1. Imperial Cities Tour
Day 1. Casablanca
Upon your arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Sightseeing in this large North African city includes the Royal Palace, Central Market and Anfa Residential area. You should not miss the Hassan II Mosque, which is the second largest in the Moslem world after Mecca.
Day 2. Rabat
Today we journey to Morocco’s present capital, Rabat. Check into your hotel. After time to rest and freshen up, we start our afternoon sightseeing tours highlighting the Tour Hassan, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Kasbah Oudaya, ramparts and walls of the Mechouar that surround the Royal palace. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 3. Meknes
We continue to Meknes. The drive will take over three hours. Once we arrive, you will be amazed at the difference in atmosphere you will experience. The old part of this city is beautiful and has a feel of the Oriental and the Mediterranean at the same time. The labyrinth of the alleys and the Market are a curiosity to any visitor. Visit the Lahdem Square and the famous Gate of Bab El-mansour, the Tomb of Moulay Ismail. Dinner is at our hotel.
Day 4. Volubilis- Moulay Idriss- Fes
On our way to Fes we will stop for a tour of nearby Volubilis, the fascinating ruin of the Roman capital of Northwestern Africa. Following that we stop at Moulay Idriss. Walking through the narrow streets of this venerated citadel, said to be the first Islamic city of the first Arab dynasty and the cradle of Moroccan Sufism, you will learn about its history. The city was founded by Moulay Idriss Al Akbar (the greatest) who was the grandson of the prophet Mohammed. For Moroccans it is a place of pilgrimage. We continue travelling via beautiful hilly scenery until we reach the city of Fes, once one of the most important places of religion and scholarship in the Islamic world.
Day 5. Fes
On the first day you may choose to tour the Souks and inner quarters of the city accompanied by a Local Guide. Once you are in the bowels of the 1200 year old city with it’s winding alleys full of craftsmen, whiffs of perfume mixed with the smell of donkey dung, the sites of ancient Koranic schools and old working tanneries, you will feel that you have stepped back into another era. We will suggest several traditional Moroccan restaurants for your choice for lunch. In the afternoon you can simply enjoy watching the crowd in the modern part of the town with it’s terraces. Another option is to go shopping in the old town for the treasures hidden in the old stores.
Day 6. Fes- Beni Mellal- Marrakech
Depart early this morning and travel across the Middle Atlas Mountains to Marrakech (pearl of the South) through Azrou and Khenifra, Berber villages known for handicrafts and carpet weaving. Stop for scenic views and lunch in Khenifra. Upon arrival in Marrakech, we check into our Riad, converted from a traditional home into tourist quarters.
Day 7. Marrakech
Today is devoted to explore the marvels of Marrakech. The Tour of this city includes the Menara Garden, a beautiful reflecting pool surrounded by extensive flower beds, an example of Moorish design, constructed in 1866. The pool is a also a unique functional irrigation system based on ancient architectures adapted to life in the desert. You will view the Koutoubia Minaret which is the twin tower of la Giralda in Sevilla, Spain and the beautifully constructed and decorated Sultan’s tomb’s. We conclude the day with a sunset drink overlooking the dynamic Jamaa El Fna Square which is the vibrant heart of this city.
Day 8. Casablanca
A scenic coastal drive brings you back to Casablanca airport for your outward flight back home.
Dive into the magic of Morocco’s Imperial Cities, with their labyrinthine medinas, magnificent architecture, bustling Souks and historic sites.
Starts Casablanca/ Ends Casablanca.
