Morocco’s Imperial Cities

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. (Odyssee/Le Palace d’Anfa) (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.

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/Beni Mellal/Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech. Today’s journey (approx. eight hours) takes you toward the Middle Atlas Mountains through Imouzzer, an authentic Berber village where the locals still live and work like their ancestors, and Ifrane, where you will enjoy the flower-lined paths and the French-style architecture of this quaint little ski resort. Drive through the cedar forest, where you may see some of the Barbary apes leaping from the higher branches. Continue through the holm oak and cedar forest, then into the limestone area of the Middle Atlas, and southwest toward Beni Mellal for a lunch break (lunch on your own) before heading west to Marrakech. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. (Kech/Adam Park) (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. The next stop is the Tiskiwin Museum (Maison Tiskiwin), which houses an impressive collection of North African arts and crafts. Founded by a Dutch anthropologist, the museum exhibits artifacts from different towns and regions along the ancient trade route from Marrakech to Timbuktu. Later, visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech's main square, which is filled with orange juice stalls and vendors, along with fire-eaters, mime artists, snake-charmers and street musicians performing at every turn. You may also explore the city's fabled, labyrinthine souks, their bustling alleyways brimming with all manner of wares. 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 to explore on your own or sign up for a cooking class. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B/D)

Day 8 – Depart Marrakech
After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight. (B)