Morocco Imperial Cities-Tour
From Casablanca
7 Days
Overview
A golden Experience around the historical old capitals in Morocco, you will live a wonderful and an unforgettable experience in the imperial Morocco cities, Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech.
Details & Itinerary
Day 1 – Casablanca Airport – Welcome to Morocco
Welcome to Morocco, and the great city of Casablanca, the perfect place to acclimatize to the culture. Your adventure begins today with a welcome meeting at the airport, if you arrive with time to spare, then perhaps visit the Art Deco Villa des Arts, this gorgeous gallery dates back to the 1930s and holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you are looking for a different type of cultural experience, then you can discover a unique and fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism. After lunch and refreshments, you will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque and understand why this is considered the ‘diamond’ of the city. Completed in 1993, this architectural masterpiece has a retractable roof, and heated glass floors that look over the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most impressive religious monuments in the world. Hassan II Mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Dinner of Welcome and Overnight at your Hotel / Villa in Casablanca.
Day 2 – The Capital of Rabat- Meknes – Volubilis-Fez
After Breakfast, drive for 1.5 hours to the capital of Rabat. Rabat’s history is long and colorful, having been host to Roman settlements, pirates, and more recently the Moroccan parliament. It contains numerous fine Arab monuments, some dating from the 10th to 15th century Almohad and Merenid dynasties, and others that are far older. After a short orientation walk, you will have some free time to discover the city. Start your visit with a walk through the Medina and Souks, then explore the lovely walled quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias and enjoy an included local drink. Afterward, continue the walk to visit Mohamed the 5th Mausoleum and the vast minaret of the Hassan Mosque. In the afternoon, travel to Meknes (approximately 2 hours), the former capital of Morocco, enjoy a guided tour of Meknes and discover the charming streets of the old medina. From the northern gate of Bab Berdaine, walk to the shrine of Moulay Ismail (closed for renovation) – who turned Meknes from a provincial town to an imperial city in the 17th century – then explore the elaborately decorated public buildings hidden in these winding streets, including the granary of Mouly Ismail and the old souk. Next, drive to the nearby archaeological site of Volubilis, the remains of which make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of a long, high plateau. Enjoy a tour of the ancient hilltop ruins with a local guide, and discover the town’s fantastic mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain intact. Afterward, continue to the imperial city of Fez, where you’ll spend the night at your authentic Riad in the old Medina.
Day 3 – Explore the Imperial City of Fes
Today you will discover the city of Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – vibrant, noisy, fascinating, and overwhelming – a visual and pungent feast for the senses. Head into the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali, arguably the world’s most fascinating and confounding old city. Medieval Fes was one of the world’s great centers of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary, and its mosques are of great renown. Walk along the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods, and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Filled with historic khans, madrassas, and dye pits, stalls loaded with fruits, herbs, and soups, and where the squawk of chickens, the smell of spice, and the sound of hammering of copper fill the air, it’s not hard to imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages. Spend the day exploring the old city, visiting Medersa el Attarine, the tanneries, and the splendid Fondouk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th-century inn. Dinner and overnight in the old Medina.
Day 4 – Fes – Cedar Forest & Atlas Mountains – Ouzoud Waterfalls – Marrakech
Travel from Fes to Marrakech, with plenty of breaks along the way to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape and you will enjoy a stop en route at the impressive Ouzoud Falls. On arrival to Marrakech, head to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to this city. The food here is best experienced like a local, so be sure to bring your appetite as this afternoon your leader will take you for a special tasting session where you’ll try a range of seasonal delights such as freshly squeezed orange juice and stuffed Moroccan pancakes. Nights here are just as fun as the days as the square transforms into a hive of activity. The evening is yours to explore, perhaps enjoy a meal on one of the restaurant balconies overlooking the humming square with views of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Day 5 – Guided Tour In Marrakech
After breakfast, today, meet your local guide and set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. This splendid mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the government. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque, its famous minaret is the prototype for others of its kind around the world, including La Giralda in Seville. Then walk back through the streets of the old medina to the Jemaa el Fna to enjoy a refreshing glass of fresh orange juice. The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle and checking out the ruins of the Palais Badi, once one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Dinner & overnight in Marrakech.
Day 6 – Free Day in Marrakech
This Day is at your leisure in Marrakech to continue exploring the secrets of the red city, relax and refresh. You might also opt here for a day trip to Ourika Valley or Essaouira.
Day 7 – End of your Morocco Tour – Direct Transfer to the Airport
Today, after a nice breakfast at your accommodation, you will say goodbye to Morocco, and you will be transferred to either Casablanca Airport or Marrakech airport for your departure flight.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Casablanca Airport – Welcome to Morocco.
Day 2 – The Capital of Rabat- Meknes – Volubilis-Fez.
Day 3 – Explore the Imperial City of Fes.
Day 4 – Fes – Cedar Forest & Atlas Mountains – Ouzoud Waterfalls – Marrakech.
Day 5– Guided Tour In Marrakech.
Day 6 – Free Day in Marrakech.
Day 7– End of your Morocco Tour – Direct Transfer to the Airport.
What’s Included
Planning and quality control by seasoned travel leaders
Knowledgeable Guides (Multi-lingual), special lectures, and insightful meetings
Entrance Fees to Historic Monuments
All Transfers-even individual airport transfers, when required.
Luggage Handling-at all hotels, airport, etc.
Air-Conditioned, comfortable, and luxurious vehicles depending on your choice (4*4, Mini-bus…).
Nights at the top range hotels, Riads, Kasbahs, and Bivouacs.
Elegant Meals (Breakfast daily, and usually either Dinner).
All details are handled by reliable, experienced Tour Leaders.
Outstanding value and convenience.
No hidden add-ons or markup.
What’s Excluded
Lunchs
Tips
Travel insurance charges
Travel Advices
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Best time to visit Morocco
The climate in Morocco varies wildly according to the season and area of travel. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 30°C) during the day and cool to cold (around 15°C) at night. Winter in the higher regions often brings snow and can therefore get seriously cold, particularly at night. Tourists flock to the coastline from June to September for fun in the sun, with warm mostly rain-free days. Further inland it can get hot and rain is rare, which makes the best times to travel March to June and September to December.
Morocco Culture & Customs
Morocco’s culture has developed over centuries of influence from far and wide. Contemporary Morocco is a fascinating mix of Berber, Mediterranean, Andalucian, and African traditions, which are present in the cuisine, clothing, music, language, customs, and lifestyle. As an Islamic country, most Moroccans are Muslim; however, there are small populations of people who practice Judaism and Christianity. Classic examples of Islamic architecture can be observed all throughout the country and tenets of the Islamic religion are carried out in the customs and lives of the people. The ‘Call to Prayer’ can be heard five times a day, women are expected to dress modestly and alcohol isn’t drunk by most of the population.
Most of Moroccan society can be considered traditional, with respect for elders, connection to family, and giving alms to the poor hallmarks of everyday life for many Moroccans. Hospitality is another important element of society, with warmly welcoming people into your home a time-honored tradition and social responsibility that dates back centuries.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Morocco ?
Much of Morocco’s cuisine revolves around meat, but vegetables are an important staple and a crucial ingredient in many dishes of the Maghreb. Your diet can consist of more than just flatbread and hummus – trust us. Keep an eye out for vegetable-based tagines and couscous, the renowned Zaalouk (a smokey eggplant and tomato salad), vegetable Briouats (triangular-filled pastries), and cinnamon oranges. Vegan options are slightly more limited, as many of the pieces of bread and couscous dishes have butter added to them, but your best bet is to enquire if yours can be made using oil instead. Otherwise, it’s easy to dine well on varied vege offerings in Morocco.
Morocco Tour Add-ons
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Imperial Cities of Morocco unique?
The Imperial Cities, including Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat, are tressures in history, and they offer ancient medinas, impressive palaces, and architectural wonders.
How physically demanding is the Morocco city tour?
The tour aims to meet the needs of most travelers. While you will find some walking involved in exploring the cities and historical sites, we ensure to balance exploration with relaxation.
Can I extend my journey with additional experiences?
You can expect custom offers for your private Morocco tours to ensure they meet your expectations. You just need to tell us about your travel plans.