Morocco imperial cities tour – Medinas & palaces | 7 Nights, 8 Days

Today, we will explore Marrakech, the red city called “the pearl of the south”, the imperial capital in the eleventh century, whose monuments, richly decorated with fine stucco work, mosaics and marbles, testify to the rich past of this city. The old town, or medina, is enclosed by walls in ocher, which stand out against the backdrop of the stunning Atlas Mountains and stand out among the lush greenery of palm groves. We will visit the graves Saadian, the Bahia Palace, the Menara gardens, the Koutoubia minaret, the Medersa Ben Youssef, a Koranic school with its beautiful ancient architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to the colourful Souks and markets where we will visit some artisans making some local crafts varying from cooper, jewelry, wood work, and leather. From there we will end our day tour of Marrakech at the busy Jamaa El fna square where acrobats, musicians, snake charmers, fire eaters and story tellers all perform in an amazing harmony. Dinner and overnight at your riad.

After breakfast, meet your guide and horse drawn carriage for a ride along the Medina ramparts and the old French quarter of Gueliz to visit Majorelle Gardens. Majorelle Gardens were designed in the early 20th century by the French architect Jacques Majorelles who imported exotic plants from all over the world to his private garden, then taken over by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1970s before he transformed it into a rare heaven inside the busy Marrakech. Inside, you will also visit the Berber heritage museum exhibiting some rare crafts and Berber costumes. If you wish, you can enjoy a light lunch at one of the cafés in Gueliz. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Your guide and driver will be open to your suggestions. Tonight, a Moroccan dinner will be served at one of Marrakech old palaces with a Gnaoua and belly dancing show.

After breakfast, drive to Beni Mellal, through the fertile planes of Tadla. After a quick visit of the city and lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Fes via the Berber village of Imouzzer and the small town of Ifrane with their cedar forsts and beautiful lakes and Middle Atlas Mountains. Arrive Fes late in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at your Fes Riad.

Today we will explore the oldest Medina and the spiritual capital of Morocco. Considered the Athens of Africa for its wealth of culture, religious and educational institutions. We begin with a walk in the UNESCO World Heritage Medina with its 14th-century Coranic schools, artisans' quarters, and Alkaraouine University with its Mosque, then finish our walking tour of Fes at the Potters district.
After a break at one of the local restaurants for lunch, we carry on in the afternoon with a tour of the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter with its 17th-century Synagogue, and then to the Royal Palace gates for some photos. Dinner tonight will be served at one of the Moroccan restaurants in Fes.
Overnight at your Riad.

Departure from Fes toward Rabat via Volubilis and Meknes. We drive first to Volubilis via My Idris: a picturesque village hanging on the hills and sheltering the tomb of Moulay Idriss Ist, father to the founder of Fes – and Volubilis, a Roman archaeological site. Then continue to Meknes, a former Imperial city built at the end of the 17th century by King Moulay Ismael. The visit includes the Old ramparts, the Moulay Ismael stables, Granaries and House of Water, Bab El Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, and the beautiful Moulay Ismael Mausoleum facing the Aguedal basin. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Rabat. Dinner and overnight at your Rabat Riad.

After breakfast, we start our morning tour of Rabat, one of the imperial cities of Morocco, and the actual capital hosting the permanent palace of the actual King of Morocco Mohammed VI. We visit the Oudaya Kasbah, and the Andalusian Gardens before we continue to Hassan Tower with its sister mausoleum of the late King Mohammed V. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Casablanca. Upon arrival at the economic capital of Morocco, we will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s only functioning mosque open to non-Muslims. On our way to the Habous district, enjoy a panoramic drive on the corniche of Casablanca where most of the luxury restaurants and clubs are concentrated. A farewell dinner will be served tonight at the legendary Rick’s café, while feeling nostalgic of the 1940s romantic and colonial era Casablanca once lived. Overnight at your hotel.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure before your transfer to Casablanca airport for your return flight.