Our journey begins as we depart from Morocco's economic hub and head to its administrative capital, Rabat. Named the capital during the French protectorate in 1912, Rabat was also an imperial city in the 12th century. Its old city's rectilinear layout is impressively unique, standing in stark contrast to the traditional maze-like streets of other medinas. Here, you will explore the ancient Chellah necropolis, with origins dating to the 3rd century B.C., and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas, built during the Almohad dynasty. Nearby, the magnificent Hassan Tower stands majestically against the sky—the sole remnant of a monumental mosque envisioned in the 12th century. On the same esplanade lies the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a palace in miniature. Its interior is a masterpiece of finely crafted marble, bronze, and painted wood beneath a mahogany dome perforated with stained glass. This opulent setting houses the royal tombs, carved from a single block of white onyx and resting on a slab of dark blue granite that shimmers like water. Afterward, the gardens of Mechouar Square invite you for a pleasant stroll near the Royal Palace. We will also visit the Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts from the country's most important excavation sites, including Volubilis and Lixus. Next, we continue to Meknes, the imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismaël. The Sultan transformed it into one of Morocco's most powerful cities, protecting it with nearly 40 kilometers of defensive walls. Today, Meknes retains its imposing monuments, including grand gates with beautifully sculpted canopies, numerous fountains, mosques, palaces, and gardens. In the afternoon, we will explore the city's highlights, including the monumental gate of Bab al-Mansour, the entrance to the imperial medina, and the bustling Place Lahdim. Your stay will be in a traditional riad, with breakfast included.
The next morning at 9:00 a.m., our exploration of Meknes continues. We will visit its remaining treasures, including the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, the city's founder, and the elegant Jamaï Palace, which now houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts. From there, we drive to the magnificent Roman ruins of Volubilis, the largest archaeological site in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through this open-air museum and discover the city's former splendor. Its Triumphal Arch, Capitoline Temple, and intricate mosaics in the House of Bacchus all testify to its historical importance as a prosperous Roman outpost. Nearby, we will visit the holy town of Moulay Idriss, a site of great significance where Moroccan Muslims gather annually for a pilgrimage known as a "Moussem." Our journey then takes a relaxing turn as we travel a scenic route to the thermal spa of Moulay Yacoub. Here, you can unwind in its naturally hot (54°C) mineral waters, which are rich in sodium and sulphur and are renowned for their therapeutic qualities. Feeling refreshed, we will continue to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. As the greatest of the imperial cities, its entire ancient medina is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your accommodation will be in a traditional riad, with breakfast included.
At 9:30 a.m., your local guide will meet you for an immersive tour of the Fes medina, a labyrinth of souks and alleys that have remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. Your guided exploration will reveal the city's most iconic landmarks, including: The Gates and Medersas: Enter through the iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) and visit the vast Bou Inania Medersa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture renowned for its intricate cedar woodwork, sculpted stucco, and marble and onyx details. Historic and Spiritual Sites: Admire the Tijani Zawiya, a sanctuary for a religious brotherhood, and stop at the Mzara shrine, which marks the very spot where the city's founder, Moulay Idriss, chose to build his capital. Artisan Quarters: Discover the heart of Moroccan craftsmanship as you visit Nejjarine Square with its beautiful foundouk (now the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts), Es-Seffarine Square (the coppersmiths' square), the famous tanners' quarters, and the bustling Kissaria market, where fine jewelry and fabrics are sold. Palatial Treasures: Marvel at the Arabo-Andalusian design of the former Dar Batha Palace and the rare architectural refinement of the Moqri Palace. After a captivating morning in the medina, we will embark on a driving tour along the city's ancient ramparts. This tour offers panoramic views and includes stops at the Royal Palace gate, the historic Jewish Quarter, a "borj" (watchtower), and the famous pottery quarter. Following the tour, you will be brought back to your accommodation. Breakfast is included.
Our journey continues from Fes to Marrakech, taking us through the fertile plains of Beni Mellal, known as Morocco's "breadbasket." Here, the landscape is dotted with olive groves and fields of sugar beets. The scenic drive then winds through the majestic Middle Atlas mountains before descending towards the vibrant, electric energy of Marrakech. A city founded nearly a thousand years ago, Marrakech embodies the very essence of Morocco for many visitors. Its heart beats in Djemaa el-Fna, a vast and sprawling square that is a spectacle of Moroccan life. By day and night, it is a whirlwind of activity, where food vendors, traditional musicians, snake charmers, and acrobats captivate locals and travelers alike. From the square, we will step into the medina, immersing ourselves in an unforgettable experience of colorful sights and the lively sounds of daily life. Your accommodation will be in a traditional riad, with breakfast included.
At 9:30 a.m., a local guide will take you to wander through the medina with its souks and alleys, where you will find a friendly atmosphere and a complete change of scenery in this imperial city. Its secret is its genuine, unspoiled charm, blending splendor with simplicity. You will pass thousands of stalls with foodstuffs, fabrics, and handicrafts, all enclosed by fabulous 12th-century ramparts where everyone attends to their affairs as they have for centuries. In an unchanging rhythm, the tour includes Place Jemaa el-Fna, the richly decorated rooms of the El-Badi Palace, and the ancient minbar (pulpit) of the Koutoubia Mosque, which is ornamented with delicate sculptures and marquetry. You will also visit the Arabo-Andalusian garden that houses the Saadian Tombs and the Ben-Youssef Medersa, a Koranic school that, in the past, took in hundreds of students in a setting favorable for uplifting the soul. Next, visit the Marrakesh Museum, housed in the M’Nebhi Palace, to admire eight centuries of Moroccan arts and crafts. You will see the Chrob o Chouf fountain, an impressively sumptuous work with a wooden front dating from the 16th century. The tour continues to the Ménara, a small pavilion beside an immense ornamental lake, and ends at the Majorelle Garden. These lush tropical gardens, full of cacti, palms, and ferns, were the work of painter Jacques Majorelle. The afternoon is free time for you to explore on your own. Dinner and breakfast are included.
Our journey takes us to Casablanca, Morocco's vibrant economic capital, a city whose origins lie in the ancient 7th-century Berber town of Anfa ("the hill"). We will explore the old medina, which was rebuilt in the 18th century by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah and is still partially enclosed by its historic ramparts. Lose yourself in its maze of alleys, which offer an authentic atmosphere of tradition and countless small crafts. The city's undisputed highlight is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel perched dramatically over the Atlantic Ocean. As one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, you will have the chance to tour its breathtaking interior, which famously features a glass floor allowing worshippers to pray directly above the sea. Our tour of Casablanca will also include a visit to Mohamed V Square, a drive along the scenic Corniche, and a stop at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Built in the 1930s, the cathedral is a stunning example of architecture that harmoniously blends European and Moroccan influences. Finally, we will drive to Rabat, where the tour concludes.