Imperial Cities & Sahara Tour
This 7-day Imperial Cities & Sahara tour is the perfect way to discover both the historic heart of Morocco and the golden dunes of the deep Sahara. Begin in Rabat, the elegant capital with its iconic Hassan Tower and riverside kasbah, before travelling to Meknes and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Explore the legendary medina of Fez, one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, full of souks, tanneries and centuries-old madrasas. Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests and Berber villages, until you reach the golden dunes of Merzouga. Ride a camel into the erg at sunset, sleep in a traditional nomad camp under a sky full of stars, and wake up to a legendary Sahara sunrise. On the way back, discover the dramatic Todgha Gorge, the palm groves of the Drâa Valley and the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou kasbah. This Imperial Cities & Sahara tour combines Morocco's greatest cultural treasures with the unforgettable experience of sleeping in the desert.
Full Program & Itinerary
Arrival in Rabat
Arrival in Rabat, capital of Morocco. Guided visit to the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Oudayas Kasbah overlooking the Atlantic. Overnight in a riad in the medina.
Rabat → Meknes → Volubilis → Fez
Drive to Meknes, the "Moroccan Versailles", and explore its monumental gates and imperial walls. Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, then arrive in Fez in the late afternoon. Overnight in a traditional riad.
Full Day Exploring Fez
Guided tour of Fez el-Bali, the largest car-free medina in the world. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the tanneries and the souks. Overnight in a riad.
Fez → Middle Atlas → Merzouga
Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains through cedar forests and the Ziz Valley. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Dinner and overnight in a traditional nomad camp.
Merzouga → Todgha Gorge → Drâa Valley
Sunrise over the dunes, then 4x4 out of the desert. Explore the dramatic Todgha Gorge on foot, then travel along the Drâa Valley with its endless palm groves and kasbahs. Overnight in a riad in Zagora or Agdz.
Drâa Valley → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass with a stop at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah. Continue to Marrakech, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in a riad in the medina.
Marrakech & Departure
Free morning to explore Marrakech — the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Majorelle Garden. Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. End of tour.
Included & Not Included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver-guide
- All accommodation (riads, hotels, desert camp)
- Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
- Breakfast & dinner every day
- Guided tours in Rabat, Meknes, Fez, Aït Ben Haddou
- Traditional Sahara camp with dinner & music
- Fuel, tolls & all transport
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches & drinks
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Tips for guides & drivers
- Optional activities not listed
- Anything not mentioned in "Included"
Tour Highlights
Erg Chebbi Dunes
The golden dunes of Merzouga at sunset.
Fez Medina
The largest car-free medina in the world.
Roman Volubilis
UNESCO mosaics and imperial ruins.
Aït Ben Haddou
UNESCO World Heritage kasbah.
Sahara Camp
Sleep under the stars in the Sahara.
Todgha Gorge
Dramatic 300m limestone canyon walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. No previous experience is required. The tour combines comfortable driving distances, guided city visits and a gentle camel trek in the dunes, all adapted to your pace and comfort level.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a warm layer for cool desert nights and a headlamp. A detailed packing list will be sent after booking.
Yes. All of our tours can be tailored to your interests, pace and schedule. Just mention your preferences when booking and our team will adapt the itinerary for you.
The tour runs year-round. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. Winter offers clear desert skies with cold nights; summer is warmer but still comfortable with early departures.
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. Cancellations made within 14 days are subject to a partial fee. Full details will be provided in your booking confirmation.