7 Days Imperial Morocco Circuit

Depart Casablanca in the morning and head north to Rabat, Morocco's elegant capital — visit the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah des Oudaias overlooking the Atlantic. Continue north through rolling hills to the magical blue-washed medina of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Evening stroll through the blue alleys.

Morning free to explore Chefchaouen's most photogenic corners — the Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the Kasbah museum, and the Ras el-Maa waterfall. Drive east through the Rif Mountains to Fes, Morocco's UNESCO-listed medieval city and spiritual heart of the kingdom. Evening wander in Fes el-Bali.

Morning exploring Fes — the legendary Chouara tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin University (the world's oldest), and the ancient souks. Drive south through the Swiss-style Alpine town of Ifrane and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas (home to Barbary macaques). Continue across the pre-Saharan hamada to Merzouga and the breathtaking Erg Chebbi dunes. Sunset camel ride to your Berber desert camp.

Wake before dawn for a magical Sahara sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes on camelback. Traditional Berber breakfast at camp, then head west through the dramatic pre-Saharan landscapes. Squeeze through the towering 300m walls of Todra Gorge, then continue to the sculptural rock formations of the Dades Gorge. Overnight in a kasbah hotel with Atlas views.

Explore the Dades Gorge in the morning light. Drive west through the Valley of Roses and Skoura palmeraie to the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Aït Benhaddou — filming location of Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco's cinema capital. Visit the Atlas Film Studios if time permits.

Cross back over the spectacular High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2260m) — Morocco's highest paved mountain road. Stop at a Berber village for tea and Atlas panoramas. Descend into the ochre Marrakech plain and arrive in the legendary Pink City by afternoon. Evening on the famous Jemaa el-Fna square.

A final free day to explore Marrakech at your own pace — the Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden, Marrakech souks, Koutoubia Mosque, or a traditional hammam. Your 7-day Moroccan adventure concludes here.