7 Days Classic Morocco Tour: Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, our local team will be waiting at the arrivals hall to warmly greet you.

(Traveler Tip: The airport is located about 30 km south of the city center. The drive to the downtown area takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.)

Once downtown, you will dive straight into an immersive half-day city tour, uncovering the best of Casablanca:

Hassan II Mosque: Your exploration begins at this magnificent 20th-century engineering marvel. Approaching from the coastal promenade, you will catch your first breathtaking view of its exterior—one-third of this massive structure is built directly over the Atlantic Ocean bed, with its 210-meter minaret towering into the sky. You will then step inside the grand prayer hall with your guide to admire the retractable roof, delicate mosaic tilework, and colossal chandeliers up close.

Old Medina: From the mosque, a short drive brings you to Casablanca's historic heart. Encircled by 18th-century defensive walls, this vibrant quarter is a living labyrinth of narrow alleys. You will spend time walking through its buzzing traditional souks, artisan stalls, and open-air food markets, catching an authentic glimpse of daily Moroccan life.

Rick’s Café Photo Stop: Just a few minutes from the Medina walls sits Rick’s Café. For anyone who loves classic cinema, this is the ultimate pitstop—a beautiful recreation of the saloon from the legendary Hollywood film Casablanca. We will stop here to capture a photo outside its iconic facade, soaking in the vintage, romantic atmosphere.

The Habous Quarter: Next, move on to this elegant neighborhood, affectionately known as the "New Medina." Built by French architects in the 1920s, it features orderly archways, clean cobblestone streets, and exquisite Moorish design. (Tip: This is the perfect place to pause for a classic Moroccan tea break, unwinding just like a local with a fresh, hot glass of sweet mint tea.)

Mohammed V Square: A short drive leads you to the civic heart of Casablanca, famously nicknamed "Pigeon Square" by travelers. This grand plaza is surrounded by beautiful 1920s government buildings showcasing a unique mix of Moorish and French Art Deco architecture. Take a moment to relax by the central fountain and watch the flocks of pigeons weave between the historic facades.

The Central Market (Marché Central): Continue your sensory journey by dipping into this historic marketplace. Built in 1917, this beautiful Neo-Moorish market is Casablanca’s premier melting pot for fresh seafood, exotic spices, and local ingredients. Spend about 20 minutes exploring its lively lanes, watching locals shop, and taking in the rich aromas of the spice pyramids.

Optional Experience (Depending on Your Flight Schedule):

Ain Diab & La Corniche: If time permits, head to the vibrant coastal district of Ain Diab. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined promenade of La Corniche, watching the dramatic, wild Atlantic waves crash against the rocks. To elevate your evening, you can choose to enjoy oceanfront dining at a premium seafood or French-Moroccan restaurant perched right on the cliffside.

After the tour, escort you back to your hotel in Casablanca for a relaxing evening.

After breakfast, leave Casablanca behind and travel northeast toward the historic imperial city of Meknes (approx. 3 hours). Known as the "Moroccan Versailles," this 17th-century capital built by Sultan Moulay Ismaïl reflects raw royal majesty with a wonderfully authentic, crowd-free atmosphere.

Your exploration of Meknes includes:

Bab Mansour: Your first stop is this spectacular architectural masterpiece guarding the imperial palace. Completed in 1732, this iconic landmark showcases majestic Almohad arches, intricate green-and-brown Zellij tilework, and massive, deeply detailed columns salvaged from ancient Roman ruins.

Al-Hedim Square: Just outside the grand gate, step into the vibrant local square to sip on a glass of fresh mint tea - affectionately dubbed "Moroccan Whisky"—and watch the city's daily life unfold.

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl: Next, walk to the final resting place of the legendary sultan, often called "Morocco’s Louis XIV." As one of the few royal shrines open to non-Muslims, this sanctuary offers a peaceful fusion of Alawite and Andalusian design, featuring quiet courtyards, carved stucco, and exquisite tilework centered around the marble tomb.

Leaving Meknes, a scenic 40-minute drive through rolling hills brings you to the ancient Archaeological Site of Volubilis, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site and Morocco’s most significant Roman ruin.

Volubilis Roman Ruins: Step back in time as you walk the historic stone pathways of this ancient provincial capital. Guided by the pillars of classical urban planning, you will marvel at the monumental Arch of Caracalla, the grand Basilica, and remarkably preserved, vibrant mosaic floors still resting in their original settings.

After that, conclude your day with 1.5-hour drive to Fes. Stay overnight in Fes.

Today, spend the day walking in Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and a living UNESCO medieval museum. This foremost of Morocco's four Imperial Cities boasts a completely car-free medina, leading travelers through a historic labyrinth of 9,000 winding alleyways and ancient souks.

Start your journey into the old town through Bab Boujloud, a famous gateway. Admire its classic Moorish design and the iconic two-colored tiles—blue for Fes and green for Islam—before walking straight onto the bustling main market streets.

Then, walk to Bou Inania Madrasa, Fes’s most magnificent Islamic college. This architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends Berber roots with Andalusian elegance. Walk through its serene courtyard to admire Morocco’s finest craftsmanship, where intricate stucco, detailed cedarwood, and vibrant Zellige mosaics create a timeless sanctuary.

Next, visit Al-Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest active university. Often called the "Oxford of the Islamic world," this spiritual center allows non-Muslims to admire its stunning green-tiled roofs and intricate Zellige courtyard from the entrance.

Then, witness Chouara Tannery, one of the world's oldest operating tanneries. Holding a fresh sprig of mint to mask the intense aromas, you’ll look down upon a breathtaking sea of multi-colored stone dye pools where local craftsmen continue an unchanged 11th-century tradition.

After that, drive up to the 14th-century Marinid Tombs for the ultimate panoramic view of Fes. Perched on a northern hill, these historic ruins of royal mausoleums offer an open, fence-free area where you can wander freely, capture stunning photos, and watch a breathtaking sunset over the sprawling medina below.

Overnight in Fes.

Optional: Moroccan brass engraving

This 3-hour workshop starts at 9:30 AM. Using a compass and ruler, you will master geometric layout—finding the center, drawing circles, and dividing them into precise segments. Clear steps make it effortlessly easy to follow.

Highlights: Alpine Landscapes, Cedar Forests & Barbary Macaques, Sahara Desert Gateway, Sunset Camel Trek or 4x4 Off-Road Drive, Traditional Berber Campfire Night.

Today, you will have epic journey south as the landscapes of Morocco transform dramatically before your eyes, taking you from alpine peaks to the rolling golden dunes of the Sahara.

Ifrane (The Switzerland of Morocco): Depart Fes and ascend into the crisp air of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, a charming town that feels worlds away from the rest of Morocco. Built during the French protectorate era, it surprises travelers with its clean alpine architecture, sloped red roofs, and leafy parks.

The Ancient Cedar Forest: A short drive from Ifrane brings you into a majestic, ancient cedar forest. Here, you will pause to stretch your legs and spot families of wild Barbary macaques (local mountain monkeys) playing among the treetops.

Transition to the Dunes: Continue your drive through the rugged Ziz Valley, stopping in the town of Midelt. As the afternoon unfolds, watch the mountain greenery melt away into vast, raw desert horizons. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Merzouga - the golden gateway where the asphalt roads end and the massive Erg Chebbi sand dunes begin.

Into the Sahara (Choose Your Adventure): At the edge of the dunes, leave your main vehicle behind and choose how you wish to enter the deep desert wilderness:

Option A (The Classic Nomad Route): Embark on a peaceful, 1-to-2-hour Camel Trek as the sun dips lower, riding across waves of liquid-gold sand.

Option B (The Adrenaline Route): Hop into a rugged 4x4 vehicle for an exhilarating off-road drive across the crests of the dunes directly to your camp.

Under the Desert Stars: Savor a traditional Tagine dinner at your Comfort Desert Camp (private tents and bathrooms). Gather around a crackling bonfire for live Berber drumming under a spectacular canopy of stars.

Optional Upgrades: Khamlia Village for spiritual Gnawa music; Luxury Desert Camp with a swimming pool.

Highlights: Desert Sunrise, Authentic Rissani Market, Ancient Irrigation Engineering, 19th-Century UN-Awarded Mud Village, Majestic Todra Gorges, Panoramic Cliffside Stay.

Wake up early for an optional Sahara Sunrise and Sandboarding.

After leaving the dunes, visit Rissani, the historical cradle of the ruling dynasty. If traveling on market days (Tue/Thu/Sun), explore its vibrant donkey and spice markets.

Ancient Oasis Engineering: Drive to Tinejdad to see the Khettara, an ancient underground irrigation marvel. Nearby, explore Ksar El Khorbat, a beautifully preserved 19th-century mud-brick village named a UN "Best Tourism Village." Browse its Oasis Museum before lunch.

The High Canyons: Descend into the breathtaking Todra Gorges, where massive limestone walls rise 300 meters straight up. Continue to the Dades Gorges to admire the iconic serpentine Hairpin Bends as children play in the cool mountain streams.

Peaceful Cliffside Stay: To bypass the noise and vendors of the town center, check into your boutique hotel or Kasbah-style boutique guesthouse perched high on the cliffs of Boumalne Dades, featuring a panoramic sunset dinner.

Highlights: Valley of the Roses, Skoura Palm Groves, Hollywood of Africa (Film Studios), UNESCO Aït Ben Haddou, High Atlas Tizi n'Tichka Pass.

Rose Valleys & Green Oases: Depart Boumalne Dades and pass through the fragrant Valley of the Roses in Kelaa Megouna (Optional Spring Add-on: April-May Rose Festival & distillery visit). Next, enjoy a 10-minute deep-breath break in the lush Skoura Oasis, home to the famous Kasbah Amridil.

The Hollywood of Africa: Arrive in Ouarzazate (UNESCO) to tour legendary film studios where cinematic masterpieces like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were shot. Admire the historic Kasbah Taourirt, the former palatial residence of the Glaoui family.

The Golden Fortress: Explore the spectacular earthen citadel of Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO). Wander through its clay labyrinth and climb to the summit for an unforgettable panoramic view of the ancient valley.

Crossing the Atlas: Navigate the dramatic bends of the High Atlas Mountains via the legendary Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), passing red-earth Berber Villages.

Arrive at your hotel or Riad in Marrakech by evening (estimated 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM).

Note: Occasional mountain road maintenance may cause brief, temporary pauses.

Service ends here in Marrakech, Morocco. For your next trip, consider adding Marrakech, Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Meknes into your Morocco tour for a complete experience. Asia Odyssey Travel is always ready to help you plan your next custom getaway. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure!

Today, visit Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech's most beloved "blue oasis." This botanical masterpiece thrives with over 400 plant species, including towering cacti and lush bamboo. The garden offers a brilliant symphony of light, music, and color, centered around the famous, vibrant Majorelle Blue architecture that defines Moroccan design.

Next, head to Marrakech Medina for Ben Youssef Madrasa, once North Africa's largest and most influential theological center. This 16th-century masterpiece beautifully showcases the golden age of Islamic artistry. Beyond the magnificent central courtyard, you can explore over 130 historic student rooms that offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient scholarly life.

Walk through The Souks, North Africa's largest and most iconic traditional open-air market network. This bustling medieval labyrinth is filled with exotic spices, hand-woven carpets, glittering lanterns, and traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.

Then, head to Koutoubia Mosque, the majestic 12th-century spiritual landmark of Marrakech. Its famous 77-meter minaret served as the architectural blueprint for Seville's Giralda Tower. Built from local red sandstone, this masterpiece features elegant geometric windows, grand Islamic arches, and beautiful public gardens perfect for photography.

After that, experience Jemaa el-Fnaa, a vibrant UNESCO-listed square at the heart of Marrakech. Day features snake charmers and fresh orange juice stalls, while night transforms the space into a massive open-air food market. Visit at sunset to enjoy the live folklore and vibrant atmosphere.

Optional Activity: Calèche Ride

Step aboard a traditional Calèche, a horse-drawn green carriage that has symbolized Marrakech for over 150 years. Driven by licensed, multi-generational local drivers, this classic open-air ride offers a romantic and nostalgic way to tour the ancient Red City.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Marrakesh Menara Airport for your onward flight.

Service ends here in Marrakech, Morocco. There are some other destinations to explore in Morocco. Asia Odyssey Travel is always ready to help you plan your next custom getaway. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure!