Tangier & “The Blue City” of Chefchaouen

Tangier - Welcome to Morocco! Arrive in Tangier, the port city that serves as the gateway between Africa and Europe. Choose to explore Tangier or proceed to the captivating blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Before reaching Chefchaouen, take a 2-3 hour hike through lush greenery and small pools to enjoy the hidden gem of Cascades d’Akchour (Waterfalls of Akchour). Then, arrive in the enchanting Chefchaouen, known for its blue-washed buildings in the historic medina. Wander through its maze-like narrow streets and alleyways that cling to the northern hillside.

Chefchaouen - Discover Place Outa el Hammam, the main square named for the numerous hammams (public baths) that once surrounded it. Find a restaurant or café for a meal, then browse the many shops offering traditional goods. Visit the Grand Mosque and kasbah (old fortress). The Mosque, built in 1560, is not open to non-Muslims, but the exterior view is still worthwhile. Explore the kasbah and tour a garden, a museum, and some of its old prison cells.

As evening approaches, follow the streets east and ascend the path to the white Spanish Mosque (20 to 30 minutes). Enjoy a final view over Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Roman ruins at Volubilis, Meknes, and the Cultural Capital of Fes

Volubilis - Start early to wander the quiet streets for the best chance to capture unobstructed photos before leaving Chefchaouen. Head towards Fes, with a short detour to explore the impressive Roman ruins at Volubilis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Volubilis is a sprawling complex worth exploring. Founded in the 3rd century BCE and abandoned in the 11th century, it remains incredibly well-preserved. Marvel at the merchant homes with visible heating systems, the temples, and the nearly intact colorful mosaics, including the Labors of Hercules.

Meknes - Stop in Meknes on your way to Fes. A smaller version of Fes, Meknes offers a calmer medina where shopkeepers are less aggressive. While Meknes is quite large, the two main areas of interest are the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the manageable medina.

Fes - Continue to Fes and navigate its impressively large and complex medina that stretches down the hill. Before venturing into the medina, visit the ruins of the Merenid Tombs and enjoy a panoramic view of the old city. Stay overnight in a beautiful riad in the medina, complete with an interior courtyard garden.

Day 3: Fes: Exploring the Imperial City and medieval medina

Fes - Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s Imperial Cities (Meknes, Marrakech, and Rabat are the others). Its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest urban car-free areas, making it worth every minute of exploration. Often considered the country’s cultural capital, it consists of two old medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the modern Ville Nouvelle, built during the French colonial era (1912-1956). Meet your guide and spend half a day learning about the history and culture as you navigate the winding narrow streets of the medinas.

Day 4: To the Coast: Rabat and Casablanca

Rabat - Spend the morning exploring more of Fes. Perhaps visit a local Ceramics and Tilework Collective to see the tile masters at work creating their impressive mosaics.

Then head west to Rabat, the capital city located on the Atlantic coast and the Bou Regreg River. Explore the Chellah Necropolis, a medieval fortified city at the heart of Rabat. Wander the enchanting grounds, a mix of Roman and Islamic ruins. Enter through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias and step into the original site of Rabat. Mostly a residential area today, wander the peaceful white and blue-washed streets and chat with locals. Visit the Andalusian Gardens, built in the 20th century by the French, offering a serene space away from the crowds. Discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. A project abandoned in the 12th century, now only the red sandstone tower standing at 145 feet (44 m) and some 200 columns remain.

Day 5: Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, onwards to Marrakech

Casablanca - If visiting only one place in Casablanca, the commercial capital of Morocco, make it the Hassan II Mosque. Located picturesquely by the sea, its 690 feet (210 m) minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world. While the exterior and surrounding area are impressive, what makes this mosque unique is that it is one of the few mosques in the country where non-Muslims are allowed to enter. Join a morning tour of the mosque and marvel at the fine artisanship: hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble floor detailing, and gilded ceilings.

Marrakech: Exploring the Red City

Marrakech - Unlike Fes, Marrakech has Berber rather than Arab roots and history and was once an important trading capital for tribes of the Atlas Mountains. Today, it remains a major economic center. Orient yourself around the Jemaa el-Fna Square: the souks are to the north, the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens to the west, and the Kasbah area with the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and El Badi Palace are to the south. In the Ville Nouvelle, you will find the Majorelle Gardens. Meet your guide and start exploring lively Marrakech!

Depart Marrakech

Marrakech - Complete any last-minute shopping, or spend additional time exploring Marrakech’s sites such as the ornate Bahia Palace (Bahia translates to ‘brilliance’). The Palace, built in the 19th century, showcases Islamic and Moroccan architecture and artisanship at its finest. It covers eight hectares (10,000 square m) of ground and includes a garden with rooms opening onto courtyards. A visit to the palace and its gardens offers the perfect place for quiet contemplation before catching your flight home.

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All fees and/or taxes
• Breakfast
• Dinner

• Lunches

This comprehensive 7-day agenda takes you through Morocco’s historic Imperial cities, namely Meknes, Fes, Rabat, and Marrakech. It also includes additional visits to Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Casablanca. Your journey will commence from the coastal city of Tangier near the Strait of Gibraltar, and will culminate in the animated city of Marrakech. The extraordinary architectural marvels, intricate craftsmanship, flavorful cuisine, and vibrant marketplaces of Morocco are bound to cast a spell on you.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.