Day 1 Arrive; Morning in Casablanca, afternoon in Rabat

Welcome to Morocco! Welcome to the modern seaside city of Casablanca. The main attraction of Casablanca is the relatively modern and monumental Hassan II Mosque. It was completed in 1993 and sits on an outcrop that extends into the Atlantic Ocean and offers magnificent views. It has a minaret measuring 690 feet (210 meters)-the tallest building in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world. The uniqueness of this mosque is that it is one of the few mosques in the country that allows non-Muslims to enter. Take a guided tour and admire exquisite examples of Moroccan and Islamic craftsmanship.

Venture north to the imperial city, the current capital of Rabat (Meknes, Fes and Marrakech) constitute the rest of the imperial city). Explore the medieval fortifications of Chellah Cemetery and stroll through Roman and Islamic ruins. Enter the original city center of Rabat through the gate of Kasbah des Oudaias. From there, visit the Andalusian gardens of the 20th century and enjoy a peaceful space away from the crowds. Explore the Hassan Tower, which is the incomplete mosque and the minaret of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. This was a 12th-century project and was abandoned shortly after construction began.

Day 2 Rabat to Chefchaouen

Head north this morning to Chefchaouen, the eye-catching blue city of the Rif Mountains. Before you reach the Blue City, stop for a hike (2-3 hours) through dense vegetation and small pools to admire Cascades d’Akchour (Akchour Waterfall)-a hidden gem. Arrive in charming Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen has been almost untouched since the 15th century, offers a relaxing atmosphere with some of the friendliest people in the country, and is known for its blue buildings in the historic Medina (Old Town). Explore the narrow streets and alleys that cling to the northern slopes of the mountains.

Explore Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the main square named after the number of Turkish baths (public baths) that surround it. First find a restaurant or cafe to eat something, then browse the many shops selling traditional goods. Visit the Grand Mosque and the old fort (old fortress or fortifications), and visit the gardens, museums, and even some old prison cells. When night falls, board the path leading to the white Spanish mosque that has never been used before (20-30 minutes) and enjoy the last view of Chefchaouen as the sun sets.

Day 3 chefchaouen to Fes

Depart from Chefchaouen to Fes, where you will discover the largest old town in the world and start to tour the city under the leadership of a local expert. You will start at the Royal Palace, walk through the ancient Jewish quarter, and arrive at one of the Borghi Towers, enjoying panoramic views of the Medina. Next, you will head to the mosaic house, where you will show the traditional pottery methods used by the Fassi craftsmen-you will see every step of the process from the formation of the clay to the mosaic.

After the demonstration, the tour will take you into the Medina of Fes, where you will discover ancient streets and neighborhoods, visit various artisan quarters (including the tannery), and visit important historical monuments, including Idris II The Mausoleum of the World and Al-Qarawaiyin University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. After the tour, you will freely explore the medina in the afternoon and the rest of the evening. If you get lost, don’t worry-this is the whole experience.

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

Fes is the oldest imperial city in Morocco, and perhaps the most interesting and exciting city to explore. It has hardly experienced colonial development, adding to its medieval charm. Fes is the most complete Medina in the Arab world. It is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and consists of three main attractions: Fes el Bali (Old Fes, Medina, where you will spend most of your time), Fes el Jdid (“new” Fes) and Ville Nouvelle influenced by France. Meet with your guide to learn more about the history and culture of Fes, and most importantly, help you explore the Medina.

Start your journey in Fes el Bali, starting at the Bab Boujeloud gate, and you are welcome to enter Talâa Kebira. When you pass buildings influenced by Spain and Tunisia, you will find goods sold in souks (markets) and shops. One of the most unique attractions in the old medina is the tannery, and the Chouara tannery is no exception. Next, climb to the roof of a nearby leather shop to better appreciate the stone pots filled with dyes and workers in the 11th century. Follow your guide to the Al-Qarawiyyin Library and Mosque (859 AD). If you are lucky, you might peep inside.

Day 5 Fes

Today, visit the Batha Museum. The museum is housed in a 19th-century palace and features a collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts, including wood carvings, slate (mosaic tiles) and local pottery.. Before walking to the mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery), spend some time in the Andalusian-style garden. Take full advantage of its location to take stunning panoramic photos of the city. Continue south to Ville Nouvelle and discover the dramatic changes in the architecture.

Visit the ceramic and tile collective to learn how local artisans make pottery, from shaping clay to drawing designs. And watch the tile artist at work: Assemble small tiles together to create a complex mosaic. Return to the strip to Bali and stop at Jnan Sbil (Bou Jeloud Garden) along the road between mellah and Bab Boujeloud. You can relax a bit in the splendor of the garden and cool off by the main fountain or by the lake.

Day 6 Fes to Marrakech

Today you will trek west to the coast and then south to Marrakesh. In order to break up the road, you will have the option of stopping in Meknes, Rabat or Casablanca.

You may want to expend the time of the afternoon at a slower footstep. Early in the evening, Jemaa El Fna comes alive with musicians, artists, snake charmers, and gamers. Since the square is best in the evening, wander the stalls and vendors enjoying the views. Grab a snack at one of the many food stalls or if you want to enjoy what’s going on from a distance, choose one of the cafés around the El Fna complex and enjoy a cup of mint tea and a meal. Take a stroll in the evening and take a short walk to admire the illuminated Koutoubia Mosque before retiring to your accommodation.

Day 7 Explore Marrakech 

Marrakech is nicknamed the “Red City” (because of its 1,000-year-old red sandstone walls and buildings), and is a major economic center and home to the prosperous Medina (Old Arab Quarter). It has always been a vibrant city, full of exotic sights, sounds and smells-perhaps a shock for the senses! Meet your guide for a half-day tour of the Medina and explore the rich history and culture of the Medina. Start the day west of Jemaa el-Fna, then walk to the striking minaret of Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. The 253-foot (77 m) high minaret is the tallest tower ever built in Marrakech. Indulge your senses and explore the stalls of Souk el-Attarin (spices), Souk Haddadine (blacksmith) and Souk Smata (slippers). Next, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa Islamic School, experience 16th-century architecture and marvel at the exquisite details: arabesques, Islamic calligraphy and colorful geometric tiles.

As you walk in the alleys of Marrakech, pay attention to Fondouks or Caravanserai, medieval inns on the ancient trade routes, providing shelter and supplies for travelers and merchants. Today, some have been converted into residential properties, while others are large shopping areas and workshops that you can explore. Depending on your energy level, you may wish to visit several attractions south of Jemaa el-Fna. Some options to consider are the 500-year-old Saadi tombs, the extensive courtyards and sunken gardens of the El Badi Palace in the 17th century, or the intricate woodwork and painted ceilings of the Bahia Palace in the 19th century.

Day 8 Return to Casablanca; Depart

Depending on your departure details, you might want to stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche to Rick’s Café, a bar, restaurant, and café influenced by the classic movie “Casablanca,” and then grab a snack.