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Home7-Day Tour Of Imperial Cities Of Morocco
Description
Featuring an exciting mix of culture and history, this complete 7-day itinerary covers highlights of Morocco's historic Imperial cities, Meknes, Fes, Rabat, and Marrakech with additional time dedicated to Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Casablanca. You'll start in Tangier on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar and work your way south to lively Marrakech. Morocco's exceptional architecture, ornate artisanship, delicious food, and bustling souks are sure to leave you charmed.
Highlights
- Roam the picturesque blue alleys of Chefchaouen's medina
- Discover Volubilis, the furthest point of the Roman empire into Africa
- Wander the medieval maze-like streets of Medieval Fes
- Make like Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart and share a drink in Casablanca
- Watch acrobats and snake charmers entertain in Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fna Square
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1: Tangier - Chefchaouen expand_more
- Greetings from Morocco! Arrive in Tangier, a port city that serves as a bridge between Africa and Europe. The choice is yours between spending time in Tangier and travelling on to Chefchaouen, a stunning blue city in the Rif Mountains. The Cascades d'Akchour (Waterfalls of Akchour), a hidden gem, can be enjoyed after a short (2–3 hour) hike through lush vegetation and small pools just before you arrive in Chefchaouen. Arrive in charming Chefchaouen from there.
- Explore the historic medina's maze-like, narrow streets and alleyways that cling to the northern hillside, which is known for its blue-washed buildings.
- Learn about Place Outa el Hammam, the central square so named because it once had many hammams (public baths) surrounding it. Before exploring the many shops selling antiques, find a restaurant or café to grab a bite to eat. visit the kasbah and grand mosque (old fortress or fortification). Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, which was built in 1560. (but the view from the outside is still worth a visit). Visit a museum, a garden, and even some of the kasbah's former prison cells while exploring it.
- As dusk falls, head east along the streets and climb the stairs to the white Spanish Mosque (20 to 30 minutes). Observe Chefchaouen one last time as the sun sets behind the mountains.
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Day 2: Roman ruins at Volubilis, Meknes, and the Cultural Capital of Fes expand_more
- Before leaving Chefchaouen, get up early and stroll the quiet streets for the best opportunity to take pictures that aren't obstructed. Travel in the direction of Fes while making a brief detour to see the magnificent Roman ruins at Volubilis. Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vast complex worth exploring. It was established in the third century BCE and was abandoned in the eleventh, but it is still remarkably well-preserved.
- Admire the merchant houses with their obvious heating systems, the temples, and the vibrant, almost-completely-intact in-place mosaics, such as the Labors of Hercules.
- While travelling to Fes, stop in Meknes. Meknes, a smaller version of Fes, offers a calmer medina and less pushy shopkeepers. The Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the manageable medina are the two main attractions in Meknes despite the city's size.
- Continue to Fes, where you can explore the impressively expansive and intricate medina that stretches down the hill. Visit the Merenid Tombs ruins and take in the expansive views of the old city before going into the medina. Spend the night in a lovely riad in the medina (with an interior courtyard garden).
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Day 3: Fes: Exploring the Imperial City and medieval medina expand_more
- Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, as well as the contemporary Ville Nouvelle, built during the French colonial era, and is frequently referred to as the nation's cultural capital (1912-1956). As you travel through the winding, crowded streets of the medinas, meet your guide and spend a half day learning about the history and culture.
- Explore Fes el Bali (founded in 789 ACE) to see how the architecture of the medina was influenced by Spanish and Tunisian refugees. Browse the numerous souks (markets) that offer regional products while observing the artisans at work. For a comprehensive view of the numerous round stone wells filled with dye and people at work, visit the Chouara Tannery (built in the 11th century) and locate a nearby leather shop.
- Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (859 ACE) to see the exquisitely decorated interior (non-Muslims are not permitted inside). Its university is the oldest continuously running institution in the entire world.
- Admire the exquisitely detailed woodwork and tile throughout the Al Attarine Madrasa. Visit the Mellah (the old Jewish quarter and cemetery) in Fes el Jdid (dating from the 13th century), and use its setting to capture a stunning panoramic image of the city.
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Day 4: To the Coast: Rabat and Casablanca expand_more
- Spend the morning discovering more of Fes. Perhaps pay a visit to a nearby Ceramics and Tilework Collective to observe the master mosaic tile makers at work. It's time to travel west to Rabat, the country's capital city, which is situated along the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic coast.
- Discover Rabat's central medieval fortified city, the Chellah Necropolis. Explore the lovely grounds, which are home to a mix of Roman and Islamic ruins. Step into the original Rabat by passing through the majestic door of the Kasbah des Oudaias. Today mainly a residential area, stroll the calm white and blue-washed streets and strike up a conversation with locals.
- Take a trip to the Andalusian Gardens. The French built the gardens in the 20th century, and they provide a tranquil setting away from the crowds.
- Learn about the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the unfinished mosque and the Mohamed V Mausoleum. a 12th-century project that was never finished. All that is left now are the 200 or so columns that served as support structures for the imagined mosque and the 145-foot (44-meter) red sandstone tower. In Casablanca, wrap up the day by settling into your lodging.
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Day 5: Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, onwards to Marrakech expand_more
- The Hassan II Mosque should be your only stop while in Casablanca, Morocco's commercial hub. Its 690 feet (210 m) minaret, the tallest in the world and the tallest building in Morocco, is situated in a picturesque setting on the sea. Even though the mosque's exterior and surroundings are impressive, it stands out because it is one of the few mosques in the nation that non-Muslims are allowed to enter.
- Join a tour of the mosque in the morning and be amazed by the exquisite craftsmanship, including the hand-carved stone and wood, the elaborate marble floor details, and the gilded ceilings.
- After that, browse the Hobous medina's shops. It is a great place to experience art deco architecture while looking for the olive, vegetable, and spice markets because it was built in the 1930s by the French.
- From there, take a leisurely stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche, a beach promenade sometimes referred to as Morocco's Miami because it follows the Atlantic coast. Movie buffs might be interested in checking out Rick's Café, a restaurant, bar, and café created to replicate the bar made famous in the Casablanca film.
- Leave the coast behind and travel three hours south to Marrakech, also known as the Red City.
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Day 6: Marrakech: Exploring the Red City expand_more
- Finish up any last-minute shopping, or spend more time exploring Marrakech's attractions like the elaborate Bahia Palace (Bahia is Arabic for "brilliance") The Palace, which was constructed in the 19th century, is a prime example of Moroccan and Islamic art and architecture. It has an area of eight hectares (10,000 square meters), a garden, and rooms that open onto courtyards.
- Before boarding your flight home, a visit to the palace and its gardens provides the ideal setting for some quiet reflection.
What's Included
- Pick-up & Dropoff at your Hotel or Airport
- Transport in a private 4×4 car or minibus with A/C Fuel
- English / Spanish Speaking Driver-Guide
- 9 Nights Accommodation in hotels/Riads/Camp
- Camel ride in the Sahara desert ( a Camel Per person)
- Meals: Dinners, Breakfast
- Local Guides: Fes, Marrakech
What's Excluded
- Dinners
- Tips
Meeting Point
Tanger, Morocco
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.Price Details
| Adult | |
| 1 To 20 | EUR 1000 Per Person |
| Child | |
| 1 To 20 | EUR 900 Per Person |
This is a group tour | |
Starting From
see details
USD 1099 / person