Morocco’s Magical Medinas Adventure

Casablanca City
In the first Magical Medina, you will discover 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.

Public Access to the Mosque

The grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque is certainly most notable. But that is not the only reason why this monument is so imposing. The Hassan II Mosque is also an architectural masterpiece. Decorated with marble, wood carvings, and greenery, the Hassan II Mosque is a place to visit with eyes wide open. Yes, the Hassan II Mosque is open for tours.

CATHÉDRALE DU SACRÉ COEUR
Featuring elaborate Moroccan and European architectural styles, Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur is one of the landmark buildings in Casablanca. The cathedral has functioned both as a school and as a theatre.

PLACE MOHAMMED V
Place Mohammed V is a large and vibrant square that can be found in the heart of Casablanca and it is the ideal location to watch the every-day Moroccan city-life from one of the picturesque outdoor cafeterias.

MUSEUM OF MOROCCAN JUDAISM
At the Museum of Moroccan Judaism you can learn about Moroccan Jews, their history and traditional artefacts. Its location, just off one of the main drags, makes it tricky to find it if not familiar with the area

BEACHES AIN DIAB AND LA CORNICHE
Stretching for several kilometers, Ain Diab is a popular area for locals and tourists alike. From Hassan II Mosque to El Hank Lighthouse, Anfaplace and Morocco Mall, this seaside neighborhood offers a wide range of daytime and evening entertainment. Cafes, restaurants, discotheques, swimming pools and private clubs line the wide sandy beach, offering visitors pleasure and entertainment.

PALAIS ROYAL DE CASABLANCA
Palais Royal is an ancient palace of national importance. Although visitors are not allowed inside the building, it is wellworthy to stop by for a few shots as it is one of the city’s most iconic buildings.

PLACE DES NATIONS UNIES
United Nations Square – Place des Nations Unies – is one of the city’s main squares and a vibrant gathering hub from where to start exploring the city. In the surrounding areas, you will find hotels, restaurants, shops and much more.

Fez
In this day of your tour ‘Magical Medinas Adventure’, you will join your private guide on a journey back in time when you visit bustling Fez el-Bali, Fez’s timeless walled city and endless maze of markets. Once a renowned center for learning, this ancient quarter is home to the University of Al Karaouine — one of the oldest still-functioning universities in the world — as well as the 14th-century Medersa Attarine (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture. Take a walking tour from Bab Boujloud to the former home of Jewish philosopher Maimonides, the marvelous Talaa el-Kabira to Nejjarine Fountain and a converted fondouk (inn) exhibiting carpentry artifacts. Later, a panoramic view of the Royal Palace greets you before you continue to the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which houses artistic wood carvings, tribal carpets and ceramics.

THE MELLAH
The 14th-century Jewish quarter of Fès has currently 160,000 inhabitants that live among and along its 9,500 streets. The various sites of Jewish heritage are well worth a visit but due to the maze of streets, it is wise to explore the mellah with an official guide.

JEWISH CEMETERY & HABARIM SYNAGOGUE
In the southwest corner of The Mellah and next to the Habarim Synagogue, a sea of white tombs stretch down the hill, and it is easy to spot which are the graves of rabbis. As this is one of the oldest cemeteries in Morocco, you will find here Rabbi Vidal Hasserfaty, who died in 1600 already.

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

CHOUARA TANNERIES
This famous tannery produces, among the three tanneries in the city of Fès in total, some of the finest leather in the world, using century-old practices and also best materials. Find out more about the interesting procedure by visiting the sight in the oldest medina quarter, and by probably purchasing a souvenir.

MERENID TOMBS AT BORJ NORD
Although dramatically advanced in their state of ruin, some of the ancient tombs and the 16th-century fortress remain their fine original decoration, and they spread a most impressive atmosphere. Best climb up at dusk for enjoying a dramatic and breathtaking view over Fès but keep in mind to head back early as the path is not featured with light.

NEJJARINE MUSEUM
Nejjarine Museum features wooden arts and crafts in a lovely, and well-preserved building that, all alone, is already worth the visit. The museum shows the importance of art craft in Moroccan history, and it provides you with a funded understanding of the country’s history in general as well.

ATTARIN MEDERSA
The Attarin Medersa, a former koran school, might not be the biggest one in town but, instead of an impressive size, quite stunning for many reasons. The different tiles in lovely colors and the overall architecture design make for a place that is a must-see on your 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
The Qalawiya Mosque was first built in 859 by Fatima el-Bint Mohammed bin Abdellah el-Fihri, a pious woman from Kairouan. converted in 933 into a mosque also considered the oldest university in the world, the sanctuary originally consisted of a prayer hall, four naves running parallel to the qibla wall, and a north wall. It included of a large courtyard with a minaret; it was enlarged in 956 during the Zenitic period, and several outer walls were added during the Almohad, Malini, Saad, and Alawite periods (library, qat’a, ablution rooms, etc.). Its capacity is more than 20,000 prayer.

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

EL MOKRI PALACE
Built in the 20th century by the Pasha of Casablanca, the palace is a fine example of Moroccan architecture and a well-known filming location that also holds a music festival. Although the palace is a private, its magnificent design and exterior are well worth a visit.

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 ceramics.

AL-QARAWIYYIN LIBRARY
The Al-Qarawiyyin Library, 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, 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 boutique hotel.

Rabat City
Join your private guide for a city tour 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.

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 up to an old traffic light. From here and from the terrace of the adjacent Café de la Moret, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Rabat, the nearby town of Salé, and the Bourreg River flowing into the sea. Further up, the Udayas Palace, now a national museum, has retained its characteristic simplicity and serenity, while retaining its original period design. The Andalusian-style gardens are an oasis of serenity, with fruit trees, oleanders, and cascading bougainvillea.

BAB ROUAH
The magnificent Bab Rouak, or “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
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
Once intended to be part of the largest mosque in the world, Hassan Tower overlooks the Bouregreg river and offers a fantastic view. Equally spectacular is the square in front of the tower, with multiple 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), which showcases the work of some 200 Moroccan artists, opened in 2014 and was named after the King of Morocco, offering delightful architecture and a variety of temporary exhibitions.

The Red City
Set out to uncover the secrets of Marrakech, including those within its medina, the old walled section of the town. See the Koutoubia Mosque and its stunning 12th-century minaret. Time permitting, you also explore the Saadian Tombs; Bahia Palace; and famed Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square. Experience this beating heart of Marrakech, exploring its souks and witnessing fire-eaters, snake charmers, and street musicians at every turn.

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 Saadi Dynasty royal tombs are beautifully decorated with vaulted ceilings, intricate carvings, and elaborate moldings. It is a very popular place in Marrakech, so be prepared to wait in line.

MENARA GARDENS
The 12th century Menard Gardens are surrounded by olive groves and set in a beautiful and tranquil setting with the Atlas Mountains in the background.

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 visits to the medina and walls. It is recommended that these visits be done in the evening.

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, 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 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
When you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, relax in this garden. Stroll through the shade of the palm trees and observe the beautiful plants, fountains, and birds, and when you tire, relax at the Garden Café.

YVES SAINT LAURENT MUSEUM
2017-inaugurated Yves Saint Laurent Museum strikes visitors with its exceptional architecture. The building made of bricks in curved and straight lines, cubes and patterns contains exhibition halls, an auditorium, and a library.
The YSL Museum is located near Majorelle Garden and – besides temporary exhibitions – displays the essential oeuvre of the French designer. Fashion and design lovers will enjoy an afternoon at this unique museum.

Casablanca, the energy of Moroccan modernity
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 Imlil, where you are greeted by a local and his family, and invited into their home for traditional Berber bread and mint tea.

THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
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.

After breakfast, depart for the airport and board your international flight home. The end of the Magical Medinas Adventure.