IMPERIAL CITIES
DAY 1: CASABLANCA AIRPORT - HOTEL DAY 2: CASABLANCA - RABAT - FEZAfter breakfast, depart overland along the main highway which links these two major cities towards Rabat. Embark on a city tour which highlights Rabat's cultural influences and the superbly preserved relics of its Moorish past. Rabat's most famous site is the Hassan Tower, the incomplete minaret of the great mosque built in the beginning of 12th century. Located alongside is the mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, the grandfather of the current king, then the Oudaya Kasbah, built on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its gate is one of the most beautiful surviving from the Moorish world, and within its walls you'll explore a delightful Moroccan garden. At the conclusion of your sightseeing, you continue overland to Fez (approximately 3 hours’ drive). Dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: FEZToday you take a step back in time to the Middle Ages when you visit one of the most imperial, timeless and untouched cities in the world - Fez El Bali (Old Fez) - the cultural heart of Morocco. You explore some of the 9000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks (open air markets) that make-up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century AD. The Imperial capital was a renowned center of medieval learning and at its heart still remains the Karaouine, one of the oldest, still functioning universities in the world. In the neighboring building is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Your day of sightseeing also includes visits to the Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain with elaborate tile-work mosaics. The nearby Fondouq (Caravanserai) has been converted to a museum of carpentry artifacts. Also the Bouanania Medersa. The madrasa functioned both as an educational institute and as a congregational mosque.
You also visit Fez El Jedid (New Fez), built by the Merinides Dynasty in the 13th century. Here 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. The wrought iron decorated windows and splendid carved wood balconies of the old mansions are particularly outstanding. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnigh DAY 4: Excursion to Meknes & VolubilisJourney overland to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. With its triumphal arches, basilicas and capitals, the Volubilis skyline brims with iconic examples of Roman architecture. Among its greatest treasures, however, are the amazing mosaic floors of former family dwellings, which include depictions of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck and a portrait of Amphitrite in a seahorse-drawn chariot. Continue to Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the imperial cities of Morocco. 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 Fez for an evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel
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DAY 4: FEZ - IFRANE - MARRAKECH Today we experience the natural & wilder landscapes beyond Fez: Drive to the high alpine region of Ifrane National Park (encompasses Azrou and several Berber villages), filled with cedar and oak forests, and home to the world’s largest population of Barbary macaques, hundreds of animals and birds and the oldest tree in Morocco’s Middle Atlas, the 130-foot Gouraud’s Cedar. The largest cedar forest in the world is found in this park, and several lakes or Dayats abound in the nearby areas. The Lion of Ifrane sits majestically in the city center and is certainly one of the most photographed sites of the region. Ifrane feels more like Switzerland relocated to the Middle Atlas than North Africa, with its clean air, scrubbed streets and leafy outlook. The French built it in 1930, deliberately trying to re-create an alpine-style resort. It is a popular summer day trip for picnickers; in the winter, the affluent flock here to ski. Stop for lunch in Rabat (on your own) Continue to Marrakech via the highway for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: MARRAKECH (city tour) The “Red City,” the imperial city, the capital of the mid-southwestern region, Marrakech is Morocco’s most popular tourist destination. 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. Until the French rule, “Marrakech” was even used interchangeably to refer to both country and city. Marrakech has got lots to brag about. But it’s not all historical palaces and mosques though there are plenty of those, rest assured. 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. It’s no wonder French fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent found so much inspiration there. In recent years, Marrakech has created an international airport, a world-class soccer stadium, and an annual film festival, adding modern flare to its natural and historical offerings. In short, if you’re going to Morocco, Marrakech is the right passage. Let’s marvel first at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret. The Bahia Palace, an exemplary specimen of privileged life in the 19th century. Your next stop is at the Tiskiwin Museum (Maison Tiskiwin), which houses an impressive collection of North African arts and crafts. It was founded by a Dutch anthropologist, exhibiting artifacts from different towns and regions along the ancient trade route from Marrakech to Timbuktu. Later you 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 take the opportunity to 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.
DAY 6: MARRAKECHDay at leisure or wander on your own or sign up for a cooking class. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 7: MARRAKECH hotel - AIRPORTBreakfast, and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Included Services:
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