7-Day Imperial Cities & Desert Tour from Fes

Overview

Experience Morocco's imperial heritage and natural wonders on this comprehensive 7-day journey. This tour takes you through three of Morocco's four imperial cities (Fes, Meknes, and Rabat), visits the stunning blue city of Chefchaouen, explores ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis, and ventures into the Sahara Desert for authentic camel trekking and nomadic family encounters. Perfect for travelers seeking both cultural depth and adventure.

Highlights

• Fes Medina - Ancient scholarly city with historic leather tanneries and mosques
• Fes Royal Palace - Beautiful palace grounds and geometric gardens
• Volubilis Roman Ruins - UNESCO World Heritage site with preserved mosaics and structures
• Meknes Imperial City - Grand gates and royal palace grounds of Morocco's fourth dynasty capital
• Rabat Capital - Modern governmental seat with historic medina and coastal attractions
• Hassan II Mosque Courtyard - Stunning Islamic architecture (exterior visit)
• Chefchaouen Blue City - Iconic blue-washed medina with distinctive architecture
• Todra Gorges - Dramatic canyon walls and spectacular landscapes
• Erg Chebbi Sahara Dunes - Golden sand dunes with multiple camel treks
• Berber Camp - Authentic desert experience with nomadic family interactions
• Desert Stargazing - Clear night skies in the unpolluted Sahara

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fes Exploration

• Morning: Guided tour of the Fes medina (UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Visit historic leather tanneries and spice markets
• Explore the Bab Boujloud gate and historic mosques
• Visit the Royal Palace exterior
• Afternoon: Continue exploring medina highlights
• Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant
• Overnight in a beautiful riad in Fes
• Distance: Local exploration

Day 2: Fes to Volubilis & Meknes

• Morning: Depart Fes heading west
• Visit the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis
• Explore preserved mosaics and classical structures
• Lunch break in a local village
• Afternoon: Arrive in Meknes
• Visit the impressive Bab Mansour gate
• Explore Kasbah and royal palace grounds
• Overnight in a traditional riad in Meknes
• Distance: 60 km | Drive time: 2-3 hours

Day 3: Meknes to Chefchaouen

• Morning: Continue exploring Meknes
• Visit local medina and markets
• Lunch break in Meknes
• Afternoon: Drive through the scenic Rif Mountains
• Arrive in Chefchaouen, the famous blue city
• Evening: Explore the charming blue-washed medina
• Overnight in a traditional riad in Chefchaouen
• Distance: 160 km | Drive time: 4-5 hours

Day 4: Chefchaouen Exploration

• Morning: Guided walking tour of the blue medina
• Visit the Kasbah and Plaza Uta el-Hammam
• Explore artisan workshops and local markets
• Lunch at a local restaurant with Rif views
• Afternoon: Hike to viewpoints for panoramic vistas
• Photography at sunset
• Overnight in Chefchaouen
• Distance: Local exploration

Day 5: Chefchaouen to Merzouga

• Early morning: Depart Chefchaouen heading south
• Drive through Middle Atlas Mountains
• Lunch break in a mountain village
• Afternoon: Continue toward Merzouga
• Arrive at the desert camp
• Late afternoon: Sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes
• Dinner and overnight in the Berber camp
• Distance: 400 km | Drive time: 8-9 hours

Day 6: Merzouga - Full Desert Day

• Early morning: Sunrise camel trek
• Breakfast at the camp
• Mid-morning: Rest and explore
• Afternoon: Visit a nomadic family encampment
• Learn about Berber desert lifestyle
• Explore the Ziz Oasis
• Late afternoon: Optional sandboarding
• Overnight in the desert camp
• Distance: Local exploration

Day 7: Merzouga to Rabat

• Early morning: Final sunrise camel trek or rest
• Breakfast at the camp
• Begin return journey toward Rabat
• Stop for lunch along the scenic route
• Afternoon: Arrive in Rabat, Morocco's capital
• Evening: Explore Rabat's medina and Hassan II Mosque courtyard
• Overnight in Rabat
• Distance: 550 km | Drive time: 10-11 hours

What's Included

• All accommodations in traditional riads and desert camps
• Professional English-speaking guide
• All transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
• Breakfast and dinner as specified in the itinerary
• Camel treks in the Sahara
• All entrance fees to monuments and attractions
• Local taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses and tips
• Drinks and additional meals not mentioned
• Optional activities and experiences
• Any items not specifically mentioned as included

Why Choose This Tour?

• Comprehensive Imperial Experience - Visit three of Morocco's four imperial cities
• UNESCO Heritage - Explore multiple World Heritage sites including Fes medina and Volubilis
• Blue City Magic - The enchanting Chefchaouen with its unique architecture
• Diverse Landscapes - From imperial cities to mountain villages and desert dunes
• Cultural Immersion - Authentic interactions with local communities
• Expert Guidance - Knowledgeable local guides throughout your journey
• Responsible Tourism - Supporting local communities and sustainable practices
• Photography Opportunities - Stunning backdrops at every turn

FAQ

Q: What are the imperial cities of Morocco? A: Morocco has four imperial cities: Fes (Idrisid dynasty), Meknes (Alaouite dynasty), Rabat (capital), and Marrakech. This tour covers three of them.

Q: Is Volubilis worth visiting? A: Absolutely! It's Morocco's best-preserved Roman site with impressive mosaics and structures dating back 2,000 years.

Q: Can I see inside the Hassan II Mosque? A: Non-Muslims can visit the courtyard and exterior. Only Muslims can enter the interior.

Q: How much time in the desert? A: One full day and two partial days in the Sahara with multiple camel treks and nomadic family visits.

Q: What's the most physically demanding day? A: Day 7's long drive (10-11 hours) can be tiring. We include frequent stops and breaks.

Q: Can the itinerary be adjusted? A: Yes, the tour can be customized. Contact us about your specific interests and pace preferences.

Q: What meals are included? A: Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Lunches are not included, giving you flexibility to explore local cuisine. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Q: Best time to visit? A: October to April for ideal temperatures. Spring (March-May) features blooming flowers and perfect weather.

Q: Is this tour suitable for seniors? A: Yes, with modifications. The pace can be adjusted. Consult with guides about your specific needs.

Q: How many people typically go on this tour? A: Groups range from 2-15 people. Private tours for families and small groups are available.

Q: What should I pack? A: Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light jacket, and closed-toe shoes for camel riding.

Q: Can I skip the desert portion? A: Yes, the tour can be modified to focus solely on imperial cities and Chefchaouen without the desert.

Q: Is the desert camp comfortable? A: Yes, camps provide comfortable basic accommodations with blankets, mattresses, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.