8 Days From Tangier Imperial Cities Tour

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen

Arrive at Tangier Port, greet you and start travelling to Chefhaouen. We will take visit the sites of historical and cultural interest and then continue to Chefchaouen via the foothills of the Rif Mountains. If time permits it, you will have the time to visit Asilah a smaller town on the coast. You will enjoy the fascinating views of the fertile plain of the Rif. Get to Chefchaouen at the end of the day and check in to your riad/hotel BB.

Day 2: Exploring Chefchaouen

After breakfast in your riad, you will start exploring Chefchaouen “The blue city of Morocco”. Situated at the footstep of 2 higher mountains, Chefchaouen is a beautiful unique city with its white washed walls and blue doors, and windows. Unlike many parts of Morocco, Chefchaouen was occupied by Spain; therefore, there is much influence of the Spanish civilisation and the Moorish architecture. On the afternoon, you will have your own time to wonder around and enjoy your space. Overnight in Riad.BB

Day 3: Chefchaouen- Volubilis- Meknes – Fes

After breakfast in your riad, you will start travelling to Fes via Ouazzan and the Roman site of Volubilis. After a couple of hours drive, you will get to Volubilis, the well-preserved Roman empire dating to 225BC, where you will see the most beautiful Mosaics in Morocco dating back to 3 rd century BC. Here you will have a guided tour of the site and learn alot about the roman empire, after that we travel to Meknes, the Ismaili capital of Morocco. In Meknes we see the fascinating gate Bab Mansour built by the sultan My Ismail, the granary and the Sahrij Souani used for irrigation and plantation. Your visit includes also the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. You will continue, via the highway, to Fes. Overnight accommodation at Riad/hotel. BB

Day 4: Full day Exploring Fes

Breakfast in your riad, and then start an explorative journey of the Medina where you will visit the many hidden treasures that only the inhabitants of the place can know. Fez served as the capital of Morocco for more than 350 years and is home to the University of Al Karaouine,the oldest operating university in the world. Your guided tour will take you to Moulay Idriss mausoleum, the Nejjarine Fountains and the Tanneries. After lunch, you will also view the exterior of the Royal Palace and walk through the famous Jewish quarter « the Mellah », where you will have the option to visit one of the few living Synagogues in Morocco. You tour of Fes includes a short visit to the famous ceramic factory and then enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina of Fes. On the afternoon, we will visit the new city for a drink. Overnight accommodation at your riad as above. BB.

Day 5: Fes – Beni Mellal – Marrakech

After breakfast in your riad, you’ll leave for Marrakech travelling via Beni Mellal and Khenifra and then to Marrakech. During this journey you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas Mountains. You will stop at Azrou, a Berber village in the middle of the famous cedar forest – the largest in Morocco – where you may well sight Barbarian apes. You will also experience the real Berber culture and enjoy the beauty of the Moroccan landscape. You will get to Marrakech on the evening. Overnight at hotel/Riad. HB.

Day 6: Exploring Marrakech

After breakfast in the hotel/riad, you can start exploring Marrakech ” the red city of Morocco”. Your guide will ensure that you see the most of the sites with historical and cultural interest, including the famous Jemaa El Fna square, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian tombs; the Palace of Bahia and the Ben Youssef Coranic School. Lunch at a restaurant near the square, then in the afternoon visit the Majorelle Gardens, and have a short visit to the new city of Marrakech.

the Koutoubia towers. On the next day, you will have the option to try a Moroccan Hammam, a cooking class and some free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight accommodation will be at Riad. BB

Day 7: Day Trip to Essaouira

After breakfast in your riad, you will start travelling to Essaouira. On our way – since this is the land of Argan culture – this is an opportunity to visit the women’s co-operative of Argan oil where they extract the oil that is famous for its culinary, cosmetic and medical properties. You will get to Essaouira around 12 and start exploring the city. You’ll visit the Skala Fortress; see Thuya wood carved by artisans; walk through the alleys of the medina and view hundreds of handicrafts. The “City of the wind” attracts surfers from all over the world.

Essaouira knew many civilisations – including the Portuguese occupation, which affects much of its architecture – however, it remains a small village with much history. Because of its size and its characteristic blue doors and washed walls, it is also regarded as Morocco’s “Jewel of the Atlantic. Our visit includes the Mellah – the Jewish headquarter, and the beach. There is an annual festival of “Gnawa music”, where many musical groups come from different parts of Africa and the world. Today you will have lunch in a Moroccan way, bought fishes ‘cooked to order’. On the afternoon, you will travel back to Marrakech. Overnight at hotel/Riad. BB.

Day 8: Departure

After an early breakfast in your hotel, we will drive you to Casablanca airport for your departure. Tour ends at the airport.