Loading
Phone1800 960 693AustraliaMonday to Friday 8am - 9pm (AEDT)
Travel Agent Login

8-Day Luxury Imperial Cities & Desert

  • view trip mapView Trip Map
  • downloadDownload
  • shareShare

Overview

Enjoy total immersion into Moroccan and Berber cultures with front-of-the-line access to museums and historical sites and explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Start your luxury desert tour in a five-star nomadic tented camp amid the Erg Chebbi Dunes of Merzouga, before moving onto the most mesmerising area of the Moroccan desert, Ouarzazate. You'll stay in an astounding restored riad, with intricate designs and eloquently decorated rooms while learning more about Berber culture and discovering a fortified city like no other.

You'll end your trip in vibrant Marrakesh and enjoy your final day being pampered in Moroccan style at one of the best hammams in the city.
Sightseeing
Wellness
Culture & Arts
Outdoors & Nature
Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Casablanca and Free Time

Hide details accordion
Arrival in Casablanca and Free Time

Arrive in Casablanca, where, after clearing customs and immigration, you are transferred to one of the city’s newest luxury hotels, designed with contemporary styling and traditional Moroccan accents. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in this exotic setting, the inspiration for the eponymous, 1942 Humphrey Bogart film.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Grand Mogador 5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Spa at Hotel Sofitel Tour BlancheOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Grand Mogador

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport to Hotel Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Casablanca

Day 2

Ancient Traditions and Rich Heritage

Hide details accordion
Ancient Traditions and Rich Heritage

Begin the day exploring the port city of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest metropolis and its commercial hub. Then, travel to the Moorish city of Rabat, capital of Morocco, to visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of modern Morocco, grandfather of the current king. View the Mauresque-style Hassan Tower and Oudaya Kasbah, along with its scenic Andalusian garden. Continue to Fes for a special cocktail reception followed by a welcome dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Grand Mogador 5 star

    Hôtel Palais Medina & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Central Market of Casablanca

    Habous

    Hassan II Mosque

    Dar al-Makhzen - Royal Palace of Rabat

    Mausoleum of Mohammed V

    Kasbah of the Oudayas

    Bab Mansour Gate

    Moulay Ismail Royal Stables

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Marinsala Restaurant

    Hotel Palais Medina

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Minivan from Rabat to Meknes

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Casablanca

    Rabat

    Salé

    Meknes

    Fes

Day 3

Timeless Medieval City of Fes

Hide details accordion
Timeless Medieval City of Fes

Explore Fes el-Bali, the cultural heart of Morocco. This imperial capital was a renowned centre of medieval learning. Stroll the labyrinthine's old quarter and souks where you can visit local craftsmen and artisans. Next, proceed to the intricately detailed 14th-century Karaouine — one of the oldest universities in the world, and Nejjarine Square. You also see the Royal Palace and Mellah in Fes el-Jadid.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel Palais Medina & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Al Attarine Madrasa

    Bou Inania Madrasa

    University of Al-Qarawiyyin

    Fes El Jdid

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Dar Saada

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fes

Day 4

Start Your Luxury Desert Tour

Hide details accordion
Start Your Luxury Desert Tour

Travel to the small desert of Merzouga, pausing en route for lunch in Midelt and marvel at everyday life as you pass Berber villages, endless date palm plantations, and the Atlas Mountains. Continue to the desert dunes of Erg Chebbi by four-wheel-drive vehicle, where a reception with mint tea and pastries awaits at your nomadic tented camp. As the sun sets over the dunes, celebrate your unforgettable desert foray with a scenic sundowner and a traditional meal in front of a campfire.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Desert Camp Bouchedor5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Camel Ride in the Merzouga Desert

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Villa Pomme d'Or

    Desert Camp Bouchedor

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Minivan from Fes to Merzouga

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fes

    Midelt

    Drâa-Tafilalet

    Hassilabied

Day 5

Road of a Thousand Kasbahs

Hide details accordion
Road of a Thousand Kasbahs

Journey overland to Ouarzazate. En route, you'll have stunning views of the High Atlas’s southern slopes, intersecting the Dades Valley’s flourishing crops, irrigation canals, and palm trees. Travel along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” and make a stop to visit an amazing, small private museum that houses exhibits showcasing local art, culture, and history, before proceeding to Ouarzazate.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Riad Ksar Ighnda4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Sunrise over the Sand Dunes

    Dades Gorges

    Kasbah du Glaoui

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel Kasbah Tizzarouine

    Riad Ksar Ighnda

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Minivan from Merzouga to Ouarzazate

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Drâa-Tafilalet

    Hassilabied

    Boumalne Dades

    Ait Ourir

    Assfalou

Day 6

Door of the Desert and Atlas Mountains

Hide details accordion
Door of the Desert and Atlas Mountains

Begin the day by exploring Ouarzazate, a regional trade centre, known for its pottery, carpets and the beautifully decorated Taourirt Kasbah. Continue to the elaborate Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the region’s most exotic kasbahs. Over the High Atlas Mountains, observe everyday life in the remote rural towns, to the fascinating “Red City” of Marrakesh, where you will settle into your luxurious hotel and dine there.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Mansour Eddahbi5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Taourirt Kasbah

    Ait Ben Haddou‌

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    L'Oasis D'or

    Hotel Mansour Eddahbi

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Minivan from Aït Benhaddou to Marrakesh

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Assfalou

    Ouarzazate

    Aït Benhaddou

    Marrakesh

Day 7

Exploring the Red City

Hide details accordion
Exploring the Red City

Begin unearthing the secrets of Marrakesh, starting in the medina, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret and Dar Si Said; housed in a palace, it is among the most beautiful of its kind in the world. Continue to the Bahia Palace, visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakesh’s main square and the souks. Before you leave, rejuvenate at a hammam making the most of the luxury treatments your hotel has on offer. Tonight, attend a special farewell dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Mansour Eddahbi5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Koutoubia Mosque

    Menara Gardens

    Bahia Palace

    Tombs of Saadian

    Jemaa el-Fna

    Les Bains de MarrakeshOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Dar Essalam Restaurant

    Restaurant Palais Jad Mahal

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Marrakesh

Day 8

Departure Day

Hide details accordion
Departure Day

Transfer to the Marrakesh airport and board your international flight home.

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel Mansour Eddahbi

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Minivan from Hotel Villa des Orangers Relais & Chateaux to Marrakesh Menara Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Marrakesh

Included in Price

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 23 activities
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
pdf icon

Want to Read This Later?

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

Why Choose Designer Journeys

access

Access Exclusive Experiences

Open your eyes to a world of exclusive experiences that will make your next trip extraordinary. Designer Journeys’ local travel designers are connected to unique experiences that are out of reach for most people – so you’ll return with some amazing stories to tell.

local expertise

Extraordinary Local Expertise

Using highly experienced local travel designers means you have access to your very own local expert. You'll find experiences you never knew existed, avoid some of the common pitfalls and, most of all, feel like you have an insider guiding you every step of the way.

support

Supported Every Step of the Way

Our in-destination local travel designers are the first line of support when you are travelling. They are in your time zone and have the local expertise and knowledge to solve any issue that may arise – making you feel more confident about your trip.

custom travel designed

Travel Designed For You

Designer Journeys style of travel is all about how you want to travel – its private travel designed exactly to your needs. Our local travel designers customise every trip to suit you, whether completely bespoke or based on one or more of our 2,000+ gallery of itineraries.

Image - Designer Journeys
Image - Designer Journeys
DESIGN YOUR EXTRAORDINARY

Why Travel with Designer Journeys

Smile icon
Your Trip. Your Version of Extraordinary.

At Designer Journeys, we know that we all travel differently. That's why you decide where you travel, how you travel and your travel experiences when you design your trip with us.

Message icon
Connect and Design With an Expert.

Our trusted Local Designers use their destination insight, local knowledge and travel planning expertise to build your extraordinary trip. Our dedicated Travel Concierge team will be there every step of the way to ensure your perfect trip becomes reality.

Trust icon
Book with Confidence. We are Trusted.

Secure payment platforms, multiple accreditations, rigorous Local Designer selection process, and decades of travel expertise means you are in safe hands with Designer Journeys.

As seen on
Partners