Casablanca to Marrakech – Imperial Cities, Hiking and the Desert – 10 days

Take a stroll around the magnificent Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca is your welcome! The Hassan II Mosque is the best place to visit in Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial capital. It is located in a beautiful location by the ocean and has a minaret that measures 690 feet (690 m). The mosque’s exterior and surroundings are stunning, but what makes it so unique is that non-Muslims can enter. Take a morning tour to the mosque and see the exquisite craftsmanship: intricate marble floor details, hand-carved stone, wood and gilded ceilings.
North to the capital of Rabat, an imperial city. You can explore the medieval fortification at the Chellah Negropoli, and also wander through the Roman and Islamic ruins. Through the grand entrance of the Kasbah des Oudaias , you will reach Rabat’s old town center. You can then visit the 20th century Andalusian Gardens , and take a break from the crowds. The Hassan tower is a minaret and Mausoleum Mohamed V. This was a 12th-century project that was abandoned. The minaret, along with 200 columns supporting the mosque’s foundations, are all that is left.

Enjoy a day exploring the charming streets of Chefchaouen
North to the striking blue city Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains. You can also stop for a hike (between 2 and 3 hours) through lush vegetation to see the Cascades d’Akchour Waterfalls of Akchour, a hidden treasure. Relax in the charming Chefchaouen after work. Chefchaouen, which has remained largely unchanged since the 15th Century, offers a relaxing atmosphere with some the friendliest people of the country. It is also known for its blue-hued buildings within its historic medina. Discover the narrow streets and alleyways that cling to the north hillside of the mountains.
The main square, Plaza Outa el-Hammam is named after the number of hammams that used to surround it. Before you browse the shops selling traditional wares, find a cafe or restaurant to grab a bite. You can visit the Grand Mosque, kasbah, an old fortress or fortification, and take a tour of the kasbah’s museum, garden, and some of its prison cells. As evening draws near, climb the path to the abandoned white Spanish Mosque (between 20 and 30 minutes) for a last glimpse of Chefchaouen before the sun sets behind them.

Explore the Roman ruins at Volubilis (photo by Chris McCarty).
Before you leave for Fes, get up early and take photos of the empty streets. You can stop at the UNESCO-protected Volubilis ruins, which are the Roman’s most distant reach in Africa. Explore the complex and see merchant houses, temples, and many other mosaics. For a more intimate introduction to Fes’ second historical imperial city, Meknes continue on to the smaller and less populated version of Fes. The main attractions are the Ville Imperiale, the Imperial City, and the medina. Make sure you visit the Bab al-Mansour Gate, the Mausoleum Of Moulay Ismail and the Royal Stables.
Continue east towards Fes, your third imperial capital. Fes, with its large and confusing old medina is worth exploring. You can drive up the hill and visit the Merenid Tombs to enjoy the panoramic view of Fes and the surrounding areas. You will find your Riad (a traditional Moroccan home with an indoor garden) at the top of the hill. Here you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner.

View over the medina of Fes (photo by Chris McCarty).
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Fes, the oldest of the four Imperial Citys in Morocco, is also the most fascinating and interesting to explore. It is home to the largest medina in all of the Arab countries and has remained relatively intact since its founding over 1000 years ago. It is often considered the country’s cultural capital. It is composed of three parts: Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid. The more modern, French colonial influenced Ville Nouvelle. Begin your half-day journey by meeting your guide. You will be learning about the culture and history of the area as you walk through the narrow streets.
Begin in Fes el Bali, at the bab Boujeloud Gate. Then enter the main thoroughfare for Talaa Kebira. As you travel past shops and souqs (markets), notice the influence of Spanish and Tunisian architecture. The Chouara Tannery is a great place to see the dye-filled stone pots as well as the men still using centuries-old methods. Next, take a look at the intricate zellij tilework from the 14th century Al Attarine Madrasa. Then head over to the Mellah (an old Jewish quarter and cemetery) located in Fes el Jdid. Ville Nouvelle is a great place to see the dramatic changes in architecture if you have time.
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Ride a camel from your Bedouin-style camp and switch gears
Get up bright and early to travel south towards Merzouga. You will pass the Col du Zad pass at 7,146 feet (2,178 m) and climb through the cedar forests in the Middle Atlas mountain ranges. You will be able to see the Barbary Macaque monkeys in the area. After that, you’ll stop for lunch at Midelt (the « apple capital ») and enjoy the Moulouya River. Continue on over the Tizi – n’Talremt pass to the Ziz Valley. This area is known for its hidden oasis and palm tree clusters. You will pass many fortified houses called ksars, which were built to protect valuable wares such as gold, salt, and spices.
Continue on to Erfoud. This area is well-known for its fossil mining and date festival. You can visit a local collective and learn more about the process as well as meet local artisans. Continue on to Erg Chebbi. This large sea of sand dunes covers an area of 13.5 miles (35 km). The massive dunes are never stationary and move with the wind. Upon reaching Merzouga, climb atop your camel to ride through the dunes to your already-prepared-for-you camp. You can watch the sunset from a nearby sand dunes before you return to your camp to enjoy a delicious dinner by the campfire.

Ait Benhaddou Kasbah is a UNESCO World-Heritage Site
Before you rent a sandboard, catch the sunrise. To visit a traditional Saharan village, its inhabitants are originally from Mali. Continue on to Rissani. Rissani is a market town and home to a livestock auction. It also has a « donkey parking area ». This site is worth hearing and experiencing. You will reach the 984 foot (300 m), deep Todra Gorge. Enjoy the time you have to explore the gorge, and then relax in the refreshing waters of the Todra river.
Explore the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Many of these Kasbahs are in decline, but some local families still live there. Nomads may be seen tending to their livestock. Go west to Kelaat M’Gouna. This area is known for its Festival des Roses. Here you will find extensive cultivated farmland, dotted with fragrant rosebushes. Continue on to Ouarzazate. This is the gateway to the Sahara Desert which has been a popular destination for the film industry. Take a studio tour to see how desert landscapes in the area have been used in many films.

Jemaa el-Fna comes alive at night
You can travel to the Ait Benhaddou. Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is believed to have been established in the 11th century. It was a key point along the trans-Saharan route between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. For a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes, follow the narrow streets to the Granary. You can then climb the High Atlas mountain ridge and see Mount Toubkal (13,671ft or 4,167m). To enjoy the stunning views of the mountain range, stop near the Tizi N’Tichka pass (7.415 feet or 2260 m).
You will see a drastic change in the landscape and climate as you descend the High Atlas. You will soon be part of the bustle and bustle of Marrakech, your last imperial city. After a tiring day on the road, you can relax in your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. The main square Jemaa elFna comes alive in the evening with performers, snake charmers and games. There are also food stalls that offer a wide range of entertainment. You can also enjoy the spectacle from afar by visiting one of the cafes around the square, where you can enjoy a cup or mint tea and a delicious meal.

The Ben Youssef Madrasa
Marrakech, also known as the « Red City », was once a major trading center for Atlas mountain tribes. It is still an exciting former imperial capital. Marrakech, located north of the Atlas mountains foothills is home to Africa’s busiest square, Jemaa el-Fna. Start exploring Marrakech’s old medina by visiting the Koutoubia Mosque & Gardens. Non-muslims cannot enter the mosque, but it is worth visiting its 12th-century foundations as well as its 253-foot (77-m) minaret. The adjacent garden has fountains and pools.
Explore the intricate labyrinthine souks hidden behind regular shops and restaurants. Souk el Attarin and Souk Chouari have a variety of spices and woodwork. Souk Smata has traditional Moroccan slippers called babouche. To see traditional dyeing techniques used for cloth and yarn, visit Souk Des Teinturiers. Next, take a look at the fine example Moroccan Islamic architecture found in the Ben Youssef Malasa. This 16th-century Koranic school features carved cedar ceilings and sculpted plaster.

The green foothills, close to Amizmiz, of the High Atlas.
Today, you’ll travel south from Marrakech to the small village of Amizmiz at the foothills the High Atlas Mountains (about an hour away). Enjoy a stroll through the small market before meeting your mountain guide and trekking the narrow roads and mule trails in the hills. Wander between Berber villages to observe local shepherds and farmers tending to their livestock and the surrounding landscape. Children may be seen on their way to school. This is usually shared by a few villages nearby.
Enjoy lunch with a local family to get a glimpse into their lives and learn how they make bread. You can continue hiking as long as you like. You have two options: you can return to Marrakech, or you can stay in the foothills with another Berber family to enjoy dinner and spend the night there.

The Bahia Palace courtyard
Breakfast with your hosts is a must if you have stayed over night in Amizmiz. Continue exploring the surrounding scenery before returning to Marrakech.
Depending on your flight details, you can explore the kasbah south of Jemaa el-Fna. You will also find the Saadian Tombs. There, you’ll discover the 500-year-old craftsmanship involved in its construction. As you make your way through the malah, stop at the sunken gardens of 17th-century El Badi Palace and then to the 19th century Bahia Palace. You might also want to visit the Dar Di Said Museum, also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts, to view exhibits of clothing, jewelry, and beautiful Hispano-Moorish decorations of cedarwood.