The Imperial Majesty & Sahara Sands

If you are looking for the perfect marriage of history and nature, this 9-day journey is the definitive choice. The Imperial Majesty & Sahara Sands is expertly paced to showcase Morocco’s most iconic contrasts: the sophisticated architectural heritage of its royal cities and the raw, silent beauty of the deep desert.

Itinenarie

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca The Atlantic Gateway

Your Atlas Menara host awaits you at Mohammed V Airport for a seamless private transfer. We begin with a deep dive into Casablanca’s blend of Moorish and Art Deco architecture.

• Highlight: A guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. This architectural marvel sits over the ocean; you’ll see the intricate hand-carved stone and the massive retractable roof in action.

• A sunset stroll along the Corniche, followed by a curated welcome dinner at a historic restaurant (like Rick’s Café) to toast the start of your journey.

• Keep your camera ready for the 210m minaret—the tallest of its kind.

Day 2: Rabat’s Imperial Splendor & The Rif Mountains

Head north to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Highlight: Wander the blue-and-white Oudaya Kasbah, a 12th-century fortress with stunning views of the Bou Regreg river and the sea. Visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished masterpiece of the Almohad dynasty.

• In the afternoon, the landscape shifts from coastal plains to the rugged peaks of the Rif Mountains as we approach the "Blue Pearl."

• Evening: Settle into your boutique accommodation in Chefchaouen just as the mountain air begins to cool.

Day 3: The Blue Pearl & The Ruins of Empire

Spend the morning lost in the sapphire-hued dreamscape of Chefchaouen.

• Your host will lead you to the most photogenic hidden corners of the Medina, away from the crowds.

• After lunch, we travel back in time at Volubilis. This Roman outpost features remarkably preserved mosaics depicting myths of old.

• We make a brief, respectful stop in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a town draped across two hills, before arriving at your traditional Riad in the heart of the Fes Medina.

Day 4: Spiritual Fes – The Living Middle Ages

Fes is the intellectual and spiritual soul of Morocco. Today is an immersive journey through 1,200 years of history.

• Navigate the 9,000 winding alleys of Fes el-Bali. Witness the ancient techniques at the Chouara Tanneries and visit the Al-Quaraouiyine, the world's oldest degree-granting university.

• We visit local workshops to see the creation of "Zellij" tilework and intricate brass carving.

• We end at the Marinid Tombs for a panoramic view as the evening call to prayer echoes across the valley.

Day 5: Across the Atlas to the Sahara’s Edge

A day of dramatic geographical shifts. We leave the medieval city for the high-altitude forests of the Middle Atlas.

• The "Switzerland" of Morocco: Stop in Ifrane to see its alpine architecture, then visit the Azrou Cedar Forest to meet the friendly Barbary macaques.

• Marvel at the "sea of palms" one of the largest palm groves in the world before the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon.

• Enjoy your first night on the edge of the Sahara, where the silence is absolute.

Day 6: Sahara Immersion & The Golden Dunes

Today is about the rhythm of the desert.

• Visit Khamlia to experience the soul-stirring Gnaoua music, a heritage of enslaved people from Sub-Saharan Africa. Later, visit a nomadic settlement to learn how families thrive in the arid wilderness.

• In the late afternoon, trade your vehicle for a camel caravan. Traverse the orange dunes as the sun sets, painting the sky in violets and golds.

• Spend the night in a private luxury tent featuring plush bedding and hot showers. Feast on Berber tagine by the campfire under a canopy of stars.

Day 7: Canyons & The Road of 1,000 Kasbahs

Witness the desert's most magical moment: sunrise over the dunes.

• Walk through a limestone canyon where the walls rise 300m vertically above a crystal-clear river.

• Navigate the winding roads of the "Road of 1,000 Kasbahs." See the "Monkey Fingers" rock formations, sculpted over millennia by wind and water.

• This region is famous for its roses; depending on the season, the air is filled with their scent.

Day 8: Ait Benhaddou to The Red City

Today we cross the High Atlas Mountains, the highest range in North Africa.

• Explore Ait Benhaddou, a mud-brick Ksar (fortified village) that has served as the backdrop for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

• We summit the pass at 2,260m. The drive offers dizzying views of Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides.

• Reach the vibrant, pulsing energy of Marrakech by sunset.

Day 9: Marrakech Discovery & Departure

Your final day is a sensory explosion in "The Red City."

• Visit the opulent Bahia Palace and the hidden Saadian Tombs, rediscovered only a century ago.

• We navigate the vibrant markets, specializing in spices, textiles, and lanterns.

• Take in the spectacle of Jemaa el-Fna square snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians before your private transfer to the airport.