9-Day Morocco Imperial Cities Tour – From the Rif Mountains to Merzouga Desert
This Imperial Cities of Morocco 9 days is a comprehensive and accessible journey, ideal for travelers from Canada, Switzerland, France, and Belgium wishing to discover Morocco with complete peace of mind. This Imperial Cities Morocco tour combines culture, heritage, and desert in a balanced itinerary, without physical difficulty. From the Rif mountains to the historic medinas of Fez, Meknes, Rabat, and Marrakech, you explore the great imperial capitals before reaching the Sahara.
The crossing of the Atlas and the Valley of Roses leads you to the golden dunes of Merzouga to experience an authentic Morocco desert tour. A night in a comfortable bivouac, a camel ride at sunset, and an evening under the stars make this journey an unforgettable experience. This program perfectly combines imperial cities and Morocco desert, offering an accessible, comfortable Merzouga desert tour rich in cultural discoveries.
Comfort :
Duration : 9 Days
Price from : $850 per person
Imperial Cities Morocco Tour Itinerary – 9 Days
Day 1: Flight to Tetouan – Rif – Chefchaouen 70 km
Arrival at Tetouan airport. Personalized welcome followed by departure to Chefchaouen through the magnificent Rif mountains. The green landscapes and Berber villages already announce the richness of this Morocco tour.
Check-in at the hotel in the heart of the medina. Depending on arrival time, first free discovery of the iconic blue alleyways. Dinner on your own and overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 2: Chefchaouen – Fez
After breakfast, departure to Fez crossing hills, olive groves, and traditional villages. This journey marks the beginning of your immersion in the Imperial Cities Morocco tour.
Check-in at a riad in the medina of Fez. In the afternoon, guided tour of the highlights: Al Quaraouiyine University, Bou Inania Madrasa, traditional tanneries, and artisan souks. Fez, the spiritual capital of the kingdom, is a major stop on the journey combining imperial cities and Morocco desert.
Dinner and overnight at the riad.
Day 3: Fez – Volubilis – Meknes 118 km
Drive to Volubilis, an ancient Roman city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discovery of mosaics and ancient ruins.
Continue to Meknes, a jewel of the Imperial Cities Morocco tour. Visit Bab Mansour, El Hedim Square, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Check-in at a riad and overnight in the medina.
Day 4: Meknes – Rabat – Casablanca 240 km
Departure to Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. Visit the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Kasbah of the Udayas.
Continue to Casablanca. Check-in at a hotel near the Atlantic Corniche. This stop completes the cultural discovery of your Morocco tour.
Day 5: Casablanca – Marrakech 243 km
After breakfast, drive to Marrakech, the famous red city at the foot of the Atlas. Check-in at a traditional riad.
Free time in the afternoon to discover Jemaa el-Fna square, the lively souks, and the unique atmosphere of the medina. An essential stop on this journey combining imperial cities and Morocco desert.
Day 6: Marrakech – Guided Tour
Full day with an official guide: Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, and exploration of traditional souks.
This cultural immersion deepens your experience in this accessible and balanced Imperial Cities Morocco tour.
Overnight at the riad.
Day 7: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges 330 km
Departure to the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), offering spectacular panoramas.
Stop in Ouarzazate then continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and the Valley of Roses. Check-in at a guesthouse in the Dades Gorges. This day marks the transition to your Morocco desert tour.
Day 8: Dades – Todgha Gorges – Merzouga 300 km
Departure to the impressive Todgha Gorges, famous for their vertiginous cliffs.
Continue to Merzouga crossing palm groves and Saharan villages. Discovery of the khattarat, ancient traditional irrigation systems.
Check-in at the bivouac in the dunes. Camel ride at sunset, traditional dinner, and evening around the campfire under the stars. A highlight of your Merzouga desert tour and the culmination of this Morocco desert tour.
Day 9: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Errachidia – Return 130 km
Sunrise over the dunes. Breakfast at the camp.
Drive to Errachidia along the magnificent Ziz Valley and its palm groves. Transfer to the airport and return flight. End of your Imperial Cities of Morocco 9 days, a complete journey between culture, mountains, and Sahara.
To extend your experience in the Atlas, we offer a combination with the imperial cities and a trek in the Middle Atlas between shepherds’ huts and lakes: see the complete program.
Highlights – Imperial Cities of Morocco 9 Days Tour
Complete Discovery of the Imperial Cities
Visit Fez, Meknes, Rabat, and Marrakech, the great imperial capitals of Morocco, rich in culture and historical heritage.
Exploration of the Rif and Chefchaouen
Immersion in the Rif mountains and the unique charm of Chefchaouen, the famous blue city.
Crossing the High Atlas
Scenic route via the Tizi n’Tichka pass with spectacular views of the Atlas and its picturesque valleys.
Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and Valley of Roses
Discover traditional kasbahs and the Valley of Roses, emblematic of Morocco’s natural beauty.
Discovery of Todgha and Dades Gorges
Admire the impressive gorges and spectacular landscapes while passing through these iconic natural sites.
Visit of the khattara – Ancient Irrigation System
Explore the ancient traditional underground irrigation systems in the palm groves of southern Morocco and discover local ingenuity.
Authentic Desert Experience
Night in a comfortable bivouac in the dunes of Merzouga with campfire and local entertainment. Camel ride at sunset to experience a true Morocco desert tour.
Guided Tours and Cultural Heritage
Guided tours of medinas, historical monuments, Roman sites like Volubilis, and immersion in local life.
Varied and Comfortable Accommodations
Riad, hotel, guesthouse, and bivouac for a comfortable and authentic experience of the Morocco desert tour.
Included and Adapted Transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the Imperial Cities Morocco tour with transfers between cities and excursions included.
Full Board
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included throughout the Imperial Cities Morocco tour, to fully enjoy the journey worry-free.
Accessible to All Travelers
No special physical requirements. Ideal for French-speaking travelers from Canada, France, Belgium, and Switzerland.
Perfect Combination of Imperial Cities and Morocco Desert
This Merzouga desert tour offers a balance between culture, heritage, mountains, and Sahara for a complete experience of Morocco.
Well-Organized and Balanced Itinerary
The program combines moments of cultural discovery, free time, scenic routes, and immersion in nature.
Authentic Cultural Experience
Encounters with local populations, immersion in the souks, and discovery of Moroccan traditions.
Unforgettable Photos and Memories
Breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences to immortalize your imperial cities and Morocco desert tour.
Technical Sheet – 9 Days Imperial Cities in Morocco
Duration and Itinerary
- Day 1: Flight to Tetouan – Rif – Chefchaouen (≈ 70 km)
- Day 2: Chefchaouen – Fez
- Day 3: Fez – Volubilis – Meknes
- Day 4: Meknes – Rabat – Casablanca
- Day 5: Casablanca – Marrakech
- Day 6: Marrakech – Guided Tour
- Day 7: Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges
- Day 8: Dades – Todgha Gorges – Merzouga
- Day 9: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Errachidia – Return
Accommodation
Hotels and Riads
2 nights in Chefchaouen and Fez in traditional riads, 1 night in Meknes and Casablanca in comfortable hotels.
Guesthouse and Bivouac
1 night in a guesthouse in the Dades Gorges and 1 night in a bivouac in the dunes of Merzouga for the Morocco desert tour.
Transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the Imperial Cities Morocco tour with transfers between cities and camel rides included.
Meals
Full board: breakfasts, lunches, and dinners included throughout the Imperial Cities Morocco tour. Beverages and personal extras not included.
Level
Accessible to all, no physical or athletic experience required. Ideal for French-speaking travelers from Canada, France, Belgium, and Switzerland.
Best Time to Travel
April to June and September to October to fully enjoy the imperial cities and Morocco desert and the Sahara.
Imperial Cities of Morocco 9 Days Tour Price
Rates and Services – Imperial Cities of Morocco 9 Days Tour
Rates according to number of participants:
| Number of people | 4 pax | 5 to 8 pax | 9 to 14 pax | More than 15 pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | €1,240 | €1,190 | €990 | €850 |
Price includes
- Airport transfers and transportation between cities and visited sites.
- Accommodation in riads, hotels, and comfortable guesthouses, including 1 night in a desert bivouac.
- Experienced French-speaking guide for the entire tour.
- Full board: breakfasts, lunches, and dinners according to the program.
- Camel ride in the desert at sunset.
- Campfire and local entertainment during the night in the desert.
- Guided tours of imperial cities, Volubilis, kasbahs, and gorges.
- Logistical assistance during the tour.
Price does not include
- International airfare and airport taxes.
- Travel and repatriation insurance.
- Personal expenses and extras not mentioned.
- Free or non-included meals in Marrakech, Casablanca, or other stops.
- Paid visits not included in the program.
- Tips for the local team and guide.
- Beverages and alcoholic drinks not included.
FAQ – Imperial Cities of Morocco 9 Days Tour
What level is required for this tour?
This Imperial Cities Morocco tour is accessible to all travelers, beginners or intermediate. No hiking experience or special physical preparation is necessary to fully enjoy this Morocco tour.
What are the best times to travel?
The months of April to June and September to October offer ideal weather to fully enjoy the imperial cities and Morocco desert, from the Rif to the Sahara dunes during your Morocco desert tour.
Can the tour be adapted for families or small groups?
Yes, this Morocco tour is fully customizable according to group size, participants’ ages, and individual preferences. It is perfectly suited for an accessible and comfortable Imperial Cities Morocco tour.
What types of accommodation are offered?
You will be accommodated in hotels, riads, and luxury bivouacs. Nights during the Merzouga desert tour are planned in comfortable bivouacs for an authentic and unforgettable experience of the Morocco desert tour.
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, all transfers between cities and visited sites are included, with an air-conditioned vehicle suitable for groups. Camel rides in the desert are an integral part of the Morocco desert tour.
Are meals included?
This Imperial Cities Morocco tour includes full board: breakfasts, lunches, and dinners according to the program. Beverages and personal extras remain at the participants’ expense.
Is this tour suitable for French-speaking travelers from Canada and Europe?
Absolutely. This Imperial Cities of Morocco 9 days is designed for French-speaking travelers from Canada, Switzerland, France, and Belgium, with a French-speaking guide and personalized support to discover the imperial cities and Morocco desert.
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