Imperial Cities Grand Tour: 7 Days of History, Culture, and Cuisine

Overview

Embark on a grand journey through the heart of Morocco's rich history with our 7-day Imperial Cities Grand Tour. This comprehensive itinerary is a deep dive into the four majestic cities that have each, at some point, served as the capital of this enchanting kingdom: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat. Starting from the modern metropolis of Casablanca, you'll travel through time, exploring sprawling medieval medinas, awe-inspiring palaces, ancient Roman ruins, and bustling souks. This tour is perfect for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and food lovers who want to experience the artistic, architectural, and culinary soul of Morocco's imperial legacy.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca & Transfer to Marrakech Your journey begins upon arrival at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport (CMN). We'll visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque before taking the highway to Marrakech. After checking into your riad, you'll have the evening to get your first taste of the "Red City" by diving into the vibrant atmosphere of the Djemaa el-Fna square.

Day 2: Full Day Exploring Marrakech Today is dedicated to the magic of Marrakech. With a local guide, you will explore the city's highlights, including the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque. You'll navigate the labyrinthine souks, discovering everything from spices to handcrafted leather goods. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Day 3: Marrakech → Beni Mellal → Fes We depart Marrakech and begin our journey north towards Fes. The scenic drive takes us through the agricultural heartland of Morocco, with a stop in Beni Mellal, a city nestled at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains. We continue through the mountains, arriving in the spiritual and cultural capital, Fes, in the evening.

Day 4: Full Day Guided Tour of Fes Immerse yourself in Fes, the oldest of the imperial cities. A local guide will lead you through the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali medina, the world's largest car-free urban zone. You'll visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the famous Chouara Tannery. The day is a fascinating exploration of centuries of craftsmanship and history.

Day 5: Fes → Volubilis → Meknes → Rabat Today we explore more imperial history. We drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO site with stunning mosaics. Next, we visit Meknes, the city built by Sultan Moulay Ismail, admiring the monumental Bab Mansour gate. In the afternoon, we travel to Rabat, Morocco's modern capital, where we'll spend the night.

Day 6: Exploring Rabat & Return to Casablanca In the morning, we explore the highlights of Rabat, including the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Chellah Necropolis. After our tour, we take the short drive back to Casablanca. You'll have the afternoon to explore the city's Art Deco architecture or relax by the corniche.

Day 7: Departure from Casablanca After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, your driver will transfer you to Mohammed V Airport (CMN) for your departure, filled with memories of Morocco's imperial splendor.

What is Included

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver/guide.
• Pick-up and drop-off at Casablanca airport (CMN).
• 6 nights' accommodation in comfortable riads/hotels with breakfast.
• Professional local guides in Marrakech and Fes.
• Guided visits in Meknes and Rabat.
• Entrance fees to historical sites (Hassan II Mosque, Ait Benhaddou, Palaces, etc.).
• Fuel, tolls, and all transport costs.

What is Not Included

• Lunches.
• Drinks.
• Tips for guides and drivers.
• Personal expenses.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is the ultimate historical and cultural immersion in Morocco. By visiting all four imperial cities, you gain a unique and comprehensive understanding of the dynasties that shaped the nation. It's an efficient and comfortable way to see the country's most important historical sites without the stress of arranging transport and guides, offering a seamless journey through the pages of Moroccan history.