Morocco’s imperial cities beckon travelers with their timeless allure and rich cultural heritage. These ancient capitals, steeped in history and grandeur, offer a captivating glimpse into the country’s regal past. An imperial cities of Morocco tour provides an unforgettable journey through the heart of this North African kingdom, showcasing magnificent palaces, bustling medinas, and awe-inspiring architectural wonders.
Embarking on a 7-day adventure from Rabat, visitors can immerse themselves in the splendor of Morocco’s most iconic urban centers. This carefully crafted itinerary takes travelers on a whirlwind exploration of Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech, each city revealing its own unique charm and fascinating stories. From wandering through labyrinthine souks to marveling at intricate Islamic art, this tour promises an enriching experience that brings Morocco’s imperial legacy to life.
• Overnight accommodation
• Lunch
An imperial cities of Morocco tour offers a captivating journey through the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. This 7-day itinerary takes travelers on an unforgettable adventure, exploring the most iconic cities and landmarks of Morocco.
The journey begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub. Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, travelers have the option to explore Casablanca briefly or proceed directly to Rabat, the capital city.
For those who choose to spend some time in Casablanca, a visit to the Hassan II Mosque is a must. This architectural marvel boasts the world’s tallest minaret and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers inside and an additional 80,000 in the courtyard. The mosque’s intricate mosaics and hand-carved stone epitomize Morocco’s finest craftsmanship.
After exploring Casablanca, a short train ride or drive brings visitors to Rabat, where ancient ramparts embrace diplomatic grandeur. The journey to Rabat takes approximately one hour by train or car.
Upon arrival in Rabat, travelers can begin their exploration of the city’s historical sites. A visit to the Oudaïa Kasbah, a 12th-century fortress with whitewashed walls, offers a serene experience. The Andalusian Gardens within the Kasbah provide a peaceful retreat with sweeping views of the Bou Regreg river.
Another highlight of Rabat is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Alaouite architecture. This opulent royal tomb houses the remains of the current king’s grandfather and father.Visitors can admire the exquisite zellige tilework and carved cedar ceilings that adorn the mausoleum. The day concludes with a visit to the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret of a grand mosque that was abandoned in the 12th century. The tower stands at 144 feet tall and offers a glimpse into the ambitious architectural plans of the past.
The second day of the imperial cities of Morocco tour takes travelers from Rabat to Meknes, with a stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis along the way.
The journey from Rabat to Meknes takes approximately two hours by car or train. Upon arrival in Meknes, visitors are greeted by the monumental Bab Mansour gate, considered Morocco’s most beautiful gate. Its intricate mosaic work and imposing presence testify to the grandeur of Sultan Moulay Ismail’s vision.
Exploring Meknes reveals the city’s rich imperial history. The Bou Inania Medersa, a 14th-century theological college, showcases stunning Marinid architecture and intricate stucco work. It’s the only madrasa in Meknes with a minaret, making it a unique architectural gem.
After lunch in Meknes, the tour continues to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 30 kilometers north of Meknes. These remarkably preserved Roman ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s ancient history. Visitors can explore the excavated site, admiring intricate mosaics depicting mythological scenes and climbing the Capitoline Temple for panoramic views of the Moroccan countryside.
The day concludes with a visit to the nearby holy city of Moulay Idriss. This sacred pilgrimage town, nestled in the hills of northern Morocco, offers a spiritual atmosphere centered around the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss I, founder of Morocco’s first Islamic dynasty.
The third day of the imperial cities of Morocco tour takes travelers from Meknes to Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of the country. The journey between these two imperial cities is relatively short, taking about an hour by car or train.
Upon arrival in Fes, visitors are immediately immersed in the city’s medieval splendor. The day begins with a panoramic view of Fes from the Merenid Tombs, offering a breathtaking overview of Morocco’s oldest imperial city. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a deep dive into 1,200 years of Moroccan heritage.
Entering the ancient medina through the blue-tiled wonder of Bab Boujeloud, travelers find themselves in a labyrinth of narrow alleys and bustling souks. The medina of Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO treasure, offering an unparalleled journey into Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
A visit to the Royal Palace of Fes allows visitors to admire the massive brass doors and intricate zellige tilework of this 14th-century palace, one of Morocco’s oldest and largest royal residences.
While the palace interior is not open to the public, the exterior provides a stunning example of Moroccan architectural grandeur.
The tour continues to the Jewish Mellah and Ibn Danan Synagogue. This 650-year-old Jewish quarter is home to the restored 17th-century Ibn Danan Synagogue, an important Jewish heritage site showcasing the rich multicultural history of Fes.
No visit to Fes is complete without exploring the Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque. Founded in 859 AD, it’s recognized as the world’s oldest continually operating educational institution. Its library houses rare manuscripts, including ancient Islamic texts, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich intellectual history.
The day concludes with a visit to the iconic Chouara Tannery. This 11th-century site offers a unique opportunity to witness the ancient art of leather tanning. The iconic stone pots filled with colorful dyes provide one of Fes’ most photographed scenes and a vivid insight into traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
The fourth day of the imperial cities of Morocco tour is dedicated to further exploration of Fes, allowing travelers to delve deeper into the city’s cultural and culinary traditions.
The day begins with a visit to the Attarine and Seffarine Souks. These bustling markets offer an immersive experience into the vibrant heart of Fes’ artisanal traditions. The aromatic spice market and the clamorous metalworkers’ square provide a sensory feast for visitors.
Next, travelers can explore the intricate Fondouk el-Najjarine and its Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century inn, this museum showcases traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and woodwork, offering insight into the city’s artistic heritage.
The afternoon is dedicated to a unique culinary experience. A food tour through the medina allows visitors to sample authentic Fassi street food and local delicacies. Travelers can taste freshly baked khobz (Moroccan bread) from a 400-year-old communal oven, try bissara (fava bean soup), and indulge in briouat (savory pastries).
The tour also includes a visit to the honey souk, where visitors can discover an array of wild honey varieties, each with unique flavors and health benefits. This experience provides insight into honey’s importance in Moroccan cooking and Islamic culture.
The day concludes with a traditional Fassi feast at an opulent palace-restaurant, allowing travelers to savor the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine in a stunning setting.
The fifth day of the imperial cities of Morocco tour involves a scenic journey from Fes to Marrakech, traversing the Middle Atlas Mountains. This journey offers breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to experience Morocco’s diverse geography.
The trip from Fes to Marrakech takes approximately 7-8 hours by car, allowing for several interesting stops along the way. The first stop is in Ifrane, known as ‘Little Switzerland’ for its alpine architecture. This charming town, located at an altitude of about 5,000 feet above sea level in the Middle Atlas Mountain region, offers a unique contrast to the traditional Moroccan cities visited so far.
Continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the tour makes a stop in the cedar forests near Azrou. Here, travelers have the opportunity to see Barbary macaques, often referred to as Barbary apes, in their natural habitat.
Lunch is enjoyed in Beni Mellal, a city at the foot of Mount Tassemit. This stop offers travelers the chance to savor traditional Berber cuisine and experience the hospitality of this region.
As the journey continues towards Marrakech, the landscape gradually changes, providing a visual representation of Morocco’s diverse geography. The tour arrives in Marrakech in the evening, allowing travelers to settle into their accommodations and prepare for the exploration of the ‘Red City’ in the coming days.
The sixth day of the imperial cities of Morocco tour is dedicated to exploring Marrakech, a city that captivates visitors with its vibrant energy and rich history. The day begins at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s spiritual landmark. While non-Muslims cannot enter, the surrounding gardens provide excellent photo opportunities of this 12thcentury architectural marvel, famous for its 77-meter minaret that inspired similar structures in Seville and Rabat.
Next, travelers navigate the labyrinthine souks, each dedicated to specific crafts. These bustling markets offer a sensory overload of colors, scents, and sounds, providing insight into traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and commerce.
A visit to the Saadian Tombs reveals ornate 16th-century mausoleums, hidden for centuries until their rediscovery in 1917. The tombs, especially the lavishly decorated Hall of Twelve Columns, display exquisite stonework, tilework, and carved cedar that rival the finest Islamic architecture worldwide.
In the afternoon, travelers explore the El Bahia Palace, a late 19th-century masterpiece of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture. Its 150 rooms, courtyards, and gardens showcase intricate zellige tilework and carved cedar ceilings, exemplifying the pinnacle of Moroccan craftsmanship.
The day concludes with a visit to the famous Djemaa El Fna Square. By day, visitors can explore the surrounding souks filled with artisanal crafts. As night falls, the square transforms into a carnival of food stalls, storytellers, and musicians, encapsulating Morocco’s living cultural heritage.
The final day of the imperial cities of Morocco tour allows for further exploration of Marrakech before departure.
The morning begins with a visit to the Majorelle Garden and YSL Museum. This vibrant oasis, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent, offers a peaceful retreat from bustling Marrakech. The garden’s striking Majorelle Blue buildings and exotic plants provide a unique esthetic experience. The adjacent YSL Museum showcases the designer’s work inspired by Morocco.
For those with time before their departure, a visit to the nearby Berber Museum, housed in Majorelle’s former studio, offers insight into Morocco’s indigenous Berber culture. The museum displays over 600 artifacts, including intricate jewelry, textiles, and weapons dating from the 18th to mid-20th century.
As the imperial cities of Morocco tour comes to an end, travelers depart from Marrakech Menara Airport, carrying with them memories of Morocco’s imperial grandeur, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
This 7-day itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Morocco’s imperial cities, blending historical discovery with cultural immersion and culinary delights. From the coastal charm of
Casablanca to the medieval splendor of Fes and the vibrant energy of Marrakech, this tour provides a deep and varied experience of Morocco’s most iconic urban centers.
Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements
Explore your interests at your own speed
Select your preferred style of accommodation
Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists
All our specialists have travelled extensively or lived in their specialist regions
The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish
Make the most of your time and budget
Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one
Hand picked by us or our local partners as the best available
Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country
FCDO Travel Aware Partner
24/7 emergency UK support while abroad
Established in 1996
