Imperial Cities · 6 days
Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fez, Marrakech
Day by day
Six days to traverse the history of Morocco through its four imperial cities. Casablanca for modern effervescence and the Hassan II mosque, Rabat for its elegant and discreet capital side, often forgotten but magnificent Meknes, spiritual Fez with its medieval alleys, and flamboyant Marrakech to end in beauty.
This circuit is the most requested classic format: it offers a real understanding of the country, its diversity of landscapes and its history. Each city has its dedicated night, which allows for a real evening on site and not to skim over the medinas.
Format suitable for couples, cultural trips and first trips to Morocco. Accommodations are in authentic riads in the medinas, or in upper category hotels in the modern city depending on your preference.
Tangier Med → Rabat
- 08h00Pickup at Tangier Med. Quick coffee-departure.
- 09h00Drive south on the A1 highway, along the Atlantic coast.
- 11h00Stop in Asilah, small fishing town with white and blue ramparts, charming stage on the way.
- 13h00Lunch in Kenitra or Mehdya by the sea.
- 15h00Arrival in Rabat. Visit of the Kasbah of the Oudayas (Andalusian garden, blue alleys, view over Salé), the Mohammed V mausoleum and the Hassan tower.
- 18h00Settling at hotel or riad. Free dinner in town (Rabat medina has some charming restaurants).
Rabat → Casablanca → Meknes
- 08h30Breakfast and departure to Casablanca.
- 10h00Casablanca, visit of the Hassan II mosque (exterior and interior if visit open), one of the largest mosques in the world and one of the few accessible to non-Muslims.
- 12h30Lunch at La Sqala or Rick's Café (with reservation, the Casablanca spirit from the movie).
- 14h30Drive to Meknes via the highway. Agricultural plain landscapes.
- 17h00Arrival in Meknes. Settling at the riad and late afternoon visit: El-Hedim square, Bab Mansour (one of the most beautiful gates of the Maghreb), the medina.
- 20h00Traditional dinner at the riad: tagine, couscous or pastilla depending on the day. Free evening in the medina.
Meknes → Volubilis → Fez
- 08h30Breakfast and departure to Volubilis Roman ruins (30 min).
- 09h30Volubilis, UNESCO listed site. Exceptionally well-preserved Roman ruins among olive trees: mosaics, arch of triumph, basilica. Visit approximately 1h30 with a local guide.
- 12h00Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, sacred village perched on a hillside, lunch with panoramic view.
- 14h30Drive to Fez (1h).
- 16h00Arrival in Fez, settling in an authentic riad in the heart of the medina (Fez el-Bali). First contact with the most medieval city in Morocco: narrow alleys, thousand stalls, donkey carriers.
- 18h30Sunset walk. Tip: climb to the Merinid tombs for the panoramic view over the 9000 alleys of the medina.
- 20h30Dinner at the riad or in one of the medina restaurants (Dar Hatim, Café Clock, etc.).
Full Fez visit
- 09h00Breakfast on the riad terrace. Departure for the guided walking tour of the medina with an official English, French or Spanish speaking guide.
- 09h30Al Quaraouiyine University (one of the oldest universities in the world, 859 AD), the Bou Inania medersa, the souks.
- 11h30Chouara tanneries: visit from a terrace overlooking the colored vats. They give you a sprig of mint for the smell. The spectacle is unique in the world.
- 13h00Lunch in the medina: Dar Hatim (authentic traditional cuisine) or Café Clock (modern version with terrace).
- 15h00Free afternoon: continue exploring the souks, or rest at the riad, or shopping at the female Berber rug cooperative (Aïn Khaïl Cooperative).
- 17h30Sunset at the Merinid tombs for one last panoramic view.
- 20h00Free dinner. Sufi music show at the French Institute if you are a fan (check program).
Fez → Marrakech via the Atlas
- 08h00Breakfast and departure south (long but magnificent drive: 7-8h with stops).
- 10h30Ifrane, the "little Moroccan Switzerland", coffee with its sculpted lion.
- 11h30Azrou cedar forest and its Barbary macaques.
- 13h30Lunch in Beni Mellal or Khenifra (en route).
- 17h00Arrival in Marrakech, settling in a medina riad. The contrast with Fez is striking: Marrakech is wider, more colorful, more lively.
- 19h00First discovery of Jemaa el-Fna square at sunset time. Absolute magic: storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, orange juice sellers, ephemeral restaurants.
- 20h30Dinner on Jemaa el-Fna square (popular stalls) or on the Café de France terrace for the view.
Marrakech → Tangier Med
- 08h00Breakfast on the riad terrace overlooking the Atlas.
- 09h00Morning guided tour: Bahia Palace, Saadian mausoleum, recently restored Ben Youssef medersa, Majorelle garden (creator Yves Saint Laurent garden, tickets purchased in advance).
- 12h30Free lunch in the medina or in Guéliz (the modern city).
- 14h00Departure to Tangier Med (long drive: approximately 6h).
- 20h00Arrival at Tangier Med. For evening ferries, plan a margin. An internal flight variant Marrakech-Tangier is possible if you want to save time (supplement).
What's included
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicle transport with English, French or Spanish speaking driver for the 6 days
- ✓5 nights in authentic riads or upper category hotels (double room)
- ✓Breakfasts every day
- ✓Official local English, French or Spanish speaking guide for visits to Fez and Marrakech
- ✓Entries to main monuments (Hassan II mosque, Volubilis, Ben Youssef medersa, Majorelle garden)
- ✓Fuel, tolls, parking
- ✓Mineral water on board
What's not included
- ×Flights and ferry from Spain
- ×Lunches and dinners (unless otherwise indicated)
- ×Alcoholic beverages
- ×Tips for driver and guides (at your discretion)
- ×Personal travel insurance
- ×Personal expenses, shopping
Practical tips
When to go: this circuit is feasible all year round, but the ideal seasons are spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). In summer, Marrakech and Fez can exceed 40°C, which makes medina visits demanding. In winter, nights are cool in the riads (little central heating), plan fleeces.
Pace: 6 days is intense. If you want more time to breathe, ask for our 8-day version with 2 nights in Fez and 2 nights in Marrakech. The additional cost is reasonable and travel comfort transforms the experience.
Accommodation: we favor authentic riads in the medinas (European equivalent 3-4 stars). If you prefer modern comfort, we can switch to hotels in the new city (Movenpick, Sofitel, Radisson) for a supplement.
Bargaining: in Fez and Marrakech, prices in the souks are negotiable. General rule: announce 30% of the asked price, gradually go up to 50-60%. Stay polite and smiling. If you don't like to negotiate, buy at a cooperative (fixed and fair prices).
Safety: the medinas are safe but labyrinthine. If you get lost, a child or a merchant will guide you for 10-20 dirhams (1-2 €). Avoid following non-official "guides" who approach you at the exit of a monument.
Photos: don't photograph people without asking them, especially women and children. Many will ask for a tip (5-10 dirhams) once the photo is taken.
Let's build your trip together
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