Our Morocco’s Imperial Cities Tour (Marrakech, Essaouira, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes) takes you to the magnificent Imperial cities of Morocco. No two cities are alike. Start in Marrakech with its famous Djemaa el-Fna, medina, palmeries, and surprisingly tranquil and cool gardens. Journey up the Atlantic Coast through fishing towns and villages, visit the commercial centre of Casablanca, and the charming capital of Rabat. Continue through to historic Meknes, and on to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco.
Our Morocco’s Imperial Cities Tour can be modified from 4-12 days or more depending on your time and what you would like to see. A similar tour can also start in Fes and end in Marrakech.
DAY 1: Marrakech
Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be met and transferred to your hotel/Riad. Relax and settle in. Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 2: Marrakech
Explore the famous city of Marrakech, the ‘southern pearl’ of Morocco, and second oldest Imperial city which has for centuries been an important stop for traders and travellers. Your tour will include the Menera Gardens, the famous Jardin Majoralle, Bahia Palace, and Saadian tombs. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, with its 77m high minaret dominating the centre of Marrakech. Continue to one of the centre attractions of Marrakech; Djemaa el-Fna, the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech. Relax at one of the many cafes surrounding the square to take in all the sights. Continue on and explore the varied and colourful souks. Overnight in Marrakech
DAY 3: Marrakech – Essaouira (177kms)
Depart Marrakech for the seaside town of Essaouira. A relaxing drive lined with argan oil cooperatives will take you to this UNESCO World Heritage listed city. The windswept fishing port, with broad beaches and ancient walled medina with ramparts built into the cliffs has long been a popular destination. With its relaxed feel, take in the small but lively medina, stroll along the ramparts or beach, or visit the port to see the daily catch. The Gnaouas Music Festival is held in Essaouira in June. Overnight in Essaouira.
DAY 4: Essaouira – Safi – Oualidia – El Jadida – Casablanca (404kms)
Depart Essaouira for Casablanca via the Atlantic Coast. Pass through Safi, the centre of sardine exports and famous for its pottery; Oualidia, a small seaside village with a protected lagoon, estuary, and wild Atlantic Ocean all right on your doorstep; and El Jadida, a small port city, formerly controlled by the Portuguese which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial capital and largest city, visit Mohammed V Square which lays claim to some of the city’s most impressive architecture, the majestic Hassan II Mosque, and the gardens, and terrace cafes overlooking the Atlantic Coast. Overnight in Casablanca.
DAY 5: Casablanca – Rabat (93kms)
Depart Casablanca for the Imperial city of Rabat. Your sightseeing in Rabat will include the Mechouar (the ramparts and walls surrounding the Royal Palace), the majestic Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower and the Oudaya Kasbah, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and offering fabulous views, as well as being home to Moroccan artisan galleries. Overnight in Rabat.
DAY 6: Rabat – Meknes – Fes (203kms)
Depart Rabat for Fes. Along the way stop in Meknes, visiting the medina which is surrounded by a triple thickness of 40km long walls which preserves one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco; the Royal Stables of the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail, and the Jewish Quarter. Continue to Fes. Overnight in Fes.
DAY 7: Fes
Explore Fes, the most ancient and holy of the Imperial cities. Your cultural and historic tour will take you through the 2000 year old living medina; a labyrinth of narrow lanes alive with markets and souks, craftsmen, donkeys and mules transporting their loads. Visit the Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas (Islamic universities), the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, and the Karaouine Mosque. Finish your tour with a visit to Fes Jdid, and the revered Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic view of Fes. Your tour ends in Fes.
Suggestions for amending the Morocco’s Imperial Cities Tour:
- Add extra nights in Marrakech
- Go to Agadir from Marrakech, overnight in Agadir, and then continue to Essaouira
- Add an extra night in Essaouira
- Add an extra night in Oualidia (between Casablanca and Essaouira)
Add extra nights in Fes to your Morocco’s Imperial Cities Tour to explore take a cooking class, and/or visit to the Middle Atlas (Ifrane/Azrou)
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Fescooking & Morocco Cultural Tours 