Magical Morocco Journey

Casablanca, the energy of Moroccan modernity
Explore vibrant Casablanca, visiting the ornate Hassan II Mosque, the tallest religious structure in the world. Drive to Fez and check in to your hotel.

Hassan II Mosque
The highlight of Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque overlooking the sea (two-thirds of the mosque is built over the sea.) Completed in 1993, the Hassan II Mosque is the second tallest religious building in the world. The minaret, 210 meters above sea level, can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers.

The third day of this magical Morocco journey is dedicated to step back in time into ancient and remarkably untouched Fez el-Bali (“Old Fez”), the cultural heart of Morocco. Wander among the 9,000 lanes, alleys and souks that shape its old quarter, where locals conduct their day-to-day business. Later, discover Fez el-Jadid (“New Fez”), home to the mellah, the old Jewish quarter, with its wrought iron-decorated windows and carved wood balconies. Tonight, dine at a traditional Moroccan riad.

Fes – The City
Life in this sand-colored city can seem provincial at times but this ancient feeing only adds to its charm, and its sense of otherness: while donkeys still navigate the Medina as the main mode of transport for goods, you will see everything from cases of Coca-Cola to mattresses perched expertly and delicately atop the backs of docile beasts.
Fès is known for its handicrafts, and particularly for its famous blue and white tiles. Arabic is the main language in Morocco but French is widely spoken so it gets easier to get around compared to many other Arabic countries. People in Fès are exceptionally friendly and hospitable, and they love to talk to travelers and to proudly boast about their city. If you speak with locals for any length of time, be prepared to be invited to their house for tea – this is a genuine and innocent offer, so do not shy away from it, as it is a great way to get to know people and to get a feel for life here.

THE MELLAH
This Jewish quarter extends south from Bou Khesissat Street and became the first separate Jewish quarter in Moroccan history in 1438. During this period of fanaticism encouraged by the Almohad dynasty, the Sultan, in order to protect the Jewish population of the city, ordered a quarter to be built for them in Fes el Jedid next to the royal palace.

JEWISH CEMETERY & HABARIM SYNAGOGUE
In the southwest corner of Melacha, on a slope next to the synagogue of Habarim, a sea of white tombs makes it easy to find the rabbi’s grave, which is considered one of the oldest cemeteries in Morocco, since Rabbi Vidal Hasselfati, who died in 1600, is buried there.

ROYAL PALACE DAR EL-MAKHZEN
The Royal Place is a graceful building with an impressive surface of 80 hectare, and its seven 80 feet high doors symbolize the seven days of the week. Although the palace is not open to public, it is worth the visit for an astonishing view onto its outstanding structure.

CHOUARA TANNERIES
Between the three tanneries in the city of Fez, this famous factory produces some of the finest leather in the world, using age-old methods and the finest materials. Visit this oldest part of the medina to discover this interesting process and buy some souvenirs.

MERENID TOMBS AT BORJ NORD
Some of the tombs and the 16th century fortifications are very dilapidated, but the beautiful decorations of the time remain, creating an emotional atmosphere. The best time to visit is at dusk, when you can get a panoramic view of Fez, but be sure to return early, as the trail is not illuminated.

NEJJARINE MUSEUM
The Nejjarine Museum is an interesting and well-preserved building with wooden artifacts that is well worth a visit. It demonstrates the importance of arts and crafts in the history of Morocco and provides a deeper understanding of the country.

ATTARIN MEDERSA
The Attarine Medersa, a former madrasa, may not be the largest in the city, but it is impressive in many ways, not just for its size. The colorful tiles and architecture make it a must-see addition to any itinerary.

JNAN SBIL GARDEN
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Fez, this little hideaway is for you. With beautiful French-influenced gardens and a lovely waterfall, it is a relaxing place to spend some time

KARAOUIYNE MOSQUE
Built in 859 under Fatima Fihriya, the mosque is still a place of spirituality, worship and scholarship. Its scholars were honored and respected by the Moroccan sultans, who consulted them on all matters of religion and way of life. The people of Fez, who regarded them as a standard, also turned to them for advice.

The building, which served first as a mosque and then as a university, was built by permission of Yahya I, the grandson of Idriss II al-Azhar, and did not exceed 1,248 m2. It has been enlarged, rebuilt and repaired by successive dynasties in Fez.

BAB BOUJLOUD
You will pass through a blue gate called Bab Bu Jeroud, and we highly recommend that you have a guide take you through it and talk to you about the history of the gate. There are also many restaurants in the area where you can have lunch or refreshments.

EL MOKRI PALACE
Located in the heart of the medina, the El Mokri Palace in Fez is a symbol of the ancient art of the Moroccan kingdom. The works of carpenters, zeri (floor and wall decorators) craftsmen, and plaster sculptors can be seen here. Today, new generations of youth artisans are being taught and following several traditional arts at El Mokri Palace.

ART NAJI
The family business has been making ceramics for generations and is known by local residents for its beautiful products. This authentic store offers everything from vases to plates and cups. Please take your time to browse the mosaics and painted potterme.

AL-QARAWIYYIN LIBRARY
The Al-Qarawiyyin Library, considered the oldest library in the world, founded in Fez over 1000 years ago (9th century), recently opened to the public after restoration work was completed. The library is still in use as the library of the University of Qarawiyyin and is the oldest continuous library in the world.

BOU INANIA MEDERSA
Medersa Bu Inania is a religious and educational building in Talaa Kebira, a remarkable work of art in itself.

Ask for a guide to help you better understand Medersa and its history, and you will be fascinated by its atmosphere.

Meknes, Volubilis
Depart for Volubilis to see its triumphal arches, basilicas and skyline peppered with some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. You also view superbly preserved mosaic floors — arguably the city’s greatest treasures — with some of its most enthralling examples depicting Orpheus charming animals with his lyre and Amphitrite in a chariot drawn by a seahorse. Continue to Meknes, one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Impressive monuments recall the splendor of a city built by a powerful 17th-century sultan, such as the great Bab Mansour gateway and the royal stables. Later, travel to Rabat, where you check in to your hotel.

Meknes
Meknes is a city in northern Morocco. Remnants of the imperial period can still be seen in the Bab Mansour, a huge gate with vaults and mosaics. This gate leads into the interior of the former imperial city.

The mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made the city his capital in the 17th century, has a courtyard and a fountain. To the south is the huge Keryes Suani complex, which once housed stables and supplies.

Volubilis

Not far from busy Fès, the former Roman city of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains ancient vestiges of the Roman Empire. You can easily spend hours here taking in all the colorful mosaics, and for exploring the ruins of houses, gates, and palaces. To get here, you can either join an organized tour from Fès or catch a train to Meknes nearby

Rabat
Join your private guide for a city tour in this magical Morocco journey highlighting Rabat’s cultural influences and the well-preserved relics of its Moorish past. See the 12th-century Hassan Tower, located alongside the mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, and visit the Oudaya Kasbah, perched atop a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Continue overland to Marrakech, the “Pearl of the South,” and arrive at your beautiful riad-style hotel.

Rabat – The City
Rabat may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to Morocco – resulting in a more laid-back atmosphere compared to other cities. Nevertheless, Rabat is buzzing with life and attracts visitors with several must-sees. Protected by powerful ramparts, the medina reflects the soul of the old Almohad city. Souika street and its shops present magnificent rugs, the delicate work of copperware artisans, succulent pastries and appetizing brochettes. Rue des Consuls – which got its name because this is where representatives of foreign nations resided – is flanked by elegant residences where the craftsmen practice their art under the watchful eyes of passersby. Rabat offers commercial, modern districts as well – plus a busy marina and a city beach. Salé, vis-à-vis Bouregreg river, is also worth a visit

MEDINA
From the medina’s busy and colorful alleys and the peaceful Chellah necropolis to the buzzing marina, you will discover Rabat’s full complexity.
In contrast to the maze of streets, the historic city center is linear and impressive. A walk through Rabat’s medina might look something like this. From the Bab el-Had gate, walk down Suik Street, the largest and busiest street in the medina. You will arrive at al-Sabat, a reed mat-covered shoe market selling baboush (leather slippers), silver and gold jewelry. Then, on the partially glazed Consular Street, artisans make wool rugs, textiles, and copper objects. The medina also offers cheap local food, so don’t hesitate to try mint tea, marshmallows, tagines, and more.

KASBAH OF THE UDAYAS OUDAYAS
Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat’s nedina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere.
A cobblestone path leads to El Attica Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city, and to an old traffic light. From here and the terrace of the adjacent Café de la Moret, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Rabat, the nearby town of Salé, and the Boulleg River flowing into the sea. Further up, the Udayas Palace, now a national museum, has retained its characteristic simplicity and serenity, while preserving its original period decor. The Andalusian-style gardens are an oasis of serenity, with fruit trees, oleanders, and cascading bougainvillea.

BAB ROUAH
The magnificent Bab Rouak, known as the “Gate of the Winds,” is monumental. The richness of the ornamentation is remarkable, and it also serves as an exhibition hall: under the ornate arches of its four square halls are placed works by famous Moroccan artists.

CHELLAH NECROPOLIS
We invite you to visit this tranquil place. The last dwelling of the Marinids is protected by strong walls and is a favorite nesting place for storks. The ancient Roman town of Sale was also located here. You can admire the remains of the Arc de Triomphe, the square, the thermal baths, and various stores.

HASSAN TOWER
A 140-foot-tall red stone minaret built during the reign of Yaqub el-Mansur, Almohad Sultan dynasty, who ruled in 1184.

Building of Hassan’s Tower began around 1195 and was to be the largest mosque in the world. The structure was inspired by various Islamic and Moorish design, including Marrakech, Al-Andalus, and Alexandria in Spain. However, the ruler of Almohad Caliphate did not move to Rabat, but was in Marrakech.

This icon nowadays, along with the adjacent mausoleum, is a major landmark in Rabat and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to see the beautiful decorative panels of the Sekouba outside and the very photogenic stump pillars. Sunrise and sunset light give the place a special beauty and are the best times to visit.

MOHAMMED VI MUSEUM OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI), featuring the work of nearly 200 Moroccan artists, opened in 2014 and is named after the King of Morocco. The museum offers beautiful architecture and a wide variety of exhibitions.

After breakfast, head to Marrakech, and arrive in the afternoon. Marrakesh is considered the “pearl of the south” and was once the capital of an empire that stretched from Spain to Senegal, and is known as the “red city” for the distinctive forms of its brick buildings.

Continuing of our magical Morocco journey we will discover Marrakech’s ancient medina, the old walled section of the city. Explore the Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts), a former palace. Continue to El Badi Palace and view the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, a landmark Islamic religious structure in Marrakech. Stroll through Djemaa el-Fna square, where fire-eaters, mime artists and street musicians perform

Marrakesh
The city divides into two highly contrasting districts. The medina, founded by the Almoravids nearly 1000 years ago, and the Ville Nouvelle, a French colonial modernist project from the early 20th century. It is the medina, and its central square Djemaa el-Fna, that will undoubtedly fire the imagination

EL BADI PALACE
Badi means “incomparable. The remains of the palace perfectly illustrate the size and importance of the building at the time of its construction. Today there is a huge esplanade preserved with old water features adorned with orange trees. A large pool stretches across the width of the plaza. Cross the bridge and you get to the Marrakech Museum of Photography and Visual Arts.

SAADIAN TOMBS
The Saadi Dynasty tombs are beautifully decorated with vaulted ceilings, intricate carvings, and intricate stucco work. It is a very popular place in Marrakech, so be prepared to wait in line.

MENARA GARDENS
Menard Gardens is a botanical garden adjacent to the Atlas Mountains, west of Marrakech, Morocco, created in the 12th century by Abd al-Mumin, ruler of the Almohad Caliphate. The name Menara comes from the small pyramid-shaped, green-roofed pavilion, which means lighthouse. Although there is no real lighthouse in the gardens, all the buildings on the hill, including the Menaret Manara Mosque, are called Menara by the locals.

THE SOUKS
Stroll through this maze of markets and let the sights, smells, and sounds overwhelm your senses. If you feel the urge to shop, be prepared to bargain.

CITY WALLS
The 12-kilometer-long Marrakech Wall was built more for its outward beauty than for its defensive function. Today, it is the perfect place to spend a romantic moment with a loved one. Horse-drawn carriages are available for tours of the medina and walls. This tour is best done at dusk.

DJEMAA EL-FNA
Djemaa El-Fna is a square and marketplace in the pulsing heart of the medina. This is where Marakshi life is at its most colorful and vibrant, particularly when dusk falls on another balmy day. Vendors sell freshly squeezed fruit juices, and as the night progresses eateries appear out of (what seems like) thin airDjemaa el Fna Square is one of the most important cultural squares in Marrakech; it has been one of the city’s symbols since its founding in the 11th century and is characterized by a very concentrated Moroccan folk cultural tradition expressed in music, religion and various artistic expressions. So, visiting Marrakech is incomplete without visiting this dynamic Square.

MAISON DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE
Located in the heart of the city, the museum presents the history of Morocco through 3,500 photographs taken between 1870 and 1950. From its rooftop, one of the highest in the region, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view while having a light meal.

ALI BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA
Madrasah Ali Ben Yousef is an old Koranic school built in the 14th century. At its peak, it had 900 students and was the largest seminary in North Africa; it was closed in the 1960s and reopened as a public place in 1982. Although it does not look like much from the outside, inside you will be amazed at its beauty.

KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE AND MINARET
Built in 1120, the Koutoubiya Mosque and its minaret stands 70 meters high and is a spiritual landmark in Marrakech. Unfortunately, only Muslims are allowed to enter, but the building itself is impressive from the outside.

MAJORELLE GARDEN
When you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect retreat. Take a walk in the shade of the palm trees, observe the beautiful plants, fountains, and birds, and when you tire, relax in the garden café.

YVES SAINT LAURENT MUSEUM
Opened in 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum of Fine Arts surprises with its unusual architecture. The brick building combines curves and lines, cubes and motifs, and houses exhibition rooms, an auditorium, and a library.

The YSL Museum of Art, located next to the Majorelle Gardens, displays most of the French fashion designer’s work and also holds special exhibitions. Those interested in fashion and design will enjoy spending time at this unique museum.

Atlas Mountains
Today, discover the gorgeous Atlas Mountains, North Africa’s greatest mountain range. En route, admire majestic views of snow-capped mountains and spy the tiny Berber villages nestled in the hills. Experience one firsthand when you exchange your car for a mule and ride to hilltop Imli, where you are greeted by a local and his family, and invited into their home for traditional Berber bread and mint tea. With the help of your private guide, enjoy the opportunity to talk with this welcoming local and his family, immersing yourself in a fascinating way of life. Afterward, stop for lunch at the opulent, hilltop Kasbah Tamadot before returning to Marrakech.

ATLAS MOUNTAINS
From Marrakech, day trips to the Atlas Mountains are possible. Visits to Berber villages and camel rides are common excursions. One company that offers such excursions is 4X4 Camel. You will also visit and dine with a Berber family.

Transfer to the Marrakech or Casablanca airport and board your international flight home. End of our Magical Morocco Journey.