13 Days Cultural Tour From Casablanca to Imperial Cities

Before we leave Casablanca for Rabat, we will see the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa. We will then leave Casablanca and head to the capital city of Morocco, Rabat. Rabat rests along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. We will have plenty of time to visit the mausoleum of Mohammed V before checking into our hotel. The mausoleum of Mohammad V is a historical building, located on the opposite side of the Hassan Tower on the Yacoub Al-Mansour esplanade in Rabat. It contains the tombs of the Moroccan king and his two sons, late King Hussan II and Prince Abdallah. The building is considered a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture. After visiting the mausoleum, we will check into our hotel and relax around the pool before dinner.

Before we leave Casablanca for Rabat, we will see the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa. We will then leave Casablanca and head to the capital city of Morocco, Rabat. Rabat rests along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. We will have plenty of time to visit the mausoleum of Mohammed V before checking into our hotel. The mausoleum of Mohammad V is a historical building, located on the opposite side of the Hassan Tower on the Yacoub Al-Mansour esplanade in Rabat. It contains the tombs of the Moroccan king and his two sons, late King Hussan II and Prince Abdallah. The building is considered a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture. After visiting the mausoleum, we will check into our hotel and relax around the pool before dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast, for those that are interested, we can visit the beach in Rabat. It’s unusual to have a capital city set by the sea side. It’s a lovely feature of Rabat. In the afternoon, we will experience a guided tour of the Rabat medina. Then return to the hotel for dinner.

Upon our arrival into the ancient city of Fes we will have a traditional welcome at the Riad Tafililat with a cup of Moroccan Tea and goodies.  We will relax at the riad and enjoy the view of the ancient medina from the terrace before we have dinner.

After breakfast, you will have a day packed with fantastic sights and smells as you tour the historic medina of Fes.  Fes had its’ golden age in the 14th century and today it is bustling with artisans and merchants.  We have an official guide arranged for a guided tour of the medina.  Lunch will be at your leisure in the medina.  Your driver will take you on a tour of the area and then back to the riad for dinner.

After breakfast we will drive to the ancient  city of Volubilis.  Volubilis is a partially excavated Roman city that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.  Later we will take a short drive to the historic city of Meknes.  Meknes was originally founded as a military settlement and has grown into one of Morocco’s beautiful cities with it’s gates, ramparts, mosques and palaces.

After breakfast we will leave the Imperial City of Fes.  This day of driving will take you through the spectacular snow-capped Middle Atlas Mountains.  Pass through Ifrane (Switzerland of Morocco) before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou and  travel up through the magnificent Ziz Gorges.  We will spend the night in the small village of Erfoud at the edge of the Sahara Desert.

After breakfast we will leave Erfoud and our the fabrique of the fossils and head towards the majestic Sahara Desert.  As we drive towards the golden dunes you will experience the wonders of Sahara.    We will visit the small town of Rissanni and then on to  Tombouctou.   Relax around the hotel before beginning your camel ride.  You will leave in time to see the breathtaking sunset at the top of the dunes.  Enjoy a Moroccan dinner in the middle of the dunes and listen to drumming under the moon and stars of the desert sky.  Stay overnight in a comfortable tent/bivouc then rise early, next morning, and view the spectacular sunrise.  Ride your camel back to the hotel for a buffet breakfast. For those of you not taking part in the camel ride, you will have leisure time to relax around the Kasbah.

We will leave the Sahara  towards Dades Gorge and will take a detour to explore the Todra Gorge – the Grand Canyon of the Sahara.  At Boumaine-du-Dades, encounter the dry rugged Dades  Valley, dotted with oasis of figs, olives, date palms and with castellated mud houses hugging  the slopes.  Relax at you hotel Xaluca Dades before dinner.

After breakfast  we will leave Dades Gorge and drive through the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate.   Ouarzazate is located at the gateway to the desert, it was founded in 1928 as a military garrison during French protectorate.  We will tour one of the main attractions, Tiourirt Kasbah, former palace of Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech in the 19th century. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah for lunch and tour of the Kasbah.  Then through the Atlas Mountains and on the Marrakech.  Relax before dinner at the riad.

After breakfast we will begin our guided tour of Marrakech and the medina.    This includes a guided tour with an official guide.  Your sightseeing includes an exploration of the fascinating medina (old town), the Koutubia Mosque, whose minaret dominates the Marrakech skyline.  Also, we will visit the Marjorelle Gardens of Marrakech and discover  the famous Djemaa Fna Square with snake charmers, drummers and the many food stalls.  Have lunch in the medina then back to the riad to prepare for the Fantasia Evening.

For our last day in Marrakech we will take a day tour to Essaouira.   It is a 2.5 hr drive to the coastal town of Essaouira.  You will have time to visit the ramparts and wander through the small medina.    When we return to the city of Marrakech you will have leisure time before dinner.