5-Day Tour of the Imperial Cities and the Desert from Marrakech

5-Day Tour of the Imperial Cities and the Desert from Marrakech

September 15, 2024
5 days, 4 nights

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Discover the best of Morocco on this comprehensive 5-day tour. From vibrant Marrakech, you will travel through spectacular landscapes to explore the historic imperial cities of Fez and Meknes, and experience a magical night in the Sahara desert. It's the perfect combination of culture, history, and adventure.

Highlights

  • Explore the medinas of Marrakech and Fez, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains and visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou.
  • Ride a camel across the dunes of Erg Chebbi and sleep at a desert camp.
  • Discover the imperial city of Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
  • Travel through Morocco's varied landscapes, from mountains to deserts and fertile valleys.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Aït Ben Haddou → Dades Gorge

Our journey begins in Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass. We will visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a true film-set location. We will continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses to reach the Dades Gorge, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Day 2: Dades Gorge → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we head to the Todra Gorge. Then, we will travel to Merzouga, where camels await to carry us across the dunes of Erg Chebbi to our desert camp. We will enjoy a Berber dinner and a night under the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Ifrane → Fez

After sunrise and breakfast in the desert, we will begin our journey to Fez. We will cross the Ziz Valley, the cedar forests of Azrou (home to Barbary macaques), and the town of Ifrane. We will arrive in Fez in the afternoon and drop you off at your accommodation.

Day 4: Guided Tour of Fez

Today is devoted to exploring Fez, Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital. With a local guide, you will visit the medieval medina, the Medersas (Quranic schools), the famous Chouara tannery, the Karaouine Mosque, and the Nejjarine Fountain. Immerse yourself in the maze of its streets and souks.

Day 5: Fez → Meknes → Volubilis → Marrakech

On our last day, we will travel from Fez to the imperial city of Meknes. We will visit the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Then, we will explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. In the afternoon, we will head back to Marrakech, where our tour ends.

What's Included?

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
  • Transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.
  • English-speaking driver/guide.
  • 4 nights of accommodation (1 in Dades, 1 in the desert, 2 in Fez).
  • Dinners and breakfasts according to the itinerary.
  • Camel ride.
  • Local guide for the Fez visit.

What's Not Included?

  • Lunches and drinks.
  • Entrance fees to historical monuments and Volubilis.
  • Tips and personal expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accommodation in Fez included? Yes, this tour includes two nights of accommodation in a charming riad in Fez.

Is there a lot of driving time? Yes, this is a comprehensive tour that covers great distances. There will be several days with quite a few hours of driving, but we will make frequent stops for photos and rest.

Ready for the adventure?

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