The Imperial Cities have all earned their title for being — at distinct times throughout the centuries — the capitals of the Kingdom of Morocco. Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes, and Fes were the cities where decisions made by the royal family cast the destiny of this great country.
Our Imperial Cities Tours travel across the line of time. Set out to discover your very own Morocco — with in-depth explorations of hidden medinas as you live the custom journey we have prepared just for you. Observe the different eras unveiled as you walk the ancient streets, recognizing the rich Moroccan culture in both its long-lasting architecture and the lives of its welcoming people.
Morocco’s Royal Capitals
Each city tells a unique chapter of Morocco’s fascinating history — visit them all on one unforgettable journey.
Rabat
Morocco’s present-day capital where the Bou Regreg River meets the Atlantic. Marvel at the iconic Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, the Chellah Necropolis, Kasbah des Oudaias, and the Andalusian Gardens.
Fes
The oldest Imperial City — home to the world’s largest car-free urban area, the famous Chouara tanneries, the 9th-century Al Quaraouiyine University, and the magnificent Al Attarine Madrasa. A living medieval world.
Marrakech
The only Berber Imperial City — home to the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace, Bahia Palace, the Majorelle Gardens, and the legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square, the heart of Morocco.
Meknes
Often overlooked but breathtaking — home to the monumental Bab Mansour gate, the Heri es-Souani granaries, the imposing Royal Stables, and the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Imperial Cities Tour Routes
From a focused 7-day journey to a comprehensive 12-day grand tour — designed around your schedule.
Imperial Cities of Morocco » 7 Days
- Welcome to Marrakech
- Exploring Marrakech Medina & Souks
- Cookery class or ATV/camel ride at Agafay Desert
- Marrakech to Fes — via Atlas Mountains or flight
- Exploring Fes — medina, tanneries, madrasas
- Fes → Meknes → Volubilis → Rabat
- Rabat → Casablanca airport departure
Imperial Cities & Remote Villages » 10 Days
- Casablanca — Hassan II Mosque & coastline
- Rabat — Kasbah des Oudaias & Chellah
- Chefchaouen — blue streets & mountain views
- Fes — UNESCO medina & Al Quaraouiyine
- Meknes — Bab Mansour & royal stables
- Volubilis — Roman ruins & mosaics
- Atlas Mountains — Berber villages
- Marrakech — Jemaa el-Fna & Majorelle
- Essaouira — Atlantic coast escape
- Marrakech — farewell dinner & departure
Imperial Cities & Sahara » 11–12 Days
- Casablanca arrival
- Rabat — capital city exploration
- Fes — medieval medina day 1
- Fes — tanneries & Mellah district day 2
- Meknes & Volubilis — Roman heritage
- Atlas Mountains — cedar forests & monkeys
- Ouarzazate — Kasbah Taourirt & film studios
- Ait Benhaddou — UNESCO Kasbah village
- Merzouga — luxury Sahara camp & camel trek
- Marrakech — Majorelle Gardens & souks
- Marrakech — final luxury dinner & hammam
Our Imperial Cities Tour Services
Imperial Cities Tours — What to Expect
Imperial Morocco Must-See Highlights
- Fes el Bali — UNESCO medina & Chouara tanneries
- Al Quaraouiyine — world’s oldest university (9th century)
- Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohamed V in Rabat
- Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs in Marrakech
- El Badi Palace — 16th century royal ruins
- Majorelle Gardens & Musée Berbère
- Jemaa el-Fna Square — UNESCO Intangible Heritage
- Bab Mansour — monumental gate of Meknes
- Volubilis Roman ruins — 1st century AD mosaics
- Kasbah des Oudaias — original Rabat fortification
- Chellah Necropolis — Roman & Islamic ruins
- Chefchaouen — the blue pearl of the Rif Mountains
“Be surprised and fascinated by the architectural and cultural wonders of the Imperial Cities as you travel back to medieval Morocco in the ancient, lively medinas.”