Imperial Morocco in 8 Days through Marrakech, Rabat, Fes, Meknes & Casablanca

Welcome to Marrakech! You will arrive in this fantastic imperial city of the heart of Morocco. You will be picked up from the airport and brought to your hotel. The rest of the day will be at your disposal to rest and settle down. In the late afternoon you have the option to visit the old medina of Marrakech. The souks are a big labyrinth with smells, sounds and colors. You will see artisans, spice-merchants and small workshops. In the evening you will enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner with local products and so we start our fantastic tailor-made journey through the imperial cities of Morocco.

This morning you leave Marrakech and head north to the capital city of Morocco, Rabat. Here in historic Rabat, the calm and beautiful city, the Atlantic Ocean borders one side of the city while the Royal Avenues and Monuments border the other. The 12th century Hassan Tower and the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V are but two examples of the many centuries of power and the many dynasties that have ruled over this great country. This afternoon you explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, an ancient walled fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which looks out over the Atlantic Ocean. After exploring the narrow alleys and houses of the Kasbah, you then visit the adjacent Andalusian Gardens, which are home to a vibrant array of flowers and fruit trees, as well as vibrant tiles. In the evening, you can enjoy a delicious seafood dinner by the coast, before returning to your hotel for the night.

Today you continue to Fes, first stopping at the incredible Volubilis site, a large, partially excavated Berber-Roman city that dates back to the ancient crossroads of Morocco. The site is home to an incredible amount of Roman ruins including many of the ancient city’s mosaics, stone Roman arches and even open spaces. Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most amazing sites in the world to get a feel for what life was like in the old days. Arriving in Fes in the late afternoon, you find yourselves in a city known for its great scholarship, spirituality and handicrafts. You start your time in Fes by exploring Fes el Bali, the old Medina of Fes, a UNESCO listed site and considered to be one of the world’s greatest cities. The old walled city of Fes is a very interesting place, with very narrow streets and the smallest of interior patios and courtyards. It is a very busy and atmospheric place, with many artisans and craftspeople at work in the many shops and stalls. You will continue to explore Fes today, finishing with a visit to the Merenid Tombs to get the best views of the city.

Continue to explore Fes in depth and discover its many living traditions. Explore the ancient tanneries of Fes where leather is dyed and worked in the traditional way using methods from previous generations. Experience the sensory experience of the tannery and the array of colors and textures of the leather. Next, discover the art of Moroccan cooking using a selection of spices and herbs as well as a variety of slow-cooked techniques. Contrast the ancient medina with the Ville Nouvelle (New City) which was built by the French in the early 20th century. Return to the medina in the evening to absorb the timeless atmosphere of this ancient walled city.

Leave Fes behind and head for the other imperial city, Meknes. Though it may not have the same sort of energy as Fes, it has a quiet dignity of its own. The massive gates, the Moorish influence on the architecture, all add up to an extremely impressive sight. Take a stroll around the medina, which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and be sure to check out the wonderful Bab Mansour, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful gate in all of Morocco. From there, head on down to Casablanca, the biggest city in Morocco. This is a real coastal city, with a unique blend of Mauresque and European Art Deco, all laced with plenty of Moroccan flavor. If you get there in time, be sure to check out the amazing Hassan II Mosque. And then spend the rest of the evening down by the Atlantic, feasting on all sorts of traditional Moroccan dishes, including some wonderful seafood bastilla and perhaps even a few of the more unusual local specialties.

Return to Marrakech this morning on the 3 hour journey back. Spend the day visiting the Palaces, Artisan shops and Souks of the medina. Full of copper, leather, spices, fabrics and lanterns to name a few of the products on offer or perhaps visit the wonderful Majorelle Garden. A beautiful botanical garden with wonderful blue buildings and lots of interesting plants and objects of interest to see. Return to Jemaa el Fna in the evening where as usual there will be Story Tellers, Musicians, food and drink vendors and street performers to create a wonderful and very special atmosphere.

Slowly wake up to Marrakech, start the day with breakfast at a local Moroccan café and then make your way to Ensemble Artisanal. Browsing at leisure through local markets and discovering one-off pieces such as handwoven textiles, ceramics, leather goods and more, will give you a great insight into Morocco’s unique artisanal heritage. In the afternoon, visit the stunning 19th century Bahia Palace. The intricate carved wood, stunning painted ceilings, beautifully tiled courtyards and serene gardens make for the perfect afternoon. To end the ritual, relaxation and sense of place that the other Imperial cities have to offer, enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam experience.

This brings to an end your Imperial Morocco Journey. Transfer to the departure terminal at Marrakech Menara Airport in good time for your flight home. The medinas and towering minarets, the ancient Roman ruins and the fascinating royal cities, the spices and the artisans and, above all, the wonderful Moroccan hospitality will stay with you long after you return home.