NB-18 · Tour Package · 9 days
Morocco: Imperial Cities & Sahara
This 9-day itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to Morocco's primary cultural and natural highlights. It follows a classic touring route connecting the imperial cities of Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech with the striking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert.
Quick answer
This is a 9-day private tour of Morocco covering the imperial cities and the Sahara desert. The route starts in Casablanca and ends in Marrakech, visiting Rabat, Fes, the Atlas Mountains, and a desert camp. It is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a foundational cultural experience. Nourbelle DMC provides all ground services and logistics.
Key facts
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Starts Casablanca / Ends Marrakech
- Best for first-time Morocco visitors and cultural groups
- Suits private tours and scheduled small groups
- Available with 4-star, 5-star, and riad/boutique options
- Guides available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and other languages
Program overview
This 9-day "Morocco: Imperial Cities & Sahara" tour (code NB-18) is expertly crafted for tour operators seeking a comprehensive yet efficient circuit of Morocco's essential highlights. It's perfectly suited for both private arrangements as a Baustein and scheduled small group departures, offering a balanced mix of vibrant imperial city culture, stunning Atlas Mountain scenery, and an unforgettable Sahara desert experience. For clients interested in multi-country extensions, this program pairs well with options like the "Egypt & Morocco: Pyramids to the Sahara" or "Egypt, Jordan & Morocco Grand Journey" for a truly grand North African journey.
The itinerary follows a logical route to minimize backtracking, connecting the imperial cities of Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech. It immerses clients in the cultural richness of destinations like Casablanca before transitioning to the dramatic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Accommodation choices are flexible, allowing tailoring from 5-star hotels to authentic, owner-managed riads, ensuring suitability for diverse client profiles.
Operational & trade notes
- This itinerary requires clients to book international flights into Casablanca (CMN) and out of Marrakech (RAK).
- Our desert camps are of a high standard, featuring private tents with proper beds and ensuite bathroom facilities.
- The pace and content of this Reise can be modified; it can be shortened or lengthened with additional nights in Fes, the desert, or Marrakech. Popular extensions include Essaouira or Chefchaouen.
Plan this program
Nourbelle DMC is your trusted réceptif in Egypt and Morocco. To request trade rates for this program based on your client's travel dates, accommodation preferences, and group size, please use the quote request form on our website. Our team is ready to support your custom proposals.
Why this tour works for your clients
- A logical and efficient route covering Morocco's essential highlights, minimizing backtracking.
- Offers a balanced mix of imperial city culture, Atlas Mountain scenery, and a Sahara desert experience.
- The itinerary structure works for both private arrangements and scheduled small group departures.
- Flexible accommodation choices allow for tailoring, from 5-star hotels to authentic, owner-managed riads.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Casablanca
Arrival in Casablanca
Arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) · Meet and assist service · Private transfer to hotel
The journey begins as your clients touch down at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport (CMN). A uniformed Nourbelle DMC representative will greet them before the immigration counters, providing seamless assistance with all entry formalities. Once cleared, they will be escorted to their private, air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable and direct transfer to their hotel. Nourbelle handles all luggage logistics, ensuring a stress-free start. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing travelers to relax and acclimate to the Moroccan atmosphere after their flight. No meals are included on this day, offering flexibility for their first evening in Casablanca.
Meals: — · Overnight: Casablanca
Day 2 · Casablanca → Rabat
Casablanca to Rabat
Hassan II Mosque · Kasbah of the Udayas · Hassan Tower · Mausoleum of Mohammed V
After breakfast, your clients will be met by their private guide and driver. The day commences with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, where they will marvel at its grand scale and intricate architecture from the exterior. Afterwards, they will settle into their comfortable vehicle for the northbound journey to Morocco’s capital, Rabat. Upon arrival, the afternoon is dedicated to a comprehensive city tour. The guide will lead them through the charming blue-and-white alleyways of the Kasbah of the Udayas, then to the iconic Hassan Tower and the revered Mausoleum of Mohammed V, providing historical context at each stop.
Meals: B · Overnight: Rabat
Day 3 · Rabat → Meknes → Volubilis → Fes
Rabat to Fes via Meknes & Volubilis
Bab Mansour gate in Meknes · Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage site)
The journey continues inland towards the cultural heart of Morocco, Fes. The private vehicle and driver ensure a comfortable trip, stopping first at the imperial city of Meknes. Here, your clients will witness the sheer grandeur of the Bab Mansour, one of North Africa's most beautiful gates. The tour then steps further back in time at the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis. They will explore the remarkably preserved Roman ruins, discovering ancient mosaics, villas, and public buildings before continuing the scenic drive to Fes. Nourbelle handles all logistics for a smooth check-in at their hotel for the evening.
Meals: B · Overnight: Fes
Day 4 · Fes
Fes City Tour
Fes el-Bali (the old medina) · Medersa Bou Inania or Al-Attarine Madrasa · Chouara Tanneries (from a viewing terrace) · Nejjarine Fountain · Souks of Fes
Today is a deep immersion into the spiritual and cultural capital of Fes. A licensed local guide, an expert in the city's history, will lead an unforgettable walking tour through the medieval Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As this is a vast pedestrian zone, your clients will navigate the labyrinthine alleyways on foot. The itinerary includes a visit to an ancient madrasa (Koranic school), the ornate Nejjarine Fountain, and the famous Chouara Tanneries, viewed from a private terrace. The guide’s expertise is invaluable in the bustling souks, providing cultural context and ensuring a seamless, enriching exploration.
Meals: B · Overnight: Fes
Day 5 · Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud/Merzouga
Fes to the Sahara Desert
Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains · Ziz Valley viewpoint · 4x4 transfer to desert camp · Sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes
This is a long but scenic travel day, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains towards the Sahara. The route passes through Ifrane, known for its alpine architecture, and the cedar forests where Barbary apes may be seen. After a stop for lunch near Midelt, the landscape transitions as the road descends through the Ziz Valley's palm groves. Upon reaching the desert's edge, clients transfer to 4x4 vehicles for the final drive to their camp at the base of the Erg Chebbi dunes for dinner and overnight.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Sahara Desert Camp
Day 6 · Sahara → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Sahara to the Dades Valley
Sunrise over the Sahara dunes · Todra Gorge · Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
An early start is rewarded with the unforgettable spectacle of sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After this magical experience, clients will enjoy breakfast at the camp before rejoining their private vehicle to begin the journey west. Today's drive showcases Morocco’s dramatic and shifting landscapes. The first major stop is the Todra Gorge, a breathtaking canyon with soaring rock walls. Here, there will be ample time for a leisurely walk along the riverbed to fully appreciate its immense scale. The tour then continues along the famed 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,' a scenic route dotted with ancient fortified villages, arriving in the Dades Valley.
Meals: B · Overnight: Dades Valley Area
Day 7 · Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech
Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage site) · Drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas
After breakfast, the journey continues towards Marrakech, featuring some of Morocco's most iconic sights. The first destination is the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site. Your clients will explore the ancient, fortified mud-brick village, a backdrop for numerous films, and learn about its history as a caravan stop. Afterwards, the adventure continues with a breathtaking drive over the High Atlas Mountains. The route twists and turns through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), offering stunning panoramic views. The Nourbelle driver will expertly navigate the mountain roads before descending towards the plains of Marrakech for hotel check-in.
Meals: B · Overnight: Marrakech
Day 8 · Marrakech
Marrakech City Tour
Djemaa el-Fna square · Koutoubia Mosque (exterior) · Bahia Palace · Saadian Tombs · Souks of Marrakech
A full day is dedicated to unraveling the magic of Marrakech, the 'Red City.' Your clients will be met by their expert local guide for a tour of the city’s most important historical landmarks. They will explore the intricate tilework and serene courtyards of the Bahia Palace and discover the preserved Saadian Tombs. The tour also includes an exterior view of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and a visit to the pulsating heart of the city, Djemaa el-Fna square. In the afternoon, the guide will expertly lead them through the labyrinthine souks, a sensory explosion of colors, sounds, and scents, before leaving the evening at leisure.
Meals: B · Overnight: Marrakech
Day 9 · Marrakech
Departure from Marrakech
Private transfer to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK)
On the final day of the tour, your clients will enjoy breakfast at their hotel. Depending on their international flight schedule, the morning may offer a last opportunity for souvenir shopping in the souks or a relaxing coffee. At the pre-arranged time, a Nourbelle DMC representative will meet them to facilitate a smooth checkout. A private, air-conditioned vehicle will be ready for a comfortable and punctual transfer to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK). Our representative will assist with luggage and ensure they are at the correct terminal, concluding their Moroccan journey with our seamless service, operated by Nourbelle from start to finish.
Meals: B · Overnight: —
Meal basis: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Confirmed in your quote.
Included
- Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure
- All transfers via private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation for 8 nights as per the selected category
- Meals as specified: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Private touring with a professional, licensed guide
- Entrance fees to all historical sites mentioned in the itinerary
- 4x4 vehicle transfer to and from the Sahara desert camp
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Not included
- International airfare
- Entry visa for Morocco
- Travel and health insurance
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Tipping for guides, drivers, and local staff
- Optional activities or any items of a personal nature
Trade notes
- Flights: This itinerary requires clients to book international flights into Casablanca (CMN) and out of Marrakech (RAK). Regional flights from Casablanca to Amman or Cairo can be added for multi-country extensions.
- Desert Camp Note: Camps used are of a high standard, featuring private tents with proper beds and ensuite bathroom facilities including a toilet and hot-water shower.
- Flexibility: The pace and content of this tour can be modified for private travel. It can be shortened, or lengthened with additional nights in Fes, the desert, or Marrakech.
- Extensions: Popular extensions include adding 2-3 nights to visit the coastal town of Essaouira, the 'blue city' of Chefchaouen, or for trekking in the Atlas Mountains.
- Net Rates: To request a confidential net proposal for this tour based on your client's travel dates, accommodation preferences, and group size, please use the quote request form on our website.
Price upon request — net rates are shown after your agency is approved.
Frequently asked questions
What are the driving times like?
The itinerary includes several long driving days, particularly Day 5 (Fes to Sahara) and Day 7 (Dades to Marrakech). These are full-day journeys, but they are broken up with scenic stops for photos, meals, and sightseeing. Main roads are paved and in good condition.
What standard are the desert camps?
We use comfortable, permanent or semi-permanent camps. Tents are private, spacious, and equipped with real beds, linens, and an ensuite private bathroom with a chemical or flushing toilet and a hot-water shower. It is a comfortable lodging experience, not basic camping.
Can we book this tour using traditional riads?
Yes. We highly recommend using riads in Fes and Marrakech for a more authentic Moroccan experience. We contract a range of riads, from comfortable to luxury, and can tailor a proposal based on this accommodation style.
Is this program suitable for families with children?
The tour is suitable for families, though the long drives on certain days should be considered for younger children. For private tours, we can adjust the pace, add extra nights to break up journeys, or include more family-focused activities.
