Morocco has four imperial cities, the cities that served as the capital under successive dynasties: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat. Together with Casablanca, the country's biggest city and a good transport hub, they make the best first trip for travellers who love history, architecture and living medinas. This guide gives you a 7 day itinerary built around Marrakech, with real travel times between the cities, what to see in each, how to travel and how to avoid the common mistakes. We run day trips from Marrakech, so we know that city well, and we help you plan the rest.
The four imperial cities in one paragraph
Marrakech is the red city of the south, founded in the eleventh century, with the Koutoubia minaret and a lively square. Fes is the oldest, with a vast medieval medina and the world's oldest continuously operating university. Meknes is calmer and grand, with the walls and gates built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Rabat, the modern capital, mixes a seaside kasbah with royal monuments. Casablanca is not imperial, but the huge Hassan II Mosque and its ocean setting are worth a stop.
Distances and the best way to travel
- Marrakech to Casablanca: about 240 kilometres, around three hours by road or by train.
- Casablanca to Rabat: about 90 kilometres, roughly an hour by train.
- Rabat to Meknes: about 140 kilometres, around two hours.
- Meknes to Fes: about 60 kilometres, about an hour.
- Fes back to Marrakech: a long day of seven to eight hours by train or road, so many travellers fly or split it.
Morocco's trains are comfortable and punctual on the main lines, and they connect Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes and Fes. A private driver gives you more flexibility, especially for Volubilis, the Roman ruins near Meknes.
A 7 day imperial cities itinerary
- Day 1: Marrakech. Arrive, settle in your riad and walk to Jemaa el Fna in the evening.
- Day 2: Marrakech with a guide through the medina, the palaces and the souks.
- Day 3: Marrakech to Casablanca and Rabat. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, then continue to Rabat.
- Day 4: Rabat in the morning (the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V), then Meknes in the afternoon.
- Day 5: Volubilis and Meknes in the morning, then Fes in the afternoon.
- Day 6: A full day in the Fes medina with a guide.
- Day 7: Fes back to Marrakech by plane or train, or onward home.
If you can add a day, spend it in Fes, because the medina deserves two days.
Marrakech: the red city
Start with the old city. A guided walk gives you the context for the souks, the palaces and the squares. The Marrakech city tour and the history tour cover the main sights, and the gardens tour adds the Jardin Majorelle. For more detail see our guide to things to do in Marrakech and the hidden gems guide.
Casablanca and Rabat
Casablanca's great attraction is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with its minaret facing the Atlantic. Visits are by guided tour, since non-Muslims cannot enter freely. Rabat is calmer. The Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the ruins of Chellah show the city's long history, and the medina is quiet compared with Marrakech or Fes.
Meknes and Volubilis
Meknes was the capital under Moulay Ismail in the seventeenth century, and its monumental gates, especially Bab Mansour, remain impressive. About 30 kilometres away, Volubilis is a Roman city with mosaics and columns on a hill. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and quiet in the early morning.
Fes: the medieval medina
Fes el Bali is a walled medieval city and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, with thousands of lanes. The Al Qarawiyyin complex, founded in the ninth century, is often described as the world's oldest continuously operating university. The tanneries, the madrasas and the metalworkers' square each deserve time. You need a guide on the first day, since the lanes are an intentional maze. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a small amount of cash.
The best season
Spring and autumn are the best, with mild weather in all four cities. July and August can be very hot in Marrakech and Fes, and winter can be cold and wet in Meknes and Fes. See our best time to visit Morocco for month by month advice.
Adding the desert or the mountains
The imperial cities route is cultural. If you also want landscape, add the Atlas and the desert at the beginning, from Marrakech, for example with the Road of the Kasbahs day trip or a night in the Agafay desert. Our 10 days in Morocco itinerary shows a longer version.
Plan it with Marrakech Atlas
We run the Marrakech days ourselves and can help you plan the rest honestly. You get an answer and a price by email, and you pay nothing online.
Frequently asked questions
Which cities are the imperial cities of Morocco?
Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat. Casablanca is not imperial but is often included because of its airport and the Hassan II Mosque.
How many days do I need for the imperial cities?
Seven days is a good minimum for Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes and Fes. Ten days allow a slower pace and an extra desert or mountain stop.
Is it better to go by train or private car?
The train is comfortable between the main cities. A private car is better for Volubilis and for flexibility.
What is the best order?
Start in Marrakech and finish in Fes, or the reverse. Both work, since the long return can be covered by plane or train.
Can I add the Sahara?
Yes, but it adds at least three days. Our Sahara itineraries explain the options.
