Imperial Cities
This itinerary is perfect for those travelers looking to discover the secrets of the Imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakesh. Learn more about Moroccan culture through historical sites, medieval souks, fabulous cuisine and quaint riads. With extended time in all four centers, you have the chance to really explore these fascinating and historically important locations up close.
Day 1: Arrive Casablanca
Upon arrival into Casablanca, our local representatives will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Casablanca for the start of the tour. Depending on your flight arrival time you may have the chance to explore the city this afternoon with a trip to the Hassan II Mosque – home to the world’s tallest minaret.
Day 2: Rabat (1.5hrs)
Our tour gets underway this morning after breakfast when we depart for Rabat – the administrative capital of Morocco and the first Imperial city you will visit. We will visit the vibrant and historical Oudayas Kasbah before enjoying a trip to the beautiful Mohamed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower – a fine example of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture. We also have chance to view the Chellah Gardens and Necropolis this afternoon. Rabat’s medina has a remarkably tranquil feel to it and is the kind of place you can easily get lost while taking in the sights and sounds around these atmospheric streets. Tonight we will be staying in a beautiful riad (traditional Moroccan home) inside the medina itself.
(Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 3: Meknes (2hrs)
After breakfast this morning we make the short trip to Meknes (also known as the Moroccan Versailles). Meknes was briefly the capital city under Moulay Ismail in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Here we will visit one of Morocco’s most impressive gateways at Bab Mansour and the ancient and atmospheric site of Hari Souani before visiting the local medina in Meknes.
(Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 4: Volubilis / Fez (2hrs)
This morning we have the chance to explore more of Meknes before departing for our short journey to Fez. On the way we will stop and view the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the sacred town of Moulay Idriss, where the religion of Islam made its first appearance in Morocco back in 789. This afternoon we arrive into iconic Fez, the third Imperial city on our tour.
(Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 5: Fez (Private Guided Tour)
Welcome to the city of Fez, often referred to as the ‘Athens of Africa’ or the ‘Mecca of the West’. At over 1200 years old it is the oldest cultural and spiritual city in Morocco and is home to the oldest continuously functioning Madrasa in the world. A UNESCO world heritage site it is also believed to be one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. We will spend the whole day here exploring the city on a private guided tour with local experts – from the labyrinthine streets of the medina where we can see the many unique craftsmen working, to the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum and the Nejjarine Fountain and many more secrets in-between.
(Breakfast & Lunch included)
Day 6: Fez to Marrakesh (7hrs)
Today we depart Fez for Marrakech travelling southwest into the heartland of Morocco by train. If you prefer we can drive you through the stunning desert landscape instead, travelling along dusty backroads through the plains and the city of Beni Mellal. Going by car adds a couple of hours onto the journey time but is well worth it if you want to enjoy some fantastic scenery more intimately.
(Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 7: Marrakesh Guided Visit (optional)
Known as the Red City or the ‘Pearl of the South’, historical Marrakech remains an incredibly important place for tourists to visit, largely due to the traditional Berber people who have inhabited the region for almost 1000 years. The resulting monuments and buildings host an array of intricate and beautiful artwork whilst the city’s streets offer a cacophony of amazing sights, sounds and smells. We offer an optional private city tour of Marrakech (included on Deluxe tours) which includes lunch and takes us to explore the Saadian Tombs, The Koutoubia Mosque as well as the ornate Bahia Palace and Menara Garden. After lunch our tour continues with a visit to the boisterous souks and medieval streets around Djemaa El Fna Square.
(Breakfast included)
Day 8: Marrakesh / High Atlas (optional)
Today is a free day allowing you to explore this fascinating city at your own leisure – soak up the atmosphere while exploring the unique souks full of intoxicating sights, sounds and aromas. Alternatively, join us on an optional 3-hour tour to the traditional Berber villages of the High Atlas Mountains offering up incredible landscapes and an insight into this unique culture.
(Breakfast included)
Day 9: Marrakesh to Casablanca (3hrs)
Depending on your travel plans, you can either stay in Marrakesh for one more night or travel back to Casablanca this afternoon.
(Breakfast included)
Day 10: Depart Casablanca
Our tour concludes today. After breakfast we will transfer you back to the airport for your flight home. If you opted to stay in Marrakech last night the journey to the airport will be 3 hours.
(Breakfast included)
