Imperial Cities
9 DAYS (8 NIGHTS)ITINERARY OVERVIEW
1 night Rabat, 3 nights Fez,
4 nights Marrakesh
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. Continue to the capital city of Rabat (Imperial City #1) to rock the 12th-century Kasbah (citadel) of the Udayas, overlooking the Atlantic Coast.
Day 2 – Rabat
Continue exploring Rabat with a city tour through King Mohamed VI’s Royal Palace grounds, the Parliament, the Mohamed V Mausoleum, the 12th century Hassan Tower and the Chellah Gardens, the site of Phoenician and Roman origins. Continue to Fez, the spiritual capital of the country.
Day 3 – Fez
Discover the 8th-century medina of Fez (Imperial City #3), a walled city with 9,000 alleyways. This morning you will explore the 8th century Fez medina & souks on foot, beginning with the famous Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate) and continuing with the historic Bou Inania medersa (Koranic school), the Nejjarine Museum and the oldest university in the world: Al Qarawiyyin, founded by a woman in 859AD. Stop by the shrine of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of the city. Also, visit artisan workshops and the famous medieval tanneries. Drive to the gorgeous seven brass doors at the entrance of the Royal Palace and visit the historic Jewish quarter including the cemetery and the 17th-century Ben Danan Synagogue.
Day 4 – Volubilis & Meknes
Go back in time to Volubilis, the southernmost outpost of the Roman Empire as well as the capital of the Province of Mauritania Tingitana. Join our local expert to learn about the beautifully preserved buildings and mosaics in situ as well as a triumphant arch dedicated to Caracalla, a bathhouse, the forum, villas, an olive oil press, a vomitorium, and more! You will be amazed by the Roman history and sites in Morocco! Spend the afternoon in 17th century Meknes (Imperial City #2) to visit the opulent mausoleum of 17th century Sultan Moulay Ismail and see the famous “Bab Mansour” Gate.
Day 5 – Marrakesh
Fly or drive to “The Red City”, Marrakesh (Imperial City #4). Enjoy an orientation tour of Africa’s most famous square, Jemaa el Fna, where you will have a sensorial overload as you walk among street performers, traditional musicians & storytellers, acrobats, henna designers, Barbary apes, food vendors, etc.
Day 6 – 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” and Andalusian Gardens. Enjoy the recently restored 6th-century Ben Youssef Koranic School. Walk through the labyrinth of artisan-filled souks (Morocco’s largest) where shopping and photo opportunities abound.
Day 7 – Marrakesh
Explore the modern neighborhood of Marrakesh – Gueliz. Enjoy the Gardens of Jacques Majorelle, the famous 20th-century Orientalist painter. Also see the Berber Museum, the largest in Morocco dedicated to its indigenous people. Next door, see the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the French fashion designer who spent many years in this city and left an important legacy. End the day with a magical evening under the stars in a luxurious desert camp.
Day 8 – High Atlas Mountains
Venture into the High Atlas Mountains for a 1-2 hour hike (easy, moderate, or strenuous) with a licensed mountain guide. Stop and rest along the way with a glass of mint tea in a private family home in a Berber village. Relax after your hike at the posh Kasbah Tamadot (owned by Richard Branson) for lunch while admiring breathtaking views over the mountains and valley.
Day 9 – Departure
Depart from Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport OR Marrakesh’s Menara Airport.
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