Spend 7 nights in Morocco, exploring its Imperial Cities. Arrive in Casablanca with a brief sightseeing tour en route to your hotel. The next day, depart for Rabat, where you have a half-day tour of this capital city, highlighting its cultural influence and superbly preserved relics of its Moorish past. Continue to Fes, where you spend two nights and have a half-day city tour of this imperial capital, visiting Old Fez and more and, take an excursion to the World Heritage Site at Volubilis. Journey to the imperial city of Marrakech, Morocco's most popular destination, where you have a half-day city tour. Starting from $2155, land only, with select departure dates.
Day 1 – Arrive Casablanca
Arrive in Casablanca. You are transferred to the city for a brief sightseeing tour that includes the old French quarter of Habous, outside the Hassan II Grand Mosque. Set on an outcrop jutting over the ocean and with a 210-meter-tall minaret that serves as the city's major landmark, it is a showcase of the very best Moroccan artisanship. Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (New Hotel/Gray Boutique) (D)
Day 2 – Casablanca/Rabat/Fes
After breakfast, depart overland toward Rabat, driving along the main highway that links these two major cities. Embark on a city tour that highlights Rabat's cultural influences and the superbly preserved relics of its Moorish past. The Hassan Tower, the city’s most famous site, is the incomplete minaret of the great mosque built in the beginning of the 12th century. Located alongside is the mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, grandfather of the current king. Also, visit Oudaya Kasbah, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, and explore the explore the delightful Moroccan garden within its walls. Afterward, continue overland to Fes (approx. 3 hrs’ drive). Dinner and overnight. (L’Escale/Les Merinides) (B/D)
Day 3 - Fes
Today, step back in time with a visit to Fez el Bali (Old Fez), the cultural heart of Morocco. Explore some of the 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks that make up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter, dating to the 8th century. The imperial capital was a renowned center of medieval learning, and the Karaouine, one of the world’s oldest universities, is at its heart. Nearby is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a 14th-century jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture. Visit the Nejjarine Square and the Fondouq (Caravanserai), a museum dedicated to the wooden arts and crafts of Morocco. The medieval Medina (Fez el-Bali) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, visit Fez el-Jedid (New Fez), built in the 13th century, where you see the Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks and the city wall. Most notably, Fez el-Jedid is home to the Mellah (Jewish quarter), which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/D)
Day 4 – Fes/Volubilis & Meknes/Fes
Today’s excursion begins with a journey overland (approx. 1 hr 40 min) to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of North Africa’s best-preserved Roman ruins. With its triumphal arches,basilicas and capitals, the Volubilis skyline brims with iconic examples of Roman architecture. Among its greatest treasures are the amazing mosaic floors of former family dwellings. Continue to Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Meknes is replete with fantastic historical sites, from minarets to museums, to enormous mosaic doors and royal golf courses. Among the most popular attractions are the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Nejjardine Mosque and Grand Mosque (outside visit), as well as the Bab Mansour, Bab Lakmis, and Bab Berdaine gates. Return to Fes for an evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B/D)
Day 5 – Fes/Ifrane/Marrakech
Today we experience the natural and wilder landscapes beyond Fez with a drive to the high alpine region of Ifrane National Park --encompassing Azrou and several Berber villages-- filled with cedar and oak forests, and home to the world’s largest population of Barbary macaques, hundreds of animals and birds different species, and the oldest tree in Morocco’s Middle Atlas, the 130-foot Gouraud’s Cedar. The largest cedar forest in the world is found in this park, and several lakes or dayats abound in the nearby areas. The Lion of Ifrane sits majestically in the city center and is certainly one of the most photographed sites of the region. Ifrane feels more like Switzerland relocated in North Africa, with its clean air, scrubbed streets and leafy outlook. The French built this city in 1930, deliberately trying to recreate an alpine-style resort. It is a popular daytrip for picnickers during Summer, and the site attracts the skiers in Winter. Continue to Marrakech via highway with a stop for lunch in Rabat (on your own). Check-in at your hotel then dinner and overnight. (Bab/Grand Mogador Agdal) (B/D)
Day 6 - Marrakech
The imperial city of Marrakech is Morocco’s most popular tourist destination. Known as the “Red City” for the ocher color of its walls and sandstone buildings, is the capital of the mid-southwestern region. Since the 11th century, when it was built, Marrakech has been a political and cultural powerhouse, serving as the capital for three of Morocco’s greatest dynasties. Look out of any window in Marrakech and you will find a postcard view: clay-red houses squared away far and wide, with palm trees sprouting everywhere in between, gardens bursting out of courtyards, and the High Atlas Mountains as a soothing purple backdrop. On today’s city tour, marvel first at the city’s architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret of the Bahia Palace, an exemplary specimen of privileged life in the 19th century. Your next stop is Dar el Bacha Museum of Confluences. This palace was built by Pasha Thami el Glaoui in 1910. Walk in its lovely gardens, admire the zellige mosaic tilework of this opulent palace, and enjoy exhibitions focused on Moroccan culture. Later you visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech's main square. Following your visit, return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, a perfect opportunity to freshen up and get ready for a dinner in a local restaurant. Return to your hotel and overnight. (B/D)
Day 7 - Marrakech
Day at leisure. Wander on your own or sign up for a full-day retreat with cooking class, a traditional hammam and massage or an excursion with lunch with Berber Family at Imlil Valley. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B/D)
Day 8 – Depart Marrakech/Casablanca Airport
After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight. (B)
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