Morocco desert tour

Tour details

(31 Reviews)
$950
  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Start: Marrakech
  • End: Marrakech
  • Tour Type: Private (Customizable)
  • Availability: Year-round

Tour Overview – Private 5-Day Imperial Cities Tour

Discover Morocco's rich history and landscape on this special 5-day itinerary through the Moroccan four imperial cities and stunning natural attractions. We begin our journey in Marrakech and then travel north to the beautiful Ouzoud Waterfalls, where water cascades from multiple levels, producing brilliant rainbows under the lush forest below. Each night will be spent in a charming local hotel or traditional riad, part of the great Moroccan hospitality.

We then cross the stunning Middle Atlas Mountain Range to historical cities such as Beni Mellal, Azrou, and Ifrane, with its alpine beauty and native Barbary monkeys. We then head to the spiritual capital and oldest imperial city of Fes, where you will explore the UNESCO-protected medina of Fes, with its winding alleyways leading to mosques and madrasas that are hundreds of years old.

Following Fes, we will continue the trip on to Meknes, filled with royal palaces and markets, before a short visit to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, where you will see visible layers of Morocco's history, all in one sight. Finally, we will finish the trip in Rabat, the administrative capital, where we will visit the kasbah, one of Morocco's oldest forts, built in 1197; the beautiful mausoleum; and the royal palace before ending the trip in Casablanca, visiting the Hassan II mosque, a fantastic piece of architecture.

This trip is an ideal mix of cultural discovery, family travel, and history. This trip includes local guides, comfortable transportation, and traditional Moroccan food, all adding value to a unique travel opportunity in Morocco.

Detailed Itinerary – 5 Days Morocco Imperial Cities Tour

01

DAY 01 - Marrakech ⇢ Ouzoud Waterfalls ⇢ Beni Mellal

This five-day journey across the imperial cities of Morocco also showcases spectacular and varied landscapes.

Take off from the red city of Marrakech around 08:00 am and head north to the famous, stunning Ouzoud Waterfalls, a magnificent three-tiered waterfall, which sends a rainbow tumbling down to the river below. Brightly colored rafts take visitors up close to the falling water.

Lunch is served in one of the terraced restaurants, which has a full view of the falls and its beautiful surrounding woodlands.

The day ends in the town of Beni Mellal, where you spend the night in a local hotel or traditional riad.

  • Drive: Marrakech to Beni Mellal- approx. 273 km (around 4 hr 10 mins)
02

DAY 02 - Beni Mellal ⇢ atlas Mountains ⇢ Azrou ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Fes

After eating breakfast we will continue the trip northwards through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you may see the local indigenous people feeding off the rest of us in their travels. Barbary monkeys inhabit the large cedar forests of this area and are quite troublesome.

This is an area also known as Little Switzerland, as you will find Alpine-style architecture ranging from Azrou to Ifrane, combined with significant winter snow. There are tons of visitors that use this area as a travel destination and nearby international ski resort.

Our tour today concludes in the ancient imperial city of Fes, where you will have the night to spend in the old Medina.

  • Drive: Beni Mellal to Fes - approx. 258 km (around 4 hr 40 mins)
03

DAY 03 - Fes Discovery Tour

Today you will be guided by a knowledgeable person to visit Fes, the first imperial city of Morocco, founded by Moulay Idriss II at the end of the VIIIth century. You will visit the Medina of Fes el-Bali, which the UN has designated as a Heritage Site for over 30 years, with over 9000 streets; it is a car-free intrigue and labyrinth of interest. The Attarine Koranic school, or Medersa, is one of Fes's finest. We'll also see Nejjarine and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss

After lunch, we will visit the Quaraouiyine Mosque belonging to the Quaraouiyine University, the most ancient in history, founded in the year 880 by a woman. We will also visit the new city, Fez Jdid.

04

DAY 04 - Fes ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Rabat

We will depart from Fes this morning and drive to Meknes to discover another city with a new history but still rather different. Meknes is one of Morocco's most important imperial cities. You will see the royal granaries that housed his beautiful Andalusian horses, as well as the impressive walls and Bab Mansour Gate, a large water basin, magnificent palaces, beautiful mosques, and some of Morocco's most important souks, all of which are worth the visit.

After Meknes we will drive to the UNESCO site of the Roman ruins of Volubilis. The site is large and still undiscovered and partially restored. This site was an important strategic city and displays many mosaics and remnants of homes, columns, and gateways.

We will finish the day in the administrative capital city of Morocco: Rabat. We will visit Mechouar, the ramparts and walls that surround the Royal Palace, and the Kasbah of the Oudayas, as well as the incredible Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan II. We will spend the evening at a local hotel or riad.

  • Drive: Fez to Rabat - approx. 258 km (around 4 hr 40 mins)
05

DAY 05 - Rabat ⇢ Casablanca ⇢ Marrakech

On the final day of your tour, we'll visit the iconic city of Casablanca. Casablanca is the economic and cultural capital of Morocco and is also home to the third- largest mosque in the world. The Hassan II Mosque is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with zellig, cedar wood, and polished marble that is beautiful and definitely worth your time for a visit. Inside you can see the rooms for ablution, the pool, the giant doors, and the sliding roof.

After visiting Casablanca, we can take you to the airport there or back to Marrakech.

  • Drive: Rabat to Marrakech - approx. 327 km (around 4 hr 05 mins)

Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour

  • Private, modern transportation with air conditioning Yes
  • Car fuel Yes
  • Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation Yes
  • Experienced English-speaking driver/guide Yes
  • 1 Night in a hotel in Rabat Yes
  • 1 Night in a private room in Beni Mellal Yes
  • 2 Nights in a authentic riad in Fes Yes
  • Local licensed guides in Fes, Meknes, and Rabat for city and medina visitst Yes
  • 1 Night in a hotel in Dades Valley Yes
  • Daily breakfast included Yes
  • Beverages No
  • Lunches No
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums (optional) No

Accommodation Options

Carefully selected lodgings ensure comfort and authenticity throughout the tour. Accommodations may be adjusted based on availability, and upgrades are available upon request.

  • Night 1 – Beni Mellal:
  • Standard: Hotel Babilou / Hotel Atlas – Comfortable hotels with mountain views, modern amenities, and warm Moroccan hospitality.
  • Superior: Kasbah Dar Atlas / Hotel Panorama Beni Mellal – Upscale hotels with elegant décor, scenic surroundings, and cozy atmospheres.
  • Night 2 - 3 – Fes:
  • Standard: Riad La Perle de la Médina / Riad Damia – Traditional riads nestled in the old medina, offering ornate tilework, quiet courtyards, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.
  • Superior: Riad Salam Fes / Riad Fes / Palais Houyam / Palais Amani – Luxurious riads blending Andalusian architecture with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, spas, and views of the ancient city.
  • Night 4 – Rabat:
  • Standard: Hotel Le Diwan / Hotel Rihab – Comfortable hotels near the city center with modern facilities and traditional Moroccan touches.
  • Superior: Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses / Hotel La Tour Hassan – Premium hotels with gardens, elegant décor, pools, and excellent locations for exploring Rabat.

Pricing & Group Options

  • 2 People €880 per person
  • 4 People €750 per person
  • 6+ People €600 per person
  • Flexible Rates: Couples, Families & Groups on This 7-Day Morocco Tour

Route Map

Book Your 5-Day Imperial Cities Tour Today

Why Book With Us?

  • Private Morocco Tours with Local Expert Guides
  • Comfortable & Air-Conditioned 4x4 Vehicles
  • Authentic Desert & Cultural Experiences
  • Flexible Itineraries Tailored to You
  • 24/7 Reliable Support Throughout Your Journey

Have a Question?

Need help planning your perfect 5-day Morocco adventure? Our team is ready to answer your questions and assist with bookings anytime.

Customer Reviews & Testimonials

Hear what travelers loved about this unforgettable Morocco adventure

An Amazing Moroccan Adventure

"This trip was great and very well organized! Combining the imperial cities with natural wonders like the Ouzoud Waterfalls gave us a real Moroccan experience. Our guide Aziz was very knowledgeable and personable beyond anything we expected. His great attitude led to amazing and unforgettable days! The riads and hotels were stunning and comfortable. "I highly recommend this tour for first-timers wanting to see the best of Morocco!"
Sylvia H Green smiling

Nicole O

From Vancouver, Canada

Loved Every Moment of the Tour

"Our 5-day tour from Marrakech was terrific. Our driver, Hassan, was always punctual and professional and made the long drives enjoyable. The day tours doing Fes and Meknes opened up the door to Morocco's rich history, and we experienced amazing things both in those cities and in Marrakech. Staying in traditional riads was magical. The week was a perfect combination of cultural sites and scenic spots!"
Reid E Butt enjoying the desert

James B

From Seattle, WA

A Trip to Remember

"This tour exceeded our expectations! The itinerary was well thought out in covering not just the iconic cities but also hidden gems like the Roman ruins at Volubilis. Our guide, Mustapha, provided us with thorough and comprehensive information about Moroccan culture. The best part was sitting peacefully at the end of the night in the authentic riads and tasting Moroccan food. This is a truly authentic experience!"
Gordon D Novak portrait

Ryan Co

San Diego, CA

Five Days Full of Memories

"We enjoyed every second of the five-day Imperial Cities tour. The journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains was breathtaking, and witnessing the ancient medinas felt like a journey through time. Our driver, Idir, made it personal and went above and beyond. There was a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. I would definitely consider booking again in the future!"
Lillian at the camp

Craig L

From Austin, TX

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions about the 5-Day Morocco Imperial Cities Tour

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions About the 5-Day Morocco Tour. Whether you're wondering about logistics, comfort, or what's included, we've got you covered.

The tour includes Morocco's most important cities: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and Casablanca, as well as highlights such as Ouzoud Waterfalls and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

You will stay in authentic hotels/riads, selected for their comfort and authenticity. You can also upgrade based on your preference.

Breakfast is provided daily, and some tours also include a traditional Moroccan dinner. Additional meal arrangements can be made upon request. Please review your tour details for more information.

Absolutely. The itinerary is flexible! Our private tours can be customized to extend stays, include activities, or adjust the pace based on your interests.

All transportation is provided in private air-conditioned vehicles for your comfort.