
Morocco Imperial Cities Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech
Best Morocco Private Tours & Circuits | MoroccoHive
The Experience
Explore Morocco's contemporary and historic cities on an eight-day journey that begins and ends in Casablanca, the country's economic hub. Travel north to see the capital city of Rabat, take in the sunset over the blue city of Chefchaoeun, visit artisan workshops in the cultural center of Fes, and travel back in time to the Roman era at Volubilis. Finish in bustling Marrakech and explore Jemaa el-Fna, Africa's busiest plaza.
Highlights
- Visit the Hassan II Mosque and the world's tallest minaret in Casablanca
- Enjoy a sunset over the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains
- Discover souks, tanneries, and artisan workshops in medieval Fes
- Watch musicians, acrobats, and snake charmers in Jemaa el-Fna Square
Included
- Accommodation in your preferred hotel category
- Buying local to support communities
- Local guides in Fes & Marrakech
- English-speaking driver at your disposal
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips/gratuities
- Personal expenses
Optional
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary Overview
Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Rabat
Transfer to Chefchaouen, Explore the The Blue City
Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes
Explore the Medieval Medina of Fes
free day
Transfer to Marrakesh
Marrakesh: Exploring the Red City
Return to Casablanca, Depart

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Rabat

Greetings from Morocco! Welcome to Casablanca, a contemporary seaside metropolis. The Hassan II Mosque, a magnificent and comparatively new structure, is the primary draw of Casablanca. It was opened in 1993 and offers stunning views from its location on an outcrop that juts out into the Atlantic. Its 690-foot (210-meter) tower is the highest building in Morocco and the tallest minaret globally. This mosque is special since it's one of the few in the nation that allows non-Muslims to visit. Take a guided tour to see the excellent examples of Islamic and Moroccan partisanship.
Venture north to the imperial city and present-day capital of Rabat (Meknes, Fes, and Marrakesh make up the remaining imperial cities). Explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis and wander the Roman and Islamic ruins. Enter through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias into Rabat's original city center. From there, visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and enjoy the serene space away from the crowds. Discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. A 12th-century project that was abandoned soon after construction began.
day 2: Transfer to Chefchaouen, Explore the The Blue City

Travel north this morning to the eye-catching blue city of Chefchaouen, located in the Rif Mountains. The cascades d'Akchour (Waterfalls of Akchour) are a hidden treasure. Take a two to three-hour journey through lush flora and little lakes just before you arrive at the Blue City. Reach the quaint city of Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen, which has been mostly unaltered since the end of the fourteenth century, is known for its blue-washed structures in its medieval medina (old quarter) and offers a laid-back ambiance with some of the friendliest people in the nation. Explore its winding streets and passageways that cling to the mountains' northern hillside.
Discover Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the main square named for the number of hammams (public baths) that used to encircle it. Find a restaurant or café for a bite to eat before browsing the many shops offering traditional wares. Visit the Grand Mosque and kasbah (old fortress or fortification) and tour the kasbah's garden, museum, and even some of its old prison cells. As the evening approaches, ascend the path leading to the never-used, white Spanish Mosque (20 to 30 minutes) to enjoy one last view over Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.
day 3 :Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes

Meet your driver and head northeast toward Fes. Along the way, stop to stretch your legs and explore Meknes. This smaller version of Fes offers a calmer medina, where shopkeepers are less aggressive in making sales. While Meknes is quite large, the two main areas of interest are the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the manageable medina. Be sure to visit the grand Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. After that, proceed to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. This UNESCO-protected site, founded in the third century BCE, is remarkably well-preserved.
Continue eastward to Fes. Before entering the medina, take a short trek up a hill to the ruins of the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic view of the medieval city. The best time to visit the tombs is around dusk, when the muezzin's calls to worship echo through the valley and the city lights begin to twinkle, enhancing the atmosphere. Return to your traditional riad for a warm meal and settle in for the evening.
Day 4: Explore the Medieval Medina of Fes

Fes, the oldest of the imperial cities in Morocco and possibly the most intriguing and exciting to explore, has experienced minimal colonial development, enhancing its medieval charm. It features the most complete medina in the Arab world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fes consists of three main areas of interest: Fes el Bali (old Fes, the medina, where most of your time will be spent), Fes el Jdid ('new' Fes), and the French-influenced Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide to gain insights into the history and culture of Fes and, most importantly, to assist you in navigating the medina.
Start your tour in Fes el Bali, beginning at the Bab Boujeloud gate, which leads you onto Talâa Kebira. As you walk through, explore the goods available in the souks (markets) and shops, while admiring the Spanish and Tunisian architectural influences. One of the most distinctive sights in the old Medina is the tanneries, with Chouara Tannery being particularly noteworthy. Afterward, ascend to the rooftop of a nearby leather shop for a better view of the 11th-century stone pots filled with dye and the men at work. Continue with your guide to the library and mosque of the University of Al-Qarawiyyin (established in 859 CE). If you are fortunate, you might catch a glimpse inside.
Day 5: Free Day in Fes

Today, you are encouraged to explore the Batha Museum, which is situated in a historic 19th-century palace. The museum features an impressive collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts, including intricately carved wood, zellij (mosaic tilework), and notable local pottery. Following your visit, take a leisurely stroll through the Andalusian-style gardens before proceeding to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter and cemetery. This location offers an excellent opportunity for capturing panoramic photographs of the city.
Next, head south to Ville Nouvelle to experience the striking contrast in architectural styles.
You will have the opportunity to tour a ceramics and tile collective, where you can observe local artisans as they create their wares, from shaping the clay to applying intricate designs. Witness the tile masters skillfully fitting together small pieces to create elaborate mosaics. On your return to Fes el Bali, consider stopping at Jnan Sbil (Bou Jeloud Gardens), which serves as a midpoint between the Mellah and Bab Boujeloud. Take some time to relax in the splendid gardens and refresh yourself in the central fountains or alongside the serene lake.
Day 6: Transfer to Marrakesh

Today, you will embark on a journey westward toward the coast, subsequently heading south to Marrakesh. To make the drive more enjoyable, you will have the opportunity to stop in Meknes, Rabat, or Casablanca.
Consider spending the remainder of the afternoon at a leisurely pace. In the early evening, Jemaa el-Fna comes to life with an array of musicians, performers, snake charmers, and games. As the Square is best appreciated during the evening, take the time to explore its stalls and vendors while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. You may choose to sample local cuisine at one of the numerous food stalls, or, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, select one of the cafés surrounding Jemaa el-Fna to savor a cup of mint tea and a meal while observing the lively scene. Conclude your evening with a short stroll to admire the beautifully illuminated Koutoubia Mosque before returning to your accommodation.
Day 7: Marrakesh: Exploring the Red City

Today, you will embark on a journey westward to the coast and subsequently head south to Marrakesh. To enhance your travel experience, you may choose to pause in Meknes, Rabat, or Casablanca along the way.
Known as the "Red City" due to its millennia-old red sandstone city walls and structures, Marrakesh serves as a significant economic hub. Start your day by revisiting the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque and enjoy a moment of tranquility in its gardens, which feature fountains and palm trees. Engage your senses by exploring the spice market, Souk el-Attarin, or Souk Smata, where you can select from a variety of slippers, rugs, and leather goods. Next, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, an Islamic school that showcases exquisite 16th-century architecture, allowing you to marvel at the intricate details of arabesques, Islamic calligraphy, and vibrant geometric tilework.
As you wander through the alleys of Marrakesh, take note of the fondouks, or caravanserai—medieval inns that historically provided shelter and supplies to travelers and traders along ancient trade routes. Depending on your schedule and energy levels, you may wish to explore additional sites south of Jemaa el-Fna. Consider visiting the 500-year-old Saadian Tombs, the expansive courtyard and sunken gardens of the 17th-century El Badi Palace, or the intricate woodwork and painted ceilings of the 19th-century Bahia Palace. Conclude your day by returning to Jemaa el-Fna for a meal before retiring to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 8: Return to Casablanca,depart

Depending on your departure details, you may wish to stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche to Rick's Café, a bar, restaurant, and café influenced by the movie classic, "Casablanca," and grab a bite to eat.
Traveler Reviews

"Fantastic experience from start to finish. The pick-up at our hotel in Casablanca was perfectly on time, the riads chosen for our stays were pure luxury architectural gems, and the pace of the tour allowed us to enjoy the history without feeling exhausted. A truly wonderful 5-star experience that we will be talking about for years"

"Traveling between the historic capitals was completely effortless thanks to our dedicated private driver and his spotless, comfortable vehicle. The architecture, the soaring city gates, the vibrant markets, and the peaceful riad courtyards were completely mesmerizing. MoroccoHive is definitely the premium agency to trust for high-end cultural tours"

"If you want to truly understand the deep history, royal dynasties, and intricate tilework of Morocco’s ancient capitals, this imperial cities loop is the perfect answer. Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and Marrakech are absolutely stunning. Our private city guides were highly educated historians who brought the old palaces to life. Everything was professionally managed from day one"
