Casablanca to Marrakesh: Imperial Cities, Hiking, and the Desert

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival in Casablanca, head to the Hassan II Mosque. Sitting on the ocean, it features the tallest minaret in the world. Join a tour of the interior and admire the hand-carved stone, wood, marble flooring, and gilded ceilings.

Continue north to Rabat. Explore the Chellah Necropolis and its Roman and Islamic ruins. Visit the Kasbah des Oudaias and the Andalusian Gardens. See the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V.

Transfer north to Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains. Optionally stop at the Cascades d’Akchour for a short hike.

Explore Chefchaouen’s blue-hued medina. Walk through narrow streets and visit Plaza Outa el-Hammam. See the Grand Mosque and Kasbah. Climb to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views.

Travel south toward Fes. Stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and explore mosaics, temples, and merchant homes.

Continue to Meknes and visit Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables.

Arrive in Fes and visit the Merenid Tombs for panoramic views before settling into your riad.

Fes is the oldest imperial city and home to one of the most complete medinas in the Arab world.

Explore Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid. Enter through Bab Boujloud and walk along Talâa Kebira past souks.

Visit the Chouara Tannery, Al Attarine Madrasa, and the Mellah before optionally exploring Ville Nouvelle.

Travel south through the Middle Atlas via the Col du Zad pass and cedar forests. Spot Barbary macaques and stop in Midelt.

Continue through the Ziz Valley and Erfoud before reaching Erg Chebbi.

Ride a camel through the dunes to your desert camp and watch the sunset before dinner by the campfire.

Watch the sunrise and leave the desert. Visit Khemliya village and continue to Rissani.

Travel to Tinghir and explore the Todra Gorge.

Continue through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and Kelâat M’Gouna before arriving in Ouarzazate.

Visit Aït Benhaddou and explore its narrow streets and granary.

Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech.

In the evening, experience Jemaa el-Fna with performers, food stalls, and entertainment.

Explore Marrakech’s medina, starting with the Koutoubia Mosque and gardens.

Walk through souks including Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata. Visite Souk des Teinturiers.

Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa and admire its architecture and intricate details.

Travel to Amizmiz in the Atlas foothills. Explore the local market and begin a guided hike.

Walk along mule paths between Berber villages and observe daily life.

Stop for lunch with a local family and learn about their traditions before continuing your hike.

If staying in Amizmiz, return to Marrakech after breakfast.

Explore the Kasbah area, including the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace, and Bahia Palace.

Transfer to the airport for departure.