Imperial cities and north by sahara 11 days

Your trip driver will welcome you at your arrival to Casablanca airport, then take a 2.5 to 3 hours about 240 km (150 miles) trip road to Marrakech via the A7 highway, a modern toll road. The route offers a smooth journey through Morocco's rural countryside, with expansive farmland and small towns along the way. You’ll pass through Settat, a charming town, and gradually approach the Atlas Mountains as you near Marrakech. As you enter the city, the road becomes busier, leading you into the vibrant heart of Marrakech. This scenic route is an easy and picturesque way to travel between two of Morocco's most iconic cities.

This day is dedicated to exploring Marrakech,the latter is one of Morocco’s most vibrant and historic cities, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Known as the "Red City" for its distinctive terracotta buildings, Marrakech is a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and smells. Highlights include visits to the Bahia Palace , Mrdrassa Ben Youssef, Koutoubia mosque which was built in the 12th century, and the lively Djemaa El Fna square, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, especially at night with street performers, storytellers, and snake charmers.

Saadian tombs , Badii Palace or Majorelle and Menara gardens can be added to the day exploration list .

After breakfast in your hotel you will start your journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate via Ait Benhaddou; the drive covers around 180-200 km (112-124 miles) and takes about 4 to 5 hours. The journey passes through the stunning Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views of rugged landscapes and traditional Berber villages.

A highlight of the route is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an ancient ksar (fortified village) famous for its earthen architecture. The site has been used in numerous films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones and Gladiator. After exploring the kasbah and degusting a traditional lunch in Ait benhaddou  , you continue to Ouarzazate, known for its film studios and proximity to the Sahara Desert, completing a scenic and culturally rich journey to your accommodation in Ouarzazate.

The drive from Ouarzazate to Zagora covers about 165 km (102 miles) and takes around 4 hours. The route winds through the scenic Draa Valley, known for its lush palm groves, traditional Berber villages, and ancient kasbahs.

The journey passes through Agdz, a small town offering stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. As you continue, the landscape becomes more arid, gradually transitioning toward the edge of the Sahara. Zagora, often called the "Gateway to the Sahara," marks the end of the drive, offering a glimpse of desert life and serving as a base for fisrt steps to sahara exploration .

After breakfast in your hotel, you will continue your adventure to Merzouga the drive from Zagora covers approximately 350 km (220 miles) and takes around 6 to 7 hours. The route continues taking you through the Draa Valley and into the vast, striking landscapes of the Sahara Desert. As you travel, you’ll pass through remote villages and desert towns, with the landscape gradually becoming more barren and dramatic.

The highlight of the journey is the approach to Merzouga, a small town located at the edge of the Sahara, famous for its towering Erg Chebbi dunes Upon your arrival, the Erg Chebbi dunes stand before you, imposing and magnificent. The sand, glowing gold under the sun’s rays, seems to stretch infinitely. The night is spent at a Hotel .

After breakfast ,your true Saharan adventure begins with an exciting 4x4 ride across the rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes of the desert. Your first stop will be the village of Khamlia, nestled near the dunes, where you’ll meet a dark-skinned ethnic group. They’ll greet you with a cup of tea and treat you to their traditional Gnaoua music.

Next, you’ll visit the M'fis which is an abandoned mining town hidden among the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in Morocco. This intriguing location has a captivating history, having once been home to miners who extracted kohl, an ancient eye cosmetic often used as eyeliner. Despite its once bustling activity, M'fis now stands as a ghost town, with its decaying houses and eroding streets telling the tale of a forgotten past.

Before continuing along the vast sand dunes toward a local nomadic residence. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of their way of life. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll explore a desert oasis and a desert lake, where you can spot various bird species.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel and prepare for a camel trek across the stunning Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Enjoy the spectacular sunset views before reaching a desert camp deep in the dunes. As night falls, you'll gather around the campfire for a lively drum performance by locals. The clear desert sky offers the perfect opportunity to stargaze, marveling at the stars, shooting stars, and the Milky Way.

Not only the sunsets over the golden sand dunes are magnifique but also the sunrise are breathtaking moments that you do not want to miss. Have breakfast and enjoy a morning camel trek back to the village before starting your journey toward Fes, passing through Rissani,Arfoud known for its fossils, the Ziz Valley, and the Ziz Gorges.

Lunch will be served in the Middle Atlas Mountains, followed by a drive through the beautiful cedar forests where you will witness monkeys playing around in the trees ,and the charming towns of Azrou and Ifrane. The latter, known as "Little Switzerland," considered as one of the cleanest cities in the world. Before you continue to fes to rest in your hotel.

The drive to Chefchaouen takes about 3 hours, heading north through Morocco. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is renowned for its distinctive blue-painted buildings and shops. Strategically located southwest of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and southeast of Tangier, the town blends Arab, Spanish, and Berber cultures seamlessly.

Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to explore the vibrant white-and-blue medina and bustling souk. The medina offers stunning views with its charming narrow streets, lined with shops showcasing unique local crafts. late in the afternoon hike to Bouzaafer view point to witness the sunset over the blue city.

The drive from Chefchaouen to Tangier covers approximately 115 km (71 miles) and takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. The route takes you through scenic landscapes of the Rif Mountains, with lush greenery and picturesque villages along the way.you will make stops to admire the viewpoints.  As you approach Tangier, the landscape transitions to a more coastal environment, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. Tangier, a vibrant city with a rich history and cultural mix, awaits you with its historic medina, beautiful beaches, and the iconic Strait of Gibraltar.

After breakfastyou will take the route to rabat ,which follows the coastal highway, offering beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Moroccan countryside, startng with a stop in cap spartel to admire the view , followed by another stop in Hercules caves. Along the way, you'll pass through charming towns like Larache, with scenic landscapes of fields and rolling hills. As you approach Rabat, the capital city, you’ll experience a blend of modernity and tradition, with highlights like the Hassan Tower, the Royal Palace, and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas.

The drive from Tangier to Rabat covers around 250 km (155 miles) and takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, it offers a peaceful and scenic journey between two vibrant Moroccan cities.

Overnight in a hotel or riad.

The drive from Rabat to Casablanca covers about 85 km (53 miles) and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The route follows the A1 highway, offering a smooth and straightforward journey along the Atlantic coast. As you approach Casablanca, you'll see the urban landscape gradually expand, leading you ( if your time allows) into Morocco’s largest city, known for its modern architecture, bustling medina, and iconic landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque. The drive is quick, making it an easy connection between the capital and the economic hub of Morocco.if you have no time you will be transferred directly to the airport.