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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Morocco's Ancient Cities & Kasbahs

Morocco's imperial cities, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara Desert by rail and coach

Illustration of Morocco's Ancient Cities & Kasbahs

Morocco's Ancient Cities & Kasbahs is a 10-day escorted tour operated by Vacations By Rail, running from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou. A Tour Manager travels with the group throughout, guiding tours of the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat, where visitors explore bustling medinas, grand mosques, and palaces. The journey combines rail legs with coach travel through the Atlas Mountains and across the Sahara. Days balance cultural immersion (Djemaa El Fna Square in Marrakech, the Karaouyine Mosque in Fes) with natural landscapes: the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, the Todra Gorge, and the Erg Chebbi dunes. On day 7, guests overnight at a luxury desert camp near Merzouga. Hotels are 4 and 5 star properties; most meals, all transportation, and guided excursions are included. The itinerary is suited to history lovers, photographers, and travelers who prefer guided travel with structured activities and good accommodation.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; arrange these independently.
  • The activityLevel is rated 3, indicating substantial walking and climbing in medinas and on excursions; not suitable for those with mobility limits.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included but can be arranged.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Marrakech

    Arriving in the "Red City" of Marrakech

    Arrive in Marrakech and check in to the five-star hotel for two nights; meet the Tour Manager and group for a first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Marrakech

    Introduction to the magnificent sights of Marrakech

    Guided tour including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and Djemaa El Fna Square, with free time to explore.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Casablanca

    To the elegant "white city" of Casablanca by train

    Train from Marrakech to Casablanca, then a guided tour including the Hassan II Mosque, Place Mohammed V and United Nations Square.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Fes

    Exploring the imperial cities of Rabat and Fes

    Coach to Rabat for a guided tour of the Medina, Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, the Chellah and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, then train to Fes.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Fes

    Touring the ancient city of Fes

    Full-day tour of Fes including the Borj Nord Arms Museum, the Royal Palace gateway, Kasbah Cherarda, the Karaouyine Mosque and University, and the medina souks.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Erfoud

    Crossing the Atlas Mountains toward the Sahara

    Coach journey south via Ifrane, Azrou and the Ziz Gorges to the oasis town of Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara, overnight at a Kasbah hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Merzouga (desert camp)

    Visiting Rissani and a night at a luxurious Merzouga campsite

    Guided tour of Rissani and traditional Berber villages, then across the Erg Chebbi dunes to a luxury desert camp (The Sandy Tents) with an optional sunset camel ride.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Boumalne Dades

    Route of 1000 Kasbahs and Todra Gorge

    Coach to Tinghir and the Route of 1000 Kasbahs through the Dades Valley, viewing the Todra Gorge, arriving at Boumalne Dades.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Marrakech

    Kasbahs of the Atlas Mountains

    Return journey to Marrakech via El Glaoui Kasbah, Kalaat M'Gouna (Rose Valley), Ouarzazate's Kasbah of Taourirt, Ait Ben Haddou and the Tizi n'Tichka pass, ending with a folklore show.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10

    Traveling home

    Final breakfast at the hotel; check out at leisure and travel home independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Marrakech includes the Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and Djemaa El Fna Square, with free time to explore.
  • Day 3Train from Marrakech to Casablanca, followed by a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque and central squares.
  • Day 4Coach tour of Rabat's Medina, Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and Mohammed V Mausoleum, then train to Fes.
  • Day 7Night at The Sandy Tents luxury desert camp in Merzouga with an optional sunset camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  • Day 8Coach journey through the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in the Dades Valley, with views of the Todra Gorge.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 4 & 5 Star hotel accommodation
  • 1 night in a luxury desert camp
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Marrakech to Fes
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. All rail and coach travel throughout the tour is included, including the train from Marrakech to Casablanca and Casablanca to Fes.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. A Tour Manager from Vacations By Rail accompanies the group from start to finish.
What is included in the price?
The from-price of $3,699 USD covers 8 nights in 4 and 5 star hotels, 1 night in a luxury desert camp, all rail and coach travel, breakfast each day, 4 lunches, 7 dinners, group luggage transfers between hotels from Marrakech to Fes, and all guided tours and excursions.
Which hotels are used?
Hotels include the Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi in Marrakech, Barcelo Anfa in Casablanca, Fez Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace in Fes, Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud in Erfoud, The Sandy Tents luxury desert camp in Merzouga, and Dades Xaluca Hotel in Boumalne Dades.
What activities are included?
Guided tours of Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes; a visit to Rissani and traditional Berber villages; the Route of 1000 Kasbahs and Todra Gorge; a night at a desert camp with an optional camel ride; and a folklore show near Ait Ben Haddou.
How much walking is involved?
The operator rates this trip Mobility Rating 3, indicating substantial walking, climbing, and activity throughout the city tours, medinas, and excursions.

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