Leaving Casablanca behind, your journey heads into the heart of imperial Morocco. The first stop is Volubilis, where the ruins of a Roman city stand proudly with intricately tiled mosaics and grand merchant homes. Walking through this ancient site, you feel the echoes of long-ago empires. Next, you move to Meknes, where the monumental Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail reflect the power of the sultanate. In the afternoon, you continue to Fes, climbing to a viewpoint at the Merenid Tombs to look down over the sprawling old city before descending into a riad tucked into Fes’s medina.

In Fes, you spend a full day diving deep into its historic medina. You roam through Fes el-Bali, guided through narrow alleys filled with artisans and the calls of merchants. You arrive at the famous Chouara Tannery, where stone vats filled with dyes swirl in vivid colors, and you observe how leather has been processed here for centuries. The tour continues to the revered Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world, and to the Al-Attarine Madrasa, where delicate zellij tilework and carved cedar wood catch your eye. You also make time to walk the neighborhoods of the old Jewish Quarter, or Mellah, and then step outside the medina for panoramic views before returning to your riad for an evening of rest and reflection.

Your desert adventure begins early as you leave Fes and drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The route climbs through cedar forests where you may spot Barbary macaque monkeys perched among the branches. The road continues toward Midelt, sometimes called the apple capital of Morocco, where you pause for lunch. Descending from the pass, you enter the lush Ziz Valley, dotted with palm oases and ancient ksars built from clay. As you travel further, the landscape shifts dramatically, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi emerge on the horizon. In Erfoud, you stop to visit a workshop where craftsmen carve fossils from stone. Then you continue to Merzouga, where a camel caravan carries you into the desert. You climb a dune to watch the sunset, then reach your camp, enjoy a traditional dinner, and spend the night under the star-studded desert sky.

You wake before dawn to watch the desert transition from cool shadow to golden light as the sun rises over the dunes. After breakfast in the camp, you return by camel to Merzouga and then travel to Khemliya, a Saharan village known for its Gnawa musicians. You spend time with local families, listening to deep, rhythmic music that resonates with desert tradition. From there, you head to Rissani, a historic trading town, and then move on to explore palm-lined oases. Your path continues through remote desert landscapes toward Ouarzazate. On the way, you admire the Todra Gorge, formed by the Todra River cutting through towering red limestone cliffs, and by evening you arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.”

In the morning, you leave Ouarzazate and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, a striking kasbah with clay buildings perched on a hill. You wander through its narrow alleys, climb to the old granary for sweeping views, and imagine the caravans that once passed through. From there, you drive over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you visit an argan oil cooperative, where local women explain how they extract this precious oil. As you descend from the mountains, the landscape warms and shifts, and you eventually arrive in Marrakech. In the evening, you may stroll into Jemaa el-Fna square, where storytellers, musicians, and street food converge in an unforgettable spectacle.

Your final day is spent exploring Marrakech’s most iconic sites. You begin with the Koutoubia Mosque and its serene gardens, then move into the historic medina, where souks teem with life — from spices and textiles to lamps and leather. You visit the ornate Bahia Palace, reflecting the opulence of Moroccan craftsmanship, and the Saadian Tombs, with their geometric tilework and peaceful courtyards. You also step into the Ben Youssef Madrasa, whose carved walls and decorative tiles illuminate a sense of beauty and history. If time allows, you retreat to the Majorelle Gardens, a peaceful oasis of cobalt blue and lush greenery. As your tour comes to an end, you are transferred to your departure point, carrying memories of Moroccan culture, desert magic, and timeless landscapes.

FAQ – 7-Day Grand Morocco Tour One common question is whether a week is enough to see both the imperial cities and the Sahara. While seven days is a condensed timeline, it’s carefully planned so that you visit the most essential cities — Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech — and still have a full desert experience with a night under the dunes. Many travelers wonder what kind of accommodation is provided. During this tour, you stay in a mix of riads in the cities, a desert camp in Merzouga, and a comfortable guesthouse in Ouarzazate, which together offer authenticity, cultural immersion, and rest in each region. People often ask when is the best time to do this tour. The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is moderate in cities, pleasant in the desert, and less extreme over mountain passes. Another frequent concern is whether this itinerary can be customized. Yes, absolutely — you can request changes such as an extra night in the desert, a quad-bike ride across dunes, upgraded tents, or detours to additional destinations like the Dades Valley or even Chefchaouen. Travelers also ask what to pack for a trip that spans modern cities, ancient ruins, mountain roads, and desert dunes. It’s wise to bring light daytime clothing, warm layers for night, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a scarf for sun or sand. Finally, there’s the question of how transport is managed. You will travel in a private 4×4 or minivan with an experienced local driver who knows the terrain and can navigate mountain roads, desert tracks, and city streets, giving you flexibility and safety to stop at scenic viewpoints, oases, and cultural sites.