Day 1 Arrive to Rabat

Arrive at the imperial city and today’s capital Rabat, a bustling city with multiple attractions and rich history.

Explore the medieval fortifications of the Chera necropolis in the heart of Rabat, and stroll through Roman and Islamic ruins. Travel back in time to the original city center of Rabat and enter through the gates of the old castle of De oudaias. Today it is mainly a residential area, quietly strolling through the peaceful streets of white and blue tones. From there, visit a 20th-century Andalusian garden for a peaceful space away from the crowds. Explore the Hassan Tower, an incomplete mosque and minaret of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. It was a 12th century project that was abandoned shortly after construction began.

Day 2 Rabat to Chefchaouen

Head north to Chefchaouen, the striking blue city of the Rif Mountains. Before Chefchaouen, stop for a hike (2-3 hours) through lush vegetation and small pools to admire the Cascades d’Akchour (Akchour waterfall) – a hidden gem. In the afternoon, relax in charming Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen has remained largely untouched since the 15th century, offers a relaxed atmosphere with some of the friendliest people in the country, and is famous for the blue buildings of its historic medina (Old Town). Explore the narrow streets and alleys clinging to the northern slopes of the mountains.

Explore Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the main square named after the number of hammams, that used to surround it. Find a restaurant or café for a bite to eat before browsing the many shops offering traditional goods. Visit the Great Mosque and the kasbah (old fortress or fortification), visit the gardens of the kasbah, the museum, and even some old prison cells. In the evening, climb the path (20-30 minutes) to the abandoned white Spanish mosque for the last view of Chefchaouen as the sun sets.

Day 3 chefchaouen to Fes

Wake up early and take pictures of the off-the-beaten-track streets before setting off for Fes. Along the way, stop at the UNESCO-protected site of Volubilis – the furthest point the Romans had in Africa. Wander through the complex and discover merchant homes with still intact heating systems, temples and many in-situ mosaics. Continue to the smaller, less busy Fesmeknes to learn about your second historic imperial city. The two main attractions are the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the Medina. Be sure to visit Mansour Gate, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and Royal Stables.

Continue east to your third imperial city, Fes. With its impressively large (and somewhat confusing) old medina, Fes is a city worth getting lost. Before venturing into the medina, drive up the hill to spend time visiting the Mausoleum of Merenides, located just north of the city, and enjoy it all – panoramic views of historic Fez and the surrounding area. Descend down to your riad (traditional Moroccan house with an inner garden) where you can enjoy a delicious meal and relax in the evening.

Day 4: Fes: Exploring the Imperial City and medieval Medina

Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial cities, and perhaps the most interesting and exciting to explore. It has the most complete medina in the Arab world, relatively unspoiled since its founding more than 1,200 years ago. Often considered the cultural capital of the country, it consists of three parts, two medina districts, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the more modern, French colonial-influenced Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide and spend half a day learning about the history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets of the medina.

Start at the Bab Boujeloud gate in Fes el Bali and enter the main road of Talâa Kebira. As you pass the shops and souks, watch out for Spanish and Tunisian-influenced architecture. Visit the Chouara Tannery and marvel at the many dye-filled stone jars and staff still using centuries-old techniques. Next, admire the intricate zellij tilework of the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa, before heading to Mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery) in Fes el Jdid. If you have time, visit Ville Nouvelle to discover the dramatic changes in architecture.

Day 5: Fes: Museums, Ceramics and Tile Collective, and gardens

Today, visit the Batha Museum. Housed in a 19th-century palace, the museum houses a collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts, including wood carvings, zellij and local pottery (its highlights). Spend time in an Andalusian-style garden before walking to the mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery). Take advantage of its location to take stunning panoramic city photos. Continue south to Ville Nouvelle to discover a dramatic change in architecture.

Visit a ceramics and tile collective to learn how local artisans make wares, from shaping clay to painting designs. And watch the master tile masters at work: piecing together small tiles to create intricate mosaics. Return to Fes el Bali, stopping along the way at Jnan Sbil (Bou Jeloud Gardens) – midway between mellah and Bab Boujeloud. Spend some time relaxing in the magnificence of the gardens, cooling off at the central fountain or by the lake.

Day 6 Fez to Marrakech

Today you will head west to the coast and then south to Marrakech. To interrupt the drive, you can choose to stop in Meknes, Rabat or Casablanca, or follow the route of the Middle Atlas Mountains.

You may want to spend the rest of the afternoon at a slower pace. Take an evening stroll, a short walk from Marrakech’s main square, Jemaa el-Fna, to admire the floodlit Koutoubia Mosque. Since the best experience of Jemaa el-Fna is at night, head back to the square to wander its stalls and vendors and admire the spectacle: musicians, performers, snake charmers and games. Grab a bite from one of the many food stalls, or if you want to enjoy an event from a distance, choose one of the cafés around Jemaa el-Fna for a mint tea and a meal before heading back to your accommodation.

Day 7 Marrakech: Exploring the Red City

Known as the “Red City” for its 1,000-year-old red sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakech is a major economic center. Start your day by revisiting the Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century, and relax in the garden of fountains and palm trees. Indulge your senses and explore the spice market, Souk el-Attarin or Souk Smata for slippers, rugs and leather goods. Next, visit the Islamic school Ben Youssef Madrasa to savor the 16th-century architecture and marvel at the exquisite details: arabesques, Islamic calligraphy and colorful geometric tiles.

As you wander the alleys of Marrakech, keep an eye out for the fondue or caravanserais – medieval inns along ancient trade routes that provide accommodation and supplies for travelers and merchants. Depending on the time and your energy level, you may wish to visit several locations south of Jemaa el-Fna. Some options to consider are the 500-year-old Saadian Mausoleum, the expansive courtyards and sunken gardens of the 17th-century Bahia Palace, or the intricate millwork and painted ceilings of the 19th-century Bahia Palace. Return to Jemma el-Fna for a bite to eat before returning to your accommodation in the evening.

Day 8 Marrakech to Essaouira

Essaouira, known as the “windy city” for its crescent-shaped beaches, hit by the mighty Alizee trade winds, is a popular kitesurfing destination. Watch windsurfers and kitesurfers in the morning, or the more adventurous, take a lesson, then say goodbye and head back to Rabat for your flight home.

Along the way, stop in Casablanca to explore more of the old medina, haggle with local vendors at the bazaar, and pick up last-minute souvenirs and gifts. You can also stroll along the Esplanade to Rick’s Café, a bar, restaurant and café inspired by the movie classic “Casablanca“, and grab a bite.

Finish your last night in Rabat or take an evening flight home.

Day 9 Return to Rabat

Essaouira, known as the “windy city” for its crescent-shaped beaches, hit by the mighty Alizee trade winds, is a popular kitesurfing destination. Watch windsurfers and kitesurfers in the morning, or the more adventurous, take a lesson, then say goodbye and head back to Rabat for your flight home.

Along the way, stop in Casablanca to explore more of the old medina, haggle with local vendors at the bazaar, and pick up last-minute souvenirs and gifts. You can also stroll along the Esplanade to Rick’s Café, a bar, restaurant and café inspired by the movie classic “Casablanca“, and grab a bite.

Finish your last night in Rabat or take an evening flight home.