Beyond The Gateways Of The Imperial Cities
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrive in Casablanca & onto Rabat
On arrival in Casablanca, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred directly 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 2 – 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 3 – Train to Meknes
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 4 – Travel to Fez via Volubilis
This morning you’ll travel by private car to the ruined Roman city of Volubilis, once the most remote city of the Roman Empire and only a 45-minute drive from Meknes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features many beautiful mosaics. If you want to learn more about the ruins then guides can be organised on the spot.
From Volubilis you’ll drive for a further 30 minutes on to Fez: the oldest of Morocco’s four Imperial cities, and often referred to as the cultural capital. You’ll be warmly welcomed into your accommodation: a simple riad located close to the medina. The rooms are cosy and furnished in a typical Moroccan style. After settling into the riad, depending on your arrival time, plunge into the labyrinth of small alleys of the souks and take in the exotic sights, smells and sounds. There’s no need to worry about finding somewhere for dinner. Fez is known for its culinary scene and there are plenty of traditional eateries and street food stalls where you can enjoy a tagine, couscous, and pastilla.
Day 5 – Discover Fez
Today you have the whole day free to discover Fez. 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 6 – Depart Fez
There’s plenty to see and do in Fez so you may wish to extend your stay by another night or two. Otherwise, continue your Moroccan journey.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Beyond The Gateways Of The Imperial Cities: Fez to Rabat
This bite-sized trip can be done in reverse from Fez via Meknes to Rabat. This is a great option if you’re flying home from Casablanca. If this routing fits better with your plans then select the option below.
Upgrade to our In Style accommodation
For this bite-sized trip 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 bite-sized trip select our In Style option below.
