From Marrakesh: Imperial Cities
8 days
An 8-day trip based on dicovering on the four cities that at one time or another were or are the capital of Morocco (Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Marrakesh). A fantastic way to get to know the country, its history and diversity through these four big cities, discovering their enormous cultural heritage and noticing their contrasts.
Day 1: Marrakesh arrival
Marrakesh arrival, pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Night in Marrakesh.
Day 2: Marrakesh - Casablanca - Rabat
Departure to Casablanca. Arrival and visit of the economic capital of the country, with the most important port in Morocco. In particular, visit the promenade and the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque (the second largest mosque in the world after the Mecca Mosque, with a 210-metre high minaret). Continue to the capital of the kingdom, the imperial city of Rabat. Night in Rabat.
Day 3: Rabat - Meknes - Fes
Visit of the city: starting with the exterior of the Royal Palace, the Kasbah of the Oudaya, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V with its unfinished mosque and the Hassan Tower. Then departure to Meknes, located at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit of the city starting with the ramparts, with its magnificent gates of Bab Manssur and ending at the Mausoleum-Mezquita of Moulay Ismail. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 for its representative character of a historic capital of the Maghreb in the 17th century. Departure to the city of Fez where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Fes
Fes visit with a local guide. In particular, its medina and the craftsmen’s quarter, where the tanners’ quarter is particularly noteworthy. It is the oldest of the imperial cities and the spiritual centre of the country. We begin with a panoramic view from one of the surrounding hills. We set off for the Royal Palace with its monumental bronze gates. We cross the Mellah, or Jewish quarter, to enter the medina and walk through its streets. We will visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss and a Medersa. We continue our tour through the craftsmen’s quarter, where the tanners’ quarter, the spice market, the bustling souk and the Nejarin Fountain stand out. Night in Fes
Day 5: Fes - Midelt - Erfoud
Departure from Fes through the Middle Atlas mountains, passing through Ifrane, known as the Moroccan Switzerland, as well as the cedar forests surrounding Azrou. There we can say hello to their friendly monkeys. We will pass through Midelt and continue on to Erfoud, on the edge of the great Sahara desert and the fossil capital of the country. Night in Erfoud
Day 6: Erfoud - Tinerhir - Todra Gorges - Ouarzazate
Departure to Tinerhir to reach the Todra Gorges, panoramic view of several kasbahs. Erosion has built a narrow gorge with vertical walls over 300 metres high, a well known natural paradise to climbers. We will be able to take a beautiful walk along the course of the river. We will pass through the valley of the roses at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, where the cultivation of the flower that gives it its name is divided into two zones. The most important is 30 kilometres long, starting from the village of Keelat M’Gouna to Bou Tharar. The scenery is worth it for being nestled in a canyon. We will finally arrive in Ouarzazate where we will spend the night.
Day 7: Ouarzarzate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakesh
We will wake up in Ouarzazate, the Moroccan Hollywood. We can visit the film studios where many films have been shot, the museum dedicated to cinema and the “Kasbah Taourirt”, once the residence of the Pasha of Marrakesh. Then we will continue to the “Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou”, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and where several films such as “The Mummy” or TV series such as “Game of Thrones” have been filmed. It was a former stopping place for caravans to exchange camels for horses to cross the mountains. Departure through the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh. Night in Marrakesh.
Day 8: Marrakesh
Visit of the city: Menara Gardens, Minaret of the Koutobia, the Saadian Tombs, with its central vault of carrara marble, and the Bahia Palace, Jema el F’naa Square declared “World Heritage Site”. In the mornings, fruit sellers, wicker baskets, sweets, etc. In the evening, everything becomes fascinating when the square is illuminated with a thousand lights and everything seems magical. Overnight in Marrakech or transfer to the airport.
Standar*
625€/person
- With standard hotels, including**:
- 2 nights in Marrakech in a Riad with breakfast
- 1 night in Rabat in a Riad with breakfast
- 2 nights in Fez in a Riad with breakfast
- 1 night in Erfoud in a half-board hotel
- 1 night in Ouarzazate in a half-board hotel
- Fes city tour with official local guide
- Private 4×4 vehicle
- English-speaking companion for the entire duration of the tour
- airport transfers
The prices indicated are per person, travelling with private vehicle and accompanying guide in groups of four people and with accommodation in a double room in the “standard” category. These prices will vary depending on the number of people travelling, the category of accommodation (“Standard”, “Charming” or “Luxury”) and the tourist season.
***Price does not include:***Transport to and from the country of origin, medical or travel insurance, midday meals, dinners in Fez, Marrakech and Essaouira, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
