6-Day Morocco Cities Tour with Volubilis, Fes and Marrakech

• The modern commercial capital of Morocco is Casablanca, which has fewer tourist attractions than the imperial cities of Fes and Marrakech. You might only need one morning to take in the main attractions in this area before travelling elsewhere. The Hassan II Mosque, which is situated in a beautiful setting on the sea, should be the main attraction you visit while in Casablanca. Its 656-foot (200 m) minaret, inaugurated in 1993, is the tallest building in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world. An estimated 80,000 worshippers can fit in the courtyard, and another 25,000 can fit inside. Even though the mosque's exterior and surroundings are impressive, its opulent interior is decorated with wood, marble, carved stone, and gilded ceilings. It also stands out because it is one of the few in the nation accessible to non-Muslim tourists. Guided tours last an hour and include a visit to the basement hammam in the mornings between 9 am and 2 pm. Other places worth visiting include the Hobous, Casablanca's "New Medina," which the French built in the 1930s. While looking for crafts, an olive, vegetable, and spice market, you can also get a taste of the Art Deco architecture in this area. Boulevard de la Corniche, also known as the Beach Promenade or the "Miami" of Morocco, is another pleasant stop for a leisurely stroll to explore the surrounding attractions. If you're travelling to Casablanca primarily to emulate Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart, you should check out Rick's Café, which replicates Bogie's renowned café from the storied movie. Sam is playing it again, so sip a cocktail!
• Then you'll travel north to Rabat, which was once an imperial city and is now Morocco's capital. Rabat is a bustling city with a fascinating history and a number of worthwhile attractions. Wander the Roman and Islamic ruins, as well as the medieval fortifications of the Chellah Necropolis, in the centre of Rabat. Go back in time and enter the Kasbah des Oudaias through its imposing gate to experience Rabat's historic city centre. Today primarily a residential area, it invites you to stroll the serene white-and-blue-painted streets in silence.
• Visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens from there to enjoy a tranquil setting away from the crowds. Learn about the Hassan Tower, the minaret of an unfinished mosque, and the Mohamed V Mausoleum. Only 200 columns and the 145-foot red sandstone tower remain from this project, which was abandoned in the 12th century.

Driving time: 1.5 to 2 hours total (including time from Airport to Casablanca center)

• Your journey to Fes today will take you through two magnificent cities that are rich in history, culture, and traditions. Because of today's flexible schedule, you can decide how long you want to spend in each location and whether you want to explore these towns independently or with the assistance of a local guide.
• Today's first stop is Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the best-preserved Roman ruins in all of Morocco. After 200 years of rule, the Romans left this town, which had previously been one of the most remote regions of the Roman Empire, to concentrate on other areas of the empire. For the rest of the empire, they produced and exported a great deal of wheat, and they also sent many wild animals - elephants, lions, and bears - to the capital for sacrifices, feasts, and festivals.
• You'll travel by car from Volubilis to Meknes, a lovely city with a smaller, less crowded medina than you'll find in Fes, and the shopkeepers are less pushy here too. Visit Agdal, the water basin, and Heri es Souani, where grain was kept. You can also visit gardens, palaces, the imposing Bab al-Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables in the Ville Impériale neighbourhood. Place El Hedim's indoor market is also worthwhile.
• You'll arrive in Fes later in the afternoon, a city established not long after the Arabs spread across North Africa. Fes was once one of the most significant academic epicentres in the world and is frequently referred to as the "spiritual capital of Morocco." Fes el-Bali, the centre of the medina, Fes el-Jdid, the site of the Jewish quarter and the Royal Palace, and the Ville Nouvelle make up the city's three distinct sections.
• After settling into your lodgings for the evening, explore the city while soaking up its vibrant sights, sounds, and smells. Then make your way to a restaurant for a sumptuous, authentic dinner. Your experts are happy to share recommendations for their preferred locations.

• The oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, and perhaps the most fascinating and exciting to explore, is Fes, which you will discover today. The most complete medina of its kind in the Arab world is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to the lack of colonial development, much of Fes evokes the feeling of travelling back in time hundreds of years. You decide how to explore Fes and its main attractions, so consider some of these options or ask local experts for suggestions that correspond to your interests.
• Spend a few days exploring the medina, visiting medersas, and venturing outside the medina walls if you're interested in history and culture and have the time. If your trip is shorter, spending the entire day in the medina and seeing the main sights outside might be sufficient. In either case, it is advisable to hire a knowledgeable guide for a half-day tour to discover more about this outstanding city and to help you navigate the medina.
• Your journey should begin in Fes el Bali, also known as "Old Fes." Refugees from Kairouan in Tunisia and Cordoba in southern Spain were welcomed to this city when it was founded by Moulay Idriss I in the eighth century CE, both capitals of western Islam at the time. Over the next 100 years, the city expanded naturally, thanks in large part to their talent in architecture and craftsmanship, which explains the maze-like narrow streets. Most of your time and attention will probably be focused on the charming medina area. Compared to Marrakech, the roads are much more congested, winding, and steep, making it nearly impossible to avoid getting lost at least once - part of the fun, just keep walking until the flow of people increases and you find yourself on one of the main streets. Shop for items in the famous souks, including spices, vegetables, leather goods, ceramics, metal, shoes, scarves, and a variety of other items. Many are grouped together, so you will undoubtedly see artisans at work in little shops.
• Check out the renowned Tanneries Chouara as well, which continue to use time-honoured methods from centuries past. See the masters at work from above in a local leather shop; you might be able to gain access by making a small donation to the tanner. The first step in the process involves soaking the leather in a solution made of pigeon droppings and limestone, which helps remove any remaining fur and soften it. The leather is then placed outside to dry on nearby rooftops or hillsides after being dyed in the big coloured vats for about a week. Grab some mint leaves to carry with you so you can combat the strong odour. The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, built in the ninth century and capable of accommodating 20,000 worshippers, is also located inside the medina. There are a few locations where you can peek inside to admire the exquisitely decorated interior, despite the fact that it is accessible only to Muslims. The oldest university in the world, the Islamic University, also known as Morocco's scientific capital, is located right next door. The Medersa Bou Inania, which is undergoing renovation, and the Al Attarine Madrasa are two examples of old madrasas, elaborately decorated residences for university students built in 1325. Their magnificent main courtyards feature intricate stucco carvings, dark cedar woodwork, and detailed tilework. Views from the former student dorm rooms can be found upstairs.
• From here, pass through the imposing Bab Boujeloud, which is Fes el Bali's western entrance. The exterior is blue, Fes's traditional colour, and the interior is green, the colour of Islam. Passing through the gate, one can see Talâa Kebira's main street, which is lined with stores. Treat yourself to some retail therapy or stop by the Musée Batha, which has a lovely central garden and many Moroccan arts, such as carved wood and traditional pottery. Fes el Jedid, or "New Fes," constructed in the 13th century when the Merenid Dynasty rose to power, is located southwest of and uphill from the old city. The Royal Palace, the Mellah, the former Jewish neighbourhood, and its cemetery, which offers a breathtaking view of the city, can all be seen from the street.
• You can visit a neighbourhood ceramics and tilework collective just outside the medina. From mixing the clay to painting the designs on the fired piece, you'll get a quick rundown of the entire procedure. You can observe tile artisans at work as they assemble the challenging puzzles to create stunning mosaics.
• Regardless of the route you take through Fes, think about taking in the sunset from the Merenid Tombs in the north or Borj Sud in the south. Both locations provide stunning views of this vibrant city with ageless roots.

• This morning, after breakfast in Fes, you'll leave for Marrakech. Along the way, you can choose to stop in Meknes, Rabat, or Casablanca if you'd like.
• After arriving in Marrakech this afternoon, settle into your riad and unwind for a while before going for a leisurely stroll through the gardens close to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque. Don't forget to visit the exquisitely restored Medersa Ben Youssef, a Koranic school built in the 16th century that formerly served as housing for students of the nearby Ben Youssef Mosque. You can explore the former dorms, where up to 800 students once resided, as well as the prayer hall inside. Also noteworthy are the carved cedar, stucco plaster, and zellij tiling of the central courtyard. Many of the alleys have spacious courtyards and open areas. Historically, the upper floors of these fondouks served as inns for travelling traders and merchants, while the lower floors were reserved for their animals. Today, some have been transformed into homes, while others are sizable shopping malls and open-air workshops. Jemaa el Fna Square becomes more active as dusk falls, with musicians, performers, and food vendors.
• Explore the square's grounds, which were originally a trading bazaar centuries ago. Or, if you'd prefer, you can eat in a café perched above the square and take in the performance from above. Look for one of the many cafés located above the square for a more laid-back experience, and have a meal or a cup of tea while you watch the scene below. On a calèche horse carriage, you can also take a stylish tour of the neighbourhood.

Total time spent driving: 5.5 to 6 hours

• For a tour of Marrakech's breathtaking old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meet your local expert guide after breakfast. The displays of djellabas, soft brightly coloured babouches, intricately pierced lanterns, conical mounds of exotic spices, and the bustle of life in the network of narrow alleys will dazzle you as you explore the vibrant souk. Additionally, your tour guide will regale you with tales and information about the medina, souk, and Mellah neighbourhoods enclosed by the city's rose-pink walls. Ask your guide for suggestions on where to eat lunch today too.
• You'll continue your private tour of the city in the afternoon, making stops at sites like Tombeaux Saadiens, El Badii Palace, Majorelle Gardens, and Bahia Palace, which boasts elaborate woodwork and painted ceilings. El Badii Palace dates back to the 17th century. The French authorities "discovered" these hidden 16th-century tombs in the 1930s after they had remained concealed for many years. Upon entering, you will find a small garden, graves, and three main pavilions. You will see the intricate craftsmanship and beauty as you look inside.
• Visit Jemaa el Fna Square, the city's central square, as dawn breaks to see musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, food stalls, and more. There are many cafés surrounding the square where you can sit and enjoy a delectable meal while watching the performance.
• Stroll through the bustling square and sample your way through its street food stalls, or take everything in from a distance. Whatever restaurant you choose to eat at tonight, be assured that whatever you eat will be extraordinary. Marrakech is known as Morocco's epicurean capital and is where the best chefs who serve the Royal family call home. So chow down and revel in the pride that is food.

• You might have time in the morning before you leave to do more exploring, depending on the time of your flight. If you want to visit the souks again, look into Souk el Attarin for spices, Souk Haddadine for blacksmiths, and Souk Smata for slippers. The Souk des Teinturiers, or dyers' souk, is one souk you shouldn't miss. Here, you can observe people dyeing yarn and cloth, which will later be hung above the streets to dry in the afternoon. Nearby, there are many stores selling rugs and leather goods.
• Other suggestions if you're looking for off-the-beaten-path attractions are as follows:
  • The only remaining Almoravid structure is the Almoravid Kouba.
  • The 19th-century Dar Mnebbi Palace, which houses the Marrakech Museum, is home to a collection of sculptures and other works of Moroccan art.
  • Beautiful woodwork, including bride-transporting palanquins used in traditional weddings, can be found at the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts.
• You will be taken to Marrakech Menara Airport when it is time to catch your flight home.