Experience the enchantment of Morocco’s captivating north as you embark on a lavish and immersive journey. With the assistance of a personal chauffeur and knowledgeable guides, you can maximize every moment of your adventure without sacrificing a sense of tranquility. Prepare to unravel the mysteries of Imperial Cities, explore ancient ruins, and witness awe-inspiring landmarks that pay homage to bygone empires. Indulge in opulent accommodations, including the exquisite riads, and luxuriate in the serene ambience of a stunning traditional hammam nestled within the vibrant city of Fes.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Afternoon Arrival in Casablanca & Hassan II Mosque | Casablanca |
| Day 2 | Casablanca to Chefchaouen - A City Awash in Blue | Chefchaouen |
| Day 3 | Chefchaouen to Fes - Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and Meknes | Fes |
| Day 4 | Fes - Exploring the Imperial City, Medieval Medina & Hammam | Fes |
| Day 5 | Fes to Casablanca: Rabat and Salé | Casablanca |
| Day 6 | Depart from Casablanca |
Today, you will make your way to Chefchaouen. This little city is a visual delight in blue; walls, doors, windows, stairways, alleyways, and archways – everything is a combination of pastel sky blue and deeper, more vivid hues. Chefchaouen is located in the heart of the Rif Mountains and is famous for its sense of “old Morocco.” En route, you’ll visit the imposing Hassan Tower monument, one of the most magnificent buildings of the Almohad Dynasty. A curiosity of a landmark, Hassan Tower is a minaret of a 12th-century mosque, a lofty construction project that was ultimately abandoned. All that remains today is the red sandstone tower, standing at 145 feet (44 m), and about 200 columns where a more extensive complex was meant to be. After you wander the ruins, check out the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, which serves as a stellar taste of the intricate tilework, mosaics, and craftsmanship that you’ll see throughout the land. Lunch will be on your own with recommendations from your driver. After, you can explore the blue-painted Oudaya neighborhood perched above the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque charm of this neighborhood is the perfect primer for what lies ahead on your journey today. From Rabat, you’ll head into the Rif Mountains to the Blue City of Chefchaouen. Check-in to your opulent riad and relax or head out to explore this laid back town at your own pace. Outa el-Hammam, the main square, is a place to watch the world go by. Walk up the tiny alleys away from the touristed areas to find a taste of local life. This is a great place to shop for handcrafted wool garments, woven blankets, cedarwood furniture, and other artisanal work from Northern Morocco. Be sure to order a Maqlouba (upside-down) coffee and enjoy it while watching the local women retrieve water and wash their laundry in the nearby spring. Dinner will be on your own at one of the town’s wonderful eateries.
Today, you’ll embark on a captivating journey to the enchanting city of Chefchaouen. Known as the Blue City, this charming destination immerses you in a mesmerizing palette of pastel sky blue and vibrant hues, adorning every wall, door, window, stairway, alleyway, and archway. Nestled amidst the majestic Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen exudes the timeless essence of “old Morocco.”
En route, your first stop will be the awe-inspiring Hassan Tower monument, a remarkable architectural gem from the Almohad Dynasty. The tower, standing at 145 feet (44 m), remains as a testament to a grand construction project—an unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque. Admire the towering red sandstone structure and the surrounding 200 columns that hint at the grandeur that was once envisioned. As you explore, make sure to visit the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, showcasing intricate tilework, mesmerizing mosaics, and masterful craftsmanship that exemplify the artistic heritage of the region.
Lunchtime offers the chance to savor a culinary delight of your choice, with recommendations from your knowledgeable driver. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the blue-painted Oudaya neighborhood, perched on the coastal cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Immerse yourself in the picturesque charm of this area, setting the stage for the remarkable experiences that await you today.
From Rabat, your journey continues into the captivating Rif Mountains, leading you to the captivating Blue City of Chefchaouen. Upon arrival, check-in to your luxurious riad, where you can unwind and relax, or venture out to explore the laid-back ambiance of this charming town at your own pace. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Outa el-Hammam, the main square, and delight in the simple pleasure of observing the world pass by.
Wander along the narrow alleys away from the tourist hubs, and discover glimpses of local life. Here, you’ll find an array of handcrafted wool garments, woven blankets, exquisite cedarwood furniture, and other artisanal treasures from Northern Morocco. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a traditional Maqlouba (upside-down) coffee, while witnessing local women fetching water and washing their laundry at the nearby spring. As evening falls, indulge in a delightful dinner at one of the town’s fantastic eateries, savoring the flavors that Chefchaouen has to offer.
Begin your morning in Chefchaouen at your own pace, whether it’s witnessing a breathtaking sunrise from the Spanish mosque overlooking the town or indulging in a leisurely breakfast followed by exploration within the medina. For a more relaxed experience, savor a cup of fresh mint tea in Place Outa el-Hammam, observing the city come to life from a cozy café.
Later in the morning, your journey continues southward toward Fes, tracing the footsteps of Morocco’s royal past. Along the way, you’ll make a stop at the captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, home to Morocco’s remarkably preserved Roman ruins. Delve into the grandeur of this vast complex, marveling at the well-preserved mosaics, temples, and spacious merchant homes featuring visible heating systems. If you desire a deeper understanding of the site’s history, you have the option to hire a private guide. With the flexibility of your private driver, you can linger at the ruins and any other sites you visit throughout your trip, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their beauty.
Continuing your journey, you’ll arrive at Moulay Idriss, a town that resembles a sitting camel when viewed from a distance. Founded in 789 CE and serving as Morocco’s first Islamic capital, Moulay Idriss holds significant cultural importance. Take in the distinctive round minaret, a unique feature found only in this city. Your driver will assist you in finding a delightful lunch spot, and if you manage to secure reservations in advance, you can enjoy an exclusive dining experience at one of the city’s most esteemed restaurants.
Next on the itinerary is the prosperous city of Meknes, featuring a smaller medina and amiable shopkeepers compared to larger urban centers. Accompanied by your driver, explore the Ville Impériale (New City) area, where you’ll discover splendid gardens, magnificent palaces, the imposing Bab al-Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables. Keep an eye out for Roman columns incorporated into the palaces, as many of these architectural marvels were constructed using materials sourced from Volubilis.
Concluding your royal road trip for the day, you’ll arrive in Fes, one of Morocco’s esteemed Imperial Cities. After checking in to your luxurious riad nestled within the historic medina, the remainder of the day is yours to savor. Lose yourself in the unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage Site of the medina, a labyrinth of winding alleys that ascend both sides of a steep river valley, renowned as the largest car-free urban area globally.
As you venture through the medina independently, pay attention to the direction of your walk, noting whether you are ascending or descending. Walking uphill will generally lead you to the medina’s edge, where it becomes easier to orient yourself and find transportation, ensuring a seamless exploration of this captivating city.
Begin your day with a delectable breakfast before meeting your knowledgeable private tour guide, a Fes local, who will accompany you on an immersive exploration of the UNESCO-protected medina. Prepare to uncover hidden stories and venture into secluded corners of this vibrant epicenter, immersing yourself in the intricate details of daily life and marveling at the magnificence of madrasas and palaces. When it’s time for lunch, seek the expertise of your guide for recommendations, as Fes boasts numerous luxurious restaurants tucked behind unassuming doorways, promising a delightful culinary experience.
Today, you’ll also delve into traditional crafts and ancient traditions. Embark on visits to tanneries and mosaic workshops, where you can witness firsthand the time-honored methods still employed by skilled artisans. Immerse yourself in the craftsmanship and connect with the artisans as they work their magic.
This afternoon, relaxation takes center stage. Return to your riad, where you can unwind and rejuvenate before indulging in a local hammam experience at a traditional public bath. Hammams offer a range of services, including massages, baths, and a diverse treatment menu utilizing locally sourced argan oil products. Begin your blissful journey with a traditional steam, soak, and scrub—the ultimate trifecta of the hammam experience. Let the soothing ambiance and expert treatments transport you to a state of pure relaxation and serenity.
Today, bid farewell to Fes as you embark on your journey towards Casablanca. En route, you’ll revisit the captivating city of Rabat and have the opportunity to explore the charming suburb of Salé.
As the political capital of Morocco, Rabat boasts a vibrant culinary scene. While you can find excellent Moroccan cuisine throughout the city, venture to the embassy quarter of the new city, located just inland from the medina, for a taste of some of the finest French and Italian dining experiences in the country.
In the afternoon, make your way to the nearby city of Salé, where you can immerse yourself in its rich history. Visit the historic madrasa, known for its striking architecture and exquisite Moroccan craftwork. Don’t miss the chance to explore the magnificent walls and gates of Bab Antare and Bab Mellah, which beautifully divide the city.
As the early evening approaches, arrive in Casablanca, where you’ll have the freedom to explore and savor a delightful dinner at your leisure. Casablanca offers a plethora of experiences and dining options, allowing you to tailor your evening to your preferences and indulge in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
As your unforgettable journey through Morocco comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to this enchanting country. If your departure flight allows, take advantage of any remaining time to engage in some last-minute sightseeing in Casablanca or savor a relaxing cup of tea at one of the traditional cafés, immersing yourself in the local ambiance. When the designated time arrives, make your way to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, where you will embark on your onward journey with cherished memories of your time in Morocco.
