Morocco: Imperial Cities

Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your hotel. Gather tonight for a special welcome reception and dinner at a local restaurant.

Explore the towering Hassan II Mosque, a wildly intricate building that holds 25,000 worshipers. Soaring above the ocean, its minaret stands as the tallest religious structure in the world. Drive to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and explore the 12th-century Moorish Hassan Tower. View the Mohammed V Mausoleum, founder of modern Morocco, and visit Oudayas Kasbah; its gate is considered among the most beautiful in the Moorish world. Continue to Fez, arriving at day’s end at your boutique hotel set on a scenic hilltop.

Step back in time into ancient and remarkably untouched Fez el-Bali (“Old Fez”), the cultural heart of Morocco. Wander among the 9,000 lanes, alleys and souks that shape its old quarter, where locals conduct their day-to-day business. See an elaborate mosaic-tiled fountain in Nejjarine Square. Later, discover Fez el-Jadid (“New Fez”), built in the 13th century. Fez el-Jadid is home to the mellah, the old Jewish quarter, with its wrought iron-decorated windows and carved wood balconies. Tonight, dine at a traditional Moroccan riad with a special guest who shares insight into Moroccan life.

After breakfast, drive to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Morocco’s largest and best-preserved Roman ruins, with excellently preserved mosaics. Continue to the city of Meknes. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the imperial cities of Morocco, it was built in the 17th century by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail to rival the court of Louis XIV. Return to Fez to enjoy your evening at leisure.

Fly to Marrakech, arriving in the afternoon. Considered the “Pearl of the South,” Marrakech was once the capital of an empire that stretched from Spain to Senegal, and is sometimes known as the “Red City” for the distinctive hues of its brick buildings.

Discover Marrakech’s ancient Medina, the old walled section of the city. Explore the Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts), a former palace. Continue to El Badi Palace and the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, the most perfect Islamic religious structure in North Africa. Stroll through Djemaa el-Fna square, where fire-eaters, mime artists and street musicians perform. Return to your hotel by private horse-drawn carriage.

Today, choose to remain in Marrakech or enjoy a full-day excursion to the High Atlas Mountains. Visit a picturesque village at Imlil Valley, meeting with local Berbers and spending time with them in their homes. Afterward, have lunch before returning to Marrakech. Your farewell dinner tonight is held at a charming, traditional riad.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.