Imperial Cities Tour Morocco – 8-Day Private Itinerary

This morning, travel north along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, Morocco’s capital and an imperial city. Pause for lunch at a neighborhood spot to sample classic Moroccan flavors before continuing your journey between two storied cities. Time permitting, pass the Royal Palace district—the monarch’s residence—or enjoy a brief stroll along boulevards framed by palms, then head inland toward Fes.

Arriving on the outskirts of Fes, you’ll first see the contemporary New City before entering the 9th-century medina through its ornate gates. With vehicles kept outside, goods move by handcart and donkey, and daily life unfolds in a labyrinth of over nine thousand lanes—some so narrow you’ll walk single file. The atmosphere feels timeless, with craftsmanship and traditions carried forward from centuries past.

The remainder of the day is open to settle into your riad or take a gentle evening wander near your lodging. Consider a relaxed dinner at a local eatery as you prepare for tomorrow’s deeper dive into this remarkable imperial city.

Spend today with your expert guide weaving through Fes el-Bali, the 9th-century heart of an imperial city. As you navigate the tight lanes, open-air stalls brim with seasonal fruit and vegetables, and everyday scenes unfold—like a shopper collecting fresh chicken for tagine. Cats linger beside carts piled with mint, a gentle nudge to pause for a glass of sweet city tea.

Step inside a traditional “Berber pharmacy,” where shelves release waves of floral essences and warming spices. Continue to the weavers: slip through a modest doorway into a bright courtyard alive with the rhythm of looms. Walls glow with scarves and blankets in every shade, soft under the hand. Later, climb a long flight to a panoramic terrace above the famous tanneries; a sprig of mint helps temper the rich dye aromas while you take in the view. Throughout, your guide shares not only the story of each stop but also the cultural ideas that shape life in one of Morocco’s foundational imperial cities.

Midday, sit down at a trusted local restaurant for a flavorful lunch—count the array of fresh salads that arrive at the table. After a full program of sights and senses, return to your riad or hotel for a comfortable night’s rest.

Soon after breakfast, depart Fes by road through olive groves and low hills toward the Roman site of Volubilis. As the countryside opens, the ruins appear on a rise above the plain—an evocative gateway to Morocco’s layered past.

On arrival, join your guide for a focused walk among temples, townhouses and workshops that date back nearly two millennia. Storks perch on roofless columns, and time-softened mosaics still reveal vivid patterns underfoot. You’ll see the remains of an olive-oil press and trace the street plan while your guide explains how this ancient city once functioned. From here, pause for a look toward Moulay Idris, counted among Morocco’s most sacred cities—named for the founder of Fes—its white façades and green roofs spilling across the hillside.

Continue to Meknes, an imperial city, for lunch and an introduction to its historic core. An orientation drive brings you to Bab Mansour, the monumental gate honoring Sultan Moulay Ismail, adorned with zellij and fine carving. You’ll also view the Royal Stables and the vast, historic granaries before returning to Fes in the late afternoon.

Today features the tour’s longest road segment, linking two historic imperial cities. Depart Fes and climb through the Middle Atlas before skirting the foothills of the High Atlas—changing landscapes, cedar stands and wide valleys offering a fresh backdrop en route to the Red City. Along the way, ask your driver for personal tips on what not to miss once you arrive in Marrakech.

On reaching the city, a classic way to get your bearings is by caleche (horse-drawn carriage). The steady rhythm and open-air vantage point make an easy introduction to landmarks and lively streets, finishing near Jemaa el-Fnaa, the famed central square that hums through the day and comes into its own after dusk.

As evening gathers, food stalls glow to life: fresh-pressed juices, trays of dried fruit, and steaming plates invite you to taste as you wander. If you’re feeling adventurous, capture a photo with a snake charmer for a memorable memento before settling in for the night in this captivating imperial city.

Begin the day in the imperial city of Marrakech, a favorite among travelers whose appeal grows with every visit. With your guide, visit the Koutoubia Mosque—the largest in the city—and take in its soaring minaret before setting off to discover why Marrakech stands out among Morocco’s storied cities.

Continue into the medina’s souks, where lanes glow with lantern displays that scatter colored light. Stalls of silver and brass sit beside pyramids of spices and bolts of soft fabric, inviting you to pause and choose a keepsake as you wander between workshops and storefronts.

In the afternoon, your guide leads you through Bahia Palace, once the residence of the grand viziers Si Moussa and his son Bou Ahmed. Its name, meaning “brilliance,” comes to life in tiled courtyards, gardens and elegant salons. Nearby, the Saadian Tombs—resting place of the royal Saadian dynasty—showcase exquisite zellij and lavish decoration, a serene finale to a day immersed in Marrakech’s living heritage

Ease into your last full day in Morocco with unhurried time in Marrakech, an imperial city beloved by travelers. Browse the medina for that lantern you’ve been considering, enjoy a fresh orange juice, and, if you wish, try one more friendly negotiation with a shopkeeper before you say goodbye to the city’s markets.

Keep the pace gentle for any final exploring or shopping you saved for today—one more wander through favorite lanes, a quick stop at a café, or a return to a stall that caught your eye earlier. It’s a fitting close to a journey that has linked Morocco’s remarkable imperial cities.

When you’re ready, meet your driver for the road back to Casablanca, the city where this week began—bringing your route full circle.

After days immersed in Morocco’s heritage, the journey draws to a close. From the Atlantic gateway to the imperial cities, each city offered its own rhythm and character, leaving a tapestry of memories you’ll carry home.

When it’s time, meet your driver for the ride to Casablanca’s airport. As the road slips by, you may be surprised by how much you already miss Morocco—and the new friends you’ve made along the way.