Imperial Cities of Morocco

DAY 1: MARRAKECH
Arrive Marrakech, transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Marrakech (D)

DAY 2: MARRAKECH - ESSAOUIRA - SAFI
Morning departure for Essaouira. Chosen by Orson Welles as a location for his 1952 film Othello, Essaouira is a charming ancient fortified Portuguese city on the Atlantic coast filled with colourful boats and fishing nets drying in the sun. The town is constantly exposed to warm breezes year-round and at high tide the waves often pound against its fortified ramparts. It has an excellent sandy beach, interesting rock pools and has been popular with surfers for many years. Lunch in a small fish restaurant in the Old Town. Continue to the ex- Portuguese Colonial town of Safi. We suggest a visit to the Potter’s Quarter.
Overnight: Safi (BLD)

DAY 3: SAFI - EL JADIDA - CASABLANCA - RABAT
Travel north along the Atlantic coast to El Jadida and see the Portuguese cisterns. Continue to the commercial capital, Casablanca. Casablanca features a wondrous mix of shining contemporary architecture, Art Deco and neo-Moorish styles. Palm trees eight storeys tall line the boulevards. The magnificent Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s tallest structure, towers over the
entire landscape. Depart for the Imperial City of Rabat and visit the Hassan Tower and the Mohamed V Mausoleum where the late Majesty King Hassan II is also buried alongside his father.
Overnight: Rabat (BLD)

DAY 4: RABAT - MEKNES - VOLUBILIS - FEZ
Depart for the Imperial City of Meknes. Visit the old ramparts, the Agoudal basin, the stables and one of the most beautiful gates in the Kingdom of Morocco – the Bab el Mansour, before breaking for lunch. Continue to Volubilis, with its impressive Roman ruins and mosaics which are particularly well preserved. Depart for the Imperial City of Fez.
Overnight: Fez (BLD)

DAY 5: FEZ
Explore this magnificent city, one of the best living examples of a medieval Arab city. See the Karaouine Mosque (from outside) and Medersas. Experience the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the labyrinth of souks and tanneries. Photo stops at the imposing gate of Bab Boujloud, the ancient ramparts, the splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine and the beautiful front entrance to the Royal Palace. Lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon for shopping (time permitting).
Overnight: Fez (BLD)

DAY 6: FEZ - MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS - MARRAKECH
Depart Fez and travel south through the Cedar forests of Ifrane, the almost Alpine-like ski resort in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Continue through the fruit-growing region of Beni Mellal before arriving late afternoon in Marrakech.
Overnight: Marrakech (BLD)

DAY 7: MARRAKECH
Explore the historical sights of Marrakech in the morning. After lunch, visit the souk and the fabulous Djmaa El Fna Square with its myriad of street performers, soothsayers, storytellers, snake charmers and henna painters. Dinner in a Moroccan restaurant with folklore show. Overnight: Marrakech (BLD)

DAY 8: MARRAKECH
Departure transfer to Marrakech Airport. (B)