Go on a captivating 7-day journey through Morocco’s legendary Imperial Cities – Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech – each once serving as the nation’s capital. This immersive experience transports you through centuries of history, where magnificent mosques, ancient madrasas, labyrinthine medinas, and vibrant souks preserve traditions unchanged for generations. Travelers can begin this royal circuit either in Rabat or Fes, tracing the footsteps of sultans and merchants alike.
Explore four of Morocco’s historic Imperial Cities.
Discover Rabat’s royal sites, including Hassan Tower and the Udayas Kasbah.
Visit Meknes, the impressive 17th-century Ismaili capital.
Walk through the magnificent ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Get lost in Fes, the world’s largest living medieval medina.
See the iconic Chouara tanneries and their vibrant dyeing pits.
Journey across the scenic and diverse Atlas Mountains.
Spot wild Barbary macaques in the cedar forests near Ifrane.
Dive into the vibrant energy of Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna square.
Find tranquility in the cobalt-blue Majorelle Garden.
Upon landing at Rabat-Salé Airport, your personal driver will greet you for a comfortable 30-45 minute transfer to your accommodation. Settle into your hotel where dinner awaits, offering your first taste of authentic Moroccan hospitality as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Today reveals Rabat’s regal splendor through a guided exploration. Wander the postcard-perfect Kasbah of the Udayas, where azure-blue doorways contrast with whitewashed walls amidst fragrant Andalusian gardens. Pause at a scenic café overlooking the Bouregreg River to savor mint tea and traditional pastries.
Marvel at the iconic Hassan Tower, the unfinished 12th-century minaret that would have anchored the world’s largest mosque. Nearby, the ornate Mausoleum of Mohammed V dazzles with intricate zellij tilework, guarded by scarlet-clad royal sentries. The ancient Chellah necropolis reveals layers of Roman and Islamic history before we admire the grand gates of the Royal Palace (exterior only). Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Morning brings a scenic drive to Meknes, the 17th-century imperial capital. Stand in awe before Bab El Mansour, Morocco’s most magnificent gateway, then visit the lavish Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Explore the staggering Heri es-Souani granaries that once provisioned 12,000 royal steeds.
After lunch (own expense), continue to the sacred town of Moulay Idriss, hugging the hillside above the remarkable Roman ruins of Volubilis. This UNESCO site showcases remarkably preserved mosaics depicting mythological scenes amid ancient villas and civic buildings. Arrive in Fes by evening for independent dining and overnight.
A full-day immersion awaits in Fes el-Bali, the world’s largest living medieval Islamic city. Your expert guide leads you past the famed Al-Qarawiyyin University (founded 859 AD), through aromatic spice markets to the iconic Chouara tanneries where leatherworkers use methods unchanged since medieval times.
Admire the exquisite Bou Inania Medersa’s carved cedar and stucco details, then visit the Jewish Quarter’s 17th-century synagogues. The afternoon reveals the Royal Palace’s golden gates and culminates with panoramic views from the Merinid Tombs as sunset paints the ancient medina golden. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Today’s spectacular drive traverses the Atlas Mountains, beginning in Ifrane’s alpine-style chalets where Barbary macaques inhabit nearby cedar forests. Descend through fertile plains to Beni Mellal for lunch (own expense), with optional detour to the thunderous Ouzoud waterfalls.
As landscapes shift from olive groves to palm oases, arrive in magical Marrakech for an evening at leisure. Dine independently amid Djemaa el-Fna’s hypnotic spectacle before overnighting at your hotel.
Discover Marrakech’s treasures starting with the cobalt-blue Majorelle Garden, a botanical oasis. The towering Koutoubia Minaret guides you to the pulsating Djemaa el-Fna square, where snake charmers and storytellers perform beneath the shadow of the 12th-century mosque.
Navigate the kaleidoscopic souks specializing in spices, lanterns, and leather goods before exploring the Bahia Palace’s opulent courtyards. The afternoon offers free time to visit a traditional hammam or artisan workshops before returning to your hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely morning with optional activities like a cooking class or final souvenir hunting. After lunch, transfer to Casablanca Airport (approx. 2.5 hours) for your departure, carrying memories of imperial splendor and the scent of Moroccan spices in your luggage.
At Sahara Discovery, your satisfaction is our priority. If the tour we’ve arranged doesn’t perfectly match your expectations or needs, simply reach out to us, and we’ll work closely with you to create a customized itinerary that aligns with your desires. Our goal is to ensure your Moroccan adventure is nothing short of extraordinary, and we’re committed to crafting the perfect experience just for you. Your dream journey is only a conversation away!
