Imperial UNESCO Tours

Imperial Cities and Desert 10 Days Tour

Day 1: Casablanca – Fez

Arrive at the airport in Casablanca. Should you arrive in Casablanca early in the morning you will have the opportunity to visit the Hassan II Mosque. The incredible structure was completed in 1993 and is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. After your visit to the Mosque you are free to troll the coastline of Casablanca, if you wish. Following the tour of Casablanca, you will travel to Rabat, which is the capitol of Morocco. While in Rabat you will visit Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After the tour of Rabat, you will continue to the city of Fez, the oldest city in Morocco. When reaching Fez, you will now have time to relax in your Riad or Hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Exploring Fez

Today you will explore Fez, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. A local licensed historical guide will accompany you as you discover each of the two old Medinas. The largest which is Fes El Bali. In 1981 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second, Fes El Jedid, is the oldest city, which was built by Merinids. You will find many fascinating historical sites such as: Al_Qarawiyyin, which dates back to 859 AD, and is the oldest continuous functioning madrasa (Old School) in the world. The Ancient Tanneries where you can see the tanners incredible labor of making Babouches (Moroccan Slippers) as well as wallets, handbags, and a host of leather goods. This medieval labyrinth has something exciting around every corner. You are sure to enjoy the culture, food, and artisans of Fez 

Day 3: Fez – Merzouga

Today’s adventure is exciting. You will begin with a drive to Merzouga. You will pass through the city of Ifrane, which is known as the coldest town in Morocco, and also known as the Switzerland of Morocco because of the housing architecture and the snowfall in the winter months. From Ifrane you will continue your journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Cedar forest in Azrou, which is 3940 feet in elevation. Here you will have the opportunity to feed the endangered Barbary (Macaque) Monkeys. Try to remember to bring snacks for the monkeys, and keep your camera handy. You will then continue to travel the scenic roads through the Atlas Mountains, stopping for lunch and heading to Ziz the valley of palm groves. You will then arrive in Merzouga for a relaxing night in your Riad or Hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga

Today after breakfast you will go off-roading to discover Merzouga, taking in the sites to the Sahara. When reaching the Quarry area where you will learn how the locals extract fossils from the heart of the earth. You will visit the nomads who still live in tents made from camel wool. Here you will learn about the life of the nomads while sipping on a warm cup of mint tea. Visiting with the Nomads at times is a life changing experience. The peace and love that these wonderful people share will be a highlight of your Moroccan journey.

You will continue crossing the desert capturing the different faces of the dunes and black volcanic rocks. You will pass through small villages to Khamlia Village, where the locals from Africa still practice their traditional Gnawa Music. After the village you will stop for lunch, having Berber Pizza. A personal favorite stop along the way. Following a relaxing lunch, you will go to meet your next mode of transportation, your camel, for an hour and a half ride through the picturesque dunes of the Sahara, to your camp. After arriving at the camp, you will relax around the fire, have dinner, and enjoy a bit of cultural Berber Music. The evening Moroccan sky is usually a site to behold. Enjoy this night. When you wake in the morning you should see a fantastic sunrise, don’t forget your camera. (weather permitting) After sunrise you will have breakfast and back in the saddle for your camel ride back to the hotel.

Day 5: Meraouga – Boumalne Dades

After an anticipated brilliant sunrise and breakfast, you will explore fortresses, valleys, palmeries and gorges. Again, a lot of great picture taking on this drive. You will visit the wells that were used as irrigation in the 17th century, and a breathtaking view of the Toda Gorges. From here you will head to the oasis with mountains as high as 300m (1000 feet). You will travel through the city of Tinghir while making your way to Boumaln Dades where you will relax for the evening in your hotel.

Day 6: Boumalne Dades – Ouarzazate 

Following breakfast your excursion will begin by traveling through the Valley of Roses where the festival of Roses is celebrated at the end of May each year. Wonderful place to do a little shopping for any kind of rose infused beauty supplies. You will continue onward to Skoura, oasis of palm groves. From here you will head to the city of Ouarzazate which is known as the Hollywood of Morocco because of the Cinema Studios. Not far from the Cinemas you will stop by the Kasbah of Taourirt. The journey continues to the most famous Kasbah, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah where many movies were filmed such as Game of Thrones and Gladiator. After touring the Ait Ben Haddou Kabah you will rest in your hotel in the Village of Ait Ben Haddou for the evening.

Day 7: Ait Ben Haddou – Essaouira

Good Morning! Today you will take the thrilling road of Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains where you will reach an altitude of 2,260 m above sea level. I’m sure you will enjoy the views of the Atlas traveling through the twists and turns of Tichka. It is the highest mountain pass in Northern Africa. Tichka Pass lies between the Sahara Desert and the red city of Marrakech. Following this scenic drive, you will continue through the red city of Marrakech and on to the city of Essouira which lies on the Atlantic West Coast of Morocco. 

Day 8: Essaouira – Marrakech

The adventure begins today in the city of Essaouira, also known as the “Wind City of Africa”, excellent for wind surfing and sailing. You will visit many fascinating sites, including the sea port where the seamen uncover the catch of the day. Stroll the sandy beach that stretches way to the south. Essaouira is a laid-back atmosphere. The dramatic ramparts and the sandy beach have together created an attraction for artisans and hippies for years. Essaouira has a bohemian feel quite different from the rest of the country. Back in the 1950’s Orson Wells stayed at the Hotel des lles during the filming of “Othello”. This hippie town was the home of many other film productions. Jimmy Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand” was written two years prior to his visit to Essaouira. Again, this is a wonderful place to stroll, shop, sip tea and just watch the people pass by. Enjoy the day! 

When the tour of Essaouira is complete you will travel back to Marrakech for the evening.

Day 9: Exploring Marrakech

After breakfast you will explore the city of Marrakech. The name Marrakech originates from the Amazigh (Berber) words MUR (n) AKUSH which means “Land of God”. Marrakech lies at the foothills of the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. You will visit some of the most fascinating sites of Marrakech, starting with the Tombs of Saadians, Palais Bahia, Garden Majorelle, (another personal favorite) the Kotoubia Mosque, and ending the day in the square of Jamaa Lafna and the Souks. The square of Jamaa Lafna is overflowing with shops, crafts, entertainment, and a host of restaurants. Marrakech at night is bustling with excitement. It is an enjoyable way to close your Moroccan journey. Rest well, see you in the morning.

Day 10: Transfer to Casablanca

Transfer to the Airport, depending on the time of your departure.

Imperial City Grand Tour  

14 Days Tour

The first day of trip will begin in Casablanca by visiting the largest Mosque in Africa, the Hassan ll. The Hassan ll Mosque took 7 laborious years to build. The Mosque can hold up to 25,000 for prayer inside, and 80,000 on the Mosque’s grounds outside. After touring The Hassan ll Mosque you will begin your drive to the city of Chefchaouen (The blue City), passing through Rabat, the Capitol City of Morocco. The day’s journey will end in the beautiful city of Chefchaouen. Rest of the evening in your Riad or Hotel. 

Day 2: Chefchaouen

After breakfast, self-tour of the city of Chefchaouen (The Blue City), a small city situated in the Rif Mountains. The city dates to 1471. The cities name derives from a Berber name “Chef Chaouen” which means “look at the horns”. Chefchaouen is a quaint place to hike and relax. You will walk inside the old city of Chefchaouen and visit Rass El Ma (The Head if the water). Ras El Ma is the source of water that is used by the city for irrigation and laundry. This is a public area where local woman washes clothing and blankets. This is my personal favorite city to photograph. So much beauty to capture in this city. When you finish your tour, you will settle down in your Riad or Hotel for the night.

Day 3: Chefchaouen - Fes

After breakfast, you will leave Chefchaouen and head towards the city of Fes. You will cross the Rif Mountains and into the Middle Atlas Mountains, making stops to visit the ruins of the Roams in Volubilis, then onto Meknes for lunch. While you are in the city of Meknes you will explore all its fascinating sites. Following the tour of Meknes, you will continue your journey to Fes. Rest in your Riad or Hotel for the evening. 

Day 4: Exploring Fes

Today you will explore Fez, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. A local licensed historical guide will accompany you as you discover each of the two old Medinas. The largest which is Fes El Bali. In 1981 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second, Fes El Jedid, is the oldest city, which was built by Merinids. You will find many fascinating historical sites such as: Al_Qarawiyyin, which dates to 859 AD, and is the oldest continuous functioning madrasa (Old School) in the world. The Ancient Tanneries where you can see the tanners incredible labor of making Babouches (Moroccan Slippers) as well as wallets, handbags, and a host of leather goods. This medieval labyrinth has something exciting around every corner. You are sure to enjoy the culture, food, and artisans of Fez 

Day 5: Fes – Midelt

Today’s adventure will begin with a drive to Merzouga. You will pass through the city of Ifrane, which is considered the coldest place in Morocco. Ifrane is also known as the Switzerland of Morocco because of the housing architecture and snowfall. Continue your journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Cedar forest in the city of Azrou, which is 3940 feet in elevation. Here you will have the opportunity to feed the endangered Barbary (Macaque) Monkeys. From here you will drive to the city of Midelt to your Hotel for the evening. 

6: Midelt – Merzouga

The excursion will continue to Merzouga where you will enjoy your next mode of transportation, your camel. Your camel will slowly carry you through the dunes in the heart of the Erg Chebbi, in the Sahara Desert. While riding through the peaceful, breathtaking and mysterious dunes of the Sahara, you will have the opportunity to take some of the most spectacular pictures. The sunset is typically a breathtaking experience as the colors of the dunes explode into a magnificent feast for the eyes. An absolute delight for the professional and amateur photographer. The dunes stand in all its glory with the highest elevation of 150M. We will spend the evening in the desert in our tents just as the indigenous nomads live. Tonight, take in the evening Moroccan sky it is sure to leave a permanent mark in your memory. At times it is so beautiful you will never be able to find the correct words to describe what you have seen. 

Day 7: Merzouga 

This morning after breakfast you will go off-roading to discover Merzouga, the same road used in the famous Paris-Dakar Rally, reaching the Quarry area where you will learn how the locals extract fossils from the heart of the earth. You will visit the nomads who still live in tents made from camel wool. Here you will learn about the life of the nomads while sipping on a warm cup of mint tea. Visiting with the Nomads at times is a life changing experience. The peace and love that these wonderful people share will be a highlight of your Moroccan journey. You will continue crossing the desert capturing the different faces of the dunes and black volcanic rocks. You will pass through small villages to Khamlia Village, where the locals from Africa still practice their musical traditions, Gnawa Music. After the village you will stop for lunch, having Berber Pizza. After lunch you will return to your hotel to relax and have dinner, followed by breakfast the following morning. 

Day 8: Merzouga – Boumalne Dades

Early this morning your journey will begin with a breathtaking sunrise in the desert as you mount your camel and head back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast you will explore many fortresses, valley of Palmeies and gorges. You will visit the wells that were used as irrigation in the 17th century, and a breathtaking view of the Toda Gorges. From here you will head to the highest oasis in Morocco, with mountains as high as 300m (1000 feet). You will travel through the city of Tinghir while making your way to Boumalne Dades where you will relax for the evening in your hotel. 

Day 9: Boumalne Dades - Ouarzazate

Good Morning, today your excursion will begin by traveling through the Valley of Roses where the festival of Roses is celebrated at the end of May each year. As the old saying goes, Stop and Smell the Roses. You will find several shops where you will find a wide selection of rose infused beauty products. From the Valley of Roses, you will continue onward to Skoura, oasis of palm groves, and then to the city of Ouarzazate. This city is known as the Hollywood of Morocco because of the Cinema Studios. Many famous movies where filmed here such as Cleopatra, Gladiator & Game of Thrones. Not far from the Cinemas you will stop by the Kasbah of Taourirt. Stopping here for the evening in your Riad or Hotel.

Day 10: Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Following breakfast, you will drive to the most famous Kasbah in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. The fortified village and Kasbah is situated in the hills along the Ounila River. Ait Ben Haddou has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Many films have been produced in the Kasbah including: The Message, The Mummy, Alexander and Babel. After the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah tour, you will have lunch in a lovely restaurant with a panoramic backdrop. After lunch the journey continues through the High Atlas Mountains where the altitude reaches 2260 M in Tichka Pass. After a long day you will reach Marrakech to put your feet up for the evening. 

Day 11: Exploring Marrakech

After breakfast you will explore the city of Marrakech. The name Marrakech originates from the Amazigh (Berber) words MUR (n) AKUSH which means “Land of God”. Marrakech lies at the foothills of the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. You will visit some of the most fascinating sites of Marrakech, starting with the Tombs of Saadians, Palais Bahia, Garden Majorelle, the Kotoubia Mosque, and ending the day in the square of Jamaa Lafna and the Souks. The square of Jamaa Lafna is overflowing with shops, crafts, snake charmers, narrators, minstrels, fortune-tellers entertain amid the stalls of food, fresh orange juice and a host of restaurants. You will find Marrakech a fascinating day. In the evening, the center of the Djemâa El-Fna Square, is swarming with life. Rest well, see you in the morning.

Day 12: Marrakech – Essaouira

Rise and Shine! Today you will travel to the city of Essaouira, also known as the “Wind City of Africa”, excellent for wind surfing and sailing. You will visit many fascinating sites, including the sea port where the seamen uncover the catch of the day. Stroll the sandy beach that stretches way to the south. Essaouira is a laid-back atmosphere. The dramatic ramparts and the sandy beach have together created an attraction for artisans and hippies for years. Essaouira has a bohemian feel quite different from the rest of the country. Back in the 1950’s Orson Wells stayed at the Hotel des lles during the filming of “Othello”. This hippie town was the home of many other film productions. Jimmy Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand” was written two years prior to his visit to Essaouira. Again, this is a wonderful place to stroll, shop, sip tea and just watch the people pass by.

Day 13: Essaouira - Casablanca

Today you will travel back to Casablanca through the breathtaking coastal highway. With time permitting you will stop in Safi to visit the local pottery shops, which it’s famous for, and/or Oualidia the little coastal village that sits next to a lovely natural lagoon. We will stop along the way for pictures and lunch. When arriving in Casablanca you will rest in your Hotel or Riad for the evening. 

Day 14: Transfer to the Airport in Casablanca

Transfer to the Airport, depending on your time of departure. We hope you have enjoyed your journey with our travel agency and found a lifetime of great memories on your UNESCO tour. We look forward to planning our next journey together.