8 Days Morocco Imperial Cities Tour

Upon arrival at Casablanca International Airport, our tour begins with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque outside of Mecca. Afterward, we’ll experience the Corniche coast before departing for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. In Rabat, you’ll explore the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Hassan Tower, and the Oudaya Kasbah. Overnight accommodation will be at Euphoriad or a similar bed and breakfast establishment, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with dinner, bed, and breakfast included.

After breakfast at the riad, we’ll head towards Fes via Rabat, the official capital of Morocco. Rabat, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, is bustling and primarily administrative, but it also boasts some unique historical sites to discover, such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum, and the Kasbah Des Oudayas. We can have lunch in Rabat before continuing our drive to Fes. Upon arrival in Fes, you will be accommodated in one of our majestic hotels, such as Hotel Sahrai, Riad Fes, or Palais Faraj, where bed and breakfast will be provided.

After breakfast in your riad, you will embark on an explorative journey of the cultural capital of Morocco, wandering through its alleys and small streets. Our visit will commence at the Royal Palace, followed by the Jewish quarter, the first Mellah ever built in Morocco. We will ensure that you visit all sites of cultural and historical interest, including the famous Al Qaraouine University, the oldest in the region, and the tanneries.

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit a ceramic factory and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Medina of Fes. In the afternoon, we will venture into the new city for a relaxing drink. Overnight accommodation will be provided at your hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, we will begin a refreshing day with a scenic drive through the Rif hills towards Volubilis. You’ll be amazed by the lush green landscape cultivated by the farmers in the region, and you’ll also witness the profound influence of the Great Romans on our land, reminiscent of Tuscany. After about two hours of driving through this picturesque area, we will arrive at Volubilis, the well-preserved Roman city dating back to 225 BC, where you can marvel at some remarkably preserved mosaics.

Following our visit to Volubilis, we will travel to Meknes, the Ismaili capital of Morocco. In Meknes, we will explore the fascinating Bab Mansour gate, built by Sultan My Ismail, as well as the granary and the Sahrij Souani, used for irrigation and plantation. After experiencing these two breathtaking sites, we will head back to Fes for your overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast in your riad, we will depart via Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its snowy landscapes. We’ll then visit Azrou, a small Berber city surrounded by cedar forests where you may encounter Barbary apes. Continuing our journey through the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll be treated to breathtaking green landscapes and the refreshing fountains of AUM Rabiaa on our way to Marrakech.

Alternatively, we can take the fast road, which will lead us back via the motorway passing by Rabat and Casablanca to Marrakech. Overnight accommodation will be at La Mamounia or a similar hotel, with bed and breakfast provided.

After breakfast in the riad, you can begin exploring Marrakech, known as the “red city of Morocco”. We’ll make sure you see the most important sites of historical and cultural interest, including the Saadian Tombs, the Palace of El Bahia, the Ben Youssef Coranic School, and the bustling souks. Lunch will be served at a restaurant near the square.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the beautiful Majorelle Gardens and admire the Koutoubia Tower. Towards the end of the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own. Overnight accommodation will be at La Mamounia or a similar hotel, with bed and breakfast provided.

After breakfast at your riad, we will drive to the windy city of Essaouira, where you’ll visit the Skala Fortress, the port, and the vibrant souks. You’ll have the chance to see Thuya wood carved by artisans and stroll through the alleys of the medina, admiring hundreds of handicrafts.

Essaouira is renowned for its strong winds throughout the year, earning it the nickname “City of the Wind” and attracting surfers from around the world. Despite its rich history, including Portuguese occupation which influenced its architecture, Essaouira maintains its charm as a small village. With its characteristic blue doors and washed walls, it’s often referred to as Morocco’s “Jewel of the Atlantic”.

Your visit to Essaouira includes exploring the Mellah, the Jewish quarter, and enjoying the picturesque beach. The city hosts an annual festival of Gnawa music, drawing musical groups from various parts of Africa and the world.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel back to Marrakech. En route, we’ll stop to visit the women’s cooperative of Argan oil, where the famous oil, known for its culinary, cosmetic, and medical properties, is extracted. The Essaouira area is renowned for its argan trees, where you might even spot goats climbing the trees to reach the fruit they can’t find on the ground. Upon arrival in Marrakech, you’ll check in to your riad. Overnight accommodation will be at La Mamounia with bed and breakfast provided.

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up and drive you to either the airport in Marrakech or to Casablanca airport, where the tour concludes.