A Taste of Morocco: Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen

Welcome to Morocco! Arrive at the Casablanca Airport. You'll be met by your driver and guide who will take your to visit the popular Hassan II Mosque and admire its exquisite craftsmanship ( optional )  and take a stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche, often referred to as the "Miami of Morocco." Later on drive north to the present-day capital, Rabat and explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis in the heart of Rabat and wander the Roman and Islamic ruins. Step back in time to Rabat's original city center and enter through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias.  Visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and admire the serene space away from the crowds. Lastly, discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. A 12th-century project that was abandoned, where all that remains today is the red sandstone tower standing at 145 feet (44 m) and about 200 columns.

This morning we will drive further north to charming town Chefchaouen nestled in the heart of the Rif Mountains. Along the way enjoy the scenic route of flat plains and green hills as they transition into the mountainous landscape. Check into your hotel and free evening to stroll around the Plaza Uta el-Hammam in the heart of the enchanting old medina, enjoy some local food and watch a beautiful sun set.

After breakfast leave Chefchaouen behind, before joining your driver and continuing on toward Fes.. Along the way, stop and stretch your legs to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis with a local guide. A UNESCO protected site, founded in the 3rd century BCE, it remains incredibly well-preserved. From here, there is the option to travel to the smaller, less busy Meknes— a nice way to prepare yourself for your time in Fes. Meknes offers two main areas of interest, the Imperial City and the navigable medina. Arrive in Fes late in the afternoon, check in into you Riad and overnight in Fes and lose yourself in the impressively large and complicated old medina.

Follow a local guide through the Fès medina, one of the world’s largest medinas with more than 9000 winding streets lying within 365 hectares. See buildings in the medina that date back to the 9th century; there are 350 mosques in the medina that are still in use today.

Depending on your departure details, you may wish to spend some more time in Fes to get some souvenirs before you make your way west toward Casablanca.. Safe travels!