In short
The imperial cities circuit takes 8 days and 7 nights: Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis, Fez, then back through the Middle Atlas. It is the classic first introduction to Morocco, with a guide by your side.
- RouteMarrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis, Fez
- Length8 days / 7 nights
- Best seasonsMarch to May, September to November
- FormatEscorted circuit, 3* or 4* hotels
Which are Morocco's imperial cities?
Morocco has four imperial cities: Marrakech, Fez, Meknes and Rabat. Each was once the capital of the kingdom and each has kept its own character: the red city and its Jemaa el-Fna square, the Fez medina, the elegance of Meknes, the administrative capital of Rabat. Our imperial cities circuit, from Marrakech to Fez links them in an eight-day loop, with Casablanca and the Roman site of Volubilis along the way.
Still unsure about dates? Our guide to the best time to visit Morocco covers the seasons. For this circuit, the site lists March to May and September to November as the favourable periods.
What will you see, day by day?
The trip starts in Marrakech, where three days leave time for the Menara gardens, the Koutoubia minaret, a masterpiece of Almohad art, then the medina lanes up to Jemaa el-Fna square, which comes alive at dusk. One day is entirely free: souks, a terrace or an optional excursion.
On day 4 the road leads to Casablanca, the economic capital and the largest city in the kingdom. Day 5 is the fullest: Rabat with the Royal Palace (Mechouar), the Oudayas gardens and kasbah and the Mohammed V mausoleum, then Meknes and Volubilis before arriving in Fez. Here is the programme at a glance:
| Days | Stop | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Marrakech | Menara, Koutoubia, medina, Jemaa el-Fna, free day |
| 4 | Casablanca | Visit of the economic capital |
| 5 | Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis, Fez | Mechouar, Oudayas kasbah, Mohammed V mausoleum, Roman site |
| 6 | Fez | Fez el-Bali medina, Moulay Idriss zawiya, madrasa, Nejjarine square |
| 7-8 | Middle Atlas, Marrakech | Immouzer du Kandar, Ifrane, Beni Mellal, return |
Why spend a whole day in Fez?
Fez is the oldest of the imperial cities. Its medina, Fez el-Bali, is UNESCO-listed: a maze of lanes, craftsmen working as they have for centuries, madrasas covered in zellige tilework. With a guide, day 6 helps you make sense of the maze instead of getting lost without bearings.
The return through the Middle Atlas, between Ifrane and the Berber villages, is a welcome contrast to the medinas: forests, cooler air and open landscapes before you reach the ramparts of Marrakech facing the High Atlas. In bad weather the route can be adapted.
Our experts' tip
This circuit is full: six cities in eight days, with long drives. Pack comfortable shoes, and keep the free day in Marrakech to rest rather than filling it with another excursion.
Who is this circuit for, and what are the alternatives?
The imperial cities suit travellers discovering Morocco who want to see several sides of the country without organising every stage: the guide, the transfers and the 3* or 4* hotels, depending on the package, are already arranged. As always with us, the itinerary is a starting point that we adapt to your wishes.
See the imperial cities circuit
Our Morocco circuits
Frequently asked questions
How many days do the imperial cities take?
Our circuit lasts 8 days and 7 nights, from Marrakech to Fez with a return through the Middle Atlas. That lets you see the main cities without rushing.
When is the best time for this circuit?
The site lists March to May and September to November. These are generally the most pleasant seasons for exploring cities on foot.
Is the circuit escorted?
Yes, it is an escorted circuit with a free day in Marrakech. You can also ask us for a version adapted to your own pace.
Your tailor-made trip to Morocco
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