6-Day Tour of Morocco's Imperial Cities: Discover Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Casablanca
- Duration: 6 days
- From: Casablanca
- Arrival: Marrakech
If you’re passionate about exploring world-renowned historical and cultural landmarks, this journey is ideal for you. Our Imperial Cities tour will lead you through Morocco’s most magnificent mosques, royal palaces, madrasas, and awe-inspiring sites. You’ll visit the iconic cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech, all starting from the vibrant city of Casablanca. Be sure to have your camera ready, stay alert, and soak in the knowledge shared by our expert guides as you uncover the essence of Morocco’s rich heritage and vibrant present.
Services included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, at your hotel or at the agreed location
- 4x4 route, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
- Camel ride to the tent camp
- Dinner at the tent camp
- Accommodation in a Berber tent
- Assistance at destination
Services not included
- Arrival and return flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets to monuments
- Tips
- Schedule
Day 1
This journey begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most modern city. Upon arrival whether at the airport or a designated meeting point, our agency representative will greet you. A Spanish-speaking driver will escort you in a private, comfortable vehicle to the heart of the city.
In Casablanca, the highlight will be the impressive Hassan II Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Uniquely accessible to non-Muslim visitors, the mosque reveals stunning architecture crafted from premium materials like marble, granite, and intricate ceramics. Located on a man-made promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it offers both spiritual and scenic grandeur.
Following this visit, we’ll head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital since 1912 and one of the country’s four Imperial Cities. There, you’ll explore important historical sites such as the Hassan Tower, a striking example of Almohad architecture resembling Seville’s Giralda and the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortified area offering panoramic views over the Bou Regreg River, the city of Salé, and the Atlantic coastline.
The rest of your time in Rabat will be at your leisure, giving you the freedom to wander its UNESCO-listed medina, browse the local souks, or visit one of the city’s renowned museums. The day concludes with an overnight stay in a charming riad in the heart of Rabat.
Summary of the day
- Pick up at Casablanca airport and transfer to the city
- Visit to the Hassan II Mosque
- Trip to Rabat and free visit
- Night in a riad in Rabat
Day 2
The second day of this Imperial Cities tour is packed with cultural highlights and historical treasures. After enjoying breakfast at your riad in Rabat, your driver will meet you to begin the day’s journey.
Your first destination is Meknes, another of Morocco’s great Imperial Cities. It reached its peak under Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, when it served as the kingdom’s capital. Many landmarks in the city are tied to his legacy, including his mausoleum. You’ll also admire the monumental gates and the fortified walls that surround the medina, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next, the tour takes you even further back in history with a visit to Volubilis. This ancient Roman city is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in North Africa. As you walk among the ruins, you’ll see the remains of grand temples, exquisite mosaics, and triumphal arches honoring emperors like Marcus Aurelius and Caracalla. This site is also recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance.
After exploring both Meknes and Volubilis, you’ll head to Fez, a central city in Morocco’s imperial history. While the full tour of Fez is scheduled for the next day, your evening is free to start exploring its atmosphere whether by strolling through the medina, browsing the vibrant souks, or visiting some of its artisan workshops.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in a riad in Rabat
- Free visit to the city of Meknes
- View of the Roman archaeological site of Volubilis
- Arrival in Fez and free time
- Night in a riad in Fez
Day 3
Fez holds a key position on this Imperial Cities tour—not only as one of Morocco’s historic capitals but also as a major cultural and intellectual hub in both the country and the wider Islamic world. After enjoying breakfast at your riad, you’ll meet your official local guide for a walking tour through the heart of its historic medina, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This immersive visit will take you to iconic landmarks such as the Karaouine Mosque and its ancient university, recognized as one of the oldest in the world. You’ll also explore the beautifully decorated Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas, fine representations of Islamic architecture. Your route will include atmospheric squares like Nejjarine and traditional neighborhoods such as the Tanners’ Quarter, offering insight into the daily life and crafts of the city.
In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to continue discovering the city at your own pace. You might choose to visit the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah), admire the ornate Golden Gates of the Royal Palace, or stop by a museum like Borj Nord. Alternatively, you can dive deeper into the medina’s artisan shops or sample Fez’s renowned local cuisine. After a full day, you’ll return to your riad to rest and recharge for the next leg of your journey.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in riad
- City tour with a local official guide
- Free afternoon
- Night in a riad in Fez
Day 4
On the fourth day of this Imperial Cities tour of Morocco, we’ll journey from Fez to another historic capital: Marrakech, often referred to as the “Red City” and widely considered the country’s most iconic and visited destination. After breakfast at your riad, we’ll set off for Marrakech—a scenic trip that will take up most of the morning.
Once we arrive, you’ll have the afternoon free to begin exploring the city at your own pace. Since Marrakech is brimming with sites of interest, this is a great opportunity to discover areas not covered in the next day’s guided tour. You might choose to visit the contemporary Gueliz district, wander through the Majorelle Gardens, or explore museums such as the Marrakech Museum or the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
You can also take time to lose yourself in the medina, browsing artisan stalls or sampling traditional Moroccan cuisine. If needed, we’ll gladly offer recommendations to match your preferences. In the evening, you’ll settle into a charming riad in the heart of the medina, perfectly located for further discoveries.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Fez
- Trip to Marrakech
- Free afternoon in Marrakech
- Night in a riad in Marrakech
Day 5
Marrakech, with its rich cultural heritage, is a UNESCO-designated gem. Its historic medina is recognized as a World Heritage Site, and Jemaa el-Fna Square holds the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As such, this day promises a wealth of fascinating discoveries. After enjoying breakfast at your riad, you’ll join our official local guide for a tailored walking tour.
Your itinerary may include some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque an architectural marvel and a symbol of Marrakech. You might also explore the Ben Youssef Madrasa, renowned for its intricate tilework, stucco details, and carved cedar wood. Other highlights could be the opulent Bahia Palace, reflecting the grandeur of the city’s past rulers, and the Saadian Tombs, a stunning example of Moroccan funerary art.
The afternoon will be yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to dive deeper into the medina, visit additional sites, or enjoy local food and shopping. This evening, your final night of the Imperial Cities tour, you’ll return to relax once more in your medina riad.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Marrakech
- City tour with an official local guide
- Free afternoon
- Night in a riad in Marrakech
Day 6
The sixth and final day marks the conclusion of our journey through Morocco’s Imperial Cities. Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may have some free time after breakfast and checking out of your riad to enjoy a final stroll or some last-minute shopping.
At the agreed-upon time, our driver will meet you at your accommodation and provide a comfortable private transfer to the airport. Our services will officially end at the terminal, with the hope that we’ve met your expectations both culturally and in terms of quality, and that we’ll have the pleasure of welcoming you again on another adventure in Morocco.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Marrakech
- Check out
- Free time, if the return flight schedule allows it
- Airport transfer by private vehicle
- End of our services
- Photos
- Map
Morocco Turism offers an extensive selection of tours, from explorations of the imperial cities to thrilling journeys through the Sahara Desert. For more information, check out our tours page.
Tour durations vary, ranging from quick weekend escapes to extended trips of over a week. You can select the option that best fits your schedule and interests.
The cities you’ll visit depend on the tour you select, but options often include Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and more. Each tour features a detailed itinerary available on our website.
Definitely. Your safety is our highest priority. We partner with professional guides and skilled drivers to provide you with a secure and unforgettable travel experience.
Our tours feature a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and traditional riads. Each option is thoughtfully chosen to provide both comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Yes, at Morocco Turism, we recognize that every traveler is different. Reach out to us to tailor your tour according to your preferences and specific interests.
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