Northern Morocco & Imperial Cities – 12 Days

Arrival at Marrakech Airport. Meet and greet by our representative. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in and free time.

You may choose to begin exploring the Red City on your own – visit Jemaa el-Fna square, the Koutoubia Mosque, or simply relax after your journey.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Morning guided tour of Marrakech, the Red City, including:

• Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech, with a 77 meter minaret (exterior visit).
• Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th century palace with intricate courtyards, gardens, and decorated rooms.
• Majorelle Garden: A botanical garden jewel of architecture and botany, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The vibrant blue buildings and exotic plants are stunning.
• Jemaa El Fna Square: The heart of Marrakech, filled with street performers, storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.

Afternoon transfer to Casablanca.

Overnight in Casablanca.

Visit Casablanca and continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Morning – Casablanca City Tour

• Panoramic city tour of Casablanca including Hassan II Mosque (exterior visit), the Corniche, and the city center.

Afternoon – Rabat City Tour

• Hassan Tower: The unfinished minaret of a massive mosque begun in the 12th century, surrounded by Roman columns.
• Oudaya Kasbah: A picturesque fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with white and blue streets and Andalusian gardens.

After exploring Rabat, continue to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City of Morocco, nestled in the Rif Mountains.

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Walking tour through the picturesque blue-painted streets and squares of Chefchaouen.

Your local guide will lead you through the charming Medina, where you will discover:

• The blue-washed alleyways that make Chefchaouen famous
• Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square with its red brick mosque and cafe-lined plaza
• Local artisan shops selling wool blankets, woven goods, and handicrafts
• The Kasbah Museum and its Andalusian gardens

Free time to explore further on your own. You may choose to:

• Climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the blue city against the green mountains
• Shop for local handicrafts
• Relax at a cafe and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

Departure to Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa.

Afternoon exploration of Tangier, including:

• Cape Spartel: The northwesternmost point of Africa, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy spectacular views from the lighthouse.
• Hercules Caves: A natural cave complex with mythological significance. According to legend, Hercules rested here after completing his labors. The cave opening in the shape of Africa is a famous photo spot.
• The Medina: Wander through the narrow streets of Tangier's historic medina, with its mix of Moroccan and European influences.

Overnight in Tangier.

Visit the charming coastal town of Asilah before continuing to Rabat.

Morning – Asilah City Tour

Asilah is a beautiful coastal town with white and blue walls, known for its annual cultural festival and artistic murals painted on the medina walls. You will have time to:

• Walk along the ramparts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
• Explore the medina with its white and blue painted streets
• Admire the colorful murals created by international artists
• Visit the Portuguese-built fortress

Afternoon – Continue to Rabat

After exploring Asilah, continue south to Rabat.

Overnight in Rabat.

Morning sightseeing in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, including:

• Royal Palace (exterior visit): The official residence of the King of Morocco.
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V: A masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture, housing the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons.
• Hassan Tower: The unfinished minaret of a massive mosque begun in the 12th century.
• Oudaya Kasbah (revisit or additional exploration if time permits)

Afternoon transfer to Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.

Overnight in Fes.

Full-day exploration of the historical city of Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.

Your local guide will lead you through the winding alleyways of Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO listed medina. Highlights include:

• The Ancient Medina: One of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Bou Inania Madrasa: A masterpiece of Marinid architecture with intricate carved wood and zellij tilework.
• The University of Al Quaraouiyine: Founded in 859 AD, recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world (exterior view).
• The Chouara Tannery: Where leather has been dyed in the same stone vats for over a thousand years. View from surrounding terraces.
• The Royal Palace (exterior visit): Impressive brass doors and zellij tilework.
• Traditional handicraft quarters: Where artisans create pottery, metalwork, wood carving, and textiles.
• The vibrant souks: Brass, copper, carpets, spices, and traditional crafts.

Overnight in Fes.

Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains and return to Marrakech.

Morning – Departure from Fes to Marrakech

The drive takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, with several scenic stops along the way.

Stops include:

• Ifrane: Known as the Switzerland of Morocco, with alpine-style architecture, red tiled roofs, and a stone lion carved into the rock.
• Cedar Forests: One of the largest remaining cedar forests in Africa, home to wild Barbary macaques. You can observe these friendly monkeys from a safe distance.
• Ziz Valley: A dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees stretching along the Ziz River (depending on route).

Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Free day in Marrakech. You may choose to:

• Explore the souks for shopping and handicrafts
• Visit the Majorelle Gardens (if you wish to revisit)
• Relax at a traditional hammam
• Enjoy a cooking class to learn Moroccan cuisine
• Take an optional excursion (available upon request)
• Simply relax at your riad or hotel

Overnight in Marrakech.

Free time for shopping and leisure in Marrakech.

You may choose to:

• Shop for final souvenirs in the souks
• Visit Jemaa El Fna square for the bustling evening atmosphere
• Enjoy a final Moroccan meal at a traditional restaurant
• Explore the modern side of Marrakech (Gueliz district)
• Take a final walk through the medina

Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Airport according to your flight schedule.

End of the Program.