Day 1 – Casablanca

Arrive at Casablanca’s Mohamed V Airport. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful in the world! It is a great introduction to the religion and religious practices of Islam as well as Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship. Enjoy your time on the coast before continuing inland to Fez, the spiritual capital of Morocco.

Local specialty: fresh fish & seafood.

Day 2 – Fez

Today, discover the 8th-century medina of Fez, a walled city with 9,000 alleyways. See the famous Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), a madrasa (Koranic School), the shrine of an important saint, the Nejjarine Museum, a historic “fondouk” (an inn for caravans), the world’s oldest university (built in 859AD), a myriad of artisans & the famous tanneries. On your adventure through the souks, stop at local shops/markets to nibble on traditional sweet and savory treats. Peek inside a neighborhood bread oven, see cauldrons of soups on open fires, and visit the small kitchens of food vendors…

Local specialties: pastilla, maakuda, Moroccan salads, bissara, khlii, bread, honey, gazelle horn cookies.

Day 3 – Volubilis & Meknes

Venture to Volubilis and go back in time to the 1st century BC archaeological site of the southernmost outpost of the Roman Empire. Continue to the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco’s most important pilgrimage site. Drive to Imperial Meknes and visit the ornate 18th-century mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Walk through the food souks full of bakers, fruit & vegetable vendors, butchers, fishmongers, etc. End your day at one of Morocco’s finest wineries.

Local specialties: grilled kefta with ras el hanout & local wine.

Day 4 – Winery

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the winery before you make your way to Marrakesh, the “Red City”. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation walk through Morocco’s most famous square – Jemaa el Fna. This is the hot spot in the city and the perfect opportunity for you foodies because you will taste local specialties as you meander among the various food stands and fresh juice vendors.

Day 5 – Marrakesh

Visit Imperial Marrakesh’s birthplace, the 12th-century Koutoubia minaret. Then, tour the 19th-century architectural gem, the Bahia Palace (the “Moroccan Alhambra”) including its “harem”. Learn about Morocco’s cuisine at the “Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum.” Walk through the labyrinth of artisan-filled souks (Morocco’s largest) where shopping and photo opportunities abound.

Local specialties: tangia, snails, trid, kefta with aged butter & mechoui – roasted lamb cooked in underground pits.

Day 6 – Marrakesh

Now it’s your turn to cook! Take part in a Moroccan Cooking Class and prepare your very own 3-course traditional lunch. You better do well because you have to eat what you make! End the day with a magical evening under the stars in a tented desert camp. Ride a camel into the sunset before settling in for a delicious meal.

Local specialties: homemade bread, Moroccan salads, mixed grill.

Day 7 – Essaouira

Depart for a day trip to seaside Essaouira, Morocco’s most picturesque coastal town. Along the way, stop to see the iconic goats in the trees and learn about the argan nuts that they love eating. This is the only place in the world where argan trees grow! Once on the coast, tour the old walled city of Essaouira. Climb its ramparts with 18th-century canons, admire art galleries, and see the crazy fish market at the bustling port.  See the vestiges of its fascinating Portuguese history and its connection with the “Hippy Trail.”

Local specialties: sennour (conger eel) tagine, frangipane cookies.

Day 8 – Oualidia

Enjoy a drive along the Atlantic Coast to Oualidia, located beside a protected natural crescent-shaped lagoon and known as Morocco’s “oyster capital”. After visiting an oyster farm, relax in this gorgeous, peaceful fishing village – the perfect way to end your journey.

Local specialty: oysters (raw or cooked).

Day 9 – Departure

Depart from Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport OR Marrakesh’s Menara Airport.