The classic imperial-cities loop from Casablanca: the white city, the capital Rabat, the gates of Meknes with Roman Volubilis, and the medieval medina of Fes — Morocco's four great royal cities in four days.
Day by day
Your 4-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Casablanca: the Hassan II Mosque & Art Deco centre
Begin in Casablanca, arriving via Mohammed V Airport (CMN), about 30–40 minutes from the centre. Take a guided visit to the Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic, walk the Mauresque and Art Deco downtown around Mohammed V Square and the old medina, and finish on the Ain Diab Corniche.
- Hassan II Mosque (guided)
- Mohammed V Square
- Art Deco downtown
- Ain Diab Corniche
- 2
Day 2
Rabat, the capital
Drive under an hour north to Rabat. See the blue-and-white Kasbah of the Udayas above the river mouth, the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Roman-and-Merinid ruins of Chellah, before continuing east toward Meknes for the night (about 2.5 hours).
- Kasbah of the Udayas
- Hassan Tower
- Mausoleum of Mohammed V
- Chellah necropolis
- 3
Day 3
Meknes & Roman Volubilis
Explore Meknes, the imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismail: the monumental Bab Mansour gate, the vast Heri es-Souani granaries and stables, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. A short drive away, walk the UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis — mosaics, the basilica and the triumphal arch — then the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss before continuing to Fes.
- Bab Mansour gate
- Heri es-Souani
- Volubilis (UNESCO)
- Moulay Idriss
- 4
Day 4
Fes el-Bali: the medieval medina
A full day in Fes, the oldest of the imperial capitals. Lose yourself in the walled medina of Fes el-Bali — the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas, the Chouara tanneries, the Nejjarine woodwork museum and the artisan souks — entering by the blue Bab Boujloud gate. Depart from Fes (FEZ) or return to Casablanca by train.
- Fes el-Bali medina
- Bou Inania Madrasa
- Chouara tanneries
- Bab Boujloud
Good to know
Practical notes
- The four imperial cities — Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech — are Morocco's historic royal capitals; this loop covers the three in the north plus Casablanca.
- Drives are short and easy: Casablanca–Rabat under an hour, Rabat–Meknes about 2.5 hours, Meknes–Fes about an hour.
- Volubilis pairs naturally with Meknes and Moulay Idriss as a single day — wear sun protection, as the Roman site has little shade.
- End in Fes (depart FEZ) or return to Casablanca by the frequent train (around 3.5–4 hours) to complete the loop.
Frequently asked
What are Morocco's imperial cities?
Morocco's four imperial cities are its historic royal capitals: Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech. This four-day itinerary from Casablanca covers Rabat, Meknes and Fes — the northern trio — together with Casablanca and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Can you visit the imperial cities in 4 days from Casablanca?
Yes — Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes and Fes are linked by short, easy drives, and Volubilis fits in alongside Meknes. Four days gives a day each to Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes with Volubilis, and Fes.
Is Volubilis worth visiting?
Yes — Volubilis is the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage city with intact mosaics, a basilica and a triumphal arch. It sits a short drive from Meknes and pairs with the holy town of Moulay Idriss.
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