This 11 days Morocco Imperial Cities tour From Fes is perfect for travelers who want to explore Morocco’s history, culture, and landscapes. The journey begins in Fes, the country’s spiritual and intellectual heart. You will visit imperial cities, charming blue towns, historic kasbahs, and lively Atlantic medinas. Explore the ancient medina of Fes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen and enjoy Tangier’s Mediterranean charm. Discover the imperial grandeur of Rabat and Casablanca. The tour continues to Marrakech, with guided visits to palaces, souks, and a day trip to Essaouira. This itinerary combines history, architecture, mountains, desert, and coastline for a complete Moroccan experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Fes
Upon arrival at Fes Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your riad or hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take a short stroll around the nearby streets. Fes is one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities and is called the spiritual and intellectual heart of the country. Its narrow streets, centuries-old medina, and historic architecture make it a living museum. The city is famous for traditional crafts, bustling souks, and monumental gates. This first day is perfect for rest and a gentle introduction to local culture, cuisine, and atmosphere. Overnight in Fes.
Day 2: Full Guided Tour of Fes
Spend a full day exploring the ancient medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin at Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 859 AD. Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century school with intricate tilework, carved cedar, and arched courtyards. Wander through the bustling souks, where artisans craft leather, pottery, brass, and textiles. See the Chouara Tannery, where traditional tanning methods are still used. Learn about Fes under the Idrisid, Marinid, and Alaouite dynasties. Enjoy panoramic views of the medina from terraces. Your guide explains local customs, Islamic heritage, and Berber culture. Overnight in Fes.
Day 3: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
Depart Fes early and head to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Explore Bab Mansour, a monumental gate decorated with zellij mosaic and carved plaster, and visit the royal stables and granaries. Continue to Volubilis, an ancient Roman city dating back to the 3rd century BC, featuring well-preserved mosaics, triumphal arches, and columns that reveal Morocco’s classical past. After exploring the Roman ruins, continue your journey north toward the Blue City of Chefchaouen, famous for its picturesque streets painted in shades of blue and white. Arrive in the late afternoon, stroll through the medina, and enjoy the peaceful mountain town atmosphere. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 4: Chefchaouen Exploration
Spend a full day immersed in the enchanting town of Chefchaouen, famously known as Morocco’s “Blue Pearl” for its striking blue-painted streets and whitewashed walls. Begin your exploration by wandering through the medina, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and charming plazas where each turn reveals vivid blue buildings, traditional doorways, and intricate architectural details that reflect centuries of Islamic, Berber, and Andalusian influence. Stop to photograph the vibrant streets, artisan workshops, and hidden courtyards, capturing the town’s unique atmosphere. Visit the Kasbah Museum, a restored 15th-century fortress at the heart of the medina, which houses a fascinating collection of Berber artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical exhibits detailing the region’s rich heritage. Learn about local weaving techniques, pottery, and agricultural practices that have been preserved for generations in the surrounding Rif Mountains.
Take time to meet local artisans and discover how the town’s economy has historically relied on artisanal skills, agriculture, and trade. In the afternoon, hike to the Spanish Mosque, perched on a hilltop overlooking Chefchaouen, offering panoramic views of the blue medina below, the surrounding mountains, and the lush valleys that frame the town. The combination of natural beauty, historic architecture, and tranquil streets makes Chefchaouen a truly unique cultural and photographic destination, allowing visitors to experience both the heritage and serene lifestyle of the Rif Mountains. Conclude the day with an evening stroll in the medina, enjoying local cuisine or mint tea at a traditional café, before returning to your riad or hotel for overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 5: Chefchaouen – Tangier
Depart Chefchaouen in the morning and embark on a scenic drive to Tangier, Morocco’s historic port city situated at the strategic Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Tangier has long been a crossroads between Africa and Europe, attracting traders, explorers, diplomats, writers, and artists for centuries, making it one of Morocco’s most cosmopolitan cities. Upon arrival, begin your exploration with the Kasbah Museum, housed within the former Sultan’s palace, which offers a fascinating collection of artifacts, traditional costumes, and insights into Tangier’s rich dynastic history. Wander through the old medina, where narrow streets are lined with traditional houses, shops, and cafes, reflecting a blend of Arab, Berber, and European influences. Stroll through the Grand Socco, the city’s bustling central square, alive with merchants, street performers, and locals, providing a true sense of Tangier’s vibrant urban culture.
Visit the American Legation, a historic building and museum symbolizing the United States’ diplomatic presence in Morocco, which illustrates Tangier’s role as a hub of international relations and cultural exchange over the centuries. Take time to enjoy sweeping views over the Mediterranean coast, where turquoise waters meet rugged cliffs, and learn about Tangier’s layered history, from Phoenician settlements and Roman occupation to its period under French and Spanish protectorates. Discover how this city has inspired famous writers such as Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs, and Tennessee Williams, and how its eclectic character continues to attract artists and travelers today. Conclude the day with a relaxing evening in Tangier, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this historic port city, and overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Day 6: Tangier – Asilah – Rabat
After breakfast, depart Tangier and drive south along Morocco’s scenic Atlantic coastline to Asilah, a charming historic town renowned for its white-washed medina walls, colorful murals, and vibrant street art. Asilah was occupied by the Portuguese in the 15th century, leaving behind fortified walls and historic gates that still stand today. Wander through the medina’s narrow streets, admire the art galleries showcasing contemporary Moroccan paintings, ceramics, and crafts, and explore the ramparts that offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the town’s history as a cultural hub and its role in promoting art festivals that attract artists from around the world. After exploring Asilah, continue south to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital and a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. Visit the Hassan Tower, the unfinished 12th-century minaret of a mosque commissioned by Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, which symbolizes Morocco’s architectural and religious history.
Explore the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture that honors Morocco’s beloved king and his sons, adorned with intricate mosaics and marble detailing. Walk through the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a 12th-century fortress perched on the riverbank, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and the Bouregreg River. Stroll along the river promenade and admire the harmonious mix of colonial-era buildings, modern infrastructure, and historical monuments, reflecting Rabat’s evolution as a political and cultural center. Gain insights into Morocco’s Islamic heritage, French colonial influence, and the city’s ongoing role in shaping national identity. Conclude the day with an evening at leisure in Rabat and overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Day 7: Rabat – Casablanca
Drive from Rabat south along the Atlantic coast to reach Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, bustling economic hub, and a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. Upon arrival, begin your exploration with the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, perched partially over the Atlantic Ocean. Admire its intricate mosaics, delicate marble floors, and elaborately carved cedar woodwork, as well as the 210-meter-high minaret, the tallest in Africa, which dominates the city skyline. Learn about the mosque’s significance in Moroccan religious life, its architectural inspiration combining traditional Moroccan design with modern engineering, and the visionary role of King Hassan II who commissioned its construction.
Continue to the Cornice, Casablanca’s modern seaside promenade, lined with restaurants, cafes, and luxury hotels, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and observe local life. Stroll through the modern city districts, contrasting the sleek avenues and contemporary architecture with the historic charm of the old medina, where narrow streets, bustling souks, and centuries-old houses offer a glimpse of everyday Moroccan city life. Explore the markets, interact with local artisans, and discover the fusion of French colonial influence with Moroccan traditions reflected in the city’s architecture and urban planning. Learn about Casablanca’s role as a strategic port during the French protectorate, its rapid development into Morocco’s commercial capital, and how the city continues to balance modernity with cultural heritage. Conclude the day with a relaxing evening in the city before checking into your hotel for overnight in Casablanca.
Day 8: Casablanca – Marrakech
Depart Casablanca in the morning and embark on a scenic drive south toward Marrakech, crossing fertile plains dotted with olive groves, argan trees, and small Berber villages. As you approach the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, admire the dramatic landscapes where rugged peaks meet lush valleys, providing a striking contrast to the Atlantic coast and plains you left behind. Upon arrival in Marrakech, check into your riad or hotel and take some time to rest before heading out for a short evening stroll. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the medina and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food vendors create a vibrant and unforgettable sensory experience.
Marrakech, known as the “Red City” for its ochre-colored walls and buildings, is renowned for its rich history, bustling souks, and grand palaces. Learn about its founding in the 11th century by the Almoravids, its rise as a political and cultural center under successive dynasties, and its enduring significance in Moroccan art, architecture, and commerce. This evening offers the perfect introduction to the city’s energy, colors, and sounds before your guided explorations in the following days. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 9: Guided Tour of Marrakech
Spend a full day exploring Marrakech with a professional guide. Begin at the Koutoubia Mosque, famous for its 77-meter-high minaret and Almohad architecture. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the gardens and exterior are impressive. Continue to the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece with courtyards, marble floors, ornate woodwork, and beautiful gardens. Visit the Saadian Tombs, dating from the 16th century, with intricate mosaics, carved cedar, and stucco work. Wander through the souks, narrow alleys filled with carpets, leather, metalwork, spices, and traditional crafts. End the day at Jemaa el-Fnaa, a lively square with storytellers, musicians, acrobats, and food stalls. Learn about Marrakech’s culture, history, and traditions from your guide. Conclude with dinner at a Moroccan restaurant or your riad. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 10: Marrakech – Essaouira Day Trip
Take a full-day excursion to the coastal city of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the historic medina, Portuguese fortifications, bustling port, and artisan workshops. Walk along the city ramparts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor. Essaouira’s relaxed atmosphere, historic architecture, and cultural diversity provide a perfect contrast to the mountains and desert visited earlier in the tour. Return to Marrakech in the evening. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 11: Departure from Marrakech
After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Airport for your departure, concluding an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, historic towns, deserts, mountains, and coastal landscapes.
Included
- Private air-conditioned transport with professional driver/guide
- 10 nights accommodation in hotels or riads
- Daily breakfast and selected dinners
- Guided tours in Fes, Marrakech, Essaouira, and other historical sites
- Entrance fees to major monuments including Hassan II Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Kasbah Museum, and Ait Ben Haddou
Excluded
- Lunches and drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for driver and guide
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