8-Day Imperial Cities Tour from Rabat | Discover Marrakech & Fez

Begin your journey in Morocco’s capital, Rabat, known for its blend of regal ambiance and modern sophistication. Visit the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret that stands as a symbol of Almohad architecture, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, an exquisite example of Moroccan craftsmanship. Explore the peaceful Kasbah of the Udayas, with its Andalusian gardens and ocean views. Enjoy your first night in a charming riad in the city center.

After breakfast, travel inland toward Meknes, once the grand capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Here, visit the ornate Bab Mansour, explore the Royal Stables, and see the Mausoleum of the sultan himself. Continue to the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved archaeological site, where ancient mosaics and crumbling temples reveal the country’s Roman legacy. By afternoon, reach the historic city of Fez, a timeless spiritual and cultural center. Settle into a traditional riad and prepare for a deeper dive into Morocco’s intellectual heart.

Fez is the jewel of Morocco’s imperial past, and today you’ll explore its historic core, Fez el-Bali, with a professional guide. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and admire the intricate woodwork of the Bou Inania Madrasa. Stop at the Nejjarine Museum, marvel at the colorful vats of the Chouara Tannery, and weave through the souks alive with tailors, potters, and weavers. The medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living museum, and this immersive day will connect you with centuries of Moroccan heritage and craftsmanship.

Leave the ancient walls of Fez behind and begin your journey south toward Marrakech, passing through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop for a breath of fresh air in Ifrane, Morocco’s alpine-style town, then drive through the lush cedar forests of Azrou, home to Barbary monkeys. Pause for lunch in Beni Mellal, surrounded by orchards and spring-fed gardens. As you descend into the plains, the colors shift from green to the warm reds of Marrakech. Arrive in the Red City by evening, where a welcoming riad awaits you inside the historic medina.

Wake up in Marrakech, a city of contrasts and color. Begin your day at the Koutoubia Mosque, then enter the peaceful halls of the Bahia Palace, filled with zellige tiles and carved cedar ceilings. Explore the majestic Saadian Tombs, a resting place for sultans and poets. By afternoon, dive into the souks of the medina, where metalworkers, spice sellers, and textile merchants line the labyrinthine alleys. As night falls, make your way to Jemaa El-Fnaa, the heart of Marrakech, where storytellers, musicians, and street food stands light up the square with sounds and flavors.

Today offers a refreshing escape to the Atlantic coast with a full-day excursion to Essaouira, the enchanting seaside town once known as Mogador. After breakfast, travel west through rolling argan tree groves—keep an eye out for goats perched in the branches! Upon arrival, explore Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed medina, with its whitewashed buildings, bright blue shutters, and relaxed bohemian atmosphere. Visit the Skala de la Ville, a historic sea bastion lined with old Portuguese cannons, then wander through artisan workshops famous for wood carving, painting, and handmade jewelry. Enjoy a seafood lunch at the port or in a rooftop café with views over the Atlantic. The blend of ocean air, artistic energy, and laid-back rhythm makes Essaouira a striking contrast to the bustle of Marrakech. Return to Marrakech by evening with the spirit of the coast in your heart.

After breakfast, depart for Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial and architectural powerhouse. Start with a guided visit to the Hassan II Mosque, a marvel of Islamic design built directly over the ocean. Walk along the Corniche for sea views and fresh air, then explore Mohammed V Square, the city’s French colonial heart. You’ll also see examples of Casablanca’s striking Art Deco buildings, offering a sharp contrast to the medieval architecture of other imperial cities. Spend your final night in a hotel by the Atlantic, reflecting on Morocco’s many faces—from old-world mystique to modern energy.

Your unforgettable imperial tour concludes with a return to Rabat. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final walk through the city’s calm boulevards or shop for souvenirs in the medina. Your private driver will assist with your departure and airport transfer. As you leave Morocco, carry with you memories of bustling souks, architectural wonders, and the hospitality of a nation that bridges tradition and modernity.