Day 1 - Arrive Casablanca - Fes

MARHABA!!!

This is the traditional greeting used in Morocco which conveys the meaning of a warm Hello & Welcome.

On arrival into Casablanca airport, you will be greeted by our representative.

The name Casablanca evokes thoughts of good living, romance and adventure in a tropical setting, an image that the 1943 Humphrey Bogart film conveyed to cinema-goers in the drab years of World War Two. Originally settled by Berbers in the 7th century, Casablanca’s fairly recent growth has made it the bustling, French-influenced business centre of Morocco it is today.

Depending on your arrival time, sightseeing in Casablanca includes a visit to the Hassan II Grand Mosque. The mosque is amongst the largest in the world and can house as many as 25,000 worshipers. The mosque’s minaret is the tallest religious structure in the world.

After your tour, you drive to the historical city of Fes.

Meal Plan: B

Day 2 - Fes

Today you take a step back in time to the Middle Ages when you visit Fes El Bali, the largest living medieval Medina-city and cultural heart of Morocco.

The city was founded in the 8th Century AD by Moulay Idriss I. The Imperial capital was a renowned centre of medieval learning. In the neighbouring building is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th Century.

Your sightseeing also includes a visit to the Nejjarine Square, Fondouq (Caravanserai), Dar Batha and the Museum of Moroccan Arts.

Continue your visit to Fes El Jedid (New Fes), built by the Merinid Dynasty in the 13th Century. Here you will see the Royal Palace, mosques, medersas (schools), souks and the city wall.  

Most notably, Fes El Jedid is home to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture and culture. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Fes - Volubilis - Meknes - Rabat

Today discover Volubilis, the site of the largest and most well preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Then continue to Meknes, the formal Imperial city built in the 17th Century by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail, to rival the court of his counterpart Louis XIV of France. Admire Bab Mansour gateway and visit Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum.

In the afternoon, drive to Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom.

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Rabat - Marrakech

This morning, you will visit the Citadel of Challah, the oldest part of the city. After lunch, visit La Tour Hassan II Mosque; the city's most famous site is the massive minaret of Hassan, dating from 1195, which towers over Rabat.

Also visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, one of the greatest monuments of modern Morocco, which was inaugurated in 1967. The deceased king lies entombed in white onyx, surrounded by royal guards.

Your city tour of Rabat also includes a visit to Kasbah des Oudayas, a pleasant place to take a stroll, see the sights and admire the scenery. The Kasbah was the Almohad citadel of medieval Rabat, and is guarded by an impressive arched gate built around 1195.
In the afternoon, depart for bustling Marrakech. The pearl of the south enchants any traveller with mesmerizing historical monuments and welcoming people.

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Marrakech

Today, discover the mysteries of Marrakech.

Start your visit with the Bahia Palace, a small piece of folly ordered in 1880 by the great vizir Sidi Moussa.

Afterwards, visit Si Said Museum to admire beautifully decorated weapons, splendidly decorative clothing and beaten copper articles; whilst traditional Berber jewels captivate and enchant.

After lunch, you will visit the Ben Youssef Medersa, one of the jewels of Marrakech. The current structure of this Koranic school was built around 1570.

Then, prepare yourself for a discovery of the labyrinth of souks and get ready for shopping!! This maze of colourful alleys and small squares are home to a bewildering array of stalls and ateliers devoted to specific crafts.

Finish up at Djemâa el Fna Square, where a multitude of street-artists and stalls of dried fruit and orange juice can be found.

From here admire the Koutoubia Mosque which is an emblem of Marrakech. Built in the 12th century, the Koutoubia minaret is the most perfect Islamic religious structure in North Africa.

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Cookery Class & Gorgeous Gardens

This morning, depart for a little farm located in the surroundings of Marrakech for a cookery class.

In a cosy and casual atmosphere, Chef Tarek welcomes his guests under a Berber tent adorned with carpets and cushions, nestled in organic gardens. Step by step, mix all ingredients to cook a tasteful Moroccan salad and sweet and sour tajine under the directives of the chef who will share with you all his knowledge and tips.
While the dish is cooking on the fire, take the time to walk to the nearest Berber village before returning to the farm for your freshly cooked meal. 

This afternoon  enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, starting in the Menara Gardens, where tranquility and comparative coolness makes it one of the most pleasant and romantic places for taking a stroll in Marrakech. On one side, there is a harmonious Saadian style pavilion that was built at the end of the 19th century.

Continue to the Majorelle Gardens, Created in the 1920's by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. Majorelle is a very unique and special blue and is now a trademark colour name. It also contains a memorial to the Algerian born French designer Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent, also known as Yves Saint Laurent.

Whether you are celebrating Christmas or welcoming in the 2015 New Year, if you prefer an elegant and refined atmosphere or something more wild, we will be pleased to arrange a special evening which will remain in your memories forever.

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Day at leisure

Enjoy the day at leisure relaxing by the pool of the hotel or strolling in the medina.

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Atlas Mountains excursion

Today you will unearth another side of Morocco, the gorgeous Atlas Mountains, North Africa’s greatest mountain range.

As you journey you will enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and the little Berber villages nestled in the hills. You will discover the village of Asni and Imlil on the foothills of the Djebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in the Atlas. 

On your arrival to Imlil, you will exchange your car for a mule, the traditional method of transportation in this region and will take a journey of discovery through the fascinating Berber culture. 

Via a little road you reach a village located on a small hill, where Mohamed welcomes you to his home. You will meet his wife and children and learn about their culture and family life. While visiting their humble house you will see the traditional oven where they cook the delightful Berber bread. While savouring it with a mint tea, Mohamed with the help of the guide will talk to you about his family, his history and will answer any questions you may have regarding Berber culture. 

Afterwards, depart for the valley du Kik and the rocky Agafay desert. This will be a complete change of scenery with dry landscape replacing lush vegetation. 

Far from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech is the calm and quiet Kasbah Beldi. In the heart of the countryside, this beautiful and charming place is perfect for a rustic lunch in a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. Admiring gorgeous views on Lake Lalla Takarkoust , enjoy the smell of roses, and delight in an unforgettable lunch.

After lunch, come back to Marrakech with the rest of the day at leisure.

Meal Plan: B

Day 9 - Departure

Today you bid farewell to Morocco as you depart for the airport for your international flight home.

Meal Plan: B