TRIP DESCRIPTION:
Featuring an extraordinary mix of nature, history and culture, embark on a journey through the Four Imperial Cities of Morocco – Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat and a glance of the Atlas Mountain. Admire the Andalusian gardens of the capital city Rabat, the historical palaces of Meknes, the medieval alleys of Fes, the majestic mosque of Casablanca, explore the ancient medinas of each imperial cities and learn the history behind its walls, get a glimpse of Morocco’s flora and fauna through the Atlas Mountain and be swept away by the magic whims of Marrakech. You can have it all with this 8-Day Trip to the Atlas Mountain and Imperial Cities of Morocco.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Enjoy the magical whims of Marrakech through its palaces, mosques, gardens and squares tucked in the bustling medina
- Appreciate the beauty of one of Morocco’s most beautiful natural sites in the Atlas Mountains located in the Azilal region – the Ouzoud Waterfalls
- Embark on a scenic ride towards the Lake of Bin El Ouidane in the Atlas Mountains
- Explore Azrou and Ifrane on your way to Fes
- Discover Fes commonly known as the cultural capital of Morocco and be transported in history through one of the oldest medinas in the world
- Observe manual process of leather dying in Chaouara tannery
- Marvel on the historical Roman sites of Volubilis
- Wander around Meknes, which was firstly founded as a military settlement and became a capital of Morocco during the 17th century
- Visit the administrative capital of Morocco – Rabat
- Admire the exquisite architecture of Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which it the largest city of the country
- Explore the Botanical Gardens of Majorelle
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: MARRAKECH
Welcome to Morocco. Our driver will meet you at the airport. You will be transferred to your hotel or riad. You’ll have this day to get yourself settled in, take enough rest and prepare yourself for the days of exploration ahead.
DAY 2: MARRAKECH – OUZOUD WATERFALLS – BIN EL OUIDANE
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel / riad from Marrakech. Start the day by discovering the ancient monuments of the Bahia Palace and Saadian tombs.
No visit to Marrakech is ever complete without wandering around its medina. Walk around the infamous Jemaa El-Fna square and discover mosques, fountains, gardens, hammams and ovens inside the maze of winding alleys of the medina.
In the afternoon, you will have a nature stop in Middle Atlas in the Azilal Province where you can appreciate the beautiful view of Ouzoud Waterfalls, known as one of Morocco’s most beautiful natural sites.
End the day by enjoying a scenic ride towards the Lake of Bin El Ouidane where you will spend the night. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.
DAY 3: IFRANE – AZROU – FES
In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we continue towards Fes while passing by Azrou and Ifrane. The region is well-known for its different natural landscapes combined with its European architecture.
Ifrane, also called the Switzerland of Morocco, houses the endangered Barbary macaque and diverse bird species. Stroll through the town center where you’ll find quaint fountains, gardens and chalet-like houses.
We will explore the small Amazigh town of Azrou, which translates to “rock”. The town is popular amongst locals, hikers and picnickers as there is a forest nearby, which is perfect for all activities.
Arrival in Fes in the evening. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
DAY 4: FES
Discover the cultural capital city of Morocco – Fes, a historical city that has one of the oldest medinas in the world. Allow yourselves to be transported back in history through its mosques, madrasas, fortified doors, palaces and squares.
Start the tour at the medina ramparts. Visit Fes El Jadid, the Jewish quarter called Mellah and the gates of the royal palace.
Continue to Quaraouiyine University, which is one of the most famous medrasas, as it is known as the oldest university in the world.
Head to the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II. Moulay Idriss II was one of the rulers of Morocco and was considered the founder of Fes.
Finally, visit the Chaouara tannery, which is the largest and best-known tanneries in Fes, where you’ll observe the completely manual process of leather dying.
DAY 5: VOLUBILIS – MEKNES
Go back in time and discover the great historical monuments that fill the Imperial City and Roman Ruins on a Full Day Trip from Fes to Meknes and Volubilis.
Visit Volubilis, a remarkable Roman site known for its mosaics, monumental arches and Corinthian columns. A whole hidden history of different periods from the timeline of this region is protected to be discovered by generations and visitors from all over the world.
The tour of Meknes begins at the Gate of Bab El Mansour. Right in front of this amazing gate, we will pass through Place El-Hedim. The square is a smaller version of Jemaa El-Fnaa Square in Marrakech where you can shop for traditional crafts or sit by the café and relax.
We will stop and visit the Musée Dar Jamaï. Passing through the narrow streets of the medina, visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
Dinner and overnight in the riad in Meknes.
DAY 6: RABAT
You leave Meknes crossing the foothills of the Middle Atlas, before going along the forest of Mamora to arrive in Rabat. Rabat is the administrative capital of Morocco. It is a modern city but behind its ramparts is a pleasant and bustling medina.
Discover Chellah, a necropolis and complex of ancient Roman and medieval ruins on the mouth of Bou Regreg River at the outskirts of Rabat.
Rabat City tour will introduce you to the city’s main tourist features such as Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Oudayyas Kasbah and the old medina.
Dinner and overnight in the riad in Rabat.
DAY 7: CASABLANCA
Take a one hour drive from Rabat to Casablanca. Explore the largest city of Morocco. Casablanca is a modern city with its major French influence.
An architectural treat, visit the popular Hassan II Mosque and admire its exquisite craftsmanship. Sitting pretty on an outcrop over the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside with additional room for 80,000 worshippers in its courtyard.
Walk along the Corniche and enjoy a satisfying lunch after. (at your own expense)
Continue your trip to Marrakech. Visit the Majorelle Garden. This blue botanical garden is made by the famous painter and artist Jacques Majorelle. It took him about 40 years of passion and dedication to create this piece of art in nature.
Dinner and overnight in the riad in Marrakech.
DAY 8: MARRAKECH
After breakfast, our tour concludes and we say goodbye. Our driver will transfer you to the airport.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Half-board accommodations in hotels and riads(dinner and breakfast included)
- Air-conditioned minivan or 4WD Fuel included
- Professional driver/ Guide
- Guided Tours
- Bottled water during the tour
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Tips and Gratuities
- Lunch and Drinks
- Entrance fees
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Departure Time: 9:00 AM
Arrival Time: 8:00 PM
