Explore Morocco Imperial Cities Sahara 9 Day Tour

Leave for the cultural capital of Morocco, Fez. On the way, you will pass the capital of Morocco Rabat,  where you can enjoy the Hassan Tower and the Mohamed V Mausoleum, and, then we will continue to Meknes to explore the second imperial city after Rabat. Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 4 Imperial cities of Morocco. However, of late, it has always been overshadowed by more popular tourist destinations like Fez. There are so many things that you can enjoy here starting from Bab Mansour, which is the ginormous gate that serves as an entry point to this city. The wood carvings and beautiful tilework make this one of the most beautiful gates in the whole of Morocco.

After Lunch in Meknes, we will head towards the Roman Empire ruins, Volubilis, an ancient Roman occupation that dates back to 225 BC! While the structures are in ruins, they are still as magnificent as ever, showing the might that the Roman Empire once possessed. A lot of the magnificence can be attributed to the fact that these ruins have been maintained well over the years. Due to the preservation of these historically important structures, UNESCO has granted a world heritage site to Volubilis, continuing to Fes after visiting Volubilis for an Overnight.

You will be taken to our private tour of Fes on this day and will surely enjoy the local history and love indulging in the delicious Fes cuisine which makes them the top things to do in Fes. You can also visit the beach and enjoy a good time there. Then you will visit the old city of Medina which has some brilliant alleys and tunnel systems within the city. The Jewish Quarter and Royal Palace are some astounding buildings to witness. The Quaraouine Mosque must also not be missed among the things to do in Fes. You will spend the rest of the day in Fes.

Today, your journey takes you to the fascinating **oasis city of Erfoud**, often referred to as the **"Doorway to the Sahara."** Located on the edge of the desert, Erfoud is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and cinematic charm. This city is not only a gateway to the vast dunes of the **Sahara Desert**, but it has also served as the dramatic backdrop for several Hollywood films, including **Prince of Persia** and **The Mummy**. As you wander through the city’s palm-fringed streets and explore its traditional architecture, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped onto a movie set, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the desert landscape. If you’re a fan of these films, perhaps you’ll be inspired to recreate a scene or two—adding a playful touch to your visit.

Once you leave Erfoud, the adventure truly begins as you make your way deeper into the desert. Upon reaching the **Sahara**, you’ll have the unforgettable experience of riding **camels** across the golden dunes, a quintessential part of any Moroccan desert journey. As you sway with the gentle movement of the camels, you’ll be able to take in the stunning panoramic views of the endless **Erg Chebbi dunes**, their rippling forms changing colors with the light of the sun. This serene ride will transport you back in time, as camel caravans were once the lifeblood of the desert, traveling for days through these same dunes.

After your camel trek, you’ll be treated to a delicious meal of **traditional Moroccan cuisine** served in the heart of the desert. Local specialties like **tagine**, fresh salads, and **Moroccan mint tea** will fill the air with tantalizing aromas, offering you an authentic taste of the region’s flavors. Surrounded by the tranquility of the desert, this meal will be an opportunity to relax and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. As the sun sets over the dunes, casting a golden glow across the landscape, you’ll feel the magic of the Sahara Desert settle in, making this an unforgettable day of discovery and adventure.

Ouarzazate is the real doorway to the Moroccan deserts. Situated just at the edge of the Sahara Desert, this town is also known as the Hollywood of Africa.

The Dades Valley is the principal route between the desert and the ancient trading oasis of Tifilalt. The main High Atlas Mountains are to the north, but at Todra the valley descends to a dramatic gorge that cuts through the mountains. It’s one of Morocco’s greatest natural sights, completed by a gently burbling stream and a welcoming cafe to rest at. At its eastern end, the valley joins that of the Ziz River, where towering palms threaten to spill over the canyon edge into the valley hundreds of meters below.

Ouarzazate boasts a significant role in the history of the south of Morocco, lying as it does at the confluence of the three major southern oasis valleys – the Draa, the Dades, and the Ouarzazate. Extensive fortifications built by successive sultans trying to dominate and control this traditionally subversive region have come and gone, the pisé walls washed away in sporadic rains. The only lasting impression has been left by the French, who made Ouarzazate their southern garrison town, laid out a grid of streets, and built modern buildings to line them. There are, however, a couple of well-preserved kasbahs in and around the town, and Ouarzazate is a great base for exploring the surrounding scenery: steep desert valleys filled with palms, leading into rocky desert plains.

It has some famous studios where films like The Lawrence of Arabia and the modern favorite TV drama Game of Thrones have been shot. You can visit the studios for a guided tour

Today, you will leave for Marrakech close to Ouarzazate lies the spectacular ancient ksar town of Ait Ben Haddou, an extraordinary example of traditional clay-brick dwellings in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, many movies were shot here, including Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven. Ridley Scott returned to Morocco to use the atmospheric Ait Ben Haddou for many scenes in Gladiator; the town’s stunning cinematic location against the snow-capped mountain backdrop made it perfect for the silver screen. Michael Douglas was also here for Jewel of the Nile, flying a plane into a specially built archway that remains part of Ait Ben Haddou today. The town has also been used to film parts of popular TV show Game of Thrones.

There are so many things to do in Marrakech that it will take a good 2 days to explore. At night, you can take a stroll at the Jemaa el Fna, which is the lively and vibrant marketplace

Today, you can experience much more of this medieval city, a lively, colorful city, Marrakesh is defined by its old medina and souqs, which lattice the center and resound with the hum of craftsmanship and the tantalizing aroma of exotic spices. At the heart of the medina is the Djemaa El Fna, an open space that comes alive at night with entertainers and soothsayers amid the food stalls. Over its turbulent history, the city has fallen in and out of favor with the ruling sultans, but its function as a trading place has continued regardless. Rising above this activity are proud reminders of the city’s past in the towering minarets, ornate tombs, and cavernous palaces. These are encircled by ochre ramparts, shaded beneath palms, and framed by the distant backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Marrakesh’s many gardens offer a haven of tranquillity in this busy city. The best known of these is the Majorelle Garden, where vibrant plants surround a striking cobalt-blue Art Deco pavilion.

Today, you will return to the ocean city of Casablanca. If you are wondering what to do in Casablanca tonight, check out the Hassan II Mosque from outside. At night, the lighting makes it look stunning!

The driver will drop you off at the airport. Return home after having experienced the highest level of Morocco tourism!