Morocco: The Imperial Cities Tour

Day 1: New York To Casablanca

Depart this evening on your transatlantic flight to Casablanca from USA or Canada.

Day 2: Casablanca To Rabat

Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted by a representative of our local Tour Office. A 60-mile drive brings you to Rabat, the present capital of Morocco and official residence of King Mohammed VI. Check into your riad. Afternoon tours will include the walking to the bustling Medina, followed by a visit to the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Great Mosque, the Hassan Tower and the magnificent Mohammed V Mausoleum. You will drive past the ramparts and the walls of Mechuoar that encompass the royal palace. Dinner and overnight in Rabat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Rabat, Moulay Idriss, Volubilis, Meknes, and Fez:

You will begin your exploration of the Imperial Cities this morning with a stop at the Holy City Of Moulay Idriss where the founder of Islam is buried. Continue on to the archaeological site of the Roman ruins at Volubilis. From here you will travel to Meknes where after lunch, you will drive throughout the walls and numerous Gates of Bab El Mansour, the Shrine Mosque, the Tomb of Moulay Ismail, Dar Jami Palace and the Royal Stables. You will end your day in Fez, the first Imperial City that was built in 790 A.D. by Moulay Idriss II. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Fez

A full day to explore Morocco's most fascinating city and the world last surviving medieval city. Start the day by traveling downtown to visit King Palace. After walking through the Arab and Jewish sections, you will see South King Palace. Continue along the river for a panoramic view of the Old Town Medina. You enter the city through one of the main gates for a walking tour highlighting the Karaouine university which is one of the oldest school in the world, the Mederassat Al-Attarine, Bouanania Religious School, Najarine Fountain and you will end it with an optional lunch. Later, you will visit Moulay Idriss Mausoleum and a famous tannery where skins are cured and dyed. There will also be time to shop for some of Fez's famous handicrafts. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY5: Fez, Beni Mellal, and Marrakech:

Depart early this morning and travel through the Middle Atlas Region of Imouzar Kendar, through Berber villages to the delightful ski resort of Ifrane. Continue to Azrou, a Berber village known for its handicrafts and carpet weaving. Traveling through wooded and mountainous scenery that will bring you to Beni Mellal for optional lunch. Travel on to Marrakech called the "Pearl Of The South" (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY6: Marrakech

A full day of sightseeing today in Marrakech. You will visit the Tombs of Sandra King, Dar Said. Museum, the Aguedal and Menara Gardens where you will see some of Morocco's best artwork. At the ruins of Elbadii Palace you will see the tanners and dyers quarters and later visit the world famous Djemaa Elfna, a spectacular open theater with storytellers, soothsayers, fire eaters, snake-charmers and palm-readers. Tonight's special treat is a dinner party with typical Moroccan entertainment including folklore music and skilled horsemen riding charging Arabian horses. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY7: Marrakech, Casablanca:

Depart this morning for Essaouira, a picturesque fighting port of an 800-year old city, which shows traces of Iberian influence in its forts and towers. We will suggest you lunch outdoors at Chalet De La Place, seafood dishes are highly recommended. Continue to Casablanca. Sightseeing includes United Nations Square, Royal Palace, Central Market and Anfa Residential Area. Once there, you will visit the Hassan II Mosque, which is the second largest in the Moslem World after the one in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY8: Casablanca

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and you will be assisted with customs for your safe return flight home arriving to USA or Canada the same day. (Breakfast)

Hotels Used or Similar

First Class Hotel

City                  Nights         Hotel

Rabat                  1             Diwane   

Fez                     2          Park Palace

Marrakesh           2             Tichka

Casablanca         1            Barcello