at exquisite mosaics, ancient columns, and remnants of temples and villas that showcase the city's historical significance. Our day will conclude with a restful overnight stay at a hotel in Fez.
Day 3: Fez
The third day is dedicated to discovering the charm of Fez, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities. Within its historic walls lie captivating sites such as the Merinid tombs, the Mellah Jewish quarter, and the Museum of Weapons.
Delve into the lively atmosphere of the Medina of Fez, known for its bustling energy. In this vibrant locale, discover the intricacies of local life, with mosques, tanneries, and vibrant squares awaiting your exploration.
After a full day of discovery, we'll return to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 4: Fez - Azrou - Midelt - Erfoud - Merzouga
Post-breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive through the majestic cedar forests of Azrou en route to the enchanting Ziz Valley. During this journey, we will stop at charming villages such as Midelt and Erfoud.
As the sun begins to set, we will mount our camels and venture into the enchanting Merzouga Desert, emulating Berber traditions. Witness the breathtaking sunset casting shadows over the dunes, creating a memory that will last a lifetime.
We will then make our way to the Amazigh camp, where we’ll enjoy dinner and embrace the magic of the desert for an unforgettable night.
Day 5: Merzouga - Todra and Dades Gorges
Awake to the mesmerizing sunrise over the Merzouga Desert while enjoying breakfast. After returning to the hotel for a quick refresh, we will continue our travels, meandering through the stunning Todra Gorges and taking in the fabulous landscapes and picturesque Amazigh villages.
The day's journey will lead us to the scenic Dades Valley, where we will unwind for the night in our accommodations.
Day 6: Dades Gorge - Ouarzazate
Start the day with breakfast before embarking on the famous Thousand Kasbah road towards the magnificent Skoura palm grove. This area is amongst the most captivating in Morocco. Our travels will then bring us to Ouarzazate, a fortified city famed for its role as a filming location for numerous acclaimed films, details of which will be shared during our tour.
As we traverse the scenic passes of the Atlas Mountains, we anticipate arriving in Marrakech around 6:30 pm, concluding our unforgettable 6-day journey with heartfelt farewells.
Accommodation Details
Your lodging for this tour will consist of double rooms at quality establishments:
- Rabat: Des Ouidaias, Hotel Malak, Hotel Annakhil, Riad Meftaha, or equivalent.
- 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). Standard haimas accommodate up to 4, while superior haimas fit 5, both featuring private bathrooms. Each camp type varies in meals and decor. Note: during peak periods, standard camps may utilize shared bathrooms.
- Dades Valley: Hotel Panorama, Dar Essyaha, Kasbah Tifawen, Hotel La Kasbah de Dades, Hotel Babylon, or alike.
Pickup & Drop-Off Locations
This tour commences in Marrakech. During your booking process, you can opt for pickup from the airport arrivals area, your hotel, riad, or a convenient city location.
Your adventure concludes back in Marrakech, where you can choose to either stay in the city or arrange for transport to the airport.
Important Notices
Meknes is currently undergoing renovations, making it inaccessible for visits at this time. Nevertheless, a scenic overview of the city’s historical center will still be 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.
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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