Highlights of Morocco

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca.

Depart to Casablanca via overnight flight.

Day 2: Casablanca-Rabat-Hassan Tower-Kasbah Oudaya-Chella.

After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to Rabat (one hour) along the direct highway.

Rabat is a cultural city steeped in history. Many masterpieces decorate its streets and squares. You will visit the infamous uncompleted Hassan tower. The minaret was projected to be the largest of its type of all-time, yet unfortunately the construction processes stopped suddenly following the death of al-Mansur in 1199.

Continue to the 11th-century fortress walls of Kasbah Oudaya. When you reach the Kasbah’s southern end, you’ll find the tranquil Andalusian Gardens, while at the district’s northern tip is a platform offering panoramic views over both the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Salé to the north.

Suggested lunch at Restaurant Marsa (not included). Following lunch, you will visit Chellah, the roots of which go back to Phoenician times. The Romans and the corsairs of later eras operated from this fortress located above the banks of the Bouregreg river. Today, Chellah is a collection of amazing ruins, a citadel and lush gardens. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Rabat. (D)

Day 3: Rabat-Volubilis-Fez.

Transfer to Fez (+/- 2 hours, 20 minutes). On the way, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis, which overlooks the fertile plains of the Meknes region near the foot of Mt. Zerhoun. Intact mosaics, restored arches and olive oil presses give one a sense of the importance of this outpost on the fringes of the empire. Visit the Triumphal Arch, Basilica, Diana and the Bathing Nymphs.

Upon arrival in Fez, take a panoramic view of the Medina from Borj Sud Fortress. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Fez. (B,D)

Day 4: Fez-Full Day Visit.

Start the day with a walking tour in the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) of Fez. You will cross through an area known for its goldsmithing and continue across the street to Fez Jadid passing ancient homes to the entry called Bab Semmarine. The entryway was built by the Marinid Dynasty in the late 13th century. Continue through the famous public Jnane Sbil Gardens to the Blue Gates of the old city, known as Bab Bou Jeloud visiting one of the famous tile and ceramic factories. Ceramics and tile production here have been world famous for centuries due to unique soil composition of Fez, which is perfect for the production of these indigenous art creations. See from start to finish how these wonderful mosaic tile creations are made and have an opportunity to bring home a souvenir. Then visit the University of al-Qarawiyyin, also written Al Quaraouiyine or Al- Karaouine. It is the oldest existing, continually operating, and the first degree-awarding educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records.

Visit the Medersa Bou Inania – The name Bou Inania (Bū ‘Ināniya) comes from the first part of the sultan’s name Abou Inan. The medersa (school) functioned both as an educational institute and as a congregational mosque, much like a private boarding school of today. This is the only medersa in Fez with a minaret. Opposite the main doorway, is the entrance to the dar al-wuū (ablutions house) for washing limbs and face before prayers. Left and right of the central court there are classrooms. Lunch in the Medina of Fes (Restaurant Nejjarine, not included).

After lunch, visit the iconic Chouara Tannery, one of the three tanneries in the city of Fez. Built in the 11th century, it is the largest tannery in the city. It is located in the Fes el Bali, the oldest medina quarter of the city, near the Saffarin Madrasa, along the river. Since the inception of the city, the tanning industry has been continually operating in the same fashion as it did in the early centuries. It’s best to head up to the balcony of the shop that will welcome you with a sprig of mint and a memorable view. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Fez. (B,D)

Day 5: Fez-Merzouga.

Get an early start to your day. We will travel to the heart of the desert for the next part of our journey. The trip winds through the middle Atlas. Head to the Sahara to the beautiful city of Merzouga (+/- 7-hour drive). Enjoy the scenery going from Mountains, to a cedar wood forest, and to many Amazigh (Berber) cities and villages along the way until you reach the desert.

You will pass through Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, known for its lower temperatures, distinctive architecture, various landscapes, lakes and streams, and many villages along the way. Get back on route through the Ziz Valley. You will see thousands of palm trees, before arriving at Erfoud.

Switch to a 4×4 vehicle and head into the Sahara Desert to your overnight encampment. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a camel ride through the dunes. Dinner and overnight at your tented camp. (B,D)

Day 6: Merzouga-Skoura.

Today we will leave the desert and drive to the oasis town of Skoura (+/- 4.50 hours). Skoura, one of Morocco’s beautiful oases, is located near Ouarzazate near the Atlas Mountains. Visitors usually come to Skoura as a stop for a quick snack and a break before heading to the neighboring cities. However, the city offers its visitors the chance to rest and relax within its charming nature and calming atmosphere. Suggested Lunch on route, to be determined by your expert guide (not included). Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 7: Skoura-Ouarzazate-Ait Ben Haddou-Marrakech.

Head to Ouarzazate (approximately 4 hours), also known as “Morocco’s Hollywood.” Enjoy some touring, including the Taourirt Kasbah, a magnificent structure built by the Glaoui. During the 16th century, Sheikh Abu al Warzazi, the amir of the qasba, established Saadi control over the SousDra’a region. It was first built in the 17th century by a powerful family, the Imzwarn, but was seized and expanded by the Glaoui family in the 19th century. Then head to the spectacular fortress of Ait Ben Haddou. Also called the Ksar (fortified village), it was fortified in the 11th century. It held strategic importance because it was located in the Ounila Valley along one of the main trans-Saharan trade routes. The Ksar is a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. This village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and several major films were filmed here, including Gladiator and The Mummy. Enjoy lunch in town, to be determined by your guide (not included). After a guided tour of the ancient settlement, be sure to walk up to the high point on the hill above the Ksar for amazing views.

Continue to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the magnificent Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The Tizi n’Tichka is a mountain pass with spectacular views and a great place to stop for photos.

This evening before dinner, visit the Koutoubia Minaret that dominates the skyline of Marrakech. The 12th-Century Mosque is a master class in Moorish architecture.

Continue on to the Djemaa el Fnaa, the main square at the heart of the medina. In the late afternoon, food stalls appear next to rows of escargot sellers, snake charmers, musicians and story tellers. Suggested Dinner at Alfassia Aguedal (not included). Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 8: Marrakech-Jardin Majorelle-YSL Museum-Souks of Marrakesh.

Visit the Jardin Majorelle. The garden was a gift to Marrakech from Yves-Saint Laurent. Purchased from the painter Jacques Majorelle, the garden is adorned with Majorelle blue, the color named for him. Continue to the Berber Museum. Dedicated to Berber traditions, displaying costumes, craftwork, jewels & Musical instruments. Continue next door to the Yves-Saint Laurent Museum, opened in October 2017, the museum highlights the life work of the designer, his works and his connection to Marrakech. The museum also includes a hall for temporary exhibitions, a research library with over 5,000 volumes, a 140-seat auditorium, bookshop and terrace café. The museum itself has been recognized by architects as unique and for innovative design.

Visit Dar El Bacha Confluences Museum in Marrakech Palace Pacha Glaoui, located in the medina of Marrakech, is one of the most beautiful palaces of the red city. Also called “the governor’s palace”, or Dar el Glaoui, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is one of the largest and most beautiful icons of Andalusian-Arabic architecture in Morocco. Founded by Sultan Abou al Hasan in the fourteenth century, it was subsequently rebuilt and enriched by the Saadi dynasty. The result is the even more extravagantly decorated monument that stands next to the Ben Youssef Mosque in Marrakesh. Now a museum, the former madrasa has 130 cells built to accommodate the almost 900 students who studied the Quran and other science and religious subjects here. This is a place well worth visiting if you would like to understand Arab culture and the Islamic religion. Suggested lunch at Café Arabe (not included).

Visit the souks of Marrakech and discover the Medina (the old town). Your guide will take you through the heart of the bustling Market. You will experience the sites, smells, and sounds of the ancient Souks as they have always been the center of Artistic Creativity and commerce. A wonderful experience! A great afternoon to get some gift shopping done. Suggested dinner at Mamma Mia Restaurant (not included). Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 9: Marrakech-Berber Cooking Class-Berber Pharmacy.

In the morning, Head to Dchiera Aghouatim (“Big Family”), a small Berber village (about 40 minutes outside the city). Here, you will have a private, outdoor cooking class hosted by a famous local chef.

Prepare your own traditional Moroccan dishes and enjoy them for lunch! Learn about Moroccan spices, including Ras al Hanout, the definitive spice of Moroccan cuisine. Bake bread the traditional Moroccan way using an earthen, wood-fueled stove. The organic vegetables used in your dish are grown in the garden on site! While your kosher tagine is cooking over the fire, take a walk (about 20 minutes) across a wide valley, where sheep graze, wild cactus fruit grows, and the days go on seemingly untouched by modern life.

Wander through the village and visit with the locals who are happy to talk about the history of their community and their daily life.

This afternoon make a visit to the Berber Pharmacy and Spice Shop located in the Kasbah region of the old city, not far from your hotel. Here you will learn about all of the natural remedies and cooking spices used by the Berber Culture for centuries.

Visit the Mellah of Marrakech (in Hebrew, formerly known as Hay Essalam) which is the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) of Marrakesh. It is the second oldest of its kind in the country. And considered to be one of the largest in Morocco. It never ceases to surprise and impress its visitors! You will be met by one of the leaders of the Jewish community who is responsible for the maintenance of the ancient synague and cemetery of Marrakech. Suggested dinner at Comptoir Darna (not included). Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 10: Marrakech-Casablanca-Hassan II Mosque.

You will be transferred in your Mercedes Mini Van directly to Casablanca Approx 2.30 Hour Ride along the direct highway. Arteries bordered by palm trees, large business buildings and the Atlantic which opens onto the world: Casablanca is the economic lung of Morocco, a bustling metropolis constantly on the alert.

Modern infrastructures mingle with charming neighborhoods, between Arab-Muslim heritage and legacies of the colonial period. Discover all its nuances: take a walk in the medina, one of the latest in Morocco, cross the center and its art-deco buildings, reach the Hassan II mosque, a marvel of architecture built on water.

Completed in 1993, the Mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers making it the second largest in Islam today. This amazing structure took over five years to build and is considered one of the most beautiful representations of the quality Moroccan craftmanship in the country. Visitors will be amazed by the detail wood, marble, and tile handwork. The Hassan II Mosque is the only Mosque which allows non-Muslim visitors inside. Suggested lunch at Ricks Café (not included). Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 11: Casablanca.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner