IMPERIAL CITIES, GREAT SOUTH, AND THE COAST

13 nights

Day 1: – Casablanca

On arrival into Casablanca airport, you will be welcomed by your guide, and transferred chauffeur driven to your hotel in the city.

Day 2: – Casablanca – Fes

Morning visit of the remarkable Hassan II mosque, one of only two mosques in Morocco open to non Muslims. Built by the late King Hassan II at the end of his 40-year reign, this astounding edifice is larger than Saint Peter’s in Rome and capable of holding 80,000 worshippers.

Continue to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, sprawled over a wildflower-dotted hillside. Excavated by the French in 1915, these Roman ruins date back to the 3rd century AD.

Then drive to the Imperial city of Meknes, known as the “Moroccan Versailles” and founded in the 17th century by King Moulay Ismail. Meknes is famous for its 25-milelong walls.

Arrival in Fes in the afternoon.

Day 3: – Fes

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fes el Bali was founded in the 9th century and is home to the oldest university in the world. Fes reached its height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Merinids, when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the medina – madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains – date from this period. Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fez has retained its status as the country’s cultural and spiritual centre.

Artisan workshops in the medina are as active today as 100 years ago, and strongly contribute to the city’s industrial economy. Trades such as metal and leather working, ceramics, silk, tapestries, and sculpting are still practiced in these workshops. Original ramparts still protect the ancient city and its’ 9000 passageways and narrow streets.

Day 4 : – Fes – Bhali – Sefrou – Fes

Full day excursion to Bhali and Sefrou.

Bhalil, a hamlet built in a narrow mountain valley, claims ancient Christian origins, even prior to the arrival of Islam. You’ll have the chance to witness local Berber village life, far from the hustle and bustle of Fes or Meknes.
Continue to the ancient town of Sefrou, with its ochre walls and its nine ‘Babs’, or gateways. We make a short stop to visit the 8th. Century Ksar el Kelaa, once the barracks of the Berber army of Moulay Idriss I, passing by the small medina and maze-like Mellah, or Jewish Quarter.

Day 5: – Fes – Rabat

After breakfast, transfer to Rabat. You will visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V which commemorates the sultan who enabled Morocco to achieve independence, the incomplete Hassan Tower which is modeled on the famous Koutoubia minaret of Marrakech, and finally the Kasbah Oudaya and its gardens.

Day 6: – Rabat – Marrakech

Morning transfer to Marrakech. Rest of the day at your leisure – ask us about activities available in the city.

Day 7: – Marrakech.

Marrakech, founded almost 1000 years ago, is also known as the “red city” and is perhaps the most famous city in Morocco. A combination of the old (the Medina) and the new (Guéliz), Marrakech is an exotic cocktail of sights and sounds.

There are many historical places of interest to see including and the extraordinary Jemaa el-Fna, the main square in Marrakech. In the evenings, the square becomes a venue for alfresco eating and entertainment with troupes of costumed acrobats, storytellers, magicians, dancers, and semi-mystical Gnawa musicians. The souks offer a vast array of merchandise & offer an insight into a way of life unchanged in centuries.

The “new town” Guéliz, built by the French in the 1930’s, is a total contrast to the Medina with its broad avenues, modern shops and cafés. The most visited site in Guéliz is the “Jardins Marjorelle” created by Yves St Laurent. A haven of peace set in an exotic garden.

Day 8: – Marrakech – Agafay – Marrakech.

Day excursion b y 4×4 WD to the desert of Agafay. Located some 30 kms away from Marrakech, this arid extension spreads over hundreds of hectares of lunar landscapes where a range of outdoor activities are available for the adventurous.

Day 9: – Marrakech – High Atlas mountains

After breakfast you will be met at your accommodation and driven into the foothills of the stunning High Atlas Mountains. Here, you will have lunch at the world-renowned Kasbah du Toubkal, a stunning mountain retreat, standing 1800 metres above sea level. The Kasbah is located in the midst of reddish-brown mountains, walnut groves and mud-brick villages with the towering snow capped Jbel Toubkal rising 4165 metres steeply behind. The local Berber inhabitants live a way of life that has hardly changed in centuries. You will stay at the Kasbah du Toubkal on a full board basis and will have local guides and their mules at your disposal.

Day 10: – Imlil

Your trekking guide will meet you at Kasbah du Toubkal for half day trek. The trek is a gradual climb through a forest of junipers and oaks offering panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and the Imlil valley.

Back to the Kasbah. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 11 – Imlil – Essaouira

Morning transfer to the city of Essaouira.

Day 12: – Essaouira

Essaouira is a magical fortified coastal town on the Atlantic Ocean. Built by the Portuguese in the 17th C., the pace of life here is relaxed and slow, in contrast to Marrakech.
The fishing port creates a backdrop to the white painted buildings of the Medina. The souk is small by comparison to Marrakech and easy to navigate. Essaouira is a haven for artists and handmade works of art are abundant. Being a fishing port, fresh fish is readily available and lunch on the port is a must as the day’s catch is cooked in front of you. The wide sweeping beach offers windsurfing, kite-surfing, camel and horse riding and quad bike excursions.

This small town was once 33% Jewish and had over thirty synagogues. An 18th century synagogue may still be visited.

Day 13:– Essaouira – Safi – Oualidia – El Jadida – Casablanca

Early morning transfer to Casablanca. En route, visit Safi and it’s seaport on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a centre for the fishing industry of Morocco and also for the export of phosphates. The city was held by the Portuguese until 1541. Subsequently it came under French control until Morocco became an independent nation in 1956. Continuation to Oualidia by the sea, time for lunch and continue to El Jadida. Explore this beautiful town including its famous citadel, built by the Portuguese in ancient times. Arrival to Casablanca late afternoon.

Day 14: – Casablanca

Transfer to Casablanca airport for your onward flight out.