Overview
of this
round trip
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Best travel period
September to June
Climate
Mild to warm; cooler evenings on the Atlantic
Stages
Stages of 2 to 3 hours
Concierge service
Private vehicle with chauffeur and local guides
A journey between culture, history & people
Some journeys show you a country. This one lets you speak with the people who shaped it.
Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes and Rabat each served as the capital of Morocco at different moments in history – the country’s four Imperial Cities, complemented by a stop in the modern economic hub of Casablanca. In the Heart of the Imperial Cities brings together all these destinations into a single journey with time for history, art, culture and genuine encounters.
Four Capitals. One Story.
Marrakesh, Rabat, Meknes and Fes each served in turn as the capital of Morocco. Every stop on this journey tells a different chapter of the same imperial history – and yet a common thread runs through them all: the craftsmanship, the hospitality and the encounters that keep these cities alive to this day.
This journey combines four UNESCO World Heritage Sites with genuine encounters – from a ceramics workshop in Marrakesh to a conversation with a tanner in the tanneries of Fes.
This journey means travelling step by step through eleven centuries of Moroccan history – pausing again and again for a conversation, a workshop, a market.
Known as the “Red City”, Marrakesh is one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Its historic medina, with its narrow lanes, traditional souks and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna square, forms the cultural heart of the city.
What You Experience
- A guided tour through the medina and the Jemaa el-Fna square
- A visit to the Sidi Ghanem creative district
- A personal encounter with artisans and the chance to visit a dyeing or ceramics workshop
What Fascinates Us Most
Sidi Ghanem reveals a Marrakesh that most visitors never see – a city where traditional craft and contemporary design live on side by side.
Morocco’s economic centre, shaped by Art Deco architecture and by the contrast between an international business metropolis and the traditional Habous quarter. Its landmark is the Hassan II Mosque.
What You Experience
- A visit to the Hassan II Mosque
What Fascinates Us Most
One of the few places of worship in Morocco to open its doors to non-Muslim visitors – a rare insight.
Morocco’s capital since the French Protectorate era and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012 – noticeably calmer and more down-to-earth than the other Imperial Cities.
What You Experience
- The Kasbah of the Oudayas with its blue-and-white lanes and Andalusian gardens
- Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Chellah Necropolis
- A walk through the quiet medina with a pause at the traditional Café Maure
What Fascinates Us Most
Rabat has neither the bustle of Marrakesh nor the labyrinth of Fes – instead, a calm that leaves room for genuine conversations.
Meknes, expanded into a magnificent capital by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, is often called the “Versailles of Morocco”.
What You Experience
- Bab Mansour and the historic old town of Meknes
- Conversations with local souk traders and artisans away from the tourist trail
- Heri es-Souani, the sultan’s vast granary and stable complex
What Fascinates Us Most
Meknes is skipped by many travellers – unjustly so. Those who take their time meet traders and craftspeople here who are not yet accustomed to tourist crowds.
Just 30 kilometres from Meknes lie the Roman ruins of Volubilis, once the capital of the province of Mauretania Tingitana.
What You Experience
- The Roman ruins of Volubilis with well-preserved mosaic floors
- The striking Arch of Caracalla and the remains of the ancient basilica
- Sweeping views across the fertile plain towards the Rif Mountains
What Fascinates Us Most
A place where history can be experienced without the crowds – Volubilis is among the least-visited UNESCO sites in Morocco.
The oldest of the four Imperial Cities, founded in 789 AD. The medina of Fes el-Bali, with its more than 9,000 narrow lanes, is the world’s largest car-free old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What You Experience
- A full-day tour through the medina of Fes el-Bali: the Chouara Tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin University, madrasas and souks
- In-depth workshop conversations with artisans
- Optional: a cooking class with a market visit, or a city walls tour by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle
Signature Moment – Why is this experience part of this journey?
Fes el-Bali does not reveal itself by rushing through, but through time – time for a conversation with a tanner, a mosaic layer, a chef at the market.
Your
personalised
access to
Morocco
What makes this journey special is not only the what, but the how:
Customised planning
Continuous support
Destinations beyond the usual routes
Four Riads. Four Characters.
At Pur Life Maroc, the choice of accommodation is never left to chance. Every house is carefully selected because it reflects the character of its surroundings.
In all four overnight destinations (Marrakesh, Rabat, Meknes, Fes) you stay in carefully selected comfort riads with traditional architecture, family-run service and a central location in or near the respective medina – each one entirely unique. There is no overnight stay in Casablanca; the city is visited as a daytime stop.
Savour Morocco with All Your Senses
On this journey, cuisine is far more than sustenance – it is another form of encounter. The highlight awaits you optionally in Fes: a cooking class with a market visit and a local chef.
Your personal Private Concierge will be glad to recommend and arrange special culinary experiences at every stop of this journey.
No two guests travel with the same wishes. Together with your Private Concierge, you can extend your journey around your personal interests.
Experience Moroccan cuisine at its source and as a modern, creative interpretation.
A city walls tour in Fes – opening up new perspectives on history and the city.
A rooftop or riad dinner in Fes, arranged by our Private Concierge.
A wine tour to the Meknes region with a tasting at one of the renowned wineries, e.g. Château Roslane – an insight into a winegrowing tradition more than 2,000 years old.
7 days / 6 nights
Marrakesh • Casablanca • Rabat • Meknes • Fes
Private individual journey
September to June
Easy to moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
All journeys are conducted as private, individual trips. You travel exclusively with your own companions and your personal guide.
This journey in the heart of the Imperial Cities deliberately leaves room for encounters – with artisans, traders and locals.
Yes. Together with your Private Concierge, we tailor accommodation, experiences and additional services to your wishes – right down to individual luxury upgrades.
Yes. It brings together the cultural highlights of all four Imperial Cities and is ideal for guests who wish to discover Morocco in all its historical depth.
Comfortable shoes for longer walks in the medinas, light clothing for the day and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Destinations, accommodation, inspiration
Destinations
accommodation
inspiration
Marrakesh
Your private guide will accompany you to one of the most beautiful trekking villages in the Atlas Mountains: Ait Souka. From here you will enjoy breathtaking views of Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest mountain in North Africa. During the hike you will reach altitudes of around 2,000 metres while passing through picturesque Berber villages. The highlight of the day is lunch with a local Berber family.
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are among the most spectacular natural sights in Morocco. The water cascades down 110 metres in three impressive tiers, surrounded by olive groves and reddish rock cliffs. The area is ideal for hiking and exploring. Highlights include a visit to the Imi n'Ifri natural cave with its red stalactites, watching the local macaque monkeys, swimming opportunities and optional boat rides. Travel time from Marrakesh is approximately three hours.
Golfing in Marrakesh is easy and spectacular. The city offers an excellent selection of courses, including the historic Royal Golf Marrakesh (27 holes), Palmeraie Golf (27 holes), the impressive Amelkis Golf Club (27 holes) and Samanah Golf Club (18 holes). Play between palm trees with breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains and desert landscapes.
Riding a camel or dromedary is one of Morocco's most traditional and charming ways to explore the landscape. Your guide will take you on a half-day or full-day excursion off the usual tourist paths to discover hidden places and authentic encounters with local communities.
Skiing with views of the Sahara desert? It is possible in Oukaimeden, located about 75 km from Marrakesh. From December to April, ski slopes between 2,500 and 3,200 metres altitude offer a unique winter sports experience. Spend the day skiing in the mountains and return in the evening to Marrakesh's vibrant nightlife.
A must for adventurers and curious travellers: a hot air balloon flight over the imperial city. From the sky, watch the colourful cityscape of Marrakesh fade into vast desert landscapes and the peaks of the Atlas Mountains. A truly breathtaking experience.
Discover the beauty of Arabic craftsmanship during a creative workshop lasting two to five hours. Choose from experiences such as Arabic calligraphy, pottery, mosaic art, wood carving, jewellery design, basket weaving, brass work, embroidery, leather craft or Berber carpet weaving, and gain insight into Morocco's rich artisan traditions.
Encounters with local people are often the most memorable moments of any journey. Your private guide will open doors usually closed to travellers. Share a meal in the home of a Berber family and experience the warmth and generosity of Moroccan hospitality.
Experience Moroccan culture in a magical One Thousand and One Nights setting. In a traditional Berber tent you will enjoy an opulent dinner accompanied by a spectacular show featuring belly dancers, acrobats, horse riders, fireworks and traditional Moroccan music. A memorable evening of entertainment and hospitality.
Casablanca
Authentic, informative and refined. This guided city tour offers the perfect introduction to the spirit of Casablanca. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore the iconic Hassan II Mosque overlooking the ocean, admire the Art Deco architecture along the Corniche, visit the Jewish quarter with the Danan Synagogue, and discover the colonial architecture in the city centre. Stroll through Souk Habous and enjoy Moroccan mint tea with views of the harbour.
Located about 30 minutes northeast of Casablanca (27 km), Mohammedia is a popular seaside destination known for its beautiful sandy beaches. The gently sloping shoreline makes it ideal for families, while surfers will find excellent conditions at Pont Blondin near Mohammedia. A true surfer's paradise.
Water sports, sightseeing and shopping in one day. Your private guide will accompany you to El Jadida, located about 1.5 hours (100 km) from Casablanca. This charming Atlantic port city captivates visitors with its Portuguese old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, impressive historic fortifications and the nearby Sidi Bouzid Beach, ideal for swimming, surfing, sailing or horse riding.
From Casablanca, the royal capital Rabat can be reached in just one hour. Highlights include the impressive Royal Palace, the UNESCO-listed Medina of Salé with its narrow alleyways, and the striking Kasbah of the Oudaias, known for its blue streets and Atlantic views. Explore the historic Chellah complex with its Roman ruins and botanical garden, or relax with Moroccan tea overlooking the harbour.
Rabat
Discover Rabat in a truly individual way. Your private guide opens doors usually closed to visitors – from the peaceful Andalusian Garden and hidden artisan workshops in the Kasbah of the Oudayas to exclusive insights into royal districts. Experience the unique history, culture and hospitality of Morocco's capital beyond the usual tourist paths.
Cross the river by boat from Rabat to the opposite shore and discover the historic town of Salé, offering a completely different perspective on the royal capital. Highlights include the beautifully restored Medersa Abou al-Hassan, a 14th-century Quranic school known for its intricate cedar wood carvings, the Grande Mosquée – the third-largest mosque in Morocco – and the atmospheric Marabout tombs.
Located about 10 km northeast of Rabat, the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel cover a 4-hectare private estate filled with ponds, grottos and tropical plants including lianas, giant treesand palm groves. Scenic walking paths reveal constantly changing views throughout the garden. During your visit you can also explore the museum housed in the former residence of French horticultural engineer Marcel François.
Fes
Discover the secrets of the ancient Medina of Fès with a professional guide and marvel at the history, culture and beauty of this unique imperial city. Explore historic treasures such as the famous tanneries, the oldest university in the world, magnificent medersas (Quranic schools), lively souks and impressive palaces.
This tour takes you to the impressive gates of the Royal Palace, the Jewish quarter Mellah with its distinctive Andalusian balconies, and the beautiful Jnan Sbil Gardens. Continue to the pottery district, where you can watch artisans create pottery, ceramics and traditional zellige tiles, before ending the tour with a breathtaking panoramic view over the Medina.
Visit the imperial city of Meknès, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Your guide will show you its beautifully preserved old town, including Bab Mansour, considered Morocco's most magnificent city gate, and the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who dreamed of building a second Versailles in Meknès. Continue to the ancient city of Volubilis, where you can explore 2,000-year-old Roman ruins, including residential houses, impressive mosaics, arches and even ancient baths surrounded by historic olive presses.
A camel ride at sunrise and an unforgettable night in a Berber tent. Discover the captivating beauty and silence of the Sahara on a private two-day excursion from Fès to Merzouga. Visit traditional Berber villages, ride a camel across the dunes, watch the magical play of light between sun and sand, and spend the night in a desert camp.
The medina of Chefchaouen, painted in shades of azure blue, is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Africa. At an altitude of around 600 metres, the town offers fresh mountain air and a maze of narrow alleyways, mosques, memorial sites and charming blue-and-white houses. Even though the imperial city of Fès lies about 200 kilometres away, the famous Blue Pearl of northern Morocco is well worth the journey.
Luxury round trip from 7 days: Experience Morocco’s four imperial cities plus Casablanca in luxury
Adults Only beach holiday in Agadir & Taghazout: unforgettable experiences on the Atlantic.
Marrakesh meets the peace of the Agafay desert: luxury riad, desert camp & private chauffeur
Experience Morocco's four Imperial Cities authentically: craft, encounters, history & a personal chauffeur.
Experience a private round trip through kasbahs, oases and the fascinating vastness of the Sahara.
A city trip that makes the diversity of a Morocco holiday tangible. From Agadir over to Essaouira to Marrakesh.
Back to your natural rhythm at the Silent Nature Retreat – Adults-only
