Casablanca, Rabat

Hassan II Mosque - The journey begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Arriving early allows for sightseeing in Rabat, including a visit to the renowned Hassan II Mosque, famous for having the tallest minaret in the world. Late arrivals may need to rest overnight in the charming city of Casablanca and visit Rabat the following day.

Rabat, Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen - If Rabat’s wonders weren’t explored on Day 1, the morning offers another chance before heading to Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains’ foothills. Arrive in the afternoon, check into your guesthouse, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Discover the enchanting medina on foot. There will be additional time the next morning to explore the town before departing for Fes.

Chefchaouen To Fes

Chefchaouen - Spend a relaxing morning in the blue citadel of Chefchaouen.

Fes - Depart for Fes in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, check into your Riad.

Day Trip To Volubilis and Meknes

Volubilis - Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Its skyline is adorned with triumphal arches and basilicas, showcasing Roman architecture. The most remarkable treasures are the exquisite mosaic floors, beautifully preserved in their original locations. Notable examples include Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins symbolizing good luck, and a portrait of Amphitrite in a chariot. From Volubilis, continue to Meknes, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meknes - In Meknes, the impressive monuments reflect the grandeur of a city first constructed in the 17th century by the powerful Sultan Moulay Ismail, aiming to rival the court of his contemporary, Louis XIV of France. During your visit, see the monumental Bab Mansour gateway, one of Morocco’s finest gates, the Granaries, and the Royal Stables, built to house around 12,000 horses. You may also visit Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum, one of the few shrines in Morocco open to non-Muslims.

Fes - Return to Fes and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Fes Sightseeing Tour With Local Guide

Fes el-Bali - The ancient Fes medina is considered the largest urban car-free zone globally and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fes holds significant religious importance in Morocco as the seat of the founding Muslim dynasty. It is also home to the al-Karaouine University, originating in the 9th Century, one of the world’s oldest universities and once a leading intellectual center of the Mediterranean and Arab world. The medina offers insights into traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and Moorish architecture, influenced by Iberian Peninsula emigration. The leather tanneries are photogenic, and there are numerous craft-working districts in the medina. You may visit the Medersas Bou Inania and el Attarin (14th Century), but other religious buildings are not open to non-Muslims. Spend the final night in Fes.

Fes To Desert Camp

Erg Chebbi Dunes - Depart early for a journey to the desert frontier. Ascend through Morocco’s cedar forest region, cross the Middle Atlas mountains, and descend via the Ziz Gorge and river. Travel through the Tafilalet region, irrigated by the Ziz, with lush date palms bordering the Sahara. This historically significant region once marked the crossroads of West African caravan routes and is the origin of the Alaouite dynasty (17th Century), which still reigns in Morocco today. Meet your camel caravan at the road’s end and embark on a 1-hour trek to your desert camp for the night. Enjoy a sunset at the dunes, dine, and then relax by the campfire and stargaze. Alternatively, request your driver to take you to camp by jeep.

Desert Camp, Todra Valley, Dades Valley, Skoura

Gargantas del Todra - Depart the Sahara desert, traveling west to visit the Atlas mountains’ foothills and the renowned Todra and Dades Gorges.

Skoura - Follow the Dades River west to reach the palm oasis of Skoura, with the Atlas mountains still visible to the north.

Skoura, Ait Benhaddou, Marrakech

Ait Ben Haddou - Visit some of southern Morocco’s most fascinating kasbah monuments en route to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas mountains. Explore the Kasbah Amridil at Skoura, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, and the Telouet Kasbah. Enjoy the patchwork of Berber villages in the river valleys and the changing scenery, from arid pre-Saharan to alpine to farmland and olive groves. Cross the mountains at the Tichka Pass and gradually descend to the Marrakech plain, arriving late afternoon.

Marrakech Sightseeing Tour

Marrakech - Optional activities include a Moroccan cookery course at a cookery school and/or a traditional Moroccan ‘hammam’ (bathing/cleansing ritual in a heated room). Visit the Maison de la Photographie, the Musee des Confluences (next to the Dar el Bacha), the Bahia Palace (19th Century), and le Jardin Secret. Spend the afternoon in the ‘souks’ (marketplace for Moroccan crafts such as leather, carpets, pottery, and spices) or at the botanical Jardins Majorelle in the new town. The gardens at La Mamounia are also noteworthy. *For an excursion, visit the Anima Garden on the Ourika Road.

Optional Day Excursion to Essaouira

Essaouira - Possible excursions from Marrakech include a trip to Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast (6 hours round-trip) or to the High Atlas mountains’ foothills (via an animal rescue shelter, up to 5 hours round-trip).

Marrakech or Casablanca Airport Transfer

Casablanca - After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport at your flight time. If time allows and the Hassan II Mosque was missed on the first day, it will be visited today before heading to the airport.

• Dinner
• Breakfast

Embark on a round-trip journey of the Royal Cities of Morocco, setting off from Casablanca and concluding in Marrakech. Traverse the northern regions of Morocco and its desert, ultimately returning via the lofty peaks of the High Atlas and Marrakech. Discover the pulse of three enchanting Royal Cities and the renowned blue fortress of Chefchaouen; enjoy an overnight stay in the Sahara desert; accommodate mid-journey, en-route to Marrakech and the mountains, in one of Morocco’s verdant garden havens; and culminate the expedition in the UNESCO-protected Marrakech medina. This exclusive voyage covers five out of Morocco’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with an optional full-day visit to a sixth, Essaouira/Mogador, from Marrakech.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.