Rabat
Mausoleum of Mohamed V, Hassan Tower, Oudayas Kasbah, Ancienne Medina, Archaeological site of Chellah, Mohamed VI Museum of modern and contemporary art
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Imperial Cities Tours
Explore Morocco’s Royal Cities
Discover the most emblematic imperial cities of Morocco in one week, 10 days or 15 days
Embark on a journey through 12 centuries of Moroccan history with our Imperial Cities Tour. From Fes to Marrakech, Meknes to Rabat, each city tells the story of dynasties that shaped a nation, revealing a rich heritage and traditions still alive today.
Whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or friends, we offer tailor-made itineraries suited to your pace, interests, and budget. Together, we'll craft a personalized route that goes beyond mass tourism to offer a deeper, more authentic Moroccan experience.
What You’ll Discover in Each Imperial City
This journey takes you from Rabat’s Atlantic shores to the desert edges near Marrakech, through Meknes’s fortified walls and into Fes, cradle of modern Morocco and birthplace of the Idrissid dynasty in the 8th century.
Beyond monuments, this tour reveals Morocco’s natural beauty—majestic mountains, scenic plateaus, and ancient villages clinging to hillsides. You’ll encounter warm hospitality, diverse cultures, languages, and spiritual traditions.
Discover masterpieces of Moroccan architecture and history: Chellah, the Hassan Tower, the Oudayas Kasbah, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, El Mansour Gate, El Qarawiyin Mosque, and more. But the heart of this journey lies in the vibrant, winding alleys of the medinas—where the soul of Morocco truly lives.
History and foundation of the Moroccan imperial cities
Fes: The Spiritual Heart of Morocco with Ancient Medinas and Timeless Traditions
Founded in 789 under the reign of the Idrisside by Idriss I. It is the first capital of the kingdom. Since its foundation, Fes has been elevated to the rank of capital by the Idrisside, Merinide, and Wattasides dynasties, and deposed from this title by other dynasties, mainly the Almoravides, Almohades, and Sâadiens.
Marrakech: The Red City of Souks, Palaces, and Vibrant Cultural Energy
Founded in 1062 by the Almoravids, Marrakech quickly rose in prominence as they established it as their capital. The city flourished under their rule, becoming a major political, cultural, and economic center. Its importance continued to grow when it was later chosen as the capital by both the Almohads and the Saadians, further solidifying its status as one of Morocco’s most influential imperial cities.
Meknes: A Historic Jewel of Imperial Grandeur and Hidden Courtyards
Founded by Sultan Moulay Ismail of the Alawite dynasty during his reign from 1672 to 1727, Meknes was transformed into an imperial city. Determined to make it the Versailles of Morocco, Moulay Ismail invested heavily in grand palaces, mosques, gardens, and massive fortifications. Under his leadership, Meknes became a symbol of the Alawite dynasty’s power and ambition, earning its place among Morocco’s four imperial cities.
Rabat: The Coastal Capital of Modern Calm and Royal Heritage
Founded in the 12th century by the Almohads. Around 1269, the Merinids deposed it from its title of capital in favour of Fes. Much later in the 20th century (1912), during the French protectorate, Rabat became the seat of the general residence and then the capital of the protectorate. Since independence in 1956, it has been named the administrative capital of Morocco under the Alawite dynasty.
Monuments and must-see sites in the historic cities of the Kingdom
The natural diversity in Morocco remains the main attraction of this country. The country is attractive by its thousand lights, its thousand charms and its thousand contrasts. Nature has made it so that there is harmony between modernity and tradition, because if the roots are deep in the past, these imperial cities, as the country, also live the present while looking to the future.
In addition, Morocco attracts by:
- A nature diversified in landscapes and reliefs
- Unique lights and colors
- Its legendary hospitality
- Its rich History and that of its imperial cities.
- The rich cultural and ethnic diversity of its population
- The treasures in monuments, palaces, mausoleums,...
Monuments and must-see sites in the historic cities of the Kingdom
Here are some in these cities:
Marrakech
Koutoubia Mosque, Place Jemaa El FanaaTour, Palais El Bahia, Ancienne Medina, Palais Badii, Jardin Majorelle
Fes
Al Qarawiyin Mosque, Medina or Fes El Bali (old), Mosque of the Andalusian, Medersa Bou Inania, Place Seffarine, Tannery Chouara
Meknès
Medina, Kasbah, Place El Hedim, Bab Mansour, Mausoleum Moulay Ismail, Dar El Makhzen, Granaries and stables Moulay Ismail
Imperial Cities Tour: Custom Routes & Highlights
Custom itinerary through the imperial cities
Design your own journey through Morocco’s imperial cities with our flexible and personalized itineraries. There are no limits—our team will help create a route that suits your desired pace, available time, and budget.
Itinerary ideas for tours through the imperial cities
Each imperial city has an international airport, either directly or via connection, making it easy to start your tour from Marrakech, Rabat, Fes, or Meknes in any combination you choose. For example: Marrakech – Fes – Meknes – Rabat.
What periods are the most recommended for a tour through the historic cities of the Kingdom?
Aside from Marrakech—which can be hot in summer (July, August)—the other cities enjoy a mild climate year-round. In warmer months, visits are scheduled during the cooler hours of the day, especially in Marrakech. So, this tour is recommended in all seasons.
Can we change these itineraries?
Yes, absolutely. Before or during the tour, your itinerary can be adjusted to change the duration, stops, sites to visit, or accommodations, according to your preferences and interests.
What are the benefits and cultural contributions during the tour in the Moroccan capitals?
This tour offers more than just sightseeing. It’s an immersive journey through nearly twelve centuries of Moroccan history, rich with architectural wonders, vibrant traditions, and meaningful encounters. You’ll also enjoy varied activities along the way such as water sports on the Atlantic in Rabat, camel treks and quad biking in the Agafay Desert near Marrakech, artistic and cultural experiences in all cities, and diverse sporting activities in several locations.
What are the benefits and cultural contributions during the tour in the Moroccan capitals?
Apart from relaxation, change of scenery and other discoveries and encounters during this stay, this tour is certainly the richest in cultural contributions since it covers through the imperial cities almost twelve centuries of history.
Organization of your private tour in the imperial cities of Morocco
- Arrival Pick-up:
- You are fully covered upon your arrival at the airport. Your transport is ensured in our adapted, very comfortable and air-conditioned vehicles.
- Local drivers and guides:
- Our drivers and guides are highly experienced and know the routes involved. Our local guides are chosen as great connoisseurs of the history of Morocco in general, and imperial cities in particular, and remain able to inform and answer all questions that may be asked in order to satisfy our clientele. They also have the intuition to introduce you in places of little traffic but of great historical importance.
- Accommodation:
- These highly visited cities have large hotel structures. You will be accommodated in hotels or riads with the greatest comfort and all amenities.
- Catering:
- Meals are composed of selected specialties of traditional Moroccan culinary art. On the other hand, in each city, meals are prepared known to be a specialty of the city, such as tanjia, marrakchi specialty.