HomeJourneysMorocco's Imperial Cities8 days

Morocco's Imperial Cities — a 8-Day Plan You Can Actually Do

The 8-day version for April: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 5-day plan · 6-day plan · 8-day plan · best time to go.

Customize this plan →

8
days
490 km
distance
7.5 h
in transit
58
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Casablanca → Rabat

1h23 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 9.3–32.9°C · 🌧 ~5 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:00
Old Medinahistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Stroll through narrow streets lined with traditional shops.
50 min · Casablanca
09:50
Shrine of Sidi Abderrahmanhistory & sagashiking
Explore a tiny medina-like neighborhood at low tide.
50 min · Casablanca
10:40
King Hassan II Mosquechurches & landmarks
Admire the grand minaret and intricate interior designs.
50 min · Casablanca · 130 dirham for Mosque, 30 dirham for mus
open: Tours: Sa-Th 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00; F 09:00, 10:00 and 15:00. In
12:53
National Archaeological Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Explore ancient artifacts tracing Morocco's rich past.
50 min · Rabat
open: As of November 2019 closed for restoration
13:43
Kasbah of the Oudaiashistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Stroll narrow streets and enjoy ocean views from ancient fortifications.
50 min · Rabat · Free entrance
14:33
St. Peter's Cathedralmuseums & heritagechurches & landmarks
Marvel at the city's graceful art-deco architecture.
50 min · Rabat
15:23
Cafe Maurelocal & traditional
Sip mint tea with ocean views and sweet pastries.
60 min · Rabat
18:30
El Ranchocraft beer & pubs
75 min · Rabat
Overnight: Rabat
e.g. HI Hostel Rabat · Hotel Central

Day 2 Around Rabat

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~15:40
🌡 9.3–32.9°C · 🌧 ~5 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:00
Royal Palacehistory & sagashiking
Gaze at imposing walls guarded by vigilant sentries.
50 min · Rabat
09:50
Qalam wa Lawh Center for Arabic Studieshistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Learn Arabic and dive into Moroccan culture with expert guidance.
50 min · Rabat
10:40
Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleumchurches & landmarks
Admire elegant columns and serene royal resting place.
50 min · Rabat · Free
open: 08:00–18:00
11:30
Royal Golf Dar es Salaamhiking
Saunter through vast, lush greenery and flower beds.
90 min · Rabat
open: Tu-Su 06:00-22:00
13:00
Bab er-Rouahhistory & sagas
Pass through a historic gate near the bustling palace.
50 min · Rabat · Free
13:50
Medina of Saléhistory & sagas
Meander through ancient, winding residential lanes.
50 min · Rabat · Free
14:40
Paullocal & traditional
Relish magnificent French bakery treats, especially their olive bread.
60 min · Rabat
Overnight: Rabat
e.g. HI Hostel Rabat · Hotel Central

Day 3 Meknès

2h09 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 3.8–34.4°C · 🌧 ~8 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
11:09
Bab Mansourhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Marvel at grand gate architecture, now showcasing art.
50 min · Meknès
11:59
Borj Belkari Museummuseums & heritage
View Rif pottery in a historic bastion under renovation.
50 min · Meknès
12:49
Mausoleum of Sidi ben Aïssachurches & landmarks
Admire exterior of a sacred non-Muslim accessible site.
50 min · Meknès
13:39
Meknes Museummuseums & heritage
Discover local history in an old mansion setting.
50 min · Meknès · 10 dirham
14:29
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismailchurches & landmarks
Witness historic palace walls surrounding royal resting place.
50 min · Meknès · Free admission
open: Daily 09:00–18:30, except for Friday when it turns into a mosque
15:19
Dar Jamai Museummuseums & heritage
Stroll exquisite gardens around a closed museum palace.
50 min · Meknès · 10 dirham
open: W-M 10:00–17:30
16:09
Restaurant Marhabalocal & traditional
Savor aromatic Ma'aqouda and hearty Harira in a lively setting.
60 min · Meknès · Tagines average 30 dirham
18:30
Le Publocal & traditionalcraft beer & pubs
It features creative French dishes and reliable pizza options.
75 min · Meknès · 15-45 dirham bottle beers only, 50 dirha
open: Daily until midnight
Overnight: Meknès
e.g. Riad d'Or · Riad Felloussia

Day 4 Around Meknès

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~15:40
🌡 3.8–34.4°C · 🌧 ~8 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:00
Medersa Bou Inaniahistory & sagas
Explore intricate Quranic school floors and rooftop.
50 min · Meknès · 60 dirham
09:50
Al masjid AlAdamchurches & landmarks
See the grand architecture of Meknes' oldest mosque.
50 min · Meknès
10:40
Public swimming poolhistory & sagas
Cool off in a bustling public pool on hot days.
90 min · Meknès
12:10
Lahdim Square
People-watch from cozy cafés in a refurbished square.
50 min · Meknès
13:00
Meknes Royal Golf Course
Savour serene gardens on a public golf course.
50 min · Meknès
13:50
Palais Al-Mansour
Discover ruins of a royal summer residence.
50 min · Meknès
14:40
Les Colliers de Colombelocal & traditional
Delight in Moroccan staples, especially the exquisite pastilla.
60 min · Meknès · Most dishes are over 100 dirham
Overnight: Meknès
e.g. Riad d'Or · Riad Felloussia

Day 5 Fès

0h55 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 3.1–33.3°C · 🌧 ~10 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:55
Al Quaraouiyine mosque and libraryhistory & sagasmuseums & heritagechurches & landmarks
Glimpse grand arches and echoing halls through open doorways of a scholarly giant.
50 min · Fès
10:45
Borj Sudhistory & sagashiking
Panoramic medina views unfold from fortress heights, serene and sweeping.
50 min · Fès
11:35
Nejjarine Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Admire gleaming woodcraft and artisan legacy in a bright fondouk cafe.
50 min · Fès · 20 dirham
open: 10:00-17:00
12:25
Dar Batha Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Explore echoing halls of a restored palace, steeped in royal history and art.
50 min · Fès · 10 dirham
open: W-M 09:00-17:00
13:15
Borj Nordmuseums & heritage
Survey the medina sprawl from hilltop ruins, where arms and outlooks blend.
50 min · Fès · Entrance 20 dirham, 10 dirham for audio
open: Tu-Su 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00
14:05
Bou Inania Madrasachurches & landmarks
Gaze upon intricate wood carvings and geometric patterns glowing in courtyard light.
50 min · Fès · 20 dirham
open: 09:00-18:00
14:55
La Kasbah de Feshistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Enjoy delicious Moroccan food with stunning views over the medina.
60 min · Fès
18:30
Bouananialocal & traditional
Savor aromatic tagines and couscous in a cozy, friendly atmosphere.
75 min · Fès · around 40 dirham, but prices are negotia
Overnight: Fès
e.g. Riad Jamai · Dar El Menia

Day 6 Around Fès

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~15:40
🌡 3.1–33.3°C · 🌧 ~10 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:00
The Tannerieshistory & sagas
Watch vivid dyes splash and seep through ancient leather pits below bustling guides.
50 min · Fès
09:50
Andalusian Mosquechurches & landmarks
Sense history in quiet prayer halls echoing centuries of devotion and quiet whispers.
50 min · Fès
10:40
Merenid Tombshistory & sagas
Breathe tranquil air on hilltops overlooking olive groves and ancient city walls.
50 min · Fès
11:30
Mosque and Mausoleum of Sidi Ahmad al-Tijanichurches & landmarks
Stand in quiet respect before the resting place of a revered Sufi founder.
50 min · Fès
12:20
Sofitel Palais Jamai terracehistory & sagas
Sip tea while minarets call to prayer across a sweeping medina panorama.
90 min · Fès
13:50
Cherratine Madrasahistory & sagas
Climb to spacious dormitories overlooking the medina from an elegant madrasa.
50 min · Fès · 20 dirham
14:40
Medina cafehistory & sagas
Relish tasty boricuas in a cozy, lively café setting.
60 min · Fès · Mains starting at 60 dirham
Overnight: Fès
e.g. Riad Jamai · Dar El Menia

Day 7 Chefchaouen

3h05 transit · wraps up ~17:45
🌡 1.8–28.4°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
12:05
Kasbahhistory & sagaschurches & landmarkshiking
Explore an Andalusian-style fortress with gardens, towers, and historic residues.
50 min · Chefchaouen · 80 dirham for foreigners, 10 dirham for
open: 09:00–18:00
12:55
Outae Hammam squarehistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Stroll through the largest medina square, reminiscent of Andalusian public yards.
50 min · Chefchaouen
13:45
Grand Mosque of Chefchaouenhistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Admire the city's oldest mosque, a significant historic Friday gathering place.
50 min · Chefchaouen
14:35
Jemaa Bouzafar Mosquechurches & landmarkshiking
Take in sweeping town views from this hilltop Spanish-built mosque at sunset.
50 min · Chefchaouen
15:25
Ecomuseum of Talassemtane National Parkmuseums & heritagehiking
Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the national park and hiking trails.
50 min · Chefchaouen · Free admission
16:15
Hassan's Workshophistory & sagas
Participate in hands-on crafts guided by the welcoming artisan Hassan.
90 min · Chefchaouen
open: 09:00-18:00-ish

Day 8 Around Chefchaouen

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~16:20
🌡 1.8–28.4°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:00
Souiqah quarterlocal & traditional
Browse local shops and stalls lined with old Andalusian family homes.
50 min · Chefchaouen
09:50
Ras El Malocal & traditional
Gather by the refreshing spring where locals chat, wash, and relax under café chairs.
50 min · Chefchaouen
10:40
El Haouta squarelocal & traditional
Sit by the charming traditional fountain in this quaint little square.
50 min · Chefchaouen
11:30
Hill of the Hotel Atlashistory & sagas
Savor panoramic sunset views over the town and valley from this scenic hill.
50 min · Chefchaouen
12:20
Petit cascadeshiking
Enjoy a gentle hike through lush trails to small, refreshing waterfalls.
90 min · Chefchaouen
13:50
Grand Cascade D'Akchourhiking
Tackle a moderate hike rewarding you with grand waterfall vistas.
90 min · Chefchaouen
15:20
Restaurant Populaire Bab Ssourlocal & traditional
Relish hearty local dishes in a peaceful room with a friendly, multilingual host.
60 min · Chefchaouen · 50 dirham

Change month, pace or interests →