DAY 1

Arrive in Marrakech

Arrive at Marrakech Airport, meet your driver and immediately transfer to your riad in the medina of Marrakech, the “Red City”, set against the wonderful backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains. The rest of the day is free for you to begin to explore this fabulous city independently.

DAY 2

Drive from Marrakech to Casablanca

After breakfast we drive to Casablanca. Casablanca is the beating heart of modern Morocco, more Europeanized than other parts of the country, and also the country’s business capital, with all the hustle and bustle that you would expect this to entail.

In the afternoon we will take a tour of the Hassan II Mosque, a true feat of modern architecture that features some of the best traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and the only functioning mosque which non-Muslims are permitted to enter.

DAY 3

Drive from Casablanca to Meknes via Rabat

After breakfast, we drive to Rabat to explore the Oudaya Kasbah and Chellah Necropolis where you will see the Roman-era city alongside the more recent ruins of the Almohad and Merenid dynasties of the 12th and 14th centuries. After you have taken your lunch, we will continue to Meknes where you will spend the night.

DAY 4

Drive from Meknes to Chefchaouen via Volubilis

In the morning you will visit the eighteenth-century mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and Heri es Souani, the royal granaries and stables. Then, after just another 30 minutes’ drive, we will reach the Roman ruins of Volubilis where we take a guided walk through the Roman forum and see its surviving mosaics, the contemporary irrigation system, and much more.

A few hours beyond, we arrive at the mountain town of Chefchaouen, “the Pearl of the North”, often referred to as the “Blue City” or simply “Chaouen”, tucked into the folds of the Rif Mountains, where you will spend the night in a guesthouse.

DAY 5

Drive from Chefchaouen to Fes

You will spend the first half of the day exploring Chefchaouen. The city, renowned for its blue-painted buildings, is spectacular in its own right, and, against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains, it is truly a sight to behold. The reason for so many of its buildings being painted blue is a bit of a mystery but is sometimes said that its buildings were perhaps originally painted blue by the town’s former Jewish population.

DAY 6

A full day in Fes

Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial capitals. It is said to be the most complete medieval city in the Arab world and its medina, a UNESCO protected site, is the world’s largest living medieval medina.

Today we take a full day guided walk through the city, beginning with a visit to the old medina of Fes. Just as soon as you pass through its medieval gates and enter its sprawling labyrinthine alleys, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Donkeys and mules are the only form of transport permitted to pass through its steep and narrow lanes. You will be greeted by the enticing scents of perfumes and spices which waft over the souk. However, the most appalling stink also arises from the leather tanneries, where workers stand up to their waists treating leather in noxious tanning pits, much in the same way as their forefathers have done for generations. However, this shouldn’t put you off your visit: Fes is rightly famous for its locally-made leather goods which also make great souvenirs.

Explore the artisans’ quarters, sample treats from the carts, and look down on Fes’ famous leather tannery from the gallery above.

In the evening, opt for dinner in a converted riad complete with local specialties, live music and belly dancing, or visit a local hammam to chat with the locals.

DAY 7

Drive from Fes to Marrakech

We should make an early departure from Fes as today will be a long drive via the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech, the “Red City”, set against the wonderful backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains. First, however, there is much to enjoy on the journey, including small Berber villages, the Azrou cedar forest and the rolling hills of Ifrane and Beni Mellal.

You will spend 2 nights in Marrakech.

DAY 8

A free day in Marrakech

After breakfast, we will join a city guide for a half-day tour of the medina, visiting the historical Koutoubia minaret and gardens, Bahia Palace, the Mellah, and the Saadian Tombs. Marrakech has a magical reputation because of its immense souks (bazaars) and its historic landmarks which reflect its ancient Berber heritage.

The afternoon provides an excellent chance for you to continue your exploration of the city independently. Its spiritual heart is Djemaa El-Fna, the famous central square where young and old alike gather daily to enjoy arts and crafts, storytellers, and jugglers, snake-charmers, acrobats, herbal doctors and dentists. Then, as darkness falls, food-stalls appear and you would be forgiven for feeling that you’d stepped back a thousand years or more.

Marrakech is also famous for its splendid gardens, of which the Majorelle Gardens, created in 1920 by the French artist of the same name, is probably the most beautiful. Its bright blue villa contrasts perfectly with the surrounding green tropical plants growing in enormous, brightly painted jars and pots.

In the evening, you might choose to relax at one of the many cafes and small restaurants which wrap around the main square, Djemaa el-Fna, while watching the hustle and bustle from a shady spot. You could end the day like a local by taking dinner in the open air at one of its famous food stalls.

DAY 9

Departure

After breakfast, at a time to suit you, we transfer you back to the airport in good time for your departure flight home.