Imperial Cities & Sahara Discovery Tour

The Imperial Cities & Sahara Discovery Tour departs every Saturday from Marrakech. It is a comprehensive journey through some of the country’s most iconic destinations. Starting in Marrakech, the red… Read more
Price
£ 790.00
pp

Full details

About this tour

The Imperial Cities & Sahara Discovery Tour departs every Saturday from Marrakech. It is a comprehensive journey through some of the country’s most iconic destinations. Starting in Marrakech, the red city then to Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco. Next, the tour will take you to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco, where you will visit the Royal Palace and the Hassan Tower. After Rabat, the tour will continue to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and finally to the medieval city of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate architecture and rich history. Additionally, this tour takes you on a journey through the country’s most iconic destinations, including Merzouga Desert, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait Benhaddou and ends back to Marrakech.

Itinerary

What's included

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech. Transfer to hotel

Arrive in Marrakech, a vibrant and colourful city in Morocco known for its bustling souks, historic palaces, and traditional gardens. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel 

Accommodation:
Hotel in Marrakech 4*
Meals included:
Breakfast 

Day 2: Casablanca

Experience the beauty of Morocco on a tour that takes you from the vibrant city of Marrakech to the coastal metropolis of Casablanca. Upon arrival in Casablanca, you will embark on a guided tour of the city. You’ll visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. You will also visit the the city’s most important landmarks. The tour will also include a visit to the Habous quarter, a charming neighborhood known for its traditional architecture and lively souks. You will also see the United Nations Square, the Central Market, and the Mohammad V Avenue, the most important street of the city center. 

Accommodation:
Hotel in Casablanca 4*
Meals included:
Breakfast
Activities included:
Guided tour of Casablanca (14h)

Day 3: Rabat & Volubilis

The tour from Casablanca to Fez via Rabat and Volubilis is a unique opportunity to explore two of Morocco’s most historic and fascinating sites. Upon arrival to Rabat, where you will visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and its role as a political and cultural center of Morocco. After exploring Rabat, the tour will take you to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, which date back to the 3rd century BC. Volubilis is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. Visitors can explore the remains of an ancient city, including the Capitoline Temple, the Basilica, and the houses of the wealthy citizens. Overnight stay in Fez

Accommodation:
Hotel in Fes 4*  
Meals included:
Breakfast
Activities included:
Guided tour of Rabat 
Guided tour of Roman Ruins of Volubilis
Additional Notes:
Volubilis Entry Fee (7 Euro per person)

Day 4: Fes

Fez City Tour is a comprehensive exploration of one of Morocco’s most historic and cultural cities. The tour will take you through the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will be able to discover the narrow streets and explore the monuments and landmarks such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Dar Batha Museum, and the Bou Jeloud Gardens. The tour also includes a visit to the Royal Palace, which is also a great place to learn about the history of Morocco. Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to see traditional crafts being made at the local souks, such as pottery and leather goods. This tour is perfect for history and culture enthusiasts, as it offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of Fez. Overnight stay in Fez.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Fes 4*
Meals included:
Breakfast
Activities included:
Guided tour of Fez

Day 5: Merzouga Desert

Traveling from Fez to Merzouga is a journey that takes you from the medieval city of Fez to the desert landscape of Merzouga, passing through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley, where you can see traditional Berber villages and stunning landscapes. Once in Merzouga, you will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of camel trekking and spend the night in a traditional desert camp. You will cross the dunes and admire the sunset and the colors in perpetual evolution. After a traditional dinner with Berber rhythms, you will spend the night under the stars in a nomad tent in the middle of the desert. 

Accommodation:
Private Tent (Merzouga Desert Camp) 
Meals included:
Breakfast & Dinner
Activities included:
Camel Ride

Day 6: Todra Gorge & Boumalne Dades 

You will wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes (optional), before continuing on to Ouarzazate via Dades Valley. The Dades Valley is known for its stunning rock formations, known as “monkey toes”, and traditional Berber villages. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the valley’s kasbahs, palmeries, and traditional Berber houses, and learn about the local culture and way of life. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Dades Gorges and Todra Gorges, which offer spectacular views and great hiking opportunities. After a short lunch break, the tour continues to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert”. In Ouarzazate, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies have been filmed.

Accommodation:
Kasbah Stay 
Meals included:
Breakfast & Dinner
Activities included:
Visit Kasbah Taourirt
Visit Atlas Film Studio
Additional Notes:
Kasbah Taourirt Entry Fee (2 Euro per person)
Atlas Film Studio Entry Fee (8 Euro per person)

Day 7: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Kasbah Ait Benhaddou

Ouarzazate to Marrakech is a scenic drive through the beautiful Atlas Mountains of Morocco. One of the highlights of this trip is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. One of the must-see stops on this journey is the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. This fortress-like village is one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco and has been used as a location for many famous movies and TV shows, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After spending some time exploring the Kasbah and taking in the views, the trip continues to Marrakech, a vibrant and historic city often referred to as the “Pearl of the South”.

Accommodation:
Hotel in Marrakech 4*
Meals included:
Breakfast 
Activities included:
Guided Tour of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou

Day 8: Marrakech

A full day tour of Marrakech would include a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech and one of the most important landmarks in the city. The mosque is also known for its minaret, which is the tallest in the city. After visiting the mosque, the tour would take you to the Saadian Tombs, a historic site that contains the graves of members of the Saadian dynasty, who ruled Morocco in the 16th and 17th centuries. The tombs were discovered in 1917 and are known for their intricate decoration and beautiful tilework. Then a visit to the Bahia Palace, a 19th century palace that was built for a wealthy Moroccan nobleman. The palace is known for its intricate tilework and beautiful gardens. The tour would also include a visit to the souks, traditional Moroccan markets where you can find everything from spices and textiles to pottery and jewellery.  After a short lunch break, continue to the Jardin secret dated back to the Saadian Dynasty, more than four hundred years ago. It is part of the great tradition of stately Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. You can discover its gardens and buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture. Finally, the tour would take you to the Menara gardens, a large public park that was built in the 12th century by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu’min. The garden is known for its large pond, olive groves, and beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains.

Accommodation:
Hotel Labranda Rose Marrakech 4* (or similar)  
Meals included:
Breakfast 
Activities included:
Guided Tour of Marrakech
Additional Notes:
Bahia Palace Entry Fee (7 Euro per person)
Secret Garden Entry Fee (8 Euro per person)

Day 9: Marrakech – End of the Tour

Your last day in Marrakech, we will arrange the airport transfer according to your flight departure.  End of our services.

Meals included:
Breakfast 
Optional Extras
Agafay Quad, Camel & Dinner
Essaouira / Ouzoud Day Trip

More details

Pickup
Marrakech
Dropoff
Marrakech
Inclusions
  • 4* Hotels on Bed & Breakfast Basis
  • Kasbah Stay in Boulmane Dades (Dinner & Breakfast)
  • Merzouga Desert Private Tent on HB basis (Dinner & Breakfast)
  • Professional Local Guides
  • Transportation in a comfortable A/C Minibus
  • Guaranteed departure
Exclusions
  • Monuments Entrance fee
  • Lunch and Dinner
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