Classic Imperial Cities & Sahara Loop

Head north from Casablanca to the Blue City and Fes, then cross the desert and gorges to Marrakech.

The most popular grand loop for first-time visitors, covering the four Imperial Cities, Chefchaouen, the Sahara Desert, and the kasbahs of the southern Atlas foothills. The first half focuses on cities, while the second half involves consecutive long drives (Fes to the desert is about 470 km in one day). This itinerary only includes a one-night stay in Chefchaouen and excludes coastal cities like Essaouira, making it ideal for those who want to see all the highlights in one trip.

In winter, the Middle Atlas and Tizi n'Tichka passes may be temporarily closed due to snow.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival in Casablanca

Casablanca（Hassan II Mosque、Old Medina of Casablanca、La Corniche, Ain Diab）

Take the highway or airport train to the city center (approx. 1 hour). Hire a private car to visit the mosque and the waterfront.

The mosque must be visited with a guided tour; opening hours are limited on Fridays.

Stay: Downtown (Place Mohammed V)

Day 2 · Rabat Sights & Drive Up to the Blue City

Rabat（Hassan Tower、Mausoleum of Mohammed V、Kasbah of the Udayas） → Chefchaouen（Spanish Mosque (Jemaa Bouzafar)）

Drive from Casablanca to Rabat (approx. 1 hour), then head north to Chefchaouen (approx. 4 hours). Total driving time is over 5 hours.

Stay: Old Medina Center

Day 3 · Morning in the Blue City & Roman Ruins

Chefchaouen（Chefchaouen Blue Medina、Plaza Outa el Hammam & Kasbah） → Meknes（Volubilis、Bab Mansour (Meknes)）

Drive south from Chefchaouen to Volubilis (approx. 3 hours), then continue via Meknes to Fes (approx. 1.5 hours).

There is no shade at Volubilis; bring a hat and plenty of water.

Stay: Bab Bou Jeloud

Day 4 · Full Day in Fes Medina

Fes（Bab Bou Jeloud、Bou Inania Madrasa、Al-Attarine Madrasa、University of al-Qarawiyyin、Chouara Tannery、Marinid Tombs）

The Medina is car-free and must be explored entirely on foot; hiring a licensed guide is highly recommended. Take a 15-minute drive up to the Marinid Tombs at dusk.

Some shops close on Fridays, and madrasas are closed during prayer times.

Stay: Bab Bou Jeloud

Day 5 · Through the Middle Atlas to the Dunes

Fes（Ifrane、Cèdre Gouraud Forest） → Merzouga（Erfoud Fossil Workshops、Erg Chebbi Desert Camps & Camel Trek）

Drive from Fes via Ifrane, Midelt, and the Ziz Valley to Merzouga (approx. 470 km, 8–9 hours drive).

Start early to ensure you can switch to camels and reach the camp before sunset.

Stay: Erg Chebbi Camps

Day 6 · Desert Villages to Todra Gorge

Merzouga（Merzouga / Erg Chebbi、Khamlia、Rissani Souk） → Dadès Valley & Todra Gorge（Todra Gorge）

Spend the morning exploring around the dunes, then drive via Rissani and Tinghir to the mouth of Todra Gorge in the afternoon (approx. 3.5 hours).

The Rissani traditional market is liveliest on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Stay: Todra Gorge Entrance

Day 7 · Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Ancient Ksar

Dadès Valley & Todra Gorge（Dadès Gorges、Valley of Roses, Kelâat M'Gouna） → Ouarzazate（Kasbah Taourirt、Aït Benhaddou）

Drive from Todra via Boumalne Dades and Ouarzazate to Aït Benhaddou (approx. 250 km, 4.5 hours drive).

Stay: Ait Benhaddou

Day 8 · Over the Tichka Pass to the Red City

Ouarzazate（Tizi n'Tichka Pass） → Marrakech City（Koutoubia Mosque、Jemaa el-Fnaa）

Drive from Aït Benhaddou over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass to Marrakech (approx. 190 km, 4 hours drive).

Stay: Medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa

Day 9 · Marrakech Palaces & Gardens

Marrakech City（Ben Youssef Madrasa、Medina Souks、Jardin Majorelle / Musée Yves Saint Laurent、Bahia Palace、Saadian Tombs）

Explore the Medina on foot. Take a taxi to the Jardin Majorelle (approx. 15 minutes).

Tickets for Jardin Majorelle must be purchased online in advance.