Imperial Cities of Morocco

Marrakesh, Rabat, Fez and Meknes – these are the imperial cities of Morocco. Their rich history comes alive in the narrow streets of the medieval medinas and the cool, mosaic lined courtyards of mosques and royal palaces. Behold the diverse cities fascinating history and extraordinary landscape.

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Marrakesh

Fly to Marrakesh from where you will be taken to your hotel. (D)

DAY 2 – Marrakesh & Casablanca

We’ll visit the Jardin Majorelle, an inspiring and amazing display of bamboo, bougainvillaea and cacti, formerly owned by Yves Saint-Laurent. Wander the Berber Museum, which showcases the extraordinary history and culture of the Berber people. Travel north across the rich agricultural plains to Casablanca, dominating the skyline is the vast Hassan II Mosque, its minaret soaring 690 feet. During our guided visit marvel at the intricate wood and stone carving, magnificent, gilded ceilings and intricately decorated tiles. Tonight we soak up the romantic atmosphere of 1940’s Casablanca during our dinner at Rick’s Café, set in a renovated riad. (B, D) + Included Experience – Visit the Jardin Majorelle Gardens, Berber Museum, Hassan II Mosque and dinner in Ricks Cafe.

DAY 3 – Rabat & Fez

After breakfast we travel north along the coast to imperial Rabat, the current capital of Morocco to discover the elegant sweeping boulevards and palmlined avenues built by the French. A guided walking tour through the narrow

Volubilis

streets and dazzlingly blue houses of the 12th-century walled medina reveals another side of this splendid city of kings. After our tour, there’s free time to wander at your own pace before we journey to Fez. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided walking tour of Rabat.

DAY 4 – Fez

Founded in the 9th century, Fez is the most ancient of the imperial capitals and boasts the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. In the company of our local guide, we will explore the ancient ramparts and gates outside the city and then take a walking tour into the medina through the famous Blue Gate. Silversmiths, potters, weavers, leatherworkers and tailors all ply their wares in the stalls that line the bustling streets. We’ll also see the 14th-century Al-Attarine Madrasa, renowned for its elegant courtyard and intricate mosaics. No visit to Fez would be complete without a visit to the tanneries to experience the colourful process, which produces some of the world’s finest leather, and then enjoy a birds-eye view of the pits awash with vibrant dye. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Tonight we will dine on typical Moroccan dishes in the traditional surroundings of a charming riad. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided walking tour of Fez, dinner in a traditional Riad.

DAY 5 – Volubilis, Meknes & Fez

We drive into the hills to the spectacular Roman ruins of Volubilis - the bestpreserved Roman ruins in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a local guide step back through 2,000 years of history amidst the temples, forums, grand villas and bathhouses – many decorated with beautiful mosaics.

KEY

Arrive Depart Route RABAT Volubilis

Fez

Casablanca Meknes

MOROCCO

Marrakesh We continue to Meknes, where the legacy of the powerful 17th-century ruler, Moulay Ismail, lives on in the elaborate palaces, gardens and mosques of this impressive imperial city. We’ll stop to admire Bab el-Mansour, the giant imperial gateway built by Moulay Ismail and visit Heri es-Souani, a feat of engineering where stabling and food was provided for 12,000 horses. After our guided tour by coach and on foot, you’ll have time to explore. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided tours of Volubilis and Meknes.

DAY 6 – Fez to Marrakesh

After breakfast we retrace our steps back to Marrakesh, choosing to take the major roads, with comfort stops along the way, to ensure a more comfortable journey. We arrive in Marrakesh in the late afternoon. (D)

DAY 7 – Marrakesh & free afternoon

Perched on the edge of the Sahara Desert and framed by the Atlas Mountains, this ancient trading hub bursts with energy. Marrakech is also the heartland of the Berbers, who have lived and farmed on this land since Neolithic times. We enjoy a sightseeing tour, during which we will see the Saadian tombs, one of the world’s finest examples of Moorish architecture, and experience the Bahia Palace, which when built was acclaimed as the world’s most beautiful palace, famed for its 50 marble columns. We also visit the famous souks or covered markets, where immensely skilled craftsmen create intricate leatherware, jewellery and furniture.

You have the rest of the afternoon free to explore as you wish. Later at dusk after dinner in the hotel, we visit the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a showcase for traditional Moroccan life. (B, D) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Marrakesh and sunset visit to the Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

DAY 8 – Marrakesh & free afternoon

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Your options

Personalise your holiday Enjoy a Moroccan gastronomic experience

From £36pp

2022

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

2023

Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all airport transfers • Seven nights in four-star to four-star superior accommodation inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 7 Dinners Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • Guided tours including Marrakesh,

Volubilis, Fez, Meknes and Rabat • Visits including the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Jardin Majorelle gardens,

Meknes, Casablanca and the Hassan

II Mosque

Our hand-picked hotels

As this is a multi-centre tour, we stay in different hand-picked hotels for the tour, in Casablanca and Fez. In Marrakesh, we stay in the same hotel at the start and end of the tour.

Hotel Opera Plaza, Marrakesh

HHHH Superior

Odyssee Center, Casablanca

HHHH Barceló Fès Medina, Fez HHHH