Imperial Cities & Sands
The ultimate 7-day grand tour. Begin at the magnificent Atlantic coast, explore the ancient medinas of Rabat and Fes, cross the towering Sahara dunes, and conclude in the vibrant heart of Marrakech.
The Complete Moroccan Tapestry
If you have exactly one week in Morocco and want to see it all, "Imperial Cities & Sands" is your itinerary. Flying into Casablanca and out of Marrakech is the most efficient way to travel the country without backtracking. This 7-day private expedition perfectly balances urban exploration with deep natural beauty. You will marvel at the ocean-front Hassan II Mosque, walk the 9,000 labyrinthine alleys of Fes with a historian, ride a camel into the sunset of the Sahara, sleep under a brilliant canopy of stars, and navigate the rugged High Atlas Mountains before arriving in the bustling, terracotta-colored medina of Marrakech. It is a seamless, luxurious masterclass in Moroccan heritage.
Your Journey
Casablanca Arrival → Rabat → Fes
Your private driver will welcome you at the Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) or your Casablanca hotel. We begin with a tour of the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, a towering architectural masterpiece on the Atlantic. We then drive up the coast to Rabat, the elegant capital, to visit the 12th-century Hassan Tower and the blue-and-white Kasbah of the Udayas. After lunch, we journey inland, arriving in the spiritual capital of Fes in the late afternoon. You will check into your luxury riad to relax before dinner.
- Highlights: Hassan II Mosque, Rabat Kasbah
- Meals Included: None (Culinary freedom in the city)
- Accommodation: Luxury Riad in Fes
The Spiritual Capital: Fes Medina Exploration
After breakfast, meet your private, official local guide for a deep dive into the Fes el-Bali Medina—the world's largest car-free urban area. Step back in time as you navigate the narrow alleys to discover the iconic Chouara Tanneries, the intricate tilework of the Bou Inania Madrasa, the ancient Al Quaraouiyine University, and the vibrant artisan souks. You will also view the golden gates of the Royal Palace. The evening is yours to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner on a panoramic rooftop overlooking the old city.
- Highlights: Fes Medina Guided Walk, Tanneries, Royal Palace
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Luxury Riad in Fes
Fes → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
We leave the imperial city behind and ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We stop in the alpine village of Ifrane and the ancient Cedar Forests to observe the wild Barbary macaque monkeys. The landscape shifts dramatically as we pass through the magnificent palm-filled Ziz Valley and descend into the arid pre-Sahara. We arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in the late afternoon. Here, you will trade your vehicle for a camel, riding into the golden sunset to reach your exclusive luxury desert camp for a traditional feast and a night under the stars.
- Highlights: Cedar Forests, Ziz Valley, Sahara Sunset Camel Trek
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Private Luxury Desert Tent (En-suite)
Merzouga → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking Saharan sunrise over the dunes. After a hot breakfast at the camp, we depart the desert and travel toward the rugged landscapes of the Tinghir province. We will stop to hike through the towering 300-meter-high limestone walls of the Todra Gorges. In the afternoon, we continue along the "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs," arriving in the lush and beautiful Dades Valley, where you will check into your luxury riad nestled in the canyon for a peaceful evening.
- Highlights: Desert Sunrise, Todra Gorges Walk
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury Riad in Dades Valley
Dades Valley → Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas → Marrakech
After breakfast, we drive through the fragrant Valley of the Roses and the cinematic city of Ouarzazate. Our major highlight today is the stunning Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a 16th-century fortified clay city and UNESCO World Heritage site featured in *Gladiator* and *Game of Thrones*. After exploring the ancient alleys, we begin our spectacular ascent over the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n'Tichka pass. We will drop you off at your Marrakech luxury riad in the late afternoon.
- Highlights: Valley of Roses, Ait Ben Haddou, High Atlas Crossing
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Luxury Riad in Marrakech
The Red City: Marrakech Medina Exploration
Your morning is dedicated to uncovering the magic of the "Red City." Meet your private local guide to explore the architectural marvels of Marrakech, including the intricate Bahia Palace, the towering Koutoubia Mosque, and the historic Saadian Tombs. You will wander through the labyrinthine artisan souks, observing craftsmen at work, before emerging into the legendary, chaotic energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Enjoy a free afternoon to visit the serene Majorelle Gardens or indulge in a traditional Moroccan Hammam spa experience.
- Highlights: Bahia Palace, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Souks
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Luxury Riad in Marrakech
Marrakech Morning & Departure Transfer
Enjoy your final Moroccan breakfast on the rooftop of your riad. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping in the medina or a final mint tea in a sunlit courtyard. When it is time, your private driver will transfer you to the Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) for your onward journey, bringing your spectacular 7-day Moroccan expedition to a close.
- Highlights: Relaxed Morning, Airport Transfer
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Drop-off: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
What's Included
Included in Your Journey
- Private, air-conditioned luxury vehicle for 7 days.
- Professional, English-speaking local driver/guide.
- Airport Pick-up in Casablanca and Drop-off in Marrakech.
- 5 Nights in Handpicked Luxury Riads (2 in Fes, 1 in Dades, 2 in Marrakech).
- 1 Night in a Private Luxury Desert Camp with en-suite (Dinner & Breakfast).
- Daily Breakfast at all accommodations.
- Dinners in the Desert and Dades Valley.
- Official local city guides for Fes and Marrakech medina walking tours.
- Private sunset camel trek in the dunes.
- All local taxes, highway tolls, and fuel.
Not Included
- Flights to and from Morocco.
- Lunches and daytime beverages.
- Dinners in Fes and Marrakech (to allow you culinary freedom).
- Entrance fees to historical monuments (e.g., Hassan II Mosque, Bahia Palace).
- Tips for your driver, camp staff, and local guides (optional).
- Personal travel insurance.
Ready for the Imperial Cities & Sands?
Because all of our journeys are strictly private, pricing is tailored to your specific travel dates, the size of your group, and your exact accommodation preferences. Reach out to our team today to receive your custom quote.