Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech

Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your riad. After settling in, the evening is left open to rest and begin acclimating, with time to step out for a quiet walk, enjoy a first meal, or simply listen to the city’s rhythm as it unfolds around you.

Visit the Hassan II Mosque before continuing to Rabat for sightseeing of the Oudaya Kasbah, the Hassan II Tower, the Royal Palace, and Chellah Necropolis. Overnight in Asilah.

Spend the day exploring Asilah’s medina and markets, where whitewashed walls are often marked with murals and seasonal artwork. Share tea and conversation with local artists, learning about their work and the town’s creative life. The afternoon is free to wander, rest by the sea, or explore at your own pace before spending the night in Asilah.

Depart Asilah and follow the coast north to Tangier. Visit the Hercules Caves and stand at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, where land and sea converge. Continue into the old medina to explore its winding streets, then spend time discovering Tangier’s quieter creative side—underground studios, calligraphy workshops, and small local art galleries tucked behind unmarked doors. Overnight in Tetuan.

Explore the Tetouan medina and visit a tile workshop rooted in Andalusian tradition. The road climbs into the Rif Mountains, arriving in Chefchaouen by evening. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

A full day to explore Chefchaouen’s blue-washed streets and quiet corners. As evening approaches, you walk to the Spanish Mosque to watch the sun set over the hills. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

An early drive leads to Akchour for a waterfall hike through green valleys and stone paths. You return to Chefchaouen in the afternoon for a cooking class and a shared meal with a local family. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Travel south toward Fes, stopping in Meknes to visit the Harri Souani stables, the old medina, and the royal palace. Lunch is in Moulay Idriss before exploring the Roman ruins of Volubilis. By evening, you arrive in Fes. Overnight in Fes.

A guided exploration of the Fes medina reveals artisan quarters, historic schools, and the famed tanneries. The city unfolds slowly, best understood on foot. Overnight in Fes.

A day trip to El Bhalil brings you into cave homes carved into stone. You share lunch with a family and learn about traditional silk button making from women artisans. Return to Fes in the afternoon.

Leaving Fes, you enter the Middle Atlas Mountains. You stop in Ifrane, walk through cedar forests to see Barbary macaques, and visit the mineral-rich area of Mibladen before arriving in Midelt. Overnight in Midelt.

The road passes through the Middle Atlas and into the Ziz Gorge and valley, where palm oases follow water through stone. In Erfoud, you stop for date tasting before reaching Merzouga. Overnight in a riad.

A full desert circuit introduces nomadic life, mineral and mascara sites, Gnawa music, and a local donkey and sheep market. Lunch is Amazigh pizza, baked traditionally. In the afternoon, camels carry you into the dunes. Dinner, music, and overnight in a desert camp.

Rise early to watch the sunrise. After breakfast, you return by 4x4 to Merzouga, visit a traditional irrigation system, and explore the Amazigh culture and art museum in El Khorbat. After lunch and a visit to Toughda Gorge, you continue to Dades. Overnight in Dades.

A hike among the Monkey Fingers reveals the sculpted landscape of the gorge. You picnic in the mountains, share tea with nomads, and enjoy dinner and music with a local family. Overnight in Dades.

Visit a rug cooperative near the Monkey Fingers and take part in a rug-making workshop with women artisans. Lunch in the gorge, followed by a relaxed afternoon and dinner at your hotel or riad. Overnight in Dades.

Travel through the Roses Valley to visit a rose cooperative, then continue to Skoura to explore Kasbah Amridil. By afternoon, you reach Ait Ben Haddou and walk through its historic village. Overnight nearby.

Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Onilla Valley, you visit Telouet Kasbah before descending into Marrakech and then towards the coast of Essaouira. Overnight in Essaouira.

Explore the medina and visit a traditional wood workshop shaped by maritime life. Overnight in Essaouira.

Drive inland towards Marrakech and stop at a vineyard  for  lunch and a wine tasting along the way. Spend the afternoon in Marrakech at your leisure whether that be at a cafe, walking around, or visiting a hammam. Overnight in Marrakech

A guided exploration of Marrakech’s medina includes key monuments, artisan quarters, and historic sites. Lunch is enjoyed in the medina, followed by visits to the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and Bahia Palace. Overnight in Marrakech.

Departure