Planning the Perfect 7-Day Imperial Cities Itinerary in Morocco 2026
(The Classic Route: Casablanca → Rabat → Meknes → Fes → Marrakech)
This is the most popular and realistic 7-day circuit for first-time visitors who want to see Morocco’s four imperial cities plus Casablanca without rushing. Updated for 2026 with the latest high-speed train times, new attractions, and honest pacing that actually feels like a holiday (not a race).
Day-by-Day Itinerary (Private Driver or Train + Private Guide Option)
| Day | Route & Overnight | Highlights & Timing | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival Casablanca → Rabat | • Hassan II Mosque (exterior or interior tour) • Quick Corniche walk & Rick’s Café lunch • Afternoon high-speed train or drive to Rabat • Sunset at Kasbah of the Udayas + Chellah ruins |
Casa → Rabat: 50 min train / 1h15 car Overnight: Rabat |
| 2 | Rabat → Meknes → Volubilis → Fes | • Morning: Royal Palace exterior, Mohammed VI Tower, Andalusian Gardens • Drive to Meknes: Bab Mansour, Royal Stables, Mausoleum • Afternoon: Volubilis Roman ruins & Moulay Idriss holy town • Late afternoon arrival Fes |
Rabat → Fes: 3h total with stops Overnight: Fes (riad) |
| 3 | Full Day Fes Medina | • Full-day private guide: Al-Qarawiyyin, Chouara Tannery, Medersa Bou Inania, Nejjarine Museum, Jewish Mellah • Evening rooftop dinner overlooking the medina |
Overnight: Fes (riad) |
| 4 | Fes → Marrakech (high-speed train) | • Morning free: pottery workshop or hammam • 12:00 or 14:00 Al Boraq train (book early!) • 18:20 arrival Marrakech • Evening Jemaa el-Fnaa night market & food stalls |
Fes → Marrakech: 6h20 train Overnight: Marrakech (riad) |
| 5 | Full Day Marrakech Medina | • Morning: Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Medersa Ben Youssef (reopened) • Afternoon: souks with official guide + lunch at Nomad or Le Jardin • Sunset at a secret rooftop café |
Overnight: Marrakech (riad) |
| 6 | Marrakech Surroundings | Option A: Atlas Mountains & Ourika Valley (waterfalls, Berber villages) Option B: Essaouira day trip (coastal breeze, fresh seafood) Option C: Cooking class + Majorelle Garden + Yves Saint Laurent Museum |
Overnight: Marrakech (riad) |
| 7 | Marrakech → Casablanca & Departure | • Morning free: last-minute shopping or Yves Saint Laurent Museum if missed • Private transfer to Casablanca Airport (2h30) or train to Casa Voyageurs station |
Marrakech → CMN Airport: 2h30–3h |
Two Ways to Do This Trip in 2026
| Option | Price Range (per person, based on 2–4 people) | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Private 4×4 + Driver-Guide entire loop | 980–1,450 € | Door-to-door, flexible stops, no luggage hassle, best for Volubilis & Atlas |
| Train + Private City Guides | 720–950 € | Cheaper, eco-friendly, relaxing train rides, authentic local feel |
2026 Updates That Make This Route Even Better
- New direct Al Boraq trains Fes → Marrakech (only 1 change in Kenitra, total 6h20)
- Volubilis now has electric shuttle carts inside the site (easier with kids or seniors)
- Rabat’s Grand Théâtre de Rabat fully open for guided tours
- Marrakech’s Medersa Ben Youssef night visits on weekends (magical lighting)
Recommended Riads (All Personally Known)
- Rabat: Riad Kalaa or Dar Mayssane
- Fes: Riad Laaroussa, Dar Seffarine, or Palais Amani (splurge)
- Marrakech: Riad Yasmine, El Fenn, or Riad Kniza
Ready for the Perfect Week in Morocco?
Let We Road Morocco handle everything — licensed English-speaking driver-guides, pre-booked train tickets, best riads, and zero stress.
Contact us instantly for a detailed quote:
📱 WhatsApp: +212 667-499757 (send “7-day imperial” and we’ll reply in minutes with exact pricing for your dates)
✉️ Email: weroadmorocco@gmail.com | contact@weroadmorocco.com
✓ Private or small-group only (never big buses)
✓ Flexible pacing & dietary needs handled
✓ 24/7 local support on the ground
Seven days. Four imperial cities. One lifetime of memories.
Let 2026 be the year you finally see Morocco the right way.
B’seha w raha – Safe and happy travels! 🕌✨