Discover Morocco’s Imperial Cities
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Casablanca
On arrival in Casablanca, you’ll be met and transferred to your cosy hotel nestled in the heart of the city. As you step through the doors, you will be welcomed by the typical Moroccan décor and the warm hospitality of the staff. The rest of your day is free to explore this vibrant, cosmopolitan city.
Day 2 – Journey to Rabat
This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Rabat – a journey of around 1.5 hours. Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and a lot more western than most other Moroccan cities. However, wandering through the narrow streets of the medina you’re surrounded by ancient city walls, carved wooden doorways, mosques and bathhouses. You’ll spend two nights in a comfortable riad near the old medina.
Day 3 – Explore Rabat
Your day is free to explore Rabat independently. A good place to start is the Kasbah Oudaias – the city’s impressive ancient citadel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also worth visiting the peaceful Andalusian Gardens that are located just next door. Other not-to-be-missed sites to include in your sightseeing today are the unfinished Hassan Minaret that towers high above the city, and the beautiful mausoleum of King Mohammad V and his two sons.
Day 4 – Rabat to Meknes by rail
From Rabat you’ll take the train to Meknes – a journey of around two hours. The trains are comfortable, well equipped and we’ll book first class tickets for you. Relax and watch the landscape of cork trees, grapevines and cacti pass by. The impressive walled city of Meknes is smaller, quieter and less busy than Rabat. So it’s easy to explore independently. There are plenty of historic sites and architectural wonders to see including 20 ‘Babs’ (huge gateways) and 50 palaces. You’ll stay in a cosy traditional riad in the heart of the old city.
Day 5 – Historical Treasures: Meknes to Volubilis and onto Fez
After your stay in Meknes you’ll travel by private car to Fez via the ruined Roman city of Volubilis. After a short 45 minute drive you’ll catch your first glimpse of the impressive ruins of the most remote city in the Roman Empire. If you want to learn more about the ruins then guides can be organised on the spot. It’s then another 30 minute drive to Fez, where you’ll stay in a small, simple riad located close to the medina. Walking through the narrow streets of the medina, you can sense medieval Morocco coming to life.
Day 6 – Discover Fez
Today you have the whole day free to explore Fez independently. Not to be missed is a visit to the city’s famous tanneries where traditional methods of leather tanning have been practiced for centuries. From one of the balconies you can watch how the skins are washed and dyed. We also recommend to immerse yourself in the maze of the medina’s souks where you can haggle for spices, ceramics and leather goods. If you prefer, we can arrange a local guide to help you find your way through the narrow streets, introduce you to some of the local craftsmen and take you for tea with a local family. Ask your travel specialist for more details.
Day 7 – From Fez to Marrakech by rail
This morning you’ll travel by train from Fez to Marrakech. The journey takes around 6.5 hours and we’ll book first class tickets for you. The trains are comfortable, fast and you can sit back and relax as the rolling countryside whizzes by. On arrival in Marrakech we’ll arrange a transfer to your hotel. You’ll stay in our central hotel, which is ideally located on the edge of the old medina and decorated in traditional Moroccan style. It’s the perfect base to explore the city. It’s just a short walk to the lively Djemaa el Fna Square where fire eaters, mystical storytellers and snake charmers take the stage.
Day 8 – Couscous in the souks
You may want to have a light breakfast this morning as you’ll be enjoying a feast for lunch! You’ll meet your guide and head into the souks to buy ingredients for your own delicious meal. When you’ve filled your bags with ingredients it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking in our Moroccan cooking workshop. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional tajine, along with the preparation of couscous, Moroccan salad and other traditional dishes. You’ll then sit down to feast on your first home-made Moroccan meal and be back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 9 – Departure from Marrakech
Today you will be collected from your hotel in Marrakech and transferred to the airport in time for your homebound flight. Want to stay longer? That’s not a problem. Just speak to your Travel Specialist about extending your stay.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Upgrade to our In Style accommodation
For this roundtrip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this roundtrip select our In Style option below.
