Depart North America via jet service to Casablanca, Morocco. Meals will be served in flight.
DAY 02:
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO
Upon your arrival in Casablanca this morning, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
DAY 03:
CASABLANCA/ RABAT
Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca is Morocco’s modern seaport with a strong French accent, recalling scenes from the film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Sightseeing focuses on the magnificent United Nations Square, the Arab League Park, Anfa’s residential quarters, the Synagogue, the church of Our Ladies of Lourdes, and to top it off, the imposing Hassan II Mosque, built in a breathtaking setting on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Depart Casablanca and drive along the infamous Barbary Coast to the Imperial City of Rabat, once the lair of the corsairs and now the country’s capital. Sightseeing of the “Imperial Garden City” includes a view the Royal Palace and the residence of King Hassan II, visit to the Mohammed V Mausoleum, Hassan Tower, and the fortified Kasbah of Oudaias. Dinner and overnight in Rabat.
DAY 04:
RABAT / MEKNES / FEZ
Gates of Meknes
This morning depart Rabat and drive to Meknes, with its monumental gates and city walls, known as the unfinished dream of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit the impressive old granaries and stables which housed up to 12,000 horses. Stop at the Market Square to admire Bab el Mansur, the finest gateway in North Africa. Continue your journey to Fez for dinner and overnight.
Anicent Fez, the oldest of the Imperial Cities, occupies a position of outstanding scenic beauty and is blessed with an ample supply of water. Fez is best known for its spiritual and educational contributions to Moroccan culture. See the magnificent entrance to the Royal Palace, drive through the Mellah, the old Jewish Quarter and travel on to the ornate Bab Bou Jeloud, the traditional entrance to old Fez. Visit the labyrinthine Fes-El-Bali, Morocco’s largest medina. Visit Medersa Bou Inania, admire Nejjarine Square and its fountain, the Karaouiyne Mosque and University, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. Drive along the panoramic Route de Fez, stopping at its best vantage point. Return to your hotel. Tonight enjoy a Moroccan dinner and folklore performance to savor the very native flavor of the restaurant, food and the show itself.
DAY 06:
FEZ / BENI MELLAL / MARRAKESH
Today take an unforgettable scenic journey through ever-changing landscapes on your way to the mystical deep south. Stop in the quiet Swiss-style village of Ifrane surrounded by verdant cedar forests. Continue to Azrou, a Berber village where you will visit the handicraft cooperative famous for its wood carving and carpet weaving. Continue via Beni Mellal to arrive in the red-colored imperial city of Marrakesh, situated in an oasis of more than a half million palm trees and surrounded by deep walls. In the afternoon, stroll through the exquisite Yves Saint Laurent Gardens.
DAY 07:
MARRAKESH
Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh
Photo: Daniel Csörföly
Marrakesh is the second oldest of the Imperial Cities and definitely is the “Pearl of the South”. Visit Menara Park with its man-made lake and quaint pavilion, Bahia Palace, the elaborately decorated 16th century Saadian Tombs, and Djemaa El-Fna, the palpitating town center dominating the 222-foot-high Koutoubia Minaret. The balance of the day is at leisure.
DAY 08:
MARRAKESH / CASABLANCA
After a leisurely breakfast depart Marrakesh and head across farming country towards Casablanca. Overnight in Casablanca.
DAY 09:
CASABLANCA / NORTH AMERICA
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to North America.
