8 Days Morocco Imperial Cities Tour from Casablanca

Your Moroccan adventure begins in the bustling city of Casablanca, a cosmopolitan hub that blends tradition with modern flair. Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Once settled, head out to explore the city’s landmark—the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world and the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Standing partly over the Atlantic Ocean, its towering minaret and intricate zellij mosaics make it an architectural marvel. Later, take a leisurely stroll along the Corniche, a seaside promenade dotted with cafes and palm trees. If time allows, visit the famous Rick’s Café, inspired by the classic film “Casablanca,” for dinner in an elegant, nostalgic setting.

After breakfast, depart Casablanca and head north to Rabat, Morocco’s charming capital and one of its four Imperial Cities. Rabat combines coastal beauty with deep historical significance. Here, you’ll visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and the serene Mausoleum of Mohammed V, adorned in white marble and guarded by traditional sentinels. A walk through the Kasbah of the Udayas, with its blue-and-white painted alleys, provides a tranquil break with sweeping views of the Atlantic. Continuing inland, you’ll arrive at Meknes, a lesser-known gem that was once the imperial seat of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit the impressive Bab Mansour gate, the granaries of Heri es-Souani, and the Sultan’s mausoleum. Meknes offers a quieter, more intimate experience of imperial grandeur.

The day begins with a short drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in North Africa. As you wander through its olive-oil presses, basilica, and colorful mosaics, your guide will recount stories of Roman life in this once-prosperous city. Continue on to Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. On arrival, settle into your traditional riad within the old medina. In the evening, enjoy dinner in the medina and listen to the faint call to prayer echoing from the many mosques that dot the skyline. Fes is rich, complex, and waiting to be unraveled.

Step back in time with a full-day guided tour of Fes el-Bali, the city’s ancient walled medina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your local guide will lead you through its maze-like alleys, past spice markets, coppersmiths, weavers, and open-air food stalls. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University, one of the oldest continually operating universities in the world, and marvel at the Bou Inania Madrasa, known for its exquisite woodwork and tile work. No visit to Fes is complete without viewing the Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed in open-air stone vats—a fascinating yet pungent experience. The medina is a sensory overload, offering an authentic look at Moroccan craftsmanship and daily life. Return to your riad in the evening, enriched and perhaps a little enchanted.

Leave Fes behind and venture south through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Your journey takes you through Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine architecture and clean streets. Continue through cedar forests near Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques, and descend into the fertile lands surrounding Beni Mellal, a quiet agricultural town nestled between the mountains and the plains. This is a day of relaxed travel and shifting landscapes—from rugged highlands to warm red-earth valleys. Arrive in Marrakech by evening and check into your riad or hotel in the vibrant medina. Enjoy a laid-back dinner or begin your Marrakech experience with a short walk through the illuminated streets near Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Today, dive into the colors, aromas, and rhythms of Marrakech with a guided city tour. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s landmark with a 70-meter minaret visible for miles, and explore the ornate interiors of the Bahia Palace. Next, discover the Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries and now open to the public, revealing beautiful Italian marble and intricate carvings. Wander the labyrinth of souks where artisans still practice traditional crafts—from lantern-making to herbal medicine. In the afternoon, visit the serene Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, with its cobalt blue buildings and exotic plants. Conclude your day with dinner in a rooftop restaurant, listening to the city’s heartbeat from above.

This day is yours to explore at your own pace. You may choose to spend the morning shopping in the souks for souvenirs like leather goods, spices, or handmade ceramics. For those craving nature, take an optional day trip to the Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains, known for its waterfalls and traditional Berber villages. Alternatively, a spa day in a traditional hammam is a perfect way to unwind. Food lovers might join a cooking class to learn how to prepare classic Moroccan dishes like tagine or couscous. As the sun sets, return to Jemaa el-Fnaa for one last experience of its mesmerizing blend of street performers, storytellers, and sizzling food stalls.

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Casablanca. The 3-hour drive offers time to reflect on your journey through Morocco’s Imperial Cities—each with its own personality, flavor, and rhythm. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final stroll along the Casablanca Corniche or a visit to a local market for last-minute souvenirs. Your driver will ensure you arrive at Mohammed V Airport in good time for your departure, bringing your journey full circle. Though your trip ends, the memories of ancient cities, mountain paths, warm hospitality, and lively medinas will linger long after you’ve returned home.