10 Days Imperial Cities and Northern Morocco

Whether you're arriving by ferry or plane, we will meet you upon arrival and take you to your hotel to settle in before exploring the ancient city of Tangier, a seaport and coastal city that has for centuries been the gateway between Africa and Europe. A local guide will be waiting to take you on a private tour around Tangier and help you discover the historical and modern-day charms of this bustling Moroccan city. Our trip will start at the city's famous kasbah. Located at the highest point in the city, the Dar el-Makhzen, or former Sultan's Palace, overlooks Tangier's Medina from behind its 17th-century stone walls. You can stroll through the palace gardens and pay a visit to the Museum of Antiquities and Moroccan Art. Afterwards, a wander through the medina will give you a feel for life in the city, both past and present-day. Your guide can take you to an authentic Berber souk and help you bargain for something special to take home with you. We will spend the night at our hotel in Tangier. ...more ...less

After breakfast we will leave Tangier and head west along the beautiful coastline on a hilly road towards Ceuta (Sebta to the locals). From there you will have a fantastic view over the ocean, and you'll even be able to climb the rocky peak of Jebel Musa, which stands directly opposite the Rock of Gibraltar. After stopping for lunch in the city of Tetouan, which lies at the foot of the Rif Mountains, our road will take us up into their ridges and valleys and to the beautiful and isolated mountain town of Chefchaouen, set like a gem between two Rif Mountain peaks. Chefchaouen is renowned for the distinctive blue-washed facades of its houses, painted that way by Jewish refugees who lived there in the 1930s, and is an unreal and unmissable destination for any trip to Morocco. The Chefchaouen medina features a Spanish-style plaza surrounded by numerous cafes, rooftop restaurants, and crafts stores that sell items unique to the Moroccan highlands. We will explore Chefchaouen in the afternoon and settle into our hotel, from which we will be able to enjoy the relaxed environment and spectacular mountain views of this one-of-a-kind town.

After breakfast we will continue our journey to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. This important Roman town features detailed and gorgeous mosaics that will give you a unique perspective on Morocco's ancient history. We will also visit the nearby town of Moulay Idriss, where Moulay Idriss I, who brought Islam to Morocco, is entombed. Moulay Idriss is considered to be the holiest town in Morocco. From Moulay Idriss we will continue to Meknes, often called the "Versailles of Morocco" due to the grandeur and intricacy of its buildings and monuments. We will take some time to explore its highlights, including the massive Bab Mansour Gate, the old Medina, and Moulay Ismail's shrine. From Meknes we will continue to Fes, where we will check in at your hotel before having dinner and settling in for the night.

Following breakfast at the hotel, our accredited local guide will accompany you on a walking tour of the Fes medina. Step back in time as you wander through the labyrinth of twisting alleyways - donkeys and mules pass through the narrow streets, savour the aromas from the market stalls where countless spices and perfumes are traded, and explore the leather tanneries where men treat leather using century old techniques. We’ll cap the day with dinner at one of the many local restaurants of the medina then settle in for the evening at your hotel.

After a traditional Moroccan breakfast in Fes, we will head to the breathtaking archaeological site of Volubilis (Walili), an open-air museum with remains of altars, sculptural fragments, and colorful mosaics. Once occupied by the Romans, Volubilis has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site and gained international acclaim when Martin Scorsese used it as the feature location for his film "The Last Temptation of Christ". The driver will briefly take you through the city of Moulay Idriss before making a stop in Meknes, or the "Moroccan Versailles", which was founded at the end of the 17th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Some of Meknes' highlights include: Bab Mansour, the 8 meter intricately patterned arch argued to be the most beautiful in Morocco; the Place El Hedim (Square of Ruins), surrounded by arches and protruding towers; and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, reminiscent of the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech. Next we will drive to see Koubba el-Khayatine and Habs Qara, an imperial pavilion that once received diplomats coming to negotiate the ransom of Christian prisoners. We will continue to the Dar el Makhzen, the "Palace of Labyrinths", and then to Bassin de l'Aguedal, a water tank built to supply water to the palace and imperial city. Afterwards we will depart to Rabat, where we will spend the night.

After breakfast you will be led through the history of Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. Your guide will escort you on a walk around the picturesque Almohad northern walls of the Oudaïa Kasbah, and then continue to the Hassan Tower, which towers over the Wadi Bou Regreg. The Hassan Tower is a gigantic mosque, emblematic of Rabat and famous for its unfinished minaret where storks make their nests. Next door, we will visit the beautiful Mausoleum of Mohammed V, decorated with stained glass windows, white marble, and a wrought-iron entryway with a stairway leading up to an impressive dome. After we finish we will depart for Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, where we will visit the grounds of the Hassan II Great Mosque, one of the Islamic world's greatest monuments. Afterwards we will return to Marrakech, where we will spend the night.

Breakfast will be served at your Riad, after which a knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the labyrinth of Marrakech's winding alleyways, hidden gardens, and secret souks. You will continue to the Djemaa el Fna, the principal cultural space in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beside which the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque can be seen towering into the sky. In the evening this square overflows with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists. Following your tour you will have the full day to spend at your leisure, whether its pampering yourself at a local spa with massage or further exploring the souks of the medina. We will spend the night at our hotel in Marrakech.

Departing Marrakech after breakfast, we make our way through lush valleys filled with orange groves, ancient olive trees, and argan oil cooperatives to the quaint seaside town of Essaouira. This windswept fishing port with its broad beaches and an ancient walled medina, has long been a popular vacation destination for Moroccans. It is also a creative hub where many of the country's wood carvers and artists have made their home, and each year, hosts the Gnaouas Music Festival in the month of June. Stroll along the ramparts and beach as you take in the relaxed vibe of its small but lively medina, or visit the port to savour the catch of the day. We will have dinner in Essaouira and spend the night in a tranquil local hotel.

After breakfast, we will leave the Atlantic coast and head back to Marrakech; Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up imagery right out of Arabian Nights - alleyways, souks, and market stalls. This remarkable city, with the graceful architecture of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret dominating the skyline and dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travelers; So, we will explore the world-famous city of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city, known as the "Southern Pearl" of Morocco, which has for centuries been an important stop for both traders and travelers. A guided tour will lead you through the labyrinth of Marrakech's winding streets and past hidden gardens and souks. You will continue to the Djemaa el Fna, which is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque towering alongside. In the evening this square overflows with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists. You will have a chance to relax at one of the many cafes surrounding the square to take in all the sights. You can spend the afternoon at leisure, pampering yourself at a local hammam or exploring the souks of the medina for yourself.

Marrakech is a sensory-rich city with a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern conveniences. You may want to try a Moroccan hammam or a spa, try your hand at a local cooking class, or perhaps take a ride on a donkey cart around the city. Whatever it may be, our guide is at your service to help with suggestions, information, and arrangements. As we bid you farewell, we will help you with any departure formalities and arrange for your transfers to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your journey with us, and hope to see you again soon.