Morocco Northern Tour

This morning, we will set out on a tour of Morocco's Imperial Cities, commencing from Casablanca and progressing to Meknes. There, we will observe the grand mausoleum of Sultan Mulay Ismail and marvel at the 12th century Grande Mosque with its remarkable green tiled roof. Our exploration of the city will be followed by a delightful lunch, after which we will head to Volubilis, a UNESCO-designated Roman colonial town displaying captivating ruins. Ultimately, our tour will come to a close with a visit to Moulay Idriss, a holy city that has only recently been opened to non-Muslims. It was here that Moulay Idriss spread the religion of Shiism in 789 and founded the city of Fes.

Fes is an ancient, mysterious and captivating city, home to over 400,000 people and boasting a history of 1,200 years. Its winding cobblestone streets, royal palaces and bustling markets are filled with rich culture and vibrant life. Our tour of Fes begins in the Medina, where visitors have the chance to explore breathtaking mosques and palaces, shop for handcrafted goods, as well as visit dye pits and tanneries. To complete our experience of Fes, we will be taking a traditional dinner in the city - accompanied by live music, belly dancing and magicians - before returning to the hotel for a night of relaxation. Join us and discover the secrets of enchanting Fes.

After a satisfying breakfast in Fes, we set off towards the breathtaking Rif mountains, making sure we take a break in Ouazzane to appreciate the revered spiritual site and the tombs of renowned Moroccan saints. It is sure to be a remarkable experience. Afterwards, we continue our journey to the charming town of Chefchaouen. The medina is a trove of traditional Moroccan stores, charming cafes, and beguiling blue and white walls and doors. Once we spend some time exploring the plaza and its environs, we will drive to our hotel and settle in for the evening.

Today, you can select from a range of fantastic activities. Why not explore the enchanting Chefchaouen, an idyllic city renowned for its cobblestoned alleys, leather and weaving workshops, as well as delightful tea and coffee in the square? Alternatively, you could take a two-hour road trip to the picturesque Cascades d'Akchour and embark on a two-hour hike to reach the main waterfall. Brave travellers willing to get wet can even take a dip in the sizeable pool below the cascade, provided they have brought a swimming costume. On the way back, pause for a delicious traditional tajine or a snack from a Berber vendor - a great way to end the day!

We are bidding farewell to Chefchaouen and heading towards the wondrous Maghreb coast and the renowned city of Tangier. It is known as the bridge between two continents, Europe and Africa, and is celebrated for its location near the Strait of Gibraltar, providing a route between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Creatives like Jack Kerouac, Tennessee Williams, and Henri Matisse have all been moved by this city's atmosphere. Even the Rolling Stones were impacted by the culture here, staying several days in Tangier to make music with the renowned Master Musicians of Jajouka. Exploring the city of Tangier is a remarkable experience. From the busy port to the breathtaking Dar el Makhzen (the former palace which is now home to multiple Moroccan artifacts), visitors can take leisurely strolls throughout both the ancient and contemporary medinas, or take in the sheer beauty of the city from one of its many rooftop terrace cafes.

We will be journeying to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, today. Since it was founded in the 3rd century BC, Rabat holds a plethora of history and culture. During our visit, we will discover Oudaia Kasbah, the oldest part of the city, and see the remarkable Hassan's Tower and the majestic Royal Palace.

After a hearty breakfast, travelers will have the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in Morocco, capable of accommodating 25,000 people inside and 80,000 worshippers outdoors. The attraction of the mosque is its incredible 210-metre-tall minaret, which is topped with a laser pointing towards Mecca. Despite being a holy mosque, non-Muslims are also able to enter as long as it is not during the month of Ramadan. Our last stop of the tour is to Marrakech, where upon arrival we will have lunch. For those interested, there is a guided tour of the city which includes famous monuments such as the Koutoubia Tower and the renowned Tower of Hassan. This tour also brings you to the Medina, a vibrant marketplace bursting with street food, spices, craft and other products. As the tour comes to an end, the Djemaa-el-Fna, a large square known for its bustling nightlife is the perfect way to end the day. The late afternoon will be free for souvenir shopping and a traditional hammam experience. Group dinner will offer a final opportunity to savor Moroccan culture before everyone departs.

After you finish your Northern Morocco journey today, you are free until your departure. If you would like, you can extend your stay and explore the sights of Marrakech more in depth.