Join our Imperial Cities of Morocco Tour and explore the main historical centers of the country. The cities of Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech—all of which were once capitals of Morocco—will be on your itinerary if you choose Desert Discovery Tours. The purpose of this Moroccan cultural tour is to allow you to spend time in the old medinas, explore markets, observe traditional crafts, and discover the history behind the monuments and walls. The Moroccan imperial itinerary includes stops at mosques, madrasas, and public squares that are part of daily life. This historic cities of Morocco tour is an easy and clear way to get to know Morocco through its oldest cities.
A fantastic way to see Morocco’s most significant and ancient cities is with this cultural tour. You’ll visit Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and Meknes—known as the Imperial Cities of Morocco. Each of these cities has a unique history, having served as the capital of various Moroccan dynasties. You’ll learn about Morocco’s history and culture one step at a time as you walk through the old medinas and see famous landmarks.
The Imperial Cities of Morocco Tour includes guided visits, time to explore, and moments to enjoy local life. You’ll see ancient mosques, madrasas, palaces, markets, and more. Whether you’re walking through the streets of Fes or standing near the royal palace in Rabat, this tour connects you with the real life of these historic cities of Morocco.
We at Desert Discovery Tours provide small-group or private tours to ensure that you travel in comfort. Our local drivers and guides are here to help you get the most from each place. If you want a simple and complete itinerary for the imperial period of Morocco, this cultural tour is a good choice.
Depending on the timing of your flight, we will meet you at the Marrakech Menara Airport and start our 7-day Morocco Imperial Cities Tour. After that, we will arrange transportation to your hotel or riad, where you will spend the first night.
Take a fascinating tour of the charming city of Marrakech while you discover its fascinating sights with a local guide. Explore the rich history and dynamic culture that make Marrakech unique, uncovering hidden treasures and famous sites. You can see a lot of interesting things, such as the bustling souks in the Medina, the grand Badia Palace, the peaceful Majorelle Garden, and the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque. Your local guide will bring the stories and traditions of Marrakech to life with their insider knowledge and personalized insights.
As part of your 7-Day Morocco Imperial Cities Tour, you’ll spend a full day traveling from Marrakech to Casablanca and Rabat. Your driver will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. You’ll travel directly to Casablanca, the biggest city in Morocco, where you’ll pause to see the well-known Hassan II Mosque, which is situated next to the sea. Then, enjoy a drive along the Corniche and see places like Mohammed V Square and the Royal Palace from the outside.
After lunch in Casablanca, you’ll continue your journey to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. You will see famous sites like the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, which features gardens and offers stunning ocean views.
Your driver will take you to your hotel or riad in Rabat in the evening. You’ll check in and enjoy a relaxing night, getting ready for the next day of your Imperial Cities adventure.
You will continue your Imperial Cities tour of Morocco today by traveling from Rabat to Fes, where you will visit two significant historical sites: Volubilis and Meknes.
After breakfast, your driver picks you up in Rabat. You depart from the Atlantic coast and travel inland to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. You will have the opportunity to explore Bab Mansour in Meknes, which is considered one of the most stunning gates in Morocco. You walk through El Hedim Square, look at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (if it’s open), and learn about the history of this city that was once a royal capital.
After that, you go to Volubilis, an ancient Roman city that shows how deep Morocco’s history goes. You learn about how this city linked Africa and Europe almost 2,000 years ago as you walk through Roman streets and look at beautiful mosaics.
In the afternoon, you keep going toward Fes, which is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. As you arrive, you step into another Imperial City, known for its old medina, traditions, and centuries of history.
After breakfast at your riad, you’ll meet your local guide and start your tour of Fes, which is the oldest of Morocco’s Imperial Cities. You go to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fes el-Bali’s medina and walk through its narrow, busy streets that are full of shops, workshops, and history that goes back hundreds of years.
The university you visit is Al Quaraouiyine, which is one of the oldest in the world and is still in use today. After that, you take in the stunning architecture of the Islamic schools at Attarine or Bou Inania Medersa.
Your destination will be the Chouara Tannery, where the locals continue to use traditional methods to dye leather. Next, you go to the Royal Palace gates and see the old fountains and the Bab Boujloud gate.
Later, you visit the Royal Palace gates and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) in the newer part of the city. In the late afternoon, return to your riad to relax or continue exploring on your own.
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel or riad. Today is the last day of your trip to the imperial cities of Morocco. You saw Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes, and Fes.
If your flight is from Fes Airport, the drive is short — about 30 to 40 minutes.
If you fly from Casablanca Airport, the drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Your driver will make sure you arrive on time.
Your eight-day Morocco Imperial Cities & Desert tour starts when you land at Casablanca Airport. You’ll warmly meet your driver at the airport. Start your drive to the stunning Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
From there, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to the capital of Morocco, Rabat. The famous Hassan Tower is a beautiful minaret that holds stories of Rabat’s rich history. Your exploration continues with a stop at the Oudayas Kasbah, an ancient fortress that is beautifully adorned in blue and white. Spend some time learning about culture at the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. Finally, check into your accommodation.
We will start our road trip today and head to Meknes, the imperial city. You will have the opportunity to explore a variety of historical sites and attractions in this imperial city, such as Lahdim Square, Morocco’s second-largest square. Furthermore, next to this latter is Bab Al Mansour, one of Morocco’s most exquisite gates or doors. Also, you can go to Qara prison, which looks like a maze and is underground.
You will stop at Volubilis, the capital of the Mauritanian kingdom and a relic of Roman ruins, en route to Fes. Ultimately, in the late evening, we will proceed to Fes, where you will spend your second night.
Today, a local guide will show you around the imperial city of Fes. You will walk through the walled streets and see the daily procession of mourners entering the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who founded Fez. The Medina of Fez was founded in the 9th century and is home to the oldest university in the world. Mederassa Bou Inania, the tanneries, and the splendor of the old city are all included in a day-long exploration of the city, which dates back to the 13th century. You will have also a chance to explore the Tanneries, Ceramic factories, … and much more—a free evening for a Hammam experience or Cooking class. Overnight stay in Fes at an authentic Riad.
On the fourth day of our 8-day Sahara Desert tour, we travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains. We stop in Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland,” then visit the Cedar Forest to see monkeys in the wild.
As we head south, we pass the palm-filled Ziz Valley and reach Erfoud, famous for fossils and dates. By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga and begin a camel ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi to watch the sunset.
At our luxury desert camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music around the fire. It’s a magical night on the heart of the Sahara Desert tour.
The first thing we do is go to Ait Ben Haddou, a well-known old village and UNESCO site. Many movies were filmed here, like Gladiator. We walk through its narrow streets and climb to the top to enjoy beautiful views. This visit is a special part of our desert tour in Morocco.
We then go through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and the High Atlas Mountains, stopping every so often to take pictures and enjoy the view. In the afternoon, we arrive in Marrakech, one of the country’s great imperial cities. Following the desert’s tranquility, we take in the vibrant energy of the Red City and relax in an authentic riad.
After breakfast, we meet our local guide and start exploring Marrakech, one of Morocco’s famous imperial cities. We visit the top sights, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful Bahia Palace, and the old Jewish Quarter (Mellah).
We also explore the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna square, where we experience traditional crafts, local cuisine, and street performers, as well as stroll through the vibrant souks. It’s great to have the chance to learn about this city’s history, culture, and daily life through the guided tour.
On the final day of our Morocco imperial cities and desert tour, you enjoy a free morning to relax or explore Marrakech on your own. In the afternoon, we will transfer you to Marrakech Airport.
Our Morocco Imperial Cities and Sahara Tour offers a unique journey through Morocco’s most iconic destinations, enjoying the rich history of its ancient imperial cities with the stunning beauty of the Sahara Desert. With our Tailor-Made Historical Morocco Tours.
We customize every detail to match your interests, allowing you to explore majestic palaces, vibrant souks, and kasbahs, as well as experience unforgettable camel rides and nights under the desert stars. This carefully crafted Morocco discovery tour provides an authentic way to discover Morocco’s diverse culture, landscapes, and heritage at your own pace.