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Combined Tour
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Explore Morocco's imperial city, and rocky desert with...
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Overview
- Duration:10 days 9 nights
- Travelers:100 guests
- Tour Type:Private tour
- Language:English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
The trip to the Morocco Imperial Cities and Atlas Mountains is the perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Each of Morocco's renowned Imperial Cities—Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, and Meknes—has its own distinct charm and history, and visitors will explore their lively medinas, royal palaces, and historic sites. The journey continues beyond the city walls into the magnificent Atlas Mountains, where winding roads lead to stunning valleys, traditional Berber villages, and breathtaking landscapes. This tour lets people see Morocco's beautiful mountains, learn about its rich history, and see how people really live.
Highlights
- Explore Morocco’s four Imperial Cities: Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, and Meknes
- Wander through colorful souks, palaces, and ancient medinas
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and architectural landmarks
- Admire the Atlas Mountains with scenic drives and panoramic views
- Discover Berber villages and traditional mountain lifestyles
- Enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine and cultural encounters
- Experience a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in one journey
Itinerary
Expand allDay 1: – Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech, where you clear customs and immigration and transfer to Hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Marrakech enjoys a legend status which conveys the ideas of mystery, sensuality, and exoticism. Its influence and fame have been so strong and intense in the history of Morocco, that as a matter of fact the country was named after the city.
Marrakech was founded in 1062 by one of the chieftains of the Almoravid king Youssef ibn Tashfin. The Almoravids were desert warriors, very much attached to their Islamic religion; the original garrison developed very quickly into a city where numerous mosques and madrasas (Koranic schools) were built. Andalusian craftsmen built and decorated several palaces, merging their style with the Saharan and African traditions, which gave the city a distinctive architectural flavor. The Almoravids also erected the city walls, and created a complex system of underground irrigation canals to bring water from the High Atlas, the khettara – a system still in use to water the several gardens of the city.
At its height, Marrakech was the capital of the Almoravid empire, which stretched as far as Senegal, most part of Spain, and Algiers. In 1147, the Almohad, tribesmen from the High Atlas Mountains who practiced orthodox Islam, sacked the city, replacing the Almoravids as rulers of the empire, and destroying many of the palaces and mosques of their predecessors. New ones were built soon, though, including the famous Koutoubia mosque, which dates from this period. Ever since, alternate ages of splendor and decline sculpted Marrakech’s unique and charming character, at once decadent and full of life.
Nowadays, Marrakech is a vibrant city which exhibits a curious blend of the ancient and the modern, allowing travelers the chance to experience the genuine medieval atmosphere of the old medina, and visit the trendiest bars, art galleries and restaurants in the French Quarter, Guéliz, built at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Accommodation : MARRAKECH / 1 night
Meals: (B)
Day 2: Marrakech – Fes 7h00m - 540km
After your breakfast at the Hotel, you’ll take the flight to Fes. Once you arrived, you’ll be welcomed by your driver.
Accommodation: Fes / 2 nights
Meals: (B)
Day 3: – Full day city tour of Fes
At 9h30 am, your guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel for full day tour of Fes:
Fes el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez reached its height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Merinids, when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the medina – madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - date from this period. Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fez has retained its status as the country's cultural and spiritual center.
Your sightseeing tour will include the following:
New Medina
The “nouvelle Ville” of Fez, or the new city, provides a startling contrast with Fez el Bali. Wide and elegant avenues are lined with numerous cafés and restaurants. The modern aspect of the new city highlights the economic differences of the suburbs and the city center.
The Medersa
This theological college, marked by its green tiled roof, is a prime example of Merinid architecture, and it's the most beautiful of Kairouan University's residential colleges. Inside, elegant calligraphy graces the ceramic tile walls. The marble floors, sculpted cedar, and carved stucco walls—made with a concoction of plaster and egg white—have held up since this masterpiece Medersa was built in 1350. Since it is still in use, non-Muslims must depart during prayer time.
Bab Boujloud
Constructed in 1913, this gate is about 1,000 years younger than the buildings behind it. It's
proof that age doesn't matter—the relatively youthful structure is the most strikingly beautiful entry point into the old city. Painted flowers and calligraphy embellish its outer blue ceramic tiles and, depending on one's interpretation, the green mosaic interior either represents peace or the official color of Islam. Stop by at sunset for some excellent photo opportunities.
The Splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine
The square, with its splendid and unusual fountain, takes its name from the Souk Nejjarine
(Carpenter’s Souk) which is situated behind a wooden door in a narrow street below the square.
The Mellah
The Jewish Quarter. The Jews lived here and received protection from the sultan. The main street is especially interesting with its balconies and Art Deco zellij mosaic. Most Jews in Fez (around 300) now live in the Ville Nouvelle. Visit of the Ibn Danan Synagogue, a recently restored 17th century synagogue.
Day 4: Fes – Rabat 3h00m - 200km
Breakfast and After check out, you’ll be transferred to Rabat (On the way you will visit an olive grove and a cheese co-op; a legacy from Roman times. Your journey from Fez to Rabat will cross some of the most fertile land in Morocco where the ancient Romans settled and founded the city of Volubilis now in ruins.
This is another notable UNESCO listed site, renowned for its incredible mosaics and triumphal arch. The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire because of the vast agricultural riches that could be grown then and now in the surrounding plain. Its inhabitants graced their town with many fine public buildings, wide roads for their chariots and beautiful homes. Some of their remains still survive.
At the end of your visit, you will drive a short distance to reach your Hotel Villa Mandarine.
Accommodation: RABAT / 1 night
Meals: (B)
Day 5: – Rabat – Atlas Mountains 420kms - 7hours
Asni is located about 90 kilometers from Marrakech, it is the last village accessible by road before climbing the famous Mount Toubkal the highest point of the Moroccan Atlas. Known to be the starting point for many hikes including the ascent of Toubkal.
Asni and its valley are also known to offer a total change of scenery. With its pure and abundant water, its many orchards and its breathtaking views, the valley shows another unknown side of the region.
The departure from the hotel is at 9:00 am in the morning, towards the mountain atlas, visit tahenaout, after arriving in Asni join the guide for a walk for an hour visit the Berber villages, Mint Tea at the inhabitant, then a Another ride visits waterfalls.
You will enjoy the visit of the magical site Asni, starting point for most walks, it is a perfect place for walking and trekking between the Berber villages and in the Toubkal Massif the highest mountain in Africa North.
Accommodation: ATLAS MOUNTAIN / 2 nights
Meals: (B, D)
Day 6: Trekking Day
At the center of the High Atlas, almost in the shadow of Mount Toubkal (4,167m), the highest point in North Africa, is the village of Imlil (1,740m). The village has become the most popular starting point for ascents of the great mountain and for a wide range of less demanding hikes and treks. A programed trekking for 3h to explore the High Atlas with a lunch in a Berber house with local food. After mint tea we return to the village.
Day 7: Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou 280kms - 5hours
Ait BEN haddou is an ancient, fortified, red earthen village along a former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Driving from Asni, it is reached by via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the Atlas Mountains.
Accommodation: AIT BENHADOU / 1 night
Meals: (B, D)
Day 8: Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech 200kms - 4hours
Today and after your Breakfast At your Hotel, you’ll be transferred to Marrakech city. Marrakech is the second largest city of Morocco and is known as the Red City. It has about 800,000 inhabitants and most of the houses are colored read. Marrakech Medina It is truly a colorful city of entertainment and is called the one of the pearls of morocco. It is the major economic center and has several upcoming industries and markets.
Accommodation : MARRAKECH / 2 nights
Meals: (B)
Day 9: City tour of Marrakech
At 9h30am, your guide will meet you at the hotel for full day guided tour of Marrakech to visit all the more interesting monuments:
Marrakech, founded over 1000 years ago, is also known as the "red city" and is perhaps the most famous city in Morocco. A combination of the old (the Medina) and the new (Guéliz), Marrakech is an exotic cocktail of sights and sounds.
There are many historical places of interest to see including and the extraordinary Jemaa el-Fna, the main square in Marrakech. In the evenings, the square becomes a venue for alfresco eating and entertainment with troupes of costumed acrobats, storytellers, magicians, dancers, and semi-mystical Gnawa musicians. The souks offer a vast array of merchandise & offer an insight into a way of life unchanged in centuries.
The "new town" Guéliz, built by the French in the 1930's, is a total contrast to the Medina with its broad avenues, modern shops and cafés. The most visited site in Guéliz is the "Jardins Majorelle" created by Yves St Laurent. A haven of peace set in an exotic garden.
Your sightseeing tour will include the following:
The gardens of Majorelle
A property acquired in 1922 by the painter of the same name and then bought and developed by Yves St Laurent. These gardens are an oasis in the heart of the city and rich with flora and fauna. Once inside the garden walls, you would never think you were in the heart of a busy city. There is an excellent café in the gardens where you can enjoy a drink or snack.
Koutoubia Minaret
The center piece of Marrakech is the square tower of the Koutoubia minaret, attached to the
Koutoubia Mosque, built in the late 12th century. It's not particularly high—about 250 feet—but it towers over the Medina thanks to a long-standing planning ordinance that forbids any other building in the old city to rise above the Koutoubia.
Day 10: – Departure Transfer
Includes/Excludes
- All ground transfers
- ALL accommodation as stated
- Local taxes
- 24/7 emergency phone service with the support of English-speaking staff.
- Water and refreshments in the car/s during land transfers
- Any meals not mentioned in the program
- DRINKS
- Travel insurance
- International Flights
- Expenses of personal nature
- Tips: Driver & Guide
- Luggage Handling
- Any activity or services not mentioned in the proposal
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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