8 Days from Casablanca to the Desert and Imperial Cities

Upon arrival at Casablanca International Airport, you will be greeted by our team and accompanied to your hotel or riad in the city center. Depending on your arrival time, you can begin your exploration of Casablanca with a short visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most spectacular mosques in the world, overlooking the Atlantic with its imposing architecture and refined details. A stroll along the Corniche, the city's waterfront, will allow you to soak up Casablanca's cosmopolitan and modern atmosphere. The evening will be free for a dinner of local specialties or to relax after your journey. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will depart for Rabat, Morocco's capital, to discover its history and main monuments. You will visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, an ancient fortified quarter with fascinating views of the walls and the ocean. Continuing on to Meknes, an imperial city famous for its majestic Bab Mansour gate and its elegant royal quarter, you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Alaouite dynasty. In the afternoon, you will stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO site that testifies to Roman influence in Morocco. Arrive in Fez in the evening and settle into your riad.

The day will be entirely dedicated to Fez, Morocco's spiritual capital. With a local guide, you will wander through the medieval medina, a labyrinth of alleys and artisan workshops, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, one of the oldest universities in the world, the mosaic-decorated madrasas, and the tanneries where leather is processed using traditional techniques. Strolling through the souks will immerse you in a timeless atmosphere, amidst the scents of spices, crafts, and Moroccan daily life. Overnight in Fez.

After breakfast, you'll depart south through the Middle Atlas mountains. Stop in Ifrane, nicknamed the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its European appearance and green spaces, then continue to the cedar forest of Azrou, where you can encounter Barbary apes in their natural habitat. After a lunch break in Midelt, the journey continues through the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and Berber villages. In the late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga and meet your camels for a trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you can admire Morocco's most evocative sunset. Overnight in a Berber tented camp with a traditional dinner under the stars.

Your day in the desert begins with sunrise over the dunes, a magical experience of light and color that will leave you speechless. After breakfast, a 4x4 excursion will allow you to explore the surrounding area: nomadic villages, ancient fossil mines, and the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa music and African desert culture. The afternoon is free to relax in the desert, photograph the dunes, go sandboarding, or simply immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of the Sahara. The following night will be spent again in the tented camp among the dunes, with dinner and traditional music.

After breakfast, return to Merzouga and depart for Rissani, a historic caravan town, followed by a brief stop in Erfoud, famous for its fossils and local traditions. The journey continues to the spectacular Todra Gorges, canyons with walls up to 300 meters high, where you can hike among the boulders and admire the breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, continue to the Dades Valley, characterized by unique rock formations, traditional kasbahs, and picturesque Berber villages. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad.

After breakfast, the tour continues along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" ​​for its film studios. A stop at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for famous international films, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, offering spectacular views. Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon and check-in at your riad.

The final day will be dedicated to exploring the red city. With a local guide, you will visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the medina with its bustling souks. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the Majorelle Gardens, go shopping, or relax in a traditional café. Transfer to Marrakech airport based on your flight schedule and end of the tour.