Itinerary

DAYS 1 & 2

Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the “Pearl of Morocco,” which stands high on the steep southern bank of the Bouragrag, where the green Bouragrag River meets the blue Atlantic. The afternoon is at leisure for you to rest from your flight, or to begin exploring this fascinating city on your own. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail and dinner party, your Travcoa Travel Director will tell you about the intriguing itinerary ahead.

Sofitel Jardin des Roses, Rabat

DAYS 3 – 5

Fes is the oldest traditional city in Morocco — and the religious and cultural capital of the country. You’ll visit the old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where brass makers, storytellers and performers all ply their trade. In Volubilis, experience the ancient past as we wander among imposing ruins of Roman Africa. Continue through Moulay Idriss — a holy city founded in the 8th century by Moulay Idriss I, who brought the Islamic faith to Morocco and created the first Arab dynasty. You’ll see the 9th-century Karaouine Mosque and University, the second most important Islamic University in the world after El Azhar in Cairo, with its medersas (colleges) of Bou Inaninia and Attarine. Visit the markets and souqs of the Medina where the brass makers, storytellers and performers ply their trades. Being the largest medina in the Maghreb, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia combined, it is easy to get lost in this endless labyrinth of narrow streets. The entire old town of Fes has been declared a UNESCO World Cultural Treasures Site — citing the palaces, mosques, medrasas, zaouias and fountains as being among the most beautiful in Morocco.

On Day 5 you’ll have a full-day excursion that begins with a short drive to Volubilis, an imposing Roman ruin. The capital of the Roman Province of Mauritania, it was founded in the 3rd century B.C., and became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and the administrative center for Roman Africa. Continue via Moulay Idriss, the Holy City, which was founded in the 8th century by Moulay Idriss I, who brought the Islamic religion to Morocco and created the first Arab dynasty. He was the great-grandson of the Prophet Mohamed. You’ll arrive in Meknes for an afternoon tour of the third of the Imperial Cities.

Sofitel Palais Jamai Hotel, Fes

DAY 6

This morning, drive to fabled Casablanca. Situated on the Atlantic, Casablanca has one of the largest artificial ports in the world. Casablanca can trace its roots back to a 10th-century B.C. settlement believed to have been erected by Berber fishermen. Your afternoon tour of Casablanca includes Place Mohamed V, a busy shopping street lined by residential blocks dating from the 1930s. Get a true feel for the intrigue that is Casablanca with a visit to the Habbous district with its shaded squares and narrow streets lined with arcades that lead from one souq to another. Stroll around the League of Arab States Park, with its palm trees, arcades, pergolas and shady cafes, and view the gateway of the royal palace.

Le Royal Mansour Méridien, Casablanca

DAYS 7 & 8

This morning, take in the beauty and majesty of the impressive Hassan II Mosque. Built for the 60th birthday of former Moroccan King Hassan II, it is the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. The towering minaret is the tallest in the world and is visible day and night for miles. Over 6,000 Moroccan artisans worked for five years on the mosaics, stone and marble floors and columns, sculpted plaster moldings, and carved and painted wood ceilings. On Day 8, we’ll soar over the high Atlas Mountains on our flight to Ouarzazate, gateway to the Sahara. The city is rich with traditional Kasbah-style architecture. Explore the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive 11th-century structure and one of the most spectacular sights in Morocco. Tour of an oasis on camels and enjoy a mint tea tasting under a Berber tent. Enjoy a camel ride on a tour of an oasis and a mint tea tasting under a Berber tent.

Le Berbere Palace Hotel, Ouarzazate

DAYS 9 – 12

Marrakech, the second of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, is at the crossroads of Arab, Berber and Sudanese civilizations. One of the world’s most mysterious and fascinating cities, Marrakech has a memorable beauty, with its palm-lined streets and red earth walls surrounding a huge medina of flat-roofed, red houses. View the city gardens of the old medina of Marrakech, and stroll in Djamaa El F’na Square to browse through the many souqs. On our private historical tour, we’ll see the stately 11th-century Koutoubia minaret. Afterward, visit the aristocratic El Bahia Palace. On our final day, we’ll celebrate with a classic Moroccan feast while enjoying a folklore performance.

La Mamounia, Marrakech

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