Morocco’s Imperial Cities & Sahara Tour Overview
This 9-day Morocco Imperial Cities & Sahara Tour is designed for travelers who want to combine Morocco’s historic cities with the Sahara Desert in one private itinerary.
Starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech, the route includes Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ziz Valley, Merzouga Desert, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, the High Atlas Mountains, and Marrakech.
This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors who want a balanced route with cultural visits, guided medina tours, desert scenery, camel trekking or 4×4 desert transfers, kasbahs, mountain roads, and time in Marrakech. Some travel days are long, especially between Fes and Merzouga and between the desert region and Marrakech, but the route is planned with scenic stops and overnight stays to make the journey more comfortable.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This Morocco Imperial Cities & Sahara Tour is best for travelers who want to experience both cultural Morocco and the desert in a limited amount of time.
It is suitable for first-time visitors, couples, families, small groups, and culture-focused travelers who want to visit Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Merzouga Desert, Todra Gorge, Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakech.
This itinerary includes some long driving days. If you prefer a slower pace, the route can be extended to 10 or 11 days with an extra night in the Sahara Desert, Dades Valley, or Marrakech.
Important Travel Note
This 9-day itinerary combines imperial cities, mountain roads, southern valleys, kasbahs, and the Sahara Desert, so travelers should expect a mix of guided sightseeing and road travel.
The longest travel days are usually Fes to Merzouga Desert and the route from the desert region toward Marrakech. These drives are part of the experience and include scenic stops through the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ziz Valley, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, and the High Atlas Mountains.
For a more relaxed version of this route, extra nights can be added in Fes, the Sahara Desert, Dades Valley, or Marrakech.
Highlights
- Start in Casablanca with a visit to the oceanfront Hassan II Mosque
- Explore Rabat, Morocco’s capital, including Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum
- Visit Volubilis, one of Morocco’s most important Roman archaeological sites
- Stop in Meknes before continuing to Fes
- Enjoy a guided visit of Fes, including the old medina, artisan quarters, madrasas, and historic monuments
- Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains through Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, and the Ziz Valley
- Experience the Sahara Desert near Merzouga with camel trekking or 4x4 transfer
- Visit Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains toward Marrakech
- Finish with a guided visit of Marrakech, including Bahia Palace, the souks, Koutoubia Mosque, and Jemaa el-Fna square
