8 Day Imperial Cities Walking Tour
Fes, Meknes, Rabat and Marrakech in eight days, walked rather than toured.
The shape of the journey.
Morocco has had four imperial capitals across its history, and you'll visit all of them over eight days. Casablanca, Rabat, Fez and Marrakech anchor the route. Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis add a deeper look at the country's layered past.
The route, in order.
The tour begins with airport reception in Casablanca and a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with a glass floor offering views over the Atlantic.
You then continue to Rabat, Morocco's capital, taking in the city's royal and historic sites before settling in for the night.
The route continues to Meknes and the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis, where 2,000-year-old mosaics and columns offer a look into Morocco's Roman past.
From there you travel to Fez, beginning your exploration of Fez el-Bali, the world's oldest medieval university city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Further time in Fez allows for a deeper look at the medina's souks, artisan workshops and historic madrasas, before the journey continues south towards Marrakech.
Along the way there is a cultural stop with a local Berber family for mint tea and conversation.
The final days are spent in Marrakech, exploring the medina, souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, especially lively at sunset with performers and food stalls.
The tour concludes with your departure, with airport transfer arranged as part of the package.
- English-speaking resident tour manager and local guides
- Airport reception and welcome in Casablanca
- Private transport throughout the trip
- Selected accommodation in riads and hotels
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Entrance fees to sites visited
- 24/7 support throughout the trip
- International flights
- Lunch, unless stated in the itinerary
- Tips for the resident tour manager
- Room service and personal expenses
- Transport to and from the meeting point
Riads, guesthouses and a camp. All of them ours to vouch for.
Properties are confirmed with your final itinerary. In the cities you stay in riads inside the old walls; in the desert, a private camp; on the kasbah road, family-run guesthouses we have slept in ourselves.
Asked before every long journey.
Anything else, ask us directly. The person who answers is the person who will run your trip.
ASK US ANYTHINGWhere does the tour start and finish?
The tour begins with airport reception in Casablanca and finishes in Marrakech, with departure transfer arranged as part of the package.
Share your flight details when you enquire so pickup and drop-off can be planned around your arrival and departure.
Is this a private or group tour?
This tour can run as a private or shared group experience depending on your preference and group size, with numbers up to 40 accommodated.
Private tours offer more flexibility on pace, while group departures can be a more budget-friendly option.
What kind of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is in selected riads and hotels along the route, chosen for a balance of comfort and authentic Moroccan character.
Specific properties are confirmed based on availability for your travel dates.
Are meals included?
Daily breakfast and dinner are included throughout the tour. Lunch is generally not included, giving you flexibility to choose restaurants as you explore each city.
Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
How much walking is involved?
Exploring the medinas of Fez and Marrakech involves a fair amount of walking on cobbled, sometimes uneven streets, so comfortable footwear is important.
The pace is manageable for most fitness levels, with guides adjusting timing where needed.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?
Yes, the tour is designed to give a broad introduction to Morocco's imperial history and is well suited to first-time visitors.
An English-speaking resident tour manager travels with you throughout, handling logistics and providing context at each stop.
What should I wear at religious and cultural sites?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is appreciated at mosques, synagogues and other religious or cultural sites visited during the tour.
Your guide will advise on specific expectations at each stop along the way.
Is airport transfer included?
Yes, airport reception on arrival in Casablanca and departure transfer at the end of the tour are both included.
Share your flight details when you enquire so these can be arranged around your schedule.
Can this tour be customised?
Private departures can often be adjusted to focus more time on particular cities or interests, subject to availability.
Mention any specific requests when you enquire so the team can advise on what's possible.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended for a trip of this length and nature.
You should arrange your own policy covering medical costs, cancellation and travel disruption before departure.
