Overview of This Imperial Cities Tour
Our 6-day imperial cities tour of Morocco starts in Casablanca and visits all four royal capitals, Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech, plus the Roman ruins of Volubilis, with a private driver, local guides on request and riad stays.
Each of the four imperial cities was Morocco’s capital under a different dynasty, and each shows a different side of the country: modern Rabat on the Atlantic, Moulay Ismail’s walled Meknes, medieval Fes and red Marrakech. This route suits travelers who care more about history, architecture and food than the desert, or who want to add the Sahara later as a separate trip.
- The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- The Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan Tower in Rabat
- Bab Mansour and the royal stables of Meknes
- The mosaics of Volubilis
- Two nights in the Fes medina
- Marrakech’s palaces, souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa
Your 6 Days in the Imperial Cities
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Day 1: Casablanca to Rabat
About 1 h 15 min driving · 90 kmAfter the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, drive up the coast to Rabat, capital since 1912. Walk the white and blue lanes of the Kasbah of the Udayas, see the Hassan Tower begun in the 1190s, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V with its guards in red.
- Stops
- Hassan II Mosque, Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower
- Overnight
- Riad or hotel in Rabat
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 2: Rabat to Meknes, Volubilis and Fes
About 3 h 30 min driving · 250 kmMeknes was built as a capital by Moulay Ismail in the late 1600s: see the Bab Mansour gate, the Heri es-Souani granaries and the mausoleum. Then Volubilis, the westernmost large Roman city in Africa, with mosaics of Bacchus and Orpheus still on the floors. Fes by late afternoon.
- Stops
- Bab Mansour, Heri es-Souani, Volubilis
- Overnight
- Riad in Fes
- Meals
- Breakfast · Dinner
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Day 3: Fes, the Oldest Imperial City
No long drive todayWith a licensed guide, which we can arrange, explore Fes el-Bali: the Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the souks of the coppersmiths and dyers, and the Chouara Tannery. In the afternoon, visit Fes el-Jdid and the gates of the Royal Palace.
- Stops
- Al-Qarawiyyin, Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tannery, Royal Palace gates
- Overnight
- Riad in Fes
- Meals
- Breakfast · Dinner
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Day 4: Fes over the Middle Atlas to Marrakech
About 7 h driving · 530 kmThe long transfer day, broken into stages: Ifrane and the cedar forest of Azrou, then the olive country around Beni Mellal at the foot of the Middle Atlas. You reach Marrakech in the evening.
- Stops
- Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest, Beni Mellal
- Overnight
- Riad in Marrakech
- Meals
- Breakfast · Dinner
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Day 5: Marrakech
No long drive todayThe Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Ben Youssef Madrasa, with a guide if you like, then the souks and the Majorelle Garden. Evening on a roof terrace over Jemaa el-Fnaa.
- Stops
- Koutoubia, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Overnight
- Riad in Marrakech
- Meals
- Breakfast · Dinner
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Day 6: Departure from Marrakech
Airport transfer about 20 minA free morning, then your driver takes you to Marrakech Menara Airport, or back to Casablanca, about 3 hours away, if you fly home from there.
- Stops
- Transfer to the airport
- Overnight
- Departure
- Meals
- Breakfast
Route Map: Imperial Cities Tour
About 900 km from Casablanca to Marrakech. Day 4 is the only long drive; three days have little or none.
What’s Included in This Imperial Cities Tour
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for 6 days
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- 5 nights: riads or hotels
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Monument entrance fees
- Tips for driver and guides
- Travel insurance
Where You’ll Stay
- Rabat · 1 night Riad or hotel Options sent with your quote
- Fes · 2 nights Riad or hotel Options sent with your quote
- Marrakech · 2 nights Riad or hotel Options sent with your quote
Imperial Cities Tour Prices
Every private tour is priced for your group, so we quote it rather than list one fixed price. Three things set it:
- Group sizeThe vehicle and driver cost the same whatever the size of your party, so the more of you travel, the less each person pays.
- Hotel levelComfortable riads and hotels, or a step up to superior riads and a luxury desert camp.
- SeasonSpring and fall are the busiest months for riads and desert camps.
Customize This Tour
Add Chefchaouen between Rabat and Fes, or add the Sahara between Fes and Marrakech; that turns this route into our 7-day itinerary.
Customize This 6-Day Tour
Your driver/guide
One professional, English-speaking driver/guide for all six days, in an air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan depending on your group size. Other languages are available on request.
Meet our drivers and guidesImperial Cities Tour FAQ
What are the imperial cities of Morocco?
Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. Each was the capital under a different dynasty; Rabat is the capital today.
How many days do you need for a Morocco imperial cities tour?
Six days covers all four with two nights each in Fes and Marrakech. Five days is possible but leaves only a short visit to Marrakech.
Can we add the Sahara to the imperial cities?
Yes. Replace the direct drive from Fes to Marrakech with two days via Merzouga; that is our 7-day itinerary.
Do we need a guide in each city?
In the Fes medina we recommend one. In the other cities your driver can point you in the right direction; we can arrange licensed guides anywhere on request.
