Day of Arrival
We will pick you up at Casablanca airport and then drive directly to Rabat, the Capital City of Morocco. We’ll get you checked in to your Riad or Hotel (as you choose) and then you’ll have the opportunity to visit the sights of the city in the afternoon before dinner and spending your first night in Morocco.
Day One
The following morning we’ll travel to Meknes and get a taste of this small ancient city over lunch before moving on to the nearby Roman City of Volubilis. Volubilis was one of the largest Roman Cities in Africa and boasts some of the primary Roman ruins on the entire continent. Located near Mouay Idriss Zerhoun, the ruins of Volubilis are the most beautiful Roman ruins in all of Morocco and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. From here on to Fes where we’ll spend the first of two nights.
Day Two
After breakfast you’ll spend the day exploring the old-world atmosphere of Fes El Bali, the walled medina which boasts medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks and several religious schools including the 14th century Bou Inania and Al Attarine. You’ll also have the opportunity to take in the beautiful ceramics Fes is known for as well as visit the University before settling down for your second night.
Day Three
Today we head south to Marrakech arriving late afternoon. Here you can spend as many days and nights as you have taking the opportunity to explore this eclectic, vibrant and diverse city. Marrakech boasts a sprawling energetic and multi-sensory medina with richly aromatic spice markets, as well as several souks with exceptional shopping opportunities. Beautiful palaces, squares, museums, the world famous Marjorelle Gardens and a rich cultural life offer much to explore and the plethora of excellent restaurants and night-life (should you be so inclined) has something for every taste. We can offer the best of Marrakech in one day if thats all you have, or take your time and drink in more of the many sights over a longer period.
The four Imperial Cities of Morocco are the cities that were designated as the Capital at different times by different monarchs from various Moroccan dynasties: Idrissides, Almoravid and Almohad, Mérinides, Saadiens and Alaouites.
Rabat – founded by the Almohad Sultan Abd al-Mumin, Meknes – founded in the 11th century by the dynasty of Almoravids under the reign of the Alawite Sultan Ismail Ben Sherif, Fés – Founded by Sultan Idrissid Idris I, and Marrakech – founded by the Almoravid Sultan Youssef Ibn Tashfin, and
Rabat
Moroccos capital is nestled along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its landmarks that reflect its Islamic and French-colonial heritage, including the Kasbah of the Udayas.
Meknès
Meknès is a city in northern Morocco, known for its Imperial past, with ancient remains such as Bab Mansour, a huge door decorated with arches and mosaic tiles.
Volubilis – Volubilis was one of the largest Roman Cities in Africa, and are among the primary Roman ruins on the continent. Located near Mouay Idriss Zerhoun, the ruins of Volubilis are the most beautiful Roman ruins in all of Morocco and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fés
Ceramics – Fés is known around the world for its superb ceramics craftsmen and we will visit a family owned and operated Ceramics and Mosaic cooperative. You will see how they craft their exquisite ceramics and mosaic from start to finish and learn about the rich history of this foundry that has passed from generation to generation.
Tanneries – Fés is famous for its leather goods, most of which you’ll find in the souk of the tanners. This souk is home to three ancient tanneries, the largest and oldest being the tannery of Chouara, which is nearly 1,000 years old.
Koranic School – Koranic schools, called Madrassas, are part of Moroccan heritage and are a must when visiting the oldest Medina in Morocco.
Marrakech
Majorelle – The Majorelle Garden is a very impressive botanical garden of about 3,000 species as well as Maisons des Illustres (an art deco villa) and a museum of the History of Berbers.
The Koutoubia – The Koutoubia Mosque is a religious building and well worth visiting.
Jemaa el-Fna – Jemaa el-Fna is a famous public square and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the south-west of the Medina. This traditional, lively and popular place, particularly at night, attracts over a million visitors annually.
Bahia Palace – With extensive gardens, the Bahia Palace was built in the late 19th Century by the Grand Vizier of Marrakech, Si Ahmed ben Musa. With a name meaning “brilliance” it was intended to be the greatest palace of its time, and was designed to capture the essence of Islamic and Moroccan style.