Go on a 5-day journey from Rabat to Merzouga, uncovering Morocco’s four legendary Imperial Cities—Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech—each a former capital brimming with history, grand architecture, and vibrant culture. Wander through ancient medinas, marvel at centuries-old mosques and madrasas, and lose yourself in bustling souks frozen in time. Alternatively, opt for a similar adventure starting from Fes.
Your tour begins with a pickup from your Rabat hotel. Travel to Meknes, where you’ll admire the monumental Bab Mansour gate, a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship. Next, explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with well-preserved mosaics. Continue to Fes, where a local guide will lead you through the labyrinthine medina. Discover the ornate Attarine Medersa, the historic Karaouine Mosque (one of the world’s oldest universities), and the iconic blue-tiled Bab Boujeloud gate. Spend the night in a Fes riad or hotel, with dinner and breakfast included.
Depart Fes after breakfast, venturing toward the Sahara Desert. Traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping first in Ifrane, a charming alpine-style town dubbed “Little Switzerland.” Wind through cedar forests—home to playful Barbary macaques—before pausing in Midelt for lunch amid apple orchards. Descend into the lush Ziz Valley oasis, passing Erfoud (famed for its fossil workshops), and arrive at the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, savoring a traditional Berber dinner under a blanket of stars.
Dive deeper into Sahara life with a 4×4 excursion around Merzouga. Sip mint tea with nomadic families and learn about their resilient way of life. Visit Khamlia village for a soulful Gnawa music performance, then explore Rissani’s lively market—a hub for spices, crafts, and livestock (busiest on market days). After a local lunch, mount a camel for a sunset trek across the dunes to your desert camp. Enjoy another evening of Berber hospitality, complete with drumming and stargazing.
Wake at dawn to witness the sunrise over the dunes—a photographer’s dream. After breakfast, try sandboarding or relax before camel-riding back to town. Journey toward the Dades Valley, stopping at Khettara (an ancient underground irrigation system) and a Berber village for lunch. Hike through the towering Todra Gorge, where 300-meter cliffs loom overhead, then unwind in Boumalne Dades amid its dramatic “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Overnight in a valley-side hotel.
After breakfast, drive through Skoura’s palm groves to Ouarzazate, Hollywood of Morocco. Tour the Atlas Studios and the grand Taourirt Kasbah before visiting Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar featured in films like Gladiator. Cross the High Atlas via the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m), soaking in panoramic views. Arrive in Marrakech by evening, where your tour concludes with a hotel drop-off. Dinner and overnight in the “Red City.
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!
