Tour 4: Morocco Imperial Cities (8 days/7 nights)
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
- 7 nights’ accommodation in riads & hotels
- 7 breakfasts
- Full-day city tour of Fes with English speaking local Fes guide
- Half-day city tour of Marrakech with English speaking local Marrakech guide
- Entrance fees for included sightseeing
- Air-conditioned private vehicle with English speaking driver guide
Day 1: Casablanca
Begin your tour to Morocco when you arrive at Casablanca Airport and are met by your Berber Treasures driver guide and transferred to your Casablanca hotel. Afternoon city tour to Casablanca’s principal sights including Hassan II Mosque. Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes
Depart Casablanca for Morocco’s imperial city of Rabat, the capital of the Moroccan Kingdom. In Rabat tour the city’s sights including Oudaia Kasbah, the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Royal Palace (Mechouar) and the ancient Necropolis of Chellah, situated in the ruins of the Moroccan Roman town of Sala Collonia. Continue your Morocco travel adventure visiting the
UNESCO designated world heritage 17th century imperial city of Meknes. Tour of Meknes, including the famous massive gate of Bab el Mansour, the main entrance the Alaouite sultan, Mouly Ismails’s 17th century city and the Agdal Basin. Before reaching Fes, travel via Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s holiest town, to the ancient Roman town of Volubilis where you can explore the ancient ruins which include some marvellous mosaics and the remains of many significant buildings including the Basilica and Triumphal Arch. Entering the old Fes medina tonight you can enjoy one of the many beautiful riads in Morocco. Fes Overnight in Fes.
Day 3: Fes
Full-day heritage tour of Fes city, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities with your expert local Fes travel guide. Visit the UNESCO designated world heritage old walled medina, historical monuments (including Madrasa (Medersa) Bou Inania, the Kairaouine Mosque and Mihrab), bazaars and souks (such as the Souk Ain Allou (leather souk), the Souk
Attarine (spices), Souk au Henne (henna and kohl)), Fes el Jdid, the exterior of Dar el Makhzen (Royal Palace) including the enormous Merenid gate of Bab Dekakene, formerly the main entrance of the royal palace, the Mellah (old Moroccan Jewish heritage quarter) and the late 16th century Borj Nord fortress (exterior). Return to your Fes riad. Overnight in Fes.
Day 4: Fes – Beni Mellal – Ouzoud
Continue your trip to Morocco travelling via Ifrane, Azrou, Khenifra and Beni-Mellal south-west to Ouzoud. Passing cedar and pine forests, the route from Ifrane to Azrou crosses Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains. As you travel to Ouzoud waterfall, you transit through the Middle Atlas Mountains’ south-western foothill towns of Khenifra and Beni-Mellal. Visit Morocco’s highest waterfall, the 110 metre Cascade d’Ouzoud. Overnight in Ouzoud.
Day 5: Ouzoud – Marrakech
Travel to Marrakech, Morocco’s imperial city known as the Jewel of the South and a highlight of your Morocco holiday. Afternoon half-day Marrakech tour with your expert local Marrakech travel guide.
Your heritage tour of Marrakech’s stunning past, includes the UNESCO designated world heritage old walled medina, La Bahia Palace, el-Badi Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian tombs, Place Djemaa El-Fna and Marrakech’s souks. Escape the bustle of the old medina as you enter the peace of your riad in Marrakech. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 6: Marrakech
Free day to explore more of Marrakech, its gardens (eg Majorelle Garden, Aguedal Garden, Menara Garden) and architecture, shop for some bargains in the souks, relax in a traditional Moroccan hammam or enjoy the La Fantasia spectacle and Marrakech nightclubs. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 7: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech
Full-day heritage tour to Essaouira. Situated on Atlantic coast this relaxed town is a fascinating blend of Moroccan and 15th – 16th century Portuguese colonial architecture and history. Today Essaouira is popular with domestic and international artists and hosts the famous Gnaoua music festival every June. You have free time to explore Essaouira’s UNESCO designated world heritage 18th century medina, sample some of the fresh seafood, or relax on the beach. Return to your Marrakech riad. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 8: Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech Airport where this tour of Morocco ends.
NOT INCLUDED
- Drinks, meals other than as specified, gratuities and other items of a personal nature
- Optional activities (including those referred to as optional in the tour itinerary)
- Variations to the itinerary, accommodation upgrades and any special handling
- Airfares
- Other extras