Itinerary:
DAY 1: CASABLANCA
Arrive Casablanca, transfer to hotel. Overnight: Casablanca (D)
DAY 2: CASABLANCA - RABAT - VOLUBILIS - FEZ
Morning visit to the Hassan II Mosque, the largest Mosque outside Mecca. Continue to Rabat and visit the Hassan Tower and the Mohamed V Mausoleum where Hassan II is also buried alongside his father; the Kasbah of the Oudayas and the Oudaya Gate. Depart for Volubilis, a window into the Roman history of Morocco. The city is entered through six gates and surrounded by 2.5kms of ramparts. It was a thriving settlement until the 4th century, with fi ne mosaics, sculptures and kitchenware. The city’s architectural splendor is ample proof of its rich past. Evening arrival in Fez.
Overnight: Fez (BD)
DAY 3: FEZ
A full day to explore Fez. Surrounded by walls, it is the world’s oldest and most intact medieval city, with some 9000 intricate streets and alleys, exotic overlapping souks and a timeless swirl of smells, colours and voices. See the 9th century Karaouine Mosque (from outside) and University. A visit to the bustling souk is like entering another world. From the roofs of surrounding buildings, view the amazing dyers’ quarter with its ancient tanning vats and traditional ways of working leather. Light lunch in a local restaurant.
Overnight: Fez (BLD)
DAY 4: FEZ - MEKNES - AZROU - BENI MELLAL - AFOURER
Drive to Meknes. In the heart of the delightful Moroccan countryside, Meknes is one of Morocco’s most striking imperial cities. It is ringed by 25 miles of defensive walls and a series of monumental gateways, the most impressive of which is Bab al-Mansour. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Azrou, famous for its woodcarvings and continue to the fruit-growing region of Beni Mellal. Arrive in Afourer; a quiet Berber town nestled in the foothills of the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Overnight: Afourer (BD)
DAY 5: AFOURER - MARRAKECH
Travel along the Oum er Rbia valley to Marrakech. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Marrakech (BD)
DAY 6: MARRAKECH
Morning tour of the historical sights of this Imperial city of Morocco, see the 16th century Saadian Tombs, the Medersa Ben Youssef, the 12th century Menara Gardens and the Koutoubia Mosque, with a landmark minaret that can be seen from almost anywhere in the town. Lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon visit to the Medina, end your day in the fabulous Djmaa El Fna Square with its myriad of street performers, soothsayers, storytellers, snake charmers and henna painters.
Overnight: Marrakech (BLD)
DAY 7: MARRAKECH
Departure transfer to Marrakech Airport. (B)
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