Grand Tour of Morocco: Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert - 7 Days

Your Grand Tour of Morocco begins in Casablanca, the country’s largest city and one of its main international gateways. After arrival at Casablanca airport, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer and begin your introduction to modern Morocco.

Depending on your arrival time, you can visit the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque or arrange an interior visit if timing and entrance availability allow. This impressive Atlantic-facing landmark is one of Morocco’s most important religious and architectural sites, known for its detailed zellij tilework, carved wood, marble, and oceanfront setting.

You may also enjoy a short drive through Casablanca’s main boulevards, old market areas, the Corniche, or the Habous Quarter if your flight schedule allows. The first day is kept flexible so you can settle in, rest after your journey, and prepare for the cultural and desert route ahead.

Overnight in Casablanca or nearby, depending on the confirmed package.

After breakfast, leave Casablanca and begin the journey toward Fes, one of Morocco’s most important cultural cities. Along the way, the route can include stops in Meknes and Volubilis, bringing imperial history and Roman heritage into the first full travel day.

Meknes is one of Morocco’s imperial cities, known for its old walls, monumental gates, medina streets, and connection to Sultan Moulay Ismail. Depending on timing, you may see Bab Mansour, the old city walls, and selected historic areas before continuing toward Volubilis.

Volubilis is one of Morocco’s most important Roman archaeological sites. Set in open countryside, the ruins include ancient streets, columns, mosaics, stone houses, temples, and views across the surrounding hills. This stop gives the route a deeper historical layer before reaching Fes.

Continue to Fes in the afternoon or early evening. After arrival, check in to your riad or hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in the city.

Overnight in Fes.

After breakfast, begin a guided visit of Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities and one of the most important cultural centers in the country. This day gives the journey its strongest historical and human depth, as Fes is not only a city of monuments, but a living medina where craftsmanship, trade, religion, food, and daily life still follow old rhythms.

With your local guide, enter Fes el-Bali, the ancient medina and one of the most fascinating historic quarters in Morocco. Its narrow streets are full of movement: small bakeries, spice stalls, leather shops, copper workers, woodcarvers, textile sellers, fountains, mosques, and hidden courtyards. The medina can feel like a maze, which is why a guided visit helps you understand the city instead of simply passing through it.

Your visit may begin near Bab Boujloud, the famous blue gate of Fes, before walking deeper into the old city. Along the way, you will see traditional souks where artisans continue to work with techniques passed down through generations. This is one of the best places in Morocco to understand local craftsmanship, from leather and ceramics to metalwork, embroidery, and carved cedarwood.

One of the main highlights is the Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest and most famous tanneries in Morocco. From a nearby terrace, you can see the round dyeing pits and learn how leather is prepared, washed, softened, and colored using traditional methods.

The visit may also include Al Attarine Madrasa, a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture with detailed zellij tilework, carved plaster, and cedarwood decoration. You may also pass near Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, one of the most important historic centers of learning in the Islamic world. While entry to some religious sites may be limited, the surrounding area is rich with history, booksellers, old lanes, and traditional life.

Depending on timing and your interests, the guided tour can also include Fes el-Jdid, the Mellah, the Royal Palace gates, or a panoramic viewpoint over the medina. These stops help complete the picture of Fes as a city shaped by different communities, dynasties, trades, and cultural influences.

After the guided visit, return to your riad or enjoy free time to continue exploring at your own pace. This second night in Fes gives you time to rest before the long scenic journey south toward Merzouga and the Sahara Desert the next day.

Overnight in Fes.