Luxury Tour – 10 to 14 Days

Casablanca and Rabat

Arrival at Casablanca airport, where our guide will warmly welcome you in Morocco.

We will visit one of Morocco’s main wonders: the Hassan II Mosque, the second tallest in the world and the only one in the country that can be visited by non-Muslims. There are guided tours where a knowledgeable guide explains all the details about the rituals of the Muslim religion and the extensive backstory of the construction of this monument.

In the words of the author of the book Morocco Country Study Guide, the Hassan II Mosque “undeniably marks the continuity of a modernized ancestral art and bears the sign of innovations that are due not only to technical reasons but also to a fertile exploration of new aesthetic possibilities.”

You can also visit another splendid monument, the Mahkama du Pacha, an administrative building that served as a court, prison, and residence for the governor/parliamentary reception hall. Here, you can notice the French-Arab style known as Mauresque, with strong Moorish elements and a central courtyard that resembles that of a typical Moroccan mosque.

Soon after, we head to Rabat, a city that grew in the 14th and 15th centuries with the expulsion of the Andalusians from the Iberian Peninsula. It is surrounded by three walls corresponding to the most significant phases of its history: the Almohad wall, the Andalusian wall, and the Alaouite wall. Your guide will show you the walls and the main points of the city, such as the Hassan Tower, situated atop an imposing mosque, the opulent tomb of Mohammed V, amongst many others.

Rabat, Volubilis and Meknes

During the morning, explore the Medina of Rabat freely to feel the Moroccan urban life and its colorful souks.

Walk through the Kasbah of the Oudayas, an ancient military fortress built in the 12th century, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The history of the site is visible through the monuments that make up the Kasbah, such as: its famous monumental gate (bab el-Kébir, one of the emblems of Almohad architecture); the royal residence of the Alaouite dynasty (still reigning); the Jamaa el Atiq mosque; the princely house built to the west; and the military structure of borj Sqala.

Next, we head to Meknes, and on the way, take the opportunity to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

These ruins are an exceptionally well-preserved example of a large Roman colonial city. Volubilis marked the southern border of the empire and was the main Roman administrative center in Africa outside of Egypt. You can take a guided tour in this area.

Sultan Moulay Ismail dreamed of making Meknes the most splendid city in North Africa. He was a contemporary of Louis XIV of France, trying to imitate the style of the French court. His interaction with the French king went down in history for having proposed marriage to his daughter. Therefore, Meknes is known as the “Versailles of the Maghreb.”

The night will be spent in a luxurious hotel, which is also a winery, inspired by French and Moroccan styles.

Wine Tasting in Meknes (at lunchtime)

The Meknes region is also the area of the country where wines made predominantly from highly regarded French grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) are produced, most of which are exported.

You can visit the winery and enjoy delightful moments tasting wine accompanied by an excellent lunch or just a snack.

Finally, we arrive in Fez, where you’ll still have time to see the city in one of its glories, bathed in the soft afternoon light. We will take a brief panoramic tour of the city.

If you’d like to enjoy the view from another perspective, you can have a drink on the rooftop of the Riad Fez – Relais & Chateaux.

The medina of Fez boasts over 9,000 streets that create a magical ambiance, where light and shadow intermingle. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fez once served as the capital of Morocco and bears the influences of the Fatimids, Andalusians, Arabs, and Jews. In the 13th century, Fez became a hub of knowledge and is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the Al Quaraouiyine University. You can also visit the Madrassas (Quranic schools), the Jewish Quarter (mellah), and the exterior of the Royal Palace, with its seven majestic bronze doors.

The Craftsmanship of Fes

This remarkable city is renowned for its craftsmanship: leather and hidework, pottery, copper, and metal. We will visit a tannery, where hides are treated and leather is crafted.

Beyond the main tourist attractions, Rainbow Street, a small alleyway where the floors and walls are painted in vibrant hues, stands out for its authenticity. Stroll freely along the main streets of the medina, Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira. Admire Bab Boujloud, the most important gate of the wall surrounding the medina.

Fez, Middle Atlas and Ifran

We will depart in the morning to visit the magical cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where you will be dazzled by the spectacular native nature. The atmosphere is calm, clear, and rich in the aromas of nature.

Explore the natural park: in the Middle Atlas, there are springs and waterfalls, flanked by small traditional Berber villages. Several lakes are scattered throughout, where you can walk or take a pedal boat ride. There is also a farm producing homemade cheese, where you can enjoy a snack along with the organic honey produced on-site.

For the more adventurous, there are marked forest trails for mountain biking and quad biking (4×4 motorcycles). Take advantage of the chalet-style hotel in this paradisiacal location, where you can experience a hammam (traditional Moroccan spa).

The modern city of Ifran was established by the French administration in 1929 and was designed in the model of a “garden city.” Its mild temperatures in the summer, in contrast to the cold winters, make it a sought-after destination year-round. Ifran is known as the “Moroccan Switzerland,” and during the winter, it is covered in snow.

After a relaxed breakfast and witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, we will visit the Todra Gorges, where the cliffs rise to 300 meters in height, separated by just 15 meters. There will be time to enjoy a walk along the river, surrounded by the grandeur of this unique and rocky landscape.

The Dades Valley combines arid mountains similar to the desert and, at the same time, fertile nature where the sounds of birds can be heard. It is considered one of the most stunningly beautiful locations and of great geological interest.

You may also see Jbel Saghro, a mountain even drier than the others in the range, with a landscape often compared to the surface of the Moon.

We continue along the “Route of the Thousand Kasbahs” towards Kalaat Mgouna – The Rose City. A Kasbah is an ancient fortress-like structure, and even the word “castle” has its origins in the word “Kasbah.”

Finally, we arrive in Skoura, a small village nestled in the heart of a vast oasis, where you can enjoy the landscape formed by palm trees and olive groves. Here, we will spend the night in a hotel offering an exclusive ambiance, right in the heart of the palm grove.

Ouarzazate is known as the “Gateway to the Desert” due to its location between the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert. In addition to the stunning scenery, you can visit the Kasbah Taouirt, an ancient fortress, the palace of Pasha Glaoui, near the Medina, and the famous film studios that have hosted several historical films, including the iconic Lawrence of Arabia.

Ait BenHaddou is the most important site along the “Route of the Thousand Kasbahs” and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has also gained fame for serving as a filming location for many Hollywood movies, such as The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.

In the late afternoon, we will finally arrive in Marrakech, a city full of surprises at every corner, from artists playing original or traditional instruments to a variety of products and performances, secluded gardens, and colorful, aromatic markets.

During the day, a guide dedicated solely to the city of Marrakech will accompany you to make the most of what this city has to offer, exploring its history and the atmosphere of fantasy and surprise that Marrakech always exudes.

The monuments to visit are numerous, including the following highlights:

Madrassa Ben Youssef: This 12th-century Islamic school in Marrakech was commissioned by Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf of Morocco. Today, it is a museum open to visitors. The interiors are magnificent, all beautifully decorated, and the architecture is stunning.

Koutoubia Mosque: Undoubtedly, the most famous and most photographed monument in Marrakech. The Koutoubia Mosque was built in the 12th century and served as the model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.

Bahia Palace: This beautiful 19th-century extravagant palace was built to be the finest in Marrakech. The palace features a large garden, a central courtyard, and several rooms incredibly decorated with the work of artisans who came specifically from the city of Fez to work here.

Saadian Tombs: These 16th-century tombs were commissioned by Ahmad al-Mansur and house the remains of about 60 members of the Saadian Dynasty from the Draa River Valley in the southern part of the country. Interestingly, the tombs were only discovered in 1917. These tombs are among the most visited monuments in Marrakech.

Majorelle Gardens: This is the only botanical garden in Marrakech. It was designed by artist Jacques Majorelle and has been owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé since 1980. You can enjoy a wonderful garden filled with exotic flowers from various parts of the world.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which features a permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions showcasing masterpieces from this famous designer. The building itself has charming modern architecture with traditional touches.

Palais Dar Bacha, or the Musée de Confluences, a magnificent example of Arab architecture. It has a very special café where you can taste coffee from around the world in a delightful setting.

The modern neighborhood of Gueliz, which blends perfectly with the spirit of the city.

Optional Trip

Hop aboard a vintage motorcycle with a sidecar for an immersive ride to discover, from a different perspective, some of the streets of the medina, the modern district of Gueliz, the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), and the Palm Grove of Marrakech.

The Imlil Mountains in the High Atlas are covered in snow during the winter, with flowers in the spring, fruit in the summer, and red-tinged leaves in the autumn. Regardless of the time of year, the High Atlas is always picturesque.

There are several ways to spend an unforgettable day: you can visit a traditional Berber village, have lunch with a local family, take a mountain hike with a trekking guide who knows the most beautiful trails in the Atlas, among other activities.

Other points of interest in this area include Lake Takerkoust, Mount Toubkal (the highest in North Africa), the Kik Plateau with its breathtaking landscapes, the Ourika Valley, and the Setti Fatma waterfalls.

Return to your hotel before the end of the afternoon and enjoy this unique place.

This coastal area, since the time when Carthage was an empire, has always been considered one of the best anchorage points in the North African Atlantic. The first signs of significant commercial activity date back to the 11th century, but it was in 1506 that the city would see one of the most important chapters in its history, when it was conquered by the Portuguese, who built the fort that still stands in the city today and named it Mogador.

Essaouira Medina: UNESCO World Heritage

The Medina was built in the 18th century and is one of the few in the world that was actually planned architecturally. It was at this time that the city was named Essaouira, which literally means “the beautifully designed.” Today, the city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the preferred location for most Moroccan visual artists.

Safi is a beautiful coastal city, which, although it has a castle and an ancient cathedral from the Portuguese era, is better known as the ceramics capital of Morocco.

In Safi, you can visit several pottery workshops, painting studios, and their respective kilns. The National Ceramic Museum is housed in a large building on one of the city’s hills.

Oualidia

This city is mainly known for its beautiful beaches, with a crescent-shaped bay and golden sand dunes. The colors of the beach and surrounding areas change according to the time of day, creating incredible scenic effects.

There are boat trips with private picnics on deserted beaches, where you can visit the oyster bay of Oualidia. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are birdwatching safaris in the area.

At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset while savoring the famous local oysters, considered the best in Morocco and among the best in the world, accompanied by a glass of white wine by the lagoon.

Head to the hotel spa for an Argan oil massage, followed by a seawater jacuzzi.

El Jadida

This small port city, once controlled by Portugal, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Formerly known as Mazagan, the city features a Manueline cistern (built by the Portuguese in 1514 to store water) and is one of its main attractions. You can also spot the Chapel of St. Sebastian and the recently restored facade of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a Manueline-style church.

We continue to Casablanca, where our journey comes to an end.

Here, we say our goodbyes after an unforgettable experience, knowing that you will carry beautiful memories of this country in your hearts.