Enchanting North Morocco: A Circuit of Wonders

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Marrakech airport, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. If you arrive early, you can relax by the hotel pool or explore Marrakech at your leisure. Dinner will be provided at the hotel tonight.

This morning, we will depart from Marrakech and drive approximately 3.5 hours to Casablanca, located on the Atlantic Ocean. After arriving and having lunch, you can explore the city center independently or arrange a visit to the Hassan II Mosque with your guide.

We'll depart from Casablanca early this morning and head to the walled city of Meknes, one of Morocco's Imperial Cities. Our guided tour will include the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, showcasing his magnificent tomb, and the 12th-century Grande Mosque with its impressive green tiled roof. After lunch in Meknes, we'll continue to Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed and well-preserved Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Roman Empire, known for its impressive ruins.

Our final stop today is the holy city of Moulay Idriss, which opened to non-Muslims in 2005. It is where Moulay Idriss introduced Shiism in 789, starting a new dynasty. He also began the construction of the city of Fes, where our journey will end today.

Considered by many to be the largest and oldest medieval city in the world, Fes is over 1,200 years old and renowned for its bustling Medina. Home to 400,000 inhabitants, the Medina is packed with narrow winding streets, mosques, souks, and a vibrant mix of sights, smells, and sounds. We'll spend ample time exploring the Medina, visiting various palaces and mosques (which non-Muslims cannot enter), and browsing many different crafts on sale. Our guided tour will also include Fes's famous dye-pits and tanneries, a traditional Moroccan pharmacy, and pottery workshops. After a long day of walking and exploring, we'll return to our hotel to relax. In the evening, there's an option for a traditional meal in the city with live Moroccan entertainment, including music, belly dancing, and magicians.

After breakfast, we leave Fes and head towards the Rif mountains. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Ouazzane, an important spiritual center in the Islamic world and home to many pillars of Sufism. Ouazzane also hosts the tombs of several important Moroccan saints and is a pilgrimage destination for many Jews.

After a brief visit, we continue into the Rif mountains to the incredible town of Chefchaouen. The medina in Chefchaouen is unmistakable, with its beautiful bright white and blue painted walls, steps, and doors. The medina features traditional Moroccan shops and cafes with authentic dishes, as well as some touristy fare. The central square is the main focus, with the 18th-century Kasbah, central mosque, and several cafes. You'll have time to explore the town, find a nice place to sit and eat, and watch the world go by before we head to our hotel.

Today, you have the freedom to explore Chefchaouen at your own pace. Wander through the steep cobbled lanes, practice your photography, visit the leather and weaving workshops, or relax with a Moroccan tea or coffee in the square.

Alternatively, you can take a scenic drive into the hills to see the Cascades d'Akchour (about 2 hours round trip). Enjoy a beautiful 2-hour hike following the river upstream, passing small cascades to reach the main waterfall and pool. The hike involves significant elevation and many steps, so a moderate level of fitness is required. Bring a bathing suit for a refreshing swim in the large pool below the main falls. Local Berbers offer tajines and snacks, a welcome treat before you head back down and return to Chefchaouen.

Today, we say a fond farewell to Chefchaouen and head to the Maghreb coast, arriving at the significant city of Tangier. Known as the gateway between Africa and Europe, Tangier holds a strategic position at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The city has inspired many artists, including Jack Kerouac, Tennessee Williams, and Matisse, and even hosted the Rolling Stones, who recorded with the legendary Master Musicians of Jajouka.

Tangier's location has given it a fascinating mix of cultures and influences. While exploring, you can visit the port, the old and new medinas, and the Dar el Makhzen, a former sultan's palace now housing a museum of Moroccan artifacts. The many rooftop terrace cafes are also excellent spots to enjoy a drink and watch the world go by.

Today, we'll head south towards Morocco's capital, Rabat. Founded originally in the third century BC, the city boasts historical sites such as the Oudaia Kasbah in its oldest quarter. We'll also visit Rabat's iconic landmarks: Hassan's Tower and the Royal Palace.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Casablanca. The evening is free for you to enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife or dine together at a local restaurant.

After an early morning meal, you have the option to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest of its kind in Morocco. It accommodates up to 25,000 worshippers indoors and another 80,000 in its expansive outdoor area. The mosque boasts the world's tallest minaret standing at 210 meters, topped with a laser that directs light towards Mecca. Notably, it is one of the few mosques in Morocco that welcomes non-Muslim visitors. Set against the backdrop of crashing waves from the nearby sea, this visit comes highly recommended (please note that visits inside the mosque are restricted during Ramadan).

Following our mosque visit, we'll embark on our final tour journey towards Marrakech, reaching in time for lunch. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, or you can opt for a guided tour of the city with our knowledgeable guide. Highlights include the Koutoubia Tower, a sister structure to Seville's Giralda Tower and Rabat's Tower of Hassan, legend has it that the Sultan who commissioned these towers had his architect's eyes gouged out to prevent replication elsewhere. Our tour will also encompass Marrakech's UNESCO-listed medina, brimming with bustling stalls offering spices, crafts, and an array of goods. The tour culminates at Djemaa-el-Fna, Marrakech's iconic central square, which truly comes alive at night with an abundance of street food vendors, performers, and locals mingling in the vibrant atmosphere.

The remainder of the afternoon invites you to unwind by the hotel pool, indulge in a traditional hammam session, delve deeper into the markets, or indulge in some souvenir shopping. We'll reconvene for a final group dinner, after which you may choose to return to the square for a final taste of Moroccan nightlife.

Your Moroccan journey concludes after breakfast today, leaving you with free time until your departure. Our guide or the hotel staff can assist you in arranging a taxi for the brief trip to the airport. Alternatively, should you desire, you have the option to extend your stay in Marrakech to delve deeper into its charms.