Essential Of Morocco & Blue City

Welcome to Morocco‘s enchanting west coast, where the vibrant city of Casablanca awaits your arrival. Embark on an architectural adventure by beginning your journey at the iconic Hassan II Mosque, a true masterpiece that graces the city’s skyline. A unique gem in Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque warmly welcomes non-Muslim visitors to admire its breathtaking intricacies, including exquisite marble work, intricate wood and stone carvings, and ceilings adorned with gilded cedar.

Continue to the Hobous, the new medina established in the 1930s by the French, where you can immerse yourself in vibrant markets brimming with olives, vegetables, and exotic spices while marveling at more Mauresque-style buildings.

For a leisurely escape, take a scenic stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche. Here, you can see the delightful ambiance, soak in picturesque coastal views, and experience the city’s modern charm. Your exploration of Casablanca promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and contemporary allure. Overnight in Casablanca.

Today, we will continue our journey to Rabat and Chefchaouen. Continue northward to the imperial city of Rabat, the present-day capital of Morocco, where history and modernity converge in a dynamic cityscape. Immerse yourself in Rabat’s storied past by exploring the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis, a historical gem nestled in the heart of the city.

Next, venture into the enchanting Kasbah Des Oudaias, a majestic gateway leading to the original city center of Rabat. Stroll through the serene white and blue-washed streets, where tranquility reigns amidst the charming architecture. Make sure to visit the splendid Andalusian Gardens, a 20th-century oasis that offers respite and serenity in the midst of the bustling city. Your exploration of Rabat would not be complete without a visit to the Hassan Tower, a historic minaret of the incomplete mosque, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, a 12th-century project that was left unfinished.

Continue your journey northward, witnessing a dramatic change in the landscape as you leave behind the flat plains and rolling hills to enter the rugged terrain of the Rif Mountains. Your next destination is Chefchaouen, famously known as the “Blue City.” This charming town beckons with its narrow, winding streets and buildings adorned in captivating shades of blue. Savor a delightful meal in Plaza Outa el Hammam, the heart of Chefchaouen’s social life, and then explore the kasbah, an ancient fortification that whispers tales of bygone eras.

As the day gently draws to a close, make your way to the abandoned Spanish Mosque, a secluded vantage point that offers a breathtaking view of Chefchaouen as the sun gracefully sets behind the majestic mountains, casting the town in a warm, golden hue.

Begin your day by embracing the tranquility of early morning and capturing unobstructed photographs of the picturesque surroundings before setting your course for the Roman marvel of Volubilis. This UNESCO-protected archaeological site stands as a testament to Morocco’s rich history and boasts the best-preserved Roman ruins in the country. Wander through the vast complex, marveling at the still-standing columns of once-majestic buildings, exploring the grandeur of ancient merchant homes, and uncovering the intricacies of the temples and the vibrant mosaics that include the “Labors of Hercules.”

Your journey then takes you southward to the imperial city of Meknes. Take your time to explore the historical treasures of the Imperial City and the labyrinthine alleys of the medina. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the majestic Bab al-Mansour gate and pay your respects at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, a revered historical figure.

Continue your eastward expedition, and your next destination is the mystical city of Fes. Before delving into the medina, set aside a moment to embark on a brief trek up a hill to discover the captivating Merenid Tombs, perched above the city. As the sun begins to set and the city’s lights flicker to life, the atmosphere becomes truly enchanting. In the distance, the hauntingly beautiful calls to worship from the muezzin reverberate through the valley, adding to the magic of the moment. Alternatively, you can find your way to the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter and cemetery nestled within Fes el Jdid. As the day unfolds, return to your traditional riad, where a warm and flavorful meal awaits, allowing you to savor the flavors of Morocco in comfort and style.

Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, is a treasure trove of history and culture that retains its medieval charm, largely untouched by colonial development. Fes comprises three key areas of interest: Fez el Bali (old Fes, the medina, where you’ll spend much of your time), Fez el Jdid (the ‘new’ Fez), and the French-influenced Ville Nouvelle. Your guide will be your cultural compass, offering insights into the history and traditions of Fez while helping you navigate the labyrinthine medina.

Your journey through Fes begins in Fes el Bali, commencing at the welcoming Bab Boujeloud gate that opens onto Talâa Kebira. One of the most distinctive and intriguing sights within the old Medina is the Chouara Tannery, where the age-old craft of leather tanning is still practiced. For a better perspective, ascend to the rooftop of a nearby leather shop, where you can witness the craftsmen at work and the large stone vats filled with dye, all dating back to the 11th century.

Follow your guide to the Al-Qarawiyyin Library and Mosque, founded in 859 CE. If fortune smiles upon you, you might have the chance to catch a glimpse inside this historic library, an intellectual hub that has preserved knowledge for centuries.

Today’s journey will take you across diverse landscapes as you make your way southward toward your final destination, just outside the desert town of Merzouga. The day’s adventure includes traversing the Middle Atlas mountains, passing through aromatic cedar forests, and ascending the Col du Zad pass. Take a pause to stretch your legs and explore the “Apple City” of Midelt, renowned for its lush fruit orchards, and enjoy a leisurely lunch near the banks of the Moulouya River.

Continue your route, heading towards the palm-filled oasis of the Ziz Valley by way of the Tizi n’Talremt pass. Along the way, observe the numerous fortified ksars—traditional merchant houses—built to safeguard and store valuable commodities like gold, salt, and spices.

As you reach Erfoud, famous for its dates and rich fossil deposits, take the opportunity to visit a local artisan collective and gain insight into the various types of fossils found in the region. Your journey continues towards the vast sea of sand in Erg Chebbi, where some dunes reach staggering heights of over 600 feet.

In Merzouga, you’ll meet your camel and embark on a memorable trek to your evening’s accommodation—a charming Bedouin-style tent. Before settling in for the night, race to the summit of a nearby sand dune to witness the breathtaking desert sunset over the dunes. As the sun dips below the horizon, return to your campsite for a delightful dinner and a cozy campfire experience under the sparkling, star-studded desert sky.

Wake early to catch the rising sun before readying yourself to go sand boarding. You will also have the option of joining an ATV tour or the Erg Chebbi (sand dune) tour. Or, if you prefer lounging poolside in Merzouga, this can be arranged.

Leave the dunes behind and discover the traditional Saharan village of Khemliya—its people originally from Mali. Experience traditional music, drumming and dancing before taking a light walk around the village and its farmed plots in the sand. From there, visit the market town of Rissani to explore the live animal auction and nearby ‘donkey parking lot’. Continue west to Tinerhir and admire the extensive stretch of oasis and the community of buildings that follow the greenery. Stop at the Todra Gorge and climb down to the water’s edge to relax in the refreshing water of the Todra River. Continue to Dades Valley for overnight.

Your journey continues west along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, many in disrepair having been made of pisé clay (rammed earth). Make your way through Boumalne Dades until you reach the plots of land, bordered by manicured rose bushes, in Kela’a M’gouna.

Continue west to the popular desert hub and filming location, Ouarzazate. Join a movie studio tour and discover which of your favorite movies were filmed in the nearby desert regions. Movie buffs may appreciate a visit to the Musée du Cinema.

Reach today’s final destination, the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou—a fortified pisé village in a valley near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The most famous kasbah in Morocco and a protected UNESCO site, Aït Benhaddou held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route between the southern desert and Marrakech and Ouarzazate.

Climb up to the old Granary for a view of the surrounding ksours (individual kasbahs) and Ouarzazate Valley. Wander the narrow alleys and passageways and if you so choose, pay a nominal fee to enter one or two of the old kasbahs.

Your journey continues northwest, ascending the High Atlas mountains and through the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Stop near the top of the pass to enjoy the vista and the highest peak, Mount Toubkal at 13,671 feet (4,167 m). From there, visit Taddert to tour an argan oil cooperative and discover how the nuts are processed to extract the precious oil used in the health and beauty industries. As you continue to descend the north side of the mountain range, notice the dramatic change in climate and scenery: from arid and barren to humid and verdant.

Upon arriving in Marrakech, settle into your hotel, before venturing out to Marrakech’s main square, Jemaa el-Fna. The square comes alive in the early evening with vendors, musicians, artists, and performers, including snake charmers! Wander the many stalls and begin to orient yourself around the square: the souks are to the north, the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens to the west and the kasbah area with the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and El Badi Palace are to the south. Find a quieter café near the square to enjoy a meal and watch the spectacle unfold before you. Overnight in Marrakech.

Unlike Fes, Marrakech has Berber rather than Arab roots and today remains a major economic center. Founded in the 11th century, it is often referred to as the “Red City” due to the natural red pigment found in its walls and buildings. Meet your guide and discover the hidden gems of the medina: souks and shops selling their wares.

Start by visiting the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa Islamic school and marvel at the exquisite Moroccan artisanship: arabesques, Islamic calligraphy, and colorful geometric tile work. Visit the Majorelle Gardens in Ville Nouvelle for a place to escape the afternoon heat. If there’s time, visit the El Badi Palace and its sunken gardens, before heading to Marrakech’s Mellah. As you return to Jemaa el-Fna, note the large open spaces along the alleyways, these fondouks or caravanserai were once inns along the ancient trade routes providing travelers and traders a place to stay.

It’s time to say goodbye to Morocco. Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may be able to do some last-minute sightseeing in Casablanca or enjoy tea at one of the traditional cafés. When the time comes, our representative will take you to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport for your flight.