Day 1 welcome to Fes: Exploring the Imperial City and old Medina

Welcome to Fez! The oldest of the imperial cities of Morocco, Fez is home to the foremost complete medina (old quarter) within the Arab world. Much of the town has remained untouched over the centuries, leading to a more authentic medieval experience. Divided into three main areas of interest, you’ll explore two districts of the medina, the old Fes el Bali and also the newer Fes el Jdid, and therefore the French-influenced populated area. Meet your guide and begin your visit to Fes el Bali at the Bab Boujeloud gate, heading along the most thoroughfare, Talâa Kebira.

Navigate the narrow, windy streets to search out the Chouara Tannery. Climb onto the roof of a close-by leather store for a comprehensive view of men at work, a practice that has changed little in many years. Find the 9th century Al–Qarawiyyin University, one in all the oldest universities within the world still in operation! Explore the Al Attarine madrasa and see the attractive samples of Moroccan craftsmanship. attend Fez el Jdid to get the Mellah (Jewish quarter and cemetery) and cash in of its location to induce a glimpse of town.

Day 2 Meknes, Volubilis, and the “Blue City” of Chefchaouen

When you leave Fez and head west for Meknes and your second imperial city, stop at the Mausoleum of Merenides and luxuriate in the perspective of this historic city. Meknes may be a less busy version of Fes and easier to navigate! Explore the impressive Bab al-Mansour gate and Moulay Ismail mausoleum in Ville Impériale (Imperial City). Visit Madrasa Bou Inania (14th century), an exquisite example of Islamic architecture, then visit Jamaï Palace, a museum converted from a palace. From there, stop and explore Volubilis, an enormous complex of Roman ruins and mosaics, and therefore the furthest place for the Romans in Africa.

Continue north to Chefchaouen, the “Blue City” within the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen is known as after the 2 peaks on the hillside town, which translates to “two corners”. Stroll through steep cobblestone streets and blue buildings. Relax with mint tea at Place Outa el Hammam, then browse the colorful products within the many shops. Visit the nearby castle and explore 15th century fortresses and dungeons. At the top of the day, go up the mountain to the white Spanish mosque that’s now not in use and luxuriate in the last view of Chefchaouen at sunset.

Day 3 chefchaouen , Rabat to Casablanca

Wander the quiet streets of Chefchaouen early in the morning to take pictures without people, before heading south to the Third Imperial City and the coastal capital Rabat. Explore the medieval fortress of the Necropolis Cela in the heart of the city and wander among its Roman and Islamic ruins. Enter the gate of the immense Bab el hed to the kasbah de oudayas, a 12th-century fortification built during the reign of Bab el Hed. Next, visit the 20th-Gardens century of Andalusian to take in the quiet space. Discover the Hassan Tower, the spire of the mosque and the mausoleum of Muhammad V.

Arrive in Casablanca in the afternoon and leisurely walk to the Hassan II Mosque along the Boulevard de la Corniche (nicknamed the Miami of Morocco). Opened in 1993, Hassan II sits atop an outcrop that juts out into the Atlantic and adds to its spectacular beauty: its 210 m (690 ft) minaret is the tallest in the world. Although tours of the interior are only offered in the morning, take advantage of the time and watch the sun set behind the architectural marvel. Next, head over to Rick’s Café, a bar, restaurant, and cafe recreated to mirror Casablanca’s bar.

Day 4 Casablanca to Marrakech

Start your day and explore the inside of Hassan II Mosque, one in every of the few Moroccan mosques that permits non-Muslims to enter. Take a guided tour and admire the meticulous craftsmanship: hand-carved stones, intricate marble inlays and gilded ceilings. Walk to the old medina, the sole a part of the town that predates the French Protectorate, and bargain with local vendors at the market. To experience Maurerian architecture (a combination of European decorative arts and Moorish styles), visit Hobous, the “new” medina built by the French within the 1930s.

Head south to your final destination and also the fourth imperial city Marrakech. Marrakech is commonly spoken because the “Red City” (due to the 1,000-year-old red limestone accustomed build the city), and Marrakech is home to the busiest square in Africa, Jemaa el–Fna. The square is best experienced at the hours of darkness, strolling through its stalls and vendors, and admiring the wonders: acrobats, musicians and snake charmers! Have a bite at one among the numerous food stalls, then walk a brief distance to admire the illuminated Koutoubia Mosque-the minaret influenced the Hassan Tower in Rabat. Overnight in a very traditional riad.

Day 5 : Explore Marrakech & Departeur 

Marrakech was once a very important trading capital of the Berber tribe within the Atlas Mountains. it had been also a trade route through Ouarzazate and geographic area. Marrakech has Berber roots instead of Arabs. Meet together with your guide and begin exploring the middle of the Marrakech Medina, its labyrinth of souks (markets). fancy everything from spices to jewelry and gowns, from lanterns and carpets to dates, figs and tea. Please concentrate to the big open spaces along the alleys. These hot pot restaurants or caravan hotels were once wont to receive tourists and businessmen.

Discover the magnificent craftsmanship of the 16th century Ben Youssef Madrasa Islamic School: cedar carvings, plaster carvings and zellij tiles. Visit the Marrakech Museum within the 19th-century Moorish Dar Mnebbi Palace to be told more samples of modern and traditional Moroccan art and handicrafts. Before visiting the Bahia Palace and also the Badi Palace, explore the Kasbah area and visit the 500-year-old Saadi Tomb. If you have got time, you will wish to require a clear stage within the heat and crowds of Majorelle Gardens within the new city before taking the return flight home.

Want to increase your trip? This 10-day Morocco itinerary includes all the towns described, similarly as interesting explorations of the Sahara