Morocco Imperial Cities

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.

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
Medina of Rabat is a must-see site that offers a beautiful touristic attractions also offers a cultural views of the great Morocco. You will enjoy the medina’s busy and colorful alleys and the heritage Chellah necropolis to the buzzing marina, you will explore Rabat’s full complexity.

You will be in love with the straight layout of the city’s historical heart in sharp contrast to the usual maze of streets. A stroll among Rabat’s medina could panned as this: first visit will be the Bab El Had gate and take Souika (public market) Street, the largest known with its dynamic and being full of people for all the day. You will pass over the Es Sabat souk, the shoe market, covered with reed mats and overflowing with Babouches (leather slippers) as well as silver and gold jewelry. You then come to the partially glassroofed Rue des Consuls where craftsmen make woolen carpets, fabrics and copperware. The medina also offers great things with cheap prices and local food, so do not hesitate to try mint tea, Pastillas or tagine.

KASBAH OF THE UDAYAS OUDAYAS
Kasbah Udaya is a city within a city, a bit distant compared to Rabat, and it is even bigger today than it was yesterday. But if there is only one thing to see in Rabat (what a crazy idea!), you must go to Uday.

While in Rabat, don’t forget Oudaya, and when you pass Rue Bazzo on your way to the inevitable Moorish café where you have a great view of the Salé and Bouregregues, stop for a moment… to enjoy the silence of this place, and then you can continue walking and take those little blue alleys, where beautiful encounters await you.

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

CHELLAH NECROPOLIS
Built on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia, the necropolis, described in guidebooks as “the most romantic place in Morocco,” did not always have the charm it has today.

Destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and robbed of its best materials by marauders, it remained in a state of ruin for several hundred years.

HASSAN TOWER
The Hassan Tower, once part of the world’s largest mosque, offers a spectacular view of the Bregregreg River. The square in front of the tower is also impressive with its many columns.

At 10:45 a.m. daily, visitors may enter the courtyard of the Royal Guard Barracks to watch the raising of the national flag. You may also participate in the changing of the guard on horseback, which takes place in front of Hassan Tower at 7:00 a.m. daily.

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.

This day of the Morocco imperial cities tour we 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-coloured city can seem provincial at times but this ancient feeingl 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 travellers 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.
Morocco imperial cities

THE MELLAH
Dating back to the 14th century, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) of Fez is now home to 160,000 people on 9,500 streets. The various Jewish sights are worth seeing, but because of the maze of streets, Mellah is best explored with an official guide.

JEWISH CEMETERY & HABARIM SYNAGOGUE
In the southwest corner of Mellah, 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
Kings Square (Royal Palace) is an elegant building covering at least 80 hectares, with seven 80-foot-tall gates symbolizing the seven days of the week. Although the palace is not open to the public, it is well worth the time to admire its stunning architecture.

CHOUARA TANNERIES
Among 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
The fortresses and tombs built in the 16th century, although dilapidated, still retain the magnificent decorations of the time, creating a very atmospheric atmosphere. Dusk is the best time to take in the spectacular view of Fez, but be sure to leave early as the streets are not lit.ht.

NEJJARINE MUSEUM
The Nejarin Museum is an interesting and well-preserved building with wood artifacts on display 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 want to get away from 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 al-Fihriyah and continually expanded since its construction, the al-Quarouiyyin Mosque, also known as al-Qaraouiyyin, is one of the largest architectural complexes in Fez also a worth must-seeing site that you should visit while you’re in Fes.

BAB BOUJLOUD
You will pass through the blue gate called Bab Bu Jeroud, and we highly recommend that you have a guide to take you around 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
The palace was built in 1906 and is still inhabited by members of the El Mokri family. Nowadays, it’s one of the must-see sites in Fes also a great example of worth heritage. The entire palace, which measures 20,000 square meters, is a testament to perfect taste and sophistication. The ancient palace had magnificent carved moldings, painted wooden ceilings, carved cedar wood, beautiful staircases and windows, and Murano glass chandeliers.

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 through the mosaics and painted ceramics.

AL-QARAWIYYIN LIBRARY
The Al-Qarawiyyin Library, considered the oldest library in the world, founded in Fez over 1000 years ago (9th century), has recently completed restoration work and opened to the public. 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 that is 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.

After breakfast, drive to the city of meknes. A unesco world heritage site and one of Morocco’s imperial cities, it was built in the 17th century by the powerful sultan moulay ismail. continue to volubilis, a unesco world heritage site and home to Morocco’s largest and most impressive roman ruins, with excellently preserved mosaics, return to the hotel in fez city.

MEKNES
Meknes is a city located in the north of Morocco. It is renowned for its imperial past, with remains such as Bab Mansour, a huge door with vaults and mosaic tiling. The gate leads inside the former imperial city. The mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, who made the city his capital in the 17th century, includes courtyards and fountains. To the south, the vast Heri esSouani complex once housed stables and food warehouses

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.

Marrakesh – The City
The city is divided into two highly contrasting districts: the medina, founded by the Almoravids nearly 1,000 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 spark the imagination. Djemaa el-Fna is the heart and soul of Marrakchi life, and really comes alive with the setting of the sun, when a caravanasi of food vendors, selling all manner of Moroccan delicacies, descend onto the square. These are accompanied by snake charmers, wide-eyed story tellers, musicians and performers that lend a medieval scent to the night air. To the north of the square are the important religious buildings and the souks, while to the south are the Imperial quarters where the palaces and monuments of past rulers proudly stand. The Ville Nouvelle, which in comparison to the medina is a decidedly more ordered and sedate affair, divides into the areas of Gueliz and Hivernage. Here you will find an array of civic buildings, international hotels, bars and restaurants typical of any modern European city.

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 City
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
El Badi Palace was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. It originally had 360 rooms, a large courtyard, and a 90 x 20 meter swimming pool.

SAADIAN TOMBS
The Royal tombs of the Saadian dynasty are architectural amazing; adorned with domed ceilings, intricate carvings, and ornate plasterwork. This is a popular sight in Marrakesh, so prepare to stand in line when going there.

MENARA GARDENS
The 12th century Menard Gardens are surrounded by olive groves and set in a beautiful and tranquil setting with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. It looks like an island.

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. The medina and the walls can be toured by a kaliki (horse-drawn carriage), and it is recommended to see them at sunset.

DJEMAA EL-FNA
Jemaa el-Fna is a square and market in the bustling heart of the medina. Especially at dusk on hot days, life in Melaka is at its most colorful and vibrant. Stores sell freshly squeezed juices and restaurants appear (as if they didn’t exist) in the evenings.

MAISON DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE
Located in the heart of the city, this 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 stand 70 meters high and are a spiritual landmark in Marrakech. Unfortunately, only Muslims are allowed to enter, but the building itself is impressive from the outside.

MAJORELLE GARDEN
The garden, with an area of 9000 m2, is one of the most charming and mystical in Morocco. It was created over a period of forty years and is a maze of intersecting paths, overlapping plains and colorful Art Deco Moorish buildings. The garden is a gigantic and sumptuous collection of exotic plants and trees from around the world, conceived in 1922 by the French artist Jacques Majorelle as a refuge and workshop.

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.

Today, choose to remain in Marrakech or enjoy a full-day excursion to the High Atlas Mountains. Admire majestic views of snow-capped peaks as you hike to a picturesque village and spend time with local Berbers in their homes. Learn about daily life while savoring traditional Berber bread and mint tea. Afterward, have lunch before returning to Marrakech. Your farewell dinner tonight is held at a luxurious former palace.

Atlas Mountains

From Marrakesh you can take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains. These tours often include a visit at a Berber village and camel rides. One of the companies providing this kind of tour is 4X4 Camel and they also make a visit at a Berber family’s house, where a meal is served.

Transfer to the Marrakech or Casablanca airport and board your international flight home. End of Morocco imperial cities tour.