6 Days Tour to Morocco Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert from Casablanca
6 Days Tour to Morocco Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert from Casablanca
The 6-day tour to Morocco imperial cities and Sahara desert from Casablanca is an expertly-designed itinerary combining urban cultural heritage with dramatic natural landscapes. This journey takes you from Casablanca's modern port city through the imperial cities of Fez and Meknes, to the artistic mountain town of Chefchaouen, through the High Atlas Mountains and dramatic canyons, and finally into the Sahara Desert. This comprehensive tour showcases Morocco's complete character – from medieval medinas to desert magic, from imperial cities to artistic communities.
Why Choose This 6-Day Imperial Cities and Desert Tour?
This itinerary offers unparalleled value and variety:
Imperial Heritage: Visit Morocco's most historically significant cities – seats of imperial power and cultural achievement
Diverse Landscapes: Mountains, valleys, desert, and modern cities in a single journey
UNESCO Sites: Ait Ben Haddou, Fez medina, and Chefchaouen are World Heritage protected
Desert Experience: True Sahara adventure with camel trekking and luxury camp stays
Authentic Culture: Extended time allows genuine interaction with communities and traditions
Expert Guidance: Professional guides provide deep historical and cultural knowledge
Established Infrastructure: Well-developed tourism accommodations ensure comfort
Day 1: Casablanca to Fez via Imperial Route
Your tour begins in Casablanca, Morocco's largest and most international city.
Hassan II Mosque and Casablanca
Start with the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques with stunning architecture and Atlantic views. The minaret rises 200 meters. If tours are available, you'll learn about Islamic architecture and its place in Moroccan culture.
Explore Casablanca's medina, modern districts, and the Corniche to understand Morocco's evolution from colonial port to contemporary economic center.
Journey to Fez
By afternoon, depart for Fez (5-6 hour drive) via the imperial route through Morocco's interior. Your guide will explain geographical features, historical trade routes, and contemporary Moroccan society.
Arrive in Fez by evening, settling into your accommodation and enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Day 2: Fez Medina – Imperial City Exploration
Dedicate your second day entirely to Fez, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
The Ancient Medina
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Fez medina with expert guidance. This medieval city contains thousands of alleyways and represents the height of Moroccan Islamic civilization. Visit:
- University of Al-Qarawiyyin: One of the world's oldest universities (founded 859 AD)
- Leather Tanneries: Traditional processing using centuries-old methods
- Fes Mellah: Historic Jewish quarter with unique architecture
- Royal Palace Gate: Ornately decorated entrance to the sultan's residence
- Multiple Specialized Souks: Spices, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, and crafts
Your guide will facilitate visits to family artisan workshops where you'll observe traditional craftsmanship – carpet weaving, leather working, metalwork, and ceramic painting.
Evening in Fez
Enjoy an authentic Moroccan dinner at a traditional restaurant, possibly at a historic riad, experiencing genuine hospitality and home-cooked cuisine.
Day 3: Fez to Chefchaouen and High Atlas
Your third day brings you to Morocco's most photogenic artistic destination.
Morning Departure
Depart mid-morning from Fez, heading north toward Chefchaouen. The 3-4 hour journey passes through beautiful countryside and the Rif Mountains.
Chefchaouen Exploration
Chefchaouen is striking – virtually every building painted in distinctive shades of blue. Your guide will show you:
- The Blue Medina: Narrow streets with blue architecture at every turn
- The Kasbah: Historic fortress with panoramic views
- Plaza Uta el-Hammam: Main square and local heart
- Art Galleries: The thriving artistic community
- Scenic Viewpoints: Panoramic views of the blue city and mountains
Spend the evening exploring as light fades and locals go about daily activities, experiencing the town's authentic character.
Day 4: Chefchaouen to Merzouga via High Atlas and Dades Valley
Today involves extensive travel through Morocco's most dramatic landscapes.
Mountain Journey
Depart Chefchaouen early, driving south through the Rif Mountains and High Atlas. You'll pass through traditional Berber villages and increasingly dramatic mountain terrain.
Dades Valley
Arrive at the Dades Valley, famous as the "Valley of Roses." You'll drive through the Dades Gorge – a spectacular natural formation with cliff walls rising hundreds of meters. The dramatic canyon scenery with its "Monkey's Fingers" rock formation is breathtaking.
Todra Canyon
Continue to the Todra Canyon, Morocco's most spectacular natural formation. Nearly vertical cliff walls rise 200 meters from the canyon floor, creating an awe-inspiring natural corridor. A walk through the canyon – experiencing its scale, the river, and the lush vegetation – is deeply moving.
Merzouga Arrival
By late afternoon, arrive at your luxury desert camp in Merzouga, positioned at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. After settling in, experience your first Sahara sunset – watching golden light transform the dunes as the sun descends toward the horizon.
Day 5: Sahara Desert Experience – Camel Trekking and Magic
Your fifth day showcases the Sahara's wonders.
Morning Camel Trek
After an early breakfast, set out on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. The morning trek (2-3 hours) takes you into the desert interior, providing:
- Vast golden landscape extending to the horizon
- Profound silence and serenity
- Unique perspective from atop a camel
- Slow, meditative desert movement
Midday Rest and Camp Activities
Return to camp by midday for rest during the heat. Optional activities include quad biking, Berber village visits, or relaxation at camp.
Sunset Trek and Evening Entertainment
The evening camel trek ends at a scenic dune location for watching the sunset. Colors shift from gold to orange to purple across the dunes – one of the journey's most magical moments.
After dinner, enjoy traditional Moroccan entertainment:
- Gnaoua Music: Spiritual music on traditional instruments
- Berber Drumming: Rhythmic performances by local musicians
- Folk Dancing: Traditional dances reflecting Moroccan culture
Spend the evening stargazing under the clear desert sky.
Day 6: Sunrise Trek and Return to Casablanca
Your final day includes a last magical desert experience.
Pre-Dawn Camel Trek
Rise before dawn for a final camel trek. As the sun slowly rises, colors gradually transform from deep blues and purples to warm golds and oranges – a deeply moving experience.
Breakfast and Return Journey
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Casablanca. The 8-10 hour drive completes your 6-day Morocco adventure.
Highlights Summary
Imperial Cities: Fez and Chefchaouen representing Morocco's cultural heritage
Natural Wonders: High Atlas, Dades Valley, Todra Canyon, and Erg Chebbi dunes
Cultural Experiences: Artisan workshops, traditional markets, authentic dining, and local interactions
Desert Magic: Camel trekking, sunset/sunrise experiences, and luxury camp stays
Expert Guidance: Professional guides providing deep cultural and historical knowledge
Physical Requirements
The tour involves:
- Multiple days of significant driving
- Camel trekking (2-3 hours)
- Walking through medinas and towns
- Early starts and activity-filled days
Most people of reasonable fitness can complete this tour.
Best Times to Visit
October to November: Ideal temperatures and clear skies
February to April: Spring with pleasant weather and wildflowers
Avoid June to August: Extreme heat (40°C+)
Cost
A 6-day imperial cities and desert tour typically costs $800-$1,600 per person, including transportation, accommodations, meals, camel trekking, and guide services.
Conclusion: Experience Morocco's Complete Character
The 6-day tour to Morocco imperial cities and Sahara desert from Casablanca offers comprehensive experience of Morocco's character and diversity. From the medieval complexity of Fez to the artistic beauty of Chefchaouen, from dramatic canyon landscapes to the Sahara's vast serenity, this itinerary showcases Morocco at its finest.
Book today and experience the complete Morocco – imperial cities, artistic communities, dramatic nature, and desert magic combined into one unforgettable six-day journey.
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