Imperial cities · private route
Imperial Cities Tour Morocco: The Best Private Route
The best imperial cities tour Morocco has to offer starts and ends in Marrakech, looping through Fes, Meknes and Rabat with stops at Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Casablanca. It takes a minimum of five days, but we recommend seven so you are not rushing between cities.
The route at a glance
| Stop | Why go | Our note |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Start and end of the route | Pickup and drop-off |
| Casablanca | Hassan II Mosque | Quick stop on the way north |
| Rabat | Imperial city and the capital | A licensed local guide shows you around |
| Meknes | Imperial city | A licensed local guide shows you around |
| Volubilis | Roman ruins near Meknes | Usually visited together with Meknes |
| Fes | Imperial city with its old medina | A licensed local guide shows you around |
| Chefchaouen | The blue town in the mountains | An extra stop that adds a day or more |
This is a suggested order, not a fixed package. The number of nights in each city depends on your dates and how much time you want in each place, and we adjust the route with you before booking.
Last updated: 3 November 2026. Written by the Routes of Morocco team.
5 days or 7 days?
Five days is the minimum and works as a fast highlights route. You see the essential stops, but the drives between cities are long and you spend a lot of time in the vehicle.
Seven days gives you more time in each city and a calmer pace, with a night in Chefchaouen and a free day in Marrakech. If you want more than seven days, tell us and we will build the route with you.
5-day outline: the highlights
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech → Casablanca (Hassan II Mosque) → Rabat | Rabat |
| 2 | Rabat → Meknes and Volubilis → Fes | Fes |
| 3 | Fes medina with a local guide | Fes |
| 4 | Fes → Marrakech | Marrakech |
| 5 | Marrakech, transfer to the airport | — |
Nights: Rabat 1, Fes 2, Marrakech 1. Adjustable: add a night, drop a city or start in Fes instead.
7-day outline: the calmer route
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech → Casablanca → Rabat | Rabat |
| 2 | Rabat → Chefchaouen | Chefchaouen |
| 3 | Chefchaouen → Fes | Fes |
| 4 | Fes medina with a local guide | Fes |
| 5 | Fes → Marrakech | Marrakech |
| 6 | Marrakech, free day or Atlas day trip | Marrakech |
| 7 | Marrakech, transfer to the airport | — |
Nights: Rabat 1, Chefchaouen 1, Fes 2, Marrakech 2. Both outlines are adjustable in the same way.
Why a private route
- You set the pace and the stops, not a group timetable.
- A licensed local guide in each city, so you get local knowledge in every place.
- One private vehicle and driver for the whole trip.
- You choose where to sleep.
Where you stay
We can book traditional riads, 3 to 4 star hotels or luxury hotels. You choose the style and the budget, and we book it for you.
What is included
- Private vehicle and driver
- Hotel or riad nights with breakfast
- Local guide in each city
- Bottled water
Entry fees, lunches and dinners are not always included. We confirm exactly what is covered in your quote before you book.
Add the Sahara
A Sahara extension is possible on request. We add the desert to the route and adjust the number of days. Our guide to how many days you need for the Sahara from Marrakech explains the options, from Agafay to the dunes at Merzouga.
Questions
What guests ask us
Can I do the imperial cities in 5 days?
Yes, as a highlights route, but expect long drives between cities. We recommend 7 days if you want time to enjoy each stop.
Do I get a guide in every city?
Yes, a licensed local guide in each city: Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech.
Can I choose my hotels?
Yes. We book traditional riads, 3 to 4 star hotels or luxury hotels, whichever you prefer.
Can I add the Sahara?
Yes, on request. We add the desert to the route and adjust the number of days; our guide to the Sahara from Marrakech explains the options.
What is the best time of year?
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best months: mild days in the cities and comfortable evenings. Summer is hot inland, especially in Marrakech and Fes, and winter days are cool with cold nights.
Related guides
Ready to plan
Plan your imperial cities route
Tell us your dates, group size and hotel style and we will build your route. We reply within 24 hours, with no obligation.