Discover Morocco from the souks of its fabled cities to the Sahara dunes on a journey designed just for you. Venture to the imperial cities of Marrakech, Meknes, and Fez with a private guide, and explore ancient kasbahs and everyday villages along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.”

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary Request Itinerary or Ask Us A Question or Call 855-215-8690
 Courtyard of a madrassah in Fez
Courtyard of a madrassah in Fez
 Dunes of the Sahara
Dunes of the Sahara
 Traditional spices of Morocco
Traditional spices of Morocco
 Traditional mint tea
Traditional mint tea
 Colorful Moroccan ceramics
Colorful Moroccan ceramics
 Collage of doors, Morocco
Collage of doors, Morocco
 Colorful architecture in Rabat
Colorful architecture in Rabat
 Roman ruins of Volubilis
Roman ruins of Volubilis
 Roman mosaics at Volubilis
Roman mosaics at Volubilis
 Traditional architectural design in Fez
Traditional architectural design in Fez
 Entrance to the Royal Palace, Fez
Entrance to the Royal Palace, Fez
 Gateway to the Atlas Mountains
Gateway to the Atlas Mountains
 Berber village in the Atlas Mountains
Berber village in the Atlas Mountains
 Riding camels in the Sahara
Riding camels in the Sahara
 Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou
 Kasbah in Sourqua
Kasbah in Sourqua
 Djemaa El Fna Square and Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech
Djemaa El Fna Square and Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech
 Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech
Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech

Morocco's Imperial Cities and the Sahara : A Tailor-Made Journey

11 days from $6,595

Discover Morocco from the souks of its fabled cities to the Sahara dunes on a journey designed just for you. Venture to the imperial cities of Marrakech, Meknes, and Fez with a private guide, and explore ancient kasbahs and everyday villages along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.”

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary

or call 855-215-8690

Overview

The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a tailor-made journey to Morocco. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.

Experience the many sides of Morocco on a journey from the High Atlas and the Saharan dunes to the coast by way of three imperial cities. Immerse yourself in marvelous Marrakech, venturing into souks and stunning palaces with your private guide. Spend a night in the Sahara, and explore clay-built kasbahs and oasis villages along "the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs." Then, trace the country’s rich history as you follow a private guide through Roman ruins of Volubilis and into the timeless medina of Fez.

  • Admire renowned Moroccan artistry and innovative design at the modern Hassan II mosque in Casablanca and at the ancient Royal Stables in Meknes.
  • Stay in a lovely riad in the Fez medina, and discover the hidden gems of this medieval city with a private guide.
  • Ride a camel into the Saharan dunes to watch the sunset, and spend the night in a traditional Berber-style camp.
  • Meander through the World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified 11th-century village built out of red earth.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech and meet your driver for a private transfer to the hotel. Relax at the hotel or take a walk to get acquainted with this effervescent city. (B)

Day 2 – Marrakech

Join a guide for a private tour of the historic sites of Marrakech, including the beautiful El Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. See Koutoubia Mosque, and venture into the souk, where merchants hawk everything from spices and nougat to cut brass lanterns and kitchenware. As night falls, visit the Djemaa el Fna, the main square and cultural heart of Marrakech, where locals flock to be entertained by snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats, and more. Wander through the lively food stalls to see what’s cooking, and find a spot on one of the café terraces that surround the square for a great view of the action. If you wish, return to your riad to learn how to cook Moroccan dishes during a cooking class with the chef. (B)

Day 3 – Marrakech

Today is unscheduled so that you can experience Marrakech as you wish on your final day. We recommend a visit to the Jardin Majorelle, where you can stroll through the exotic botanical gardens of Yves Saint Laurent and visit a gem of a museum dedicated to Berber culture. Located near the French Quarter, the garden offers a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, and a delightful place to stop for lunch. If you wish, learn how to cook Moroccan dishes during a cooking class with a local chef.  (B)

Day 4 – Atlas Mountains / Skoura

This morning, experience astonishing landscapes as you set out along “The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs." Travel over the scenic Atlas Mountain range, then detour to the historic kasbahs of Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou to learn about these ancient caravans stops along the Trans-Saharan trade route. Continue to your accommodation in Skoura, where you will stay for two nights. (B,D)

Day 5 – Skoura

After several busy days, enjoy a day at leisure to relax by the pool at your hotel, or venture out into the surrounding red-rock country to explore oasis villages and historic kasbahs. (B,D)

Day 6 – Todra Gorge / Skoura

Drive through the Dades Valley, with a visit to the Todra Gorge enroute to the oasis town of Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara. Travel by 4x4 vehicle to a traditional Berber-style tented camp, then set out on a short camel trek to the top of the dunes to watch the sunset. Enjoy a chance to stargaze under dark desert skies tonight. (B,D)

Day 7 – Fez

Experience an astonishing range of landscapes today as you drive north, passing through the lush cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains and the dry, scrub-covered High Atlas Mountains on the way to the ancient city of Fez. Settle into your traditional courtyard home, or riad, in the Fez medina this afternoon. (B)

Day 8 – Fez

Delve into enchanting Fez on a full-day tour, discovering Fes Jdid, the 13th-century so-called “new city,” as well as the legendary souks of the old city. Peer into magnificent mosques and madrassahs to see their carved Moorish arches and mosaics. Watch artisans plying timeless trades, from tanners straddling vats of lye to ceramicists painting delicate designs in glaze. At the end of the tour, sip a mint tea on the rooftop terrace at your riad, listening to the call to prayer echo over this medieval city at dusk. (B)

Day 9 – Fez / Meknes / Volubilis

Visit the imperial city of Meknes, which became Morocco’s capital in the late 17th century during the reign of Moulay Ismail. Also a World Heritage site, Meknes still boasts its original fortifications as well as the stunning Royal Stables, a remarkable feat of architecture and engineering built to house some 12,000 horses. Continue to Volubilis and enjoy a tour of this ancient Roman city, where colonnades and an impressive arch stand out on the surrounding plains. (B)

Day 10 – Casablanca

Depart by road for Casablanca, upon arrival visit the Hassan II mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world—and one of the few mosques in Morocco that allow non-Muslims to enter the interior. While the mosque was built in the 1990s, it is a stunning tribute to traditional Moorish architecture, with exquisite mosaics and carved stucco as well as remarkable technological innovations. (B)

Day 11 – Casablanca to the U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport this morning for your return flight to the U.S. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

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