8-Day Imperial Cities Tour Overview
Complete Cultural Journey Through Morocco's Historical CapitalsThis comprehensive itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the full spectrum of Morocco's imperial heritage, from ancient Roman influences to modern Islamic architecture.
The 8-day imperial cities tour from Casablanca covers approximately 1,200 kilometers through Morocco's most historically significant regions. This carefully crafted itinerary balances travel time with immersive experiences in each destination, allowing you to appreciate the unique character of each imperial city. You'll travel in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with an experienced driver/guide who will provide historical context and cultural insights throughout your journey. Accommodations are carefully selected to reflect the local character of each destination, ranging from modern hotels to traditional riads.
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and anyone interested in understanding Morocco's rich heritage. You'll experience the continuity of Moroccan civilization from Roman times through the Islamic dynasties to the modern era. For more information about Morocco's imperial cities, visit the Wikipedia page on Imperial Cities of Morocco.
8-Day Imperial Cities Tour Itinerary: Casablanca Circuit
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your cultural journey through MoroccoDay 1: Arrival in Casablanca - City Tour
Casablanca Arrival & Hassan II Mosque
Arrive at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport. Meet your driver/guide and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, begin your exploration of Casablanca, Morocco's economic capital and largest city. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, featuring a 210-meter minaret and stunning architecture overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the mosque's intricate details and learn about its significance as a modern Islamic architectural masterpiece. Evening at leisure to explore the Corniche or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Casablanca - Rabat - Fes
Rabat Capital City Exploration
After breakfast, depart for Rabat, Morocco's capital city. Visit the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret of what was intended to be the world's largest mosque, and the adjacent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the final resting place of Moroccan kings. Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortified royal residence overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Bou Regreg River. Walk through the Andalusian Gardens and visit the nearby Chellah Necropolis, a medieval fortified Muslim necropolis with Roman ruins.
Journey to Fes
Continue your journey to Fes, one of Morocco's imperial cities and home to the world's largest medieval medina. The drive takes you through scenic countryside. Arrive in Fes in the evening and check into your riad/hotel located in or near the medina. Evening at leisure to relax after your journey or take an initial stroll around your accommodation's neighborhood.
Day 3: Fes Full Day Cultural Exploration
Fes Medina Guided Tour
After breakfast, meet your local guide for a full-day exploration of Fes el-Bali, the ancient medina and UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Royal Palace gates with their magnificent brass doors and intricate zellij tilework. Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and the Jewish Cemetery. Visit panoramic viewpoints overlooking the medina. Enter the medina through Bab Bou Jeloud (the Blue Gate) and begin your exploration of the labyrinthine streets.
Medina Souks & Cultural Sites
Continue your medina exploration, visiting the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a beautifully decorated Islamic school. See the Kairaouine Mosque and University, founded in 859 AD and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts and the Nejjarine Fountain. Explore the famous tanneries (Chouara Tannery) where leather is still processed using traditional methods. Visit artisan workshops specializing in pottery, metalwork, and textiles. Evening at leisure to explore on your own or enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Day 4: Fes - Meknes - Volubilis - Chefchaouen
Meknes Imperial City
After breakfast, depart Fes for Meknes, another of Morocco's imperial cities. Explore the historical sites including the massive Bab Mansour gate, one of the finest gates in Morocco. Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his capital in the 17th century. See the Heri es-Souani (royal granaries and stables) and the Place el-Hedim square. Explore the medina and souks of Meknes, which are less crowded than those in Fes.
Volubilis Roman Ruins to Chefchaouen
Continue to the nearby Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Explore the ancient city with its impressive mosaics, triumphal arch, basilica, and Capitol. After your visit, continue to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your hotel/riad. Evening free to explore the magical blue streets as the sun sets, creating beautiful photographic opportunities.
Day 5: Chefchaouen Exploration - Tangier
Chefchaouen Blue City Discovery
Spend the morning exploring Chefchaouen at your own pace. Wander through the picturesque blue-washed streets of the medina, discovering hidden corners, small squares, and artisan shops. Visit the Kasbah Museum in the central square (Outa el Hammam), climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the blue city against the mountain backdrop, shop for local handicrafts, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this unique mountain town. Chefchaouen is particularly photogenic in the morning light.
Journey to Tangier
After lunch, depart for Tangier, Morocco's gateway to Europe overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. The drive takes you through the scenic Rif Mountains. Arrive in Tangier in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may have time for an initial exploration of the city. Evening at leisure to enjoy Tangier's cosmopolitan atmosphere and perhaps sample some fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Tangier - Asilah - Rabat
Tangier City Tour
After breakfast, explore Tangier with a local guide. Visit the Kasbah Museum located in the former Sultan's Palace, stroll through the medina and Grand Socco (main square), see the American Legation Museum (the first American public property outside the United States), and visit the Caves of Hercules with their distinctive seaward opening shaped like the map of Africa. Enjoy panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar and on clear days, see the Spanish coast.
Asilah Coastal Town to Rabat
Depart Tangier and travel south along the Atlantic coast to the charming artistic town of Asilah. Explore its well-preserved medina with whitewashed houses decorated with murals by international artists. Walk along the seaside ramparts and visit the weekly market (if applicable). Continue to Rabat, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel and evening at leisure to revisit favorite spots or explore new areas of the capital.
Day 7: Rabat - Marrakech via Casablanca
Return to Casablanca
After breakfast, depart Rabat for the short drive back to Casablanca. Depending on your interests and time, you may have opportunity for additional exploration in Casablanca, such as visiting the Habous Quarter (new medina), the Mohammed V Square, or the Corniche. Alternatively, you might choose to visit the Rick's Café (inspired by the film "Casablanca") for lunch or refreshments.
Journey to Marrakech
Continue your journey to Marrakech, traveling through changing landscapes as you approach the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon and check into your riad/hotel, typically located in or near the medina. Evening free to experience the famous Djemaa el-Fna square as it comes alive with food stalls, storytellers, musicians, and entertainers as the sun sets.
Day 8: Marrakech Exploration - Departure
Marrakech Highlights Tour
After breakfast, explore Marrakech with a local guide. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque with its distinctive minaret, the Bahia Palace with its beautiful gardens and intricate decoration, the Saadian Tombs rediscovered in 1917, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa, once the largest Islamic college in Morocco. Explore the souks specializing in leather, metalwork, textiles, and spices. Visit the Majorelle Garden, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
Departure or Extended Stay
After your Marrakech exploration, transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 8-day imperial cities tour. Alternatively, if you have extended your stay in Morocco, you'll be dropped off at your Marrakech accommodation. This comprehensive tour has taken you through centuries of Moroccan history, from Roman ruins to modern capitals, providing a deep understanding of the country's rich cultural heritage.
Imperial Cities Tour Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's cultural and historical heritageHassan II Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques in Casablanca
Rabat Historical Sites
Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum & Kasbah
Fes Medieval Medina
UNESCO World Heritage site & world's oldest university
Volubilis Roman Ruins
Best-preserved Roman archaeological site in Morocco
Chefchaouen Blue City
Magical blue-washed streets in the Rif Mountains
Tangier & Strait of Gibraltar
Strategic port with views to Europe
Asilah Artistic Town
Coastal town famous for murals and art festival
Marrakech Cultural Sites
Koutoubia, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs & souks
Meknes Imperial City
Bab Mansour gate & Moulay Ismail Mausoleum
Comprehensive Cultural Experience
From Roman times to modern Morocco in 8 days
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 8-day imperial cities tour package- Airport pick-up on arrival in Casablanca
- Private transportation with A/C vehicle throughout
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- 7 nights accommodation in selected hotels/riads
- All breakfasts during the tour
- Local guides in Fes, Tangier, and Marrakech
- Entrance fees to Hassan II Mosque, Volubilis, and major sites
- Hotel/riad taxes and service charges
- Airport drop-off on departure from Marrakech
- International flights to/from Morocco
- Lunches and dinners (except where specified)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
- Visa fees if applicable to your nationality
Practical Details
Important information for your 8-day imperial cities tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 8-day Casablanca Imperial Cities tourAccommodations on this tour are carefully selected 4-star equivalent hotels and traditional riads that reflect the local character of each destination. In cities like Fes and Marrakech, you'll typically stay in traditional riads (converted courtyard houses) within or near the medina, offering authentic Moroccan atmosphere. In other cities, comfortable hotels with modern amenities are selected for convenience and quality. All accommodations include private bathrooms, air conditioning/heating, and breakfast. Specific hotel names and details are provided upon booking confirmation. Upgrades to higher category accommodations are available upon request.
This tour involves moderate to considerable walking, especially in the medinas of Fes and Marrakech. The medieval medinas are pedestrian-only with narrow, sometimes uneven streets and steps. A typical day of medina exploration involves 3-5 hours of walking at a leisurely pace with frequent stops. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. The tour can be adapted for those with mobility limitations, but it's important to note that wheelchair access is extremely limited in the medinas. If you have concerns about walking distances, please inform us when booking so we can discuss possible adjustments to the itinerary.
Essential packing includes: comfortable walking shoes (broken-in, with good support), modest clothing for visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered for both men and women), layered clothing (temperatures can vary), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), lightweight scarf or shawl (for sun protection and modesty when needed), camera with extra batteries/memory cards, power adapter (Morocco uses European-style plugs, Type C/E), personal toiletries and medications, small daypack for daily excursions, and copy of passport and travel documents.
Yes, this tour can be customized in several ways. Popular customizations include: adding extra nights in specific cities (particularly Fes or Marrakech), incorporating a desert extension (2-3 days to Merzouga), adding coastal stops (Essaouira), including more time in the mountains (Atlas Mountains visit), or adjusting the pace for a more leisurely experience. The tour can also be extended to 10-14 days for a more comprehensive Morocco experience. Since this is a private tour, we can work with you to create an itinerary that matches your interests, pace, and budget. Please discuss your preferences when requesting a quote.
This tour operates year-round, but the best seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and pleasant for sightseeing. Summer (June-August) can be hot, especially in inland cities like Marrakech and Fes, but coastal cities like Tangier and Asilah remain pleasant. Winter (December-February) is cooler, especially in the mountains and at night, but daytime temperatures are generally comfortable for touring. Ramadan (dates vary each year) affects opening hours and restaurant availability, but touring is still possible with some adjustments. Regardless of season, this cultural tour focuses on historical sites that can be enjoyed year-round.