7-Day Tour: Imperial Circuit and Desert

7-Day Tour: Imperial Circuit and Desert

December 15, 2024
7 days, 6 nights

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This 7-day tour is a complete circuit that captures the essence of Morocco. Starting and ending in Marrakech, it will take you through cinematic landscapes, into the heart of the Sahara desert, and through the historic imperial cities of Fez, Meknes and Rabat. It's the perfect balance of adventure, culture and history in one unforgettable week.

Highlights

  • A complete circuit starting and ending in Marrakech.
  • Visit the imperial cities of Fez, Meknes and Rabat.
  • A magical night in the Merzouga desert with a camel ride.
  • Explore the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Tour through the Todra and Dades Gorges and the Atlas Mountains.
  • Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

We depart from Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas. We'll visit the iconic Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified adobe village that has served as the backdrop for countless films. After passing through Ouarzazate, we'll follow the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Dades Valley, where we'll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we'll head to the impressive Todra Gorge for a short walk. Then, we'll continue towards the desert. Upon arriving in Merzouga, we'll swap our vehicle for camels for an unforgettable ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset. We'll have dinner and spend a magical night at a Berber camp.

Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Fez

Wake up to a Saharan sunrise. After breakfast, we'll begin our journey north. We'll cross the lush Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas mountains, passing through the town of Midelt, famous for its apples. We'll arrive in Fez in the afternoon and check in to your riad.

Day 4: Guided Tour of Fez

Today, a local guide will take you to explore Fez, Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital. You'll immerse yourself in its labyrinthine medina (Fes el-Bali), visit the famous tanneries, historic madrasas and bustling souks. A true journey through time.

Day 5: Fez → Meknes → Volubilis → Rabat

We leave Fez and head to the imperial city of Meknes to admire its walls and the monumental Bab Mansour gate. Nearby, we'll explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. In the afternoon, we'll continue to Rabat, Morocco's modern capital, to spend the night.

Day 6: Rabat → Casablanca → Marrakech

In the morning, we'll visit Rabat's most iconic sites, such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Udayas. We'll make a brief stop in Casablanca to see the exterior of the majestic Hassan II Mosque before heading back to Marrakech, where we'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Day 7: End of Tour in Marrakech

After breakfast, the tour comes to an end. Depending on your itinerary, you'll have free time to enjoy a bit more of Marrakech before your departure.

What's Included?

  • Private air-conditioned transport for the entire circuit.
  • English-speaking driver/guide.
  • 6 nights of accommodation in riads/hotels and a camp.
  • Dinners and breakfasts as per the itinerary.
  • Camel ride.
  • Local guide for the Fez tour.

What's Not Included?

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

Why Choose This Tour?

This circuit is the ideal choice if you want to experience the maximum diversity of Morocco in one week. By starting and ending in Marrakech, it streamlines logistics and lets you see imperial cities, the desert, mountains and the coast in one coherent, complete trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pace of the trip very fast? It's a comprehensive tour with several travel days, but it's designed with regular stops to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

What kind of accommodation is used? We stay in carefully selected charming riads and hotels in the cities and valleys, and at a traditional camp (with luxury options available) in the desert.

Is a private tour option available? Yes, this itinerary is offered in a private format, allowing for greater flexibility to adapt the pace and stops to your interests.

Ready for the adventure?

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