8 Days Imperial Cities Morocco Cultural Tour from Fes

Overview

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the heart of Morocco’s Imperial cities, starting from the ancient labyrinth of Fes? Join us on an unforgettable adventure as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of this culturally rich country. Begin your exploration with a guided tour through the historic medina of Fes, where centuries-old traditions and architectural wonders await around every corner.
From there, venture into the scenic landscapes of Ifran and Midelt, traversing the mesmerizing Ziz Oasis en route to the legendary Merzouga desert. Spend a night under the starlit sky, immersing yourself in the timeless beauty of the Sahara.
Continuing our odyssey, we’ll journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Todra and Dades Gorges, where towering cliffs and winding rivers create a breathtaking backdrop. As we make our way towards Marrakech, we’ll pass through the picturesque Rose Valley, the UNESCO-protected Ait benhaddou, and the majestic Atlas Mountains.
Join us on this Imperial Cities Morocco Cultural Tour and experience the captivating beauty and rich heritage of Morocco’s most iconic cities. From the ancient medinas to the sprawling desert landscapes, each moment promises to be a journey of discovery and delight.

Highlights 

• Immerse yourself in the ancient medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its labyrinthine streets and vibrant souks.
• Explore the oldest university in the world, the fascinating Karaouine Mosque, and discover local craftsmanship at the colorful tanneries.
• Experience the majestic Sahara Desert with a camel trek across golden dunes, ending with a night under the stars in a traditional Bedouin tent.
• Marvel at towering cliffs and ancient kasbahs in the Todgha and Dades Gorges, known for their breathtaking landscapes and Berber villages.
• Visit the iconic Ait Benhaddou kasbah, a backdrop for famous movies, and traverse the stunning Atlas Mountains on your way to Marrakech.
• Discover the blend of modernity and tradition in Casablanca, explore the historic capital of Rabat, and wander through the grandeur of Meknes’ UNESCO-listed medina.

Day 1 : Arrival to Fes

­Welcome to Fes! Steeped in history and culture, Fes is a city like no other, with its ancient medina, colorful souks, and intricate architecture. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted by your dedicated driver/tour guide, who will be waiting for you at the airport with a card bearing your name. They’ll whisk you away to your hotel/ Riad, where you can unwind and rest before embarking on your journey tomorrow. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of this enchanting city. Whether you’re here to discover its rich history, indulge in its culinary delights, or simply wander through its labyrinthine streets, Fes promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy your time exploring all that this fascinating city has to offer!

Day 2 : Fes Walk and Talk Medina Guided Tour

Do not panic the guide will show you the must-see sites. With your private Fes born and bred guide you will have the opportunity to discover the ancient breeding ground for scholars and artisans and the largest Medina of the world. Your will see the America Fondouk, Nejjarines, the Tanneries, the Medersa (Theological college) and Karaouine the first established university in the world. Your guide will shed light on many tales and 1200 years of history of this UNESCO-protected Medina. Optionally, after exploring the Medina, we can drive you to Sefrou for a delicious home-cooked meal at Lalla Fatiha’s place, or you can indulge in a traditional Moroccan Hammam spa experience.

Day 3 : Fes – Ifran – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

An early-morning start is recommended for this day. We leave the mazing Medina of Fes with its mysteries and secrets of the 9000 alleyways head to southeast towards Merzouga and the gateway into the golden dunes of the Sahara desert. En route we will pass by the cedar forests of Ifran, the Switzerland of Morocco, where you might think that you are in the Alps. If we’re lucky we’ll come across the Barbary Macaques in our way to Midelt where we’ll stopover for lunch. After eating we drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach the Ziz Valley, which considered to be among the largest producer oasis dates in Morocco, then it’s off to Merzouga with its highest dunes in Morocco, you can store any baggage while packing an overnight bag to bring along. You’ll have the chance to be accompanied by a camel and blue-turban-robed guide into the sandy seas. After hour-long camel ride you will be among the luckiest to watch the sun set over the Sahara dunes and spend a night in a Berber style tent.

Day 4 : Merzouga Desert – Erfoud – Todgha Gorges – Dades Gorges

This morning you’ll wake up with the sun shining on you face to witness what we hope is a glorious sunrise among the dunes, meanwhile to watch the light creep slowly down the dunes and pull all the world around you outside their warmth heavy mound of blankets for an early-breakfast. After an hour-ride camel back out of the desert you will depart and head for Erfoud where you can marvel at the million-year-old fossils that the area is famous for. Then heading north for a sublime experience in the Todgha gorges where we’ll be stuck between the gigantic rock walls. Arriving to Dades gorges a rust-red and mauve mountains. A series of crumbling Kasbahs and Ksours line the valley in the Berber villages to the monkey Fingers Mountains.
If we get there earlier and you still have some energy to hike a couple of hours we will drop-off our luggage at the hotel and get dressed for the hike.

Day 5 : Dades Gorges – Valley of Roses – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

From the majestic Dades Gorges, your journey winds through a series of enchanting destinations, each offering its own unique beauty and charm. Departing from the rugged canyon walls and winding rivers, your first stop is the Valley of Roses, where fragrant blossoms and picturesque landscapes create a tranquil oasis.

Continuing onwards, the road leads to Ouarzazate, a city steeped in history and culture, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Explore its ancient kasbahs, visit film studios, and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere before journeying further.Next, arrive at the iconic Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient mud-brick architecture. Wind up the memorable Tizi n’Tichka pass via the north Africa’s highest peak, the high Atlas Mountains with the Berber villages that lined beside the road to arrive to Marrakech where you will have a day-long to explore the crazed cacophony of musicians, snake charmers and vendors in the open-air famed Jamaa El Fnaa square, and the highly recommended sites with your guide.

Day 6 : Marrakech Walk and Talk Medina Guided tour

Today, with your private Marrakech born and bred guide, you embark exploring the Red City from its old part with its Medina’s skinny lanes that leads to lavish sites, tombs and religious monuments decked out in marble. Bahia and El-Badii Palace and Saadien’s Tombs will be your targets. Afterward, you driver/Tour Guide will pick you up for the outside medina visit to explore the Majorelle garden, Museum Saint Laurent, Berber Museum. While in Marrakech you will surely encounter thousands of motorcyclists and horse-carts roaming in the city and some of them pull over next the vast square of Jemaa El-Fnaa where it’s carnival night every night and musicians, acrobats, storytellers and slapstick acting troupes tap into the Medina frenetic pulse.

Day 7 : Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes– Fes

Embark on an exhilarating journey through some of Morocco’s most iconic cities with our captivating itinerary. Departing from Marrakech, our first stop is the bustling metropolis of Casablanca, where the fusion of modernity and tradition creates a captivating atmosphere. Admire the architectural splendor of the Hassan II Mosque before continuing our adventure to Rabat, the country’s elegant capital. Explore the historic sites and vibrant markets that line the streets of this coastal gem.
Next, we journey to Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its grandiose architecture and rich cultural heritage. Marvel at the imposing Bab Mansour gate and wander through the bustling medina, where centuries-old traditions thrive. Finally, our adventure culminates in the ancient city of Fes, where narrow alleyways and hidden treasures await your discovery. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of this enchanting city, as you explore its labyrinthine medina and uncover the secrets of Morocco’s imperial past. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Morocco’s most captivating cities.

Day 8 : Fes Departure

As you bid farewell to Fes, take a moment to reflect on the rich experiences and memories you’ve gathered in this historic city. Whether you’ve explored the ancient medina, sampled the local cuisine, or immersed yourself in the vibrant culture, Fes has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on you. As you depart, carry with you the essence of this captivating city, and may your journey ahead be filled with new adventures and discoveries. Until we meet again, Fes will remain a cherished chapter in your travel story. Safe travels!