Welcome to the 7-Day Imperial Cities Tour from Casablanca with TourRadar and Explore Adventures Morocco.

Morocco is one of those destinations that completely surprises you. Before I arrived, I expected colourful souks, endless Moroccan tea and beautiful riads…and yes, I got all that! But what I didn’t expect was just how diverse the country would feel from one city to the next. One moment I was wandering through ancient medinas that felt frozen in time and the next we were driving through mountain landscapes or watching the sunrise over the desert.

I got the chance to experience Morocco through the 7-Day Imperial Cities Tour from Casablanca plus an additional 3-days in Marrakesh with Explore Adventure Morocco thanks to TourRadar’s Rise Program and honestly, it was the perfect way to see so much of the country without the stress of planning every detail myself.

Day 1: Casablanca

The adventure began in Casablanca, Morocco’s bustling economic hub. Of course, the highlight here was visiting the iconic Hassan II Mosque, perched dramatically over the Atlantic Ocean. The architecture alone was enough to leave me speechless.

But Casablanca is not just the mosque. There are so many places to visit and experience like:

• Casablanca’s city centre known for its beautiful Art Deco architecture, lively streets and authentic local atmosphere that gives the city its unique character. It’s great for a short walk, coffee stop & people watching. 
• Casablanca’s oceanfront promenade, the Corniche, lined with cafés and beach views, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset and relax by the sea.
• Arab League Park is one of Casablanca’s most beautiful green spaces, known for its long fountain, palm-lined pathways and relaxed atmosphere right in the heart of the city.

Day 2: From Casablanca to Rabat then Chefchaouen

From there, we travelled to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. Rabat felt calmer and more refined, with wide streets, coastal views and fascinating historical landmarks.

Must-See Places in Rabat:

• Kasbah of the Udayas wonder through the charming blue-and-white streets, explore the historic fortress overlooking the Atlantic and sip mint tea with breathtaking ocean views.
• Hassan Tower one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, surrounded by towering unfinished columns and rich history.
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture with intricate mosaics, marble details and the resting place of Morocco’s royal family.
• Chellah an ancient fortified necropolis filled with Roman and medieval ruins, peaceful gardens and stork nests perched above the old stone walls.

Trust me you’ll want to add Rabat on your Moroccan itinerary or better yet join the 7-day Imperial Cities Tour from Casablanca.

Rabat to Chefchaouen

I had secretly been waiting to visit the Blue Pearl of Morocco…the famous blue city of Chefchaouen, tucked away in the Rif Mountains.

No photo can truly prepare you for Chefchaouen. Every street looked like a painting, soft blue walls, colourful rugs hanging from balconies and tiny hidden cafés around every corner. It’s the kind of place where you can happily get lost for hours.

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fez

After one final morning wandering the blue streets – trust me, you’ll want to get up early and experience Chefchaouen while the tourists are still asleep and the artisan shops are just opening for the day. It’s pretty magical. We then made our way to Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities.

Fez felt completely different from anywhere else we visited, and thanks to our local guide Rashid it came alive for us. The medina was alive with energy: donkeys carrying goods through narrow streets, artisans crafting leather by hand and the scent of spices filling the air.

We also visited the famous tanneries. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way…but thank god for the mint!

This was our full cultural immersion day. We explored ancient madrasas, hidden courtyards, bustling souks and centuries-old architecture. What stood out most to me was how authentic Fez still feels, less polished for tourism and more deeply rooted in Moroccan tradition.

Day 4: Through the Atlas Mountains to the Desert

This was one of the most scenic drives of the trip. We travelled through cedar forests, mountain towns and dramatic landscapes before eventually reaching the edge of the Sahara.

Watching the desert appear in the distance felt surreal. We swapped vehicles for camels and rode through golden dunes as the sun began to set, one of those unforgettable travel moments of my life!

At night, we had dinner at Camel Trip Luxury Camp in the desert, danced around a campfire, watched a comet streak across the sky and slept beneath the stars. What an absolutely incredible experience!

Day 5: Desert to Boumalne Dades

We woke up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes of the Merzouga Desert and it was honestly unforgettable. I stood alone for a while at the top of a dune, watching the first light slowly spread across the sand. Everything felt completely still. In that moment, I felt deeply connected to the place and strangely connected to myself too. It’s hard to explain, but the desert has a way of making everything feel quieter and clearer at the same time.

After breakfast, I headed out to the dunes on a quad bike for my very first ride ever. At first, I was honestly terrified. The bike was much heavier than it looked and definitely not as easy to handle as I expected. But after a little while, I finally got the hang of it and wow, what a thrill!

Then came the real adventure. I got the chance to ride with my guide, and let me tell you…he was flying over those dunes so fast I genuinely thought I was going to pee my pants! It was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, and easily one of the most exciting ways to start the day after such a magical night at camp.

We left the Sahara Desert behind and headed for Boumalne Dades.

Nestled between the rugged peaks of the High Atlas Mountains and the edge of the Sahara, Boumalne Dades is a hidden gem filled with stunning landscapes, rich Berber culture and unforgettable adventures. Known as the gateway to the stunning Dades Valley, this charming Moroccan town offers dramatic rock formations, winding mountain roads and lush oasis scenery that feels like something out of a dream.

A journey through the region would not be complete without a stop at the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering canyon walls rise dramatically above crystal-clear streams, creating one of Morocco’s most iconic natural wonders.

Whether you’re exploring the famous “Monkey Fingers” cliffs, enjoying traditional Moroccan cuisine, or watching the sunset paint the canyon walls in shades of gold and red, Boumalne Dades captures the heart of every traveller seeking beauty, authenticity and serenity.

Day 6: Boumalne Dades to Marrakech

After that, we made the drive from Boumalne Dades to Marrakesh, and the scenery along the way was just as stunning. The true highlight of the journey was undoubtedly Aït Benhaddou. Much like wandering through the medina in Fez, it feels as though you’ve stepped back into another era. The ancient architecture and atmosphere are absolutely incredible. And a fun fact for fellow film lovers, this stunning location has been featured in countless movies and TV series, including Game of Thrones.

Day 7-8-9-10: Marrakesh Exploration

Rather than travelling straight back to Casablanca, Explore Adventures Morocco organised an additional three-night stay in Marrakesh and I’m so glad they did, because this city truly deserves time to be explored (although honestly, even three days didn’t feel like enough).

From stunning palaces and tranquil gardens to the electric chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa, there is always something happening. Marrakesh completely awakened my senses in the best possible way, vibrant colours, the sounds of street performers and music echoing through the medina, market stalls overflowing with treasures, the scent of spices in the air and an energy that never seemed to fade.

Day One: Exploring the Heart of the Medina

Jemaa el-Fnaa

The perfect introduction to Marrakesh. This famous square is chaotic in the best possible way, filled with street performers, musicians, food stalls, snake charmers and endless movement. During the day it buzzes with energy, but at night it completely transforms into a glowing spectacle of lights, smells and sounds. It’s impossible not to feel completely immersed in the atmosphere.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

One of the most beautiful places I visited in Marrakesh. The intricate Moroccan architecture here is absolutely stunning, with detailed carvings, colourful tiles and peaceful courtyards that feel worlds away from the busy streets outside. It’s a place that makes you stop and admire every tiny detail.

Le Jardin Secret

A hidden oasis right in the middle of the medina. After navigating the busy souks, stepping into the Secret Garden felt incredibly calming. Filled with lush greenery, fountains and beautiful Islamic architecture, it’s the kind of place where you instantly want to slow down and breathe it all in.

Souks of Marrakesh

Honestly, simply wandering through the medina became one of my favourite parts of the trip. Every street revealed something different: colourful lanterns, spices piled high, handcrafted rugs, hidden riads and tiny cafés tucked behind old wooden doors. Getting lost here is part of the experience, and somehow you always discover something beautiful when you do.

Day Two: Adventure & Relaxation

Hot Air Balloon Experience

Waking up before sunrise was completely worth it for this experience. Unfortunately, there was a lot of fog that morning, so we couldn’t see the stunning Atlas Mountains views we had hoped for. But honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience at all. Floating peacefully through the sky above the Moroccan landscape felt incredibly surreal and calming. Even with the misty weather, it was still such a magical and unforgettable experience, one of those travel moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Traditional Hammam Experience

After days of exploring, a traditional Moroccan hammam was exactly what I needed. It was relaxing, refreshing and such a huge part of Moroccan culture. The entire experience felt luxurious and calming, leaving me completely refreshed afterwards.

Rooftop Dinner in Marrakesh

One thing Marrakesh does incredibly well is rooftop dining. Sitting above the busy streets while the city glowed at sunset was such a vibe. Between the warm evening air, delicious Moroccan food, lantern-lit terraces and the sound of the call to prayer echoing across the rooftops, it felt unbelievably magical.

Day Three: Bahia Palace & Getting Lost Again

Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace felt like stepping into a completely different era. The detailed mosaics, peaceful courtyards, painted ceilings and lush gardens were absolutely stunning. Every room seemed more beautiful than the last and it gave such an incredible insight into Morocco’s rich history and craftsmanship.

This place gets extremely crowded, so I’d recommend going either right when it opens or after 3 p.m., once the tour groups and larger crowds have cleared out.

Getting Lost in the Medina (Again)

By my final day, I’d realised the best way to experience Marrakesh wasn’t through a strict itinerary, it was simply wandering. Some of my favourite memories came from aimlessly exploring the medina, stumbling upon hidden cafés, local bakeries, quiet courtyards and tiny shops selling handmade treasures.

Marrakesh is one of those cities that completely awakens your senses. It’s colourful, chaotic, beautiful, overwhelming, exciting and unforgettable all at once. But I didn’t want to rush it, hence why there are still so many places left to discover like the Majorelle Garden and the Saadian Tombs.

Final Thoughts

What made this trip so memorable wasn’t just the destinations themselves, it was how easy and immersive the experience felt travelling with Explore Adventures Morocco. Having local guides, organised transport and people who genuinely cared about sharing their culture made such a difference.

In just ten days, I experienced mountains, deserts, imperial cities, ancient history, incredible food and some of the warmest hospitality I’ve ever encountered while travelling.

If Morocco has been on your radar but you’re not sure where to begin planning, I highly recommend checking out the 7-Day Imperial Cities Tour from Casablanca with Explore Adventures Morocco on TourRadar. And if you have any questions for someone who travelled nearly 2,000 km across the country, feel free to reach out. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime road trip that everyone should experience at least once.

Morocco completely exceeded my expectations and I already know I’ll be back.

Happy Travels xoxo