10-Day Imperial Cities & Northern Morocco from Marrakech

10-Day Imperial Cities & Northern Morocco from Marrakech

Tour Description

This 10-day tour from Marrakech is a fantastic journey that combines the grandeur of the Imperial Cities with the unique charm of Northern Morocco. You'll experience the vibrant energy of Marrakech and Fes, fall in love with the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and relax in the artsy coastal town of Asilah before visiting the modern cities of Rabat and Casablanca.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat.
  • Discover the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen.
  • Relax in the artsy coastal town of Asilah.
  • Visit Morocco's modern capital, Rabat, and its largest city, Casablanca.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who prefer cities and culture over the desert. It combines the famous imperial cities with the unique charm of the northern coast and mountains.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech Arrival & Welcome

Morning: Arrive at Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK), where our representative will meet you with a traditional Moroccan welcome. Afternoon: Transfer to your authentic riad in the heart of the medina. Settle in and enjoy welcome mint tea. Evening: Optional gentle stroll through the nearby streets to get your first taste of Marrakech's magical atmosphere. Dinner at your riad. Overnight: Marrakech

Day 2: Marrakech Complete Guided Tour

Morning (9:00 AM): Begin with a visit to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, then explore the peaceful Jardin Majorelle and Berber Museum. Mid-Morning: Discover the Bahia Palace with its stunning courtyards and intricate tilework. Afternoon: Navigate the bustling souks of the medina with your guide - spice markets, leather tanneries, and artisan workshops. Late Afternoon: Visit the historic Saadian Tombs and explore the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna square. Evening: Optional dinner with traditional entertainment at Djemaa el-Fna. Overnight: Marrakech

Day 3: Marrakech → Fes via the Middle Atlas

Morning (8:00 AM): Depart Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) through the High Atlas Mountains. Mid-Morning: Stop at Telouet Kasbah, an ancient fortified palace with fascinating history. Afternoon: Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in the cedar forests near Azrou to spot Barbary macaque monkeys. Late Afternoon: Arrive in Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its Alpine-style architecture. Evening: Arrive in Fes and check into your riad. Dinner and overnight in Fes.

Day 4: Fes Medieval Medina Guided Tour

Morning (9:00 AM): Enter the 9,000-year-old medina through Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate). Begin with the Chouara Tannery. Mid-Morning: Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University (oldest continuously operating university in the world) and adjacent mosques. Afternoon: Explore the Bou Inania Madrasa, see the famous pottery and brass workshops, and visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts. Late Afternoon: Walk through the Andalusian Quarter and visit the Royal Palace exterior. Evening: Panoramic view from Merinid Tombs at sunset. Dinner in the medina. Overnight: Fes

Day 5: Fes → Chefchaouen via Volubilis

Morning (8:30 AM): Depart Fes, stopping at the Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO site) for a guided tour. Mid-Morning: Visit the holy city of Moulay Idriss, perched on a hillside with stunning views. Afternoon: Drive through the Rif Mountains, enjoying the dramatic landscapes and traditional Berber villages. Late Afternoon: Arrive in Chefchaouen, the famous blue city. Check into your hotel. Evening: First exploration of the blue-washed medina. Dinner with views of the Rif Mountains. Overnight: Chefchaouen

Day 6: Chefchaouen Blue City Immersion

Morning (9:00 AM): Guided walking tour of Chefchaouen's medina, learning about the city's unique history and the significance of the blue color. Mid-Morning: Visit the main square (Place Outa el Hammam) and the Kasbah museum. Afternoon: Free time to explore, shop for local crafts, or hike to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views. Late Afternoon: Visit Ras El Ma spring where the city gets its water source. Evening: Sunset photography session in the blue streets. Optional cooking class. Overnight: Chefchaouen

Day 7: Chefchaouen → Asilah Coastal Journey

Morning (8:00 AM): Depart Chefchaouen, driving through the Rif Mountains to the Mediterranean coast. Mid-Morning: Stop at Tetouan for a brief visit to its UNESCO medina. Afternoon: Arrive in Asilah, the charming white-walled coastal town known for its vibrant art scene. Late Afternoon: Explore the Portuguese ramparts and enjoy the Atlantic breeze. Evening: Stroll through the art-filled medina. Fresh seafood dinner by the coast. Overnight: Asilah

Day 8: Asilah → Rabat Capital City

Morning: Enjoy Asilah's pristine beach and explore the medina's art galleries and workshops. Mid-Morning: Visit the 15th-century Portuguese fortifications and the Hassan II Mosque (different from Casablanca's). Afternoon: Drive to Rabat (1.5 hours). Check into your hotel. Late Afternoon: Begin exploration of Morocco's capital with a visit to the Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum. Evening: Walk through the Kasbah of the Udayas and enjoy the Atlantic sunset from the Corniche. Overnight: Rabat

Day 9: Rabat → Casablanca → Marrakech

Morning (9:00 AM): Complete Rabat tour with visits to the Royal Palace exterior and the modern city center. Mid-Morning: Drive to Casablanca (1 hour). Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims), explore the Corniche, and see the Art Deco architecture of the city center. Late Afternoon: Begin the journey back to Marrakech (3.5 hours). Evening: Arrive in Marrakech. Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with entertainment. Overnight: Marrakech

Day 10: Marrakech Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Last-minute souvenir shopping in the medina. Afternoon: Transfer to Marrakech-Menara Airport for your departure flight, filled with memories of Morocco's imperial cities and northern charm.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable shoes for walking through medinas.
  • A light jacket for coastal evenings.
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • Camera for the picturesque towns.
  • An appreciation for art and history.