12-Day Journey Through Imperial Cities, Sahara

• Arrival: Meet your driver at Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer to your riad (traditional Moroccan guesthouse).

• Evening Exploration:

  • Walk through Jemaa el-Fnaa, the heart of Marrakech, alive with street performers, food stalls, and market vendors.

  • Enjoy a welcome dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square.

• Overnight: Luxury riad in the medina.

• Morning:

  • Visit the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture.

  • Explore the Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1917.

  • Stop at the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior only for non-Muslims).

• Afternoon:

  • Wander through the Majorelle Garden, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle.

  • Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, once the largest Islamic college in Morocco.

• Evening: Free time to explore the souks or enjoy a traditional hammam (spa) experience.

• Overnight: Same riad in Marrakech.

• Scenic Drive: Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m).

• Ait Ben Haddou:

  • Guided tour of this UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village), a filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

  • Optional short hike to the top for panoramic views.

• Ouarzazate:

  • Visit Atlas Film Studios, where many Hollywood movies were shot.

  • Explore Taourirt Kasbah, a historic mud-brick fortress.

• Overnight: Boutique hotel in Ouarzazate.

• Morning: Drive through the Draa Valley, passing palm groves and ancient kasbahs.

• Tinghir & Todgha Gorge:

  • Walk through the Todgha Gorge, a stunning canyon with 300m-high cliffs.

  • Optional lunch at a local café by the river.

• Afternoon: Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

• Sunset Camel Trek:

  • Ride camels into the dunes (1.5-hour trek).

  • Arrive at a luxury desert camp with private tents, en-suite bathrooms, and a Berber-style dinner.

• Evening: Traditional Berber music & stargazing around the campfire.

• Overnight: Luxury desert camp.

• Sunrise in the Desert: Wake up early for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes.

• Return to Merzouga: Camel ride or 4x4 transfer back to the village.

• Scenic Drive:

  • Pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops.

  • Stop in the Ziz Valley for panoramic views of palm oases.

• Midelt: A quiet town nestled between the Middle Atlas & High Atlas Mountains.

• Overnight: Hotel in Midelt.

• Cedar Forests of Azrou:

  • See wild Barbary macaque monkeys in their natural habitat.

• Ifrane ("Little Switzerland"):

  • Stop for photos in this European-style town.

• Arrival in Fes:

  • Evening at leisure to explore the medina.

• Overnight: Traditional riad in Fes.

• Medina Exploration:

  • Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University, the world’s oldest continuously operating university.

  • See the Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed using ancient methods.

  • Explore Bou Inania Madrasa and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah).

• Afternoon: Free time for shopping or a visit to a traditional hammam.

• Overnight: Same riad in Fes.

Meknes:

• Visit Bab Mansour, one of Morocco’s most impressive gates.
• Explore Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum.

Volubilis:

• Guided tour of the Roman ruins, including mosaics and the Capitol.

Chefchaouen: Arrive in the famous "Blue City" in the Rif Mountains.

Overnight: Charming guesthouse in Chefchaouen.

Morning:

• Wander the blue-painted streets, taking photos in the iconic alleys.
• Visit the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views.

Afternoon Options:

• Relax in a café with mint tea.
• Take a guided hike to Akchour Waterfalls (optional).

Overnight: Same guesthouse in Chefchaouen.

• Rabat (Capital of Morocco):
  • Visit the Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum.
  • Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque seaside fortress.
• Overnight: Hotel in Rabat.

• Casablanca:
  • Visit the Hassan II Mosque (one of the largest in the world).
• Return to Marrakech:
  • Free evening for last-minute shopping or a farewell dinner.
• Overnight: Riad in Marrakech.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.