Morning in Casablanca, afternoon in Rabat

Rabat - Welcome to Morocco! Begin your journey in the modern coastal city of Casablanca. The main highlight here is the impressive Hassan II Mosque, inaugurated in 1993. Perched on a promontory extending into the Atlantic, it offers stunning views. Its minaret stands at 690 feet (210 m), making it the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest minaret globally! Uniquely, this mosque is one of the few in the country that non-Muslims can enter. Join a guided tour to admire the exquisite Moroccan and Islamic craftsmanship.

Head north to the imperial city and current capital, Rabat (the other imperial cities are Fes, Marrakech, and Meknes). Explore the medieval Chellah Necropolis in the heart of Rabat and wander through Roman and Islamic ruins. Step back in time in Rabat’s original city center by entering through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias. Now mostly residential, you can quietly stroll through its peaceful white and blue-washed streets. Visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens for a serene escape from the crowds. Discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the unfinished mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. This 12th-century project was abandoned, leaving behind a red sandstone tower standing at 145 feet (44 m) and about 200 columns.

The Blue City of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen - This morning, head further north to the charming town of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Enjoy the scenic route of flat plains and green hills transitioning into a mountainous landscape. Largely unchanged since the 15th century, Chefchaouen offers a relaxed atmosphere with some of the friendliest people in the country and is famous for its blue-washed buildings in its historic medina. Wander through its charming winding streets and narrow alleys on the northern hillside. Discover the Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the main square, and enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants or cafés.

For the more adventurous, trek up the hillside to reach the city walls and follow the path to Hotel Atlas. From the rooftop, you can admire the expansive view over the Blue City. Towards the end of the day, follow the streets east to ascend a path up the hill (20 to 30 minutes) to reach the white Spanish Mosque. Built in the 1920s and never used, it offers a great spot to watch the sunset behind the mountains.

Roman ruins at Volubilis and imperial cities of Meknes and Fes

Fes - Photography enthusiasts will enjoy getting up early to capture photos of the empty, picturesque streets. Leave Chefchaouen behind and join your driver to continue towards Fes. Along the way, stop to explore the UNESCO-protected Roman ruins of Volubilis. This partially excavated complex, founded in the 3rd century BCE, was abandoned over a thousand years later. It was a thriving city in its day and one of the most remote parts of the Roman Empire. From here, you can choose to visit the smaller, less busy Meknes — a nice way to prepare for your time in Fes. Meknes has two main areas of interest: the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the navigable medina.

Head east to Fes and lose yourself in the impressively large and complex old medina that stretches down a hillside. To fully appreciate the size of Fes, start at the Merenid Tombs above the city for an overview of the historic city and to orient yourself. It’s best to visit the tombs at dusk as the city lights come on and the muezzin’s calls to worship echo through the valley. Settle into your accommodation, a traditional riad.

Exploring the Medieval Medina of Fes

Fes - A UNESCO World Heritage site, Fes is the oldest of the four imperial cities and is considered to have the most complete medina in the Arab world. Relatively unchanged since its founding over 1000 years ago, Fes’ labyrinthine streets give you a sense of medieval Moroccan life. Often regarded as the country’s cultural capital, it comprises three parts: two medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the more modern, French colonial-influenced Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide for a half-day tour to learn about the rich history and culture as you navigate the winding narrow streets of the medinas.

Start in Fes el Bali (founded in 789 ACE) at the famous Bab Boujeloud gate and enter the main thoroughfare of Talâa Kebira. Notice the Spanish and Tunisian influenced architecture as you pass shops and souks (markets), browsing local goods for gifts and souvenirs. Visit the 11th-century Chouara Tannery and marvel at the many dye-filled stone pots. The workers use traditional techniques that are hundreds of years old. Next, admire the intricate zellij tile work of the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa before heading to the “new city” of Fes el Jdid (13th century). Stop at the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter and cemetery, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. If time permits, visit Ville Nouvelle to see the dramatic change in architecture.

Return to Casablanca

Casablanca - Spend the morning as you wish. Perhaps tour a Ceramics and Tile Collective to learn how local artisans create their wares, from shaping the clay to painting the designs. Watch the tile masters at work as they fit together small pieces of tile to form intricate mosaics.

Head west towards Casablanca, stopping at either Meknes or Rabat if you wish. Depending on your departure details, you might want to share a drink and a bite to eat at Rick’s Café, a restaurant, bar, and café designed to recreate the bar made famous in the classic movie, Casablanca.

• Private transportation
• Breakfast