Imperial Cities
8 days/7 nights
DAY1:
CASABLANCA AIRPORT – HOTEL [D]
~0h45min
Upon arrival in Casablanca, after proceeding through immigration customs and collecting your baggage, our representative is waiting for you outside of the Arrival Terminal with a sign with your name on it. Then start discovering Morocco’s largest city and economic capital, Casablanca, best representation of the modern side of Morocco. Begin the city tour of Casablanca with an outside visit of Hassan II Mosque. It is the largest mosque in the country and the 7th largest in the world. You then continue to the Ain Diab Corniche for a pleasant stroll along the coast. Your next stop is Mohammed V Square in the city center. The city tour includes also the Habous Quarter, one of the oldest areas in Casablanca. The district was built by the French in the 1930s as an attempted solution to the ongoing housing shortage. It marries the best of traditional Moroccan architecture with modern facilities and French ideals – even the mosque fronts onto a strip of grassy lawn just like a village church. Then we will leave Casablanca along the coastline to Rabat for overnight.
– The tour of Casablanca is for early arrivals only.
– The tour of Casablanca is for early arrivals only.
DAY2:
CASABLANCA – RABAT – FEZ [BD]
~4h15min
After breakfast, depart towards Rabat, driving along the main highway which links these two major cities. Embark on a brief tour which highlights Rabat’s cultural influences and the superbly preserved relics of its Moorish past. Rabat’s most famous site is the 12th-century Hassan Tower (an excellent example of the gorgeous Moroccan style), the incomplete minaret of the great mosque built at the beginning of 12th century. Alongside is the mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, the grandfather of the current king. You’ll also enjoy a visit of the Kasbah of the Udayas, which was built on a cliff overlooking the city and the Atlantic Ocean. Its gate is one of the most beautiful illustrations of the Moorish architecture. Within its walls, you’ll discover a wonderful Moroccan garden, with melodious fountains and sweet-smelling orange trees. At the conclusion of your sightseeing, continue inland to Fez (~3-hour drive) and to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY3:
FEZ – City tour [BD]
Today you take a step back in time into the Middle Ages with the visit of one of the most imperial, timeless, and untouched cities in the world, the cultural heart of Morocco, Fez El Bali (Old Fez). Enjoy exploring some of the 9,000 narrow lanes and alleys in the souks (open air markets) that make-up the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century. The Imperial capital was a renowned medieval learning center, and at its heart still remains the Karaouine, one of the oldest, still functioning universities in the world. Nearby is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Then you’ll visit the Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain, a mosaic of elaborate tilework, and the fondouq (Caravanserai) that has been converted to a Museum of Carpentry. In the 13th Century the Mérinides Dynasty built Fez El Jdid (New Fez) with its Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks and the city walls. Most notably, Fez El Jdid 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. One of the most interesting sites in Fez is the leather souk with the oldest leather tannery in the world. The tannery dates back nine centuries. In addition to the tannery, you will visit a clay workshop, the artisan quarters, and other souks. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY4:
FEZ – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FEZ [BD]
After breakfast, we drive to the ancient Berber city of Volubilis (Oualili in Berber) to explore its stunning ruins. Impressive stone arches and columns, some tumbled down and others still standing tall against the vivid blue sky. Only about half of the 40-hectares UNESCO World Heritage site has been excavated. The better-known monuments are in the northern part of the site, farthest from the entrance in the south which are: the Capitol, dedicated to the Triad of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, dated 218AD, the Basilica, and the 1,300 m2 Forum. Pay attention to the floors of what were once family dwellings that are still covered with decorative tile mosaics depicting mythological beings, such as Orpheus charming animals with his lyre and Hercules performing his legendary 12 labors. That so many of these tiles are still in place and exhibiting their colors after centuries of exposure to the elements, is astonishing! Next, we will visit the whitewashed town of Moulay Idriss, about two miles from Volubilis. It sits astride two green hills in a cradle of mountains, where Morocco’s first Arab conquerors settled. Then off to the Imperial city of Meknes, the one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate with its Medina all-winding narrow streets and grand buildings that justify its stamp of Imperial City. Remnants of three sets of fortifications, ingeniously incorporated into the city roads network, emphasize its past importance and glory. The king’s tomb sits at the heart of what remains of the original city, flanked by an almighty royal granary, and the magnificent Bab el-Mansour. Drive back to Fez for dinner and overnight to the hotel.
DAY5:
FEZ – IFRANE – MARRAKECH [BD]
~6h50min
Today we experience the natural and wilder landscapes outside Fez: Drive to the high alpine region of Ifrane, filled with cedar and oak forests, and home to the world’s largest population of Barbary macaques, hundreds of animals, birds and the oldest tree in Morocco’s Middle Atlas, the 130-feet Gouraud’s Cedar. The largest cedar forest in the world is found in this park, and several lakes or Dayats abound in the nearby area. 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 with its clean air, scrubbed streets, and leafy outlook. The French built this city in 1930, deliberately trying to re-create an alpine-style resort. It is a popular day trip for picnickers during summer, and the site attracts skiers in the winter. Stop for lunch (own expense). Continue to Marrakech via highway for dinner and overnight.
DAY6:
MARRAKECH – City tour [BD]
After breakfast, enjoy the city tour of Marrakesh, the “Red City”, a majestic place filled with palaces, gardens, markets, and mosques. Upon arrival, you will first stand by the Koutoubia Mosque with its 282 ft minaret, an architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century. You will continue to the 19th century stunning Bahia Palace and discover the intricate work done by the local artisans to decorate this splendid home built by a powerful Vizir for his Harem. The building includes one hundred and fifty rooms, countless courtyards and interior gardens, a veritable labyrinth of corridors, a Koranic school, hammams, a harem, stables. From there we will start exploring artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the real life of Marrakech people. Continue to Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences, built in 1910 and was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, named Pasha of Marrakech by Sultan Moulay Youssef in 1912. It is one of the medina’s finest examples of Riad architecture, dripping with Moroccan Zellige (colorful geometric tilework), intricate white plasterwork and heavy carved cedar-wood lintels. Before sunset we will be strolling in the square of which the city is so famed, Jemaa El Fna. Located at the entrance of the Medina, this triangular square is surrounded by restaurants, stands and public buildings, and provides everyday commercial activities and various forms of entertainment. It is a magical circus where fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, snake charmers, dancing wild costumed monkeys, story tellers, hypnotic medicine-men, cross dressers, tooth pullers, musicians including real Gnaoua, and acrobats gather in a cacophonic feast. After the tour, head to your hotel to freshen up. When you are ready, transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy your dinner. Back to your hotel for overnight.
DAY7:
MARRAKECH [B]
Day at leisure or wander on your own. You may want to sign in for one of the following optional activities:
Retreat at a modern Berber-style villa and Cooking Class
This retreat experience will start by a pickup from your hotel at 10:00AM by our English-speaking driver aboard a deluxe car for a 20-min. drive to the Valley of Ourika. Upon arrival at the entrance to the trail you will switch to a camel/donkey/mule -depending on availability- for transfer to the Bennounas Farm. A welcome drink is served by the Farm hosts, followed with a tour of the property that is surrounded by a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background. Enjoy a 20-min. meditation under the tent or in the meditation room (yoga class optional upon request on your own expenses). Light lunch will be served. Swimming pool is available for use (if season permits) and fresh drinks are at your disposal (extra charge for alcohol drinks and wine) or enjoy a breathtaking walk in the surroundings. We will start to prepare for the cooking class at 4PM. First, we’ll pick up vegetables from the garden if season permits, then bring them to the kitchen to begin an immersed experience with the New York Times 3-stars Executive Chef. You will dine on the food you cooked. After dinner, witness the sunset on the terrace of the villa. Moroccan tea or coffee will be served. Return to your hotel.
Traditional Hammam and Massage
A hammam is a traditional Moroccan Spa. Historically, the hammam was a public bathhouse for the locals to clean off the dirt and grime invariably accumulated after traveling through the desert. Today, the hammam still serves this purpose for the locals, and is brought to a higher level for the tourists. In the hammam, you’ll be submerged by a complete relaxation experience within an authentic oriental décor where you’ll be listening to your own body in an atmosphere filled with water, oils, essences and perfumes. Enjoy a 30-min. scrub done by expert hands with black soap or soothing spices eliminating toxins from your body. After Hammam, sway to the massage room where you will experience a 30-min. traditional Moroccan massage to eliminate tensions and gain energy and vitality. A tea is served in the relaxing room before you leave.
Cooking Class and Dinner
At 4PM, you’ll be picked up at the hotel for a unique gastronomic experience, at The Bennounas Farm, in the Ourika Valley. The cooking class takes place on the terrasse of a modern Berber-style villa, in a spectacular setting with the Atlas Mountains in the background. The 3-stars New York Times Chef Azzeddine Bennouna and his wife Marie will greet you in their property where you will discover the secrets of the Moroccan cuisine. The food you prepared will be served for dinner with a glass of wine. This activity includes a tour of the property with picking fresh produces from the garden if season permits; a traditional welcome tea session; a bread making demonstration done by a native Berber woman; and the preparation of a Moroccan dish. While the food is cooking, you are welcome to jump in the pool -if season permits! After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight.
Retreat at a modern Berber-style villa and Cooking Class
This retreat experience will start by a pickup from your hotel at 10:00AM by our English-speaking driver aboard a deluxe car for a 20-min. drive to the Valley of Ourika. Upon arrival at the entrance to the trail you will switch to a camel/donkey/mule -depending on availability- for transfer to the Bennounas Farm. A welcome drink is served by the Farm hosts, followed with a tour of the property that is surrounded by a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background. Enjoy a 20-min. meditation under the tent or in the meditation room (yoga class optional upon request on your own expenses). Light lunch will be served. Swimming pool is available for use (if season permits) and fresh drinks are at your disposal (extra charge for alcohol drinks and wine) or enjoy a breathtaking walk in the surroundings. We will start to prepare for the cooking class at 4PM. First, we’ll pick up vegetables from the garden if season permits, then bring them to the kitchen to begin an immersed experience with the New York Times 3-stars Executive Chef. You will dine on the food you cooked. After dinner, witness the sunset on the terrace of the villa. Moroccan tea or coffee will be served. Return to your hotel.
Traditional Hammam and Massage
A hammam is a traditional Moroccan Spa. Historically, the hammam was a public bathhouse for the locals to clean off the dirt and grime invariably accumulated after traveling through the desert. Today, the hammam still serves this purpose for the locals, and is brought to a higher level for the tourists. In the hammam, you’ll be submerged by a complete relaxation experience within an authentic oriental décor where you’ll be listening to your own body in an atmosphere filled with water, oils, essences and perfumes. Enjoy a 30-min. scrub done by expert hands with black soap or soothing spices eliminating toxins from your body. After Hammam, sway to the massage room where you will experience a 30-min. traditional Moroccan massage to eliminate tensions and gain energy and vitality. A tea is served in the relaxing room before you leave.
Cooking Class and Dinner
At 4PM, you’ll be picked up at the hotel for a unique gastronomic experience, at The Bennounas Farm, in the Ourika Valley. The cooking class takes place on the terrasse of a modern Berber-style villa, in a spectacular setting with the Atlas Mountains in the background. The 3-stars New York Times Chef Azzeddine Bennouna and his wife Marie will greet you in their property where you will discover the secrets of the Moroccan cuisine. The food you prepared will be served for dinner with a glass of wine. This activity includes a tour of the property with picking fresh produces from the garden if season permits; a traditional welcome tea session; a bread making demonstration done by a native Berber woman; and the preparation of a Moroccan dish. While the food is cooking, you are welcome to jump in the pool -if season permits! After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight.
DAY8:
MARRAKECH or CASABLANCA AIRPORT [B]
~2h35min
After breakfast, we will assist you to the airport for your return flight.
Included Services:
| City | 4* Hotel (or similar) | 5* Hotel (or similar) | Deluxe Hotel (or similar) |
| Casablanca | Idou Anfa | Le Gray Boutique Hotel | Le Casablanca |
| Fez | L’Escale | Les Merinides | Palais Faraj |
| Marrakech | Longue Vie | JAAL resort Hotel | La Sultana |
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