7-Day Morocco Tour from Tangier: Imperial Cities & Blue City

Day 1: Tangier Arrival → Chefchaouen

Your Moroccan adventure begins as you arrive at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport or the port, where your private driver will greet you with a sign displaying your name. After a brief orientation about your Imperial Cities & Blue City tour, you'll settle into your comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and begin your journey south through the scenic Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, the famous "Blue City" of Morocco. The route offers breathtaking views as you wind through mountain landscapes, with a stop at a scenic viewpoint where you can appreciate the dramatic scenery while enjoying complimentary Moroccan mint tea. You'll pass through traditional Berber villages and agricultural plains, gaining insights into rural Moroccan life before arriving in Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Upon arrival, you'll check into your traditional riad in the medina and begin your exploration of the enchanting blue-washed streets, where your guide will explain the fascinating history of why the walls are painted blue and the cultural significance of this unique mountain town. The evening is yours to explore the medina further or enjoy dinner at your riad or a local restaurant.

Day 2: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes

After breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen, you'll have time for morning exploration of the city's hidden gems, visiting local markets and artisan workshops to discover traditional wool products and leather goods unique to this region. You'll have free time for personal exploration with options to visit the Ras El-Ma waterfall just outside the city, shop for unique souvenirs in the medina's craft shops, relax at a café in the main square and people-watch, or take photographs of the most photogenic blue streets. After lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina where you can enjoy traditional Rif cuisine while surrounded by the blue cityscape, you'll depart Chefchaouen and begin your scenic journey to Fes. Your first stop is the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you'll walk among the impressive ruins of this once-great Roman city. During your private guided tour, you'll see the triumphal arch, capitol building, and beautiful mosaic floors still in their original positions while learning about the Roman Empire's reach into North Africa and daily life in this ancient city. Continuing to the nearby imperial city of Meknes, once the capital of Morocco under Sultan Moulay Ismail, you'll visit the grand Bab Mansour gate with its intricate tilework and calligraphy, explore the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail where the powerful sultan is buried alongside his family, and visit the Sahrij Souani basin, the massive water reservoirs that once served the sultan's palaces and gardens. You'll stroll through the old medina of Meknes and visit the historic granaries before checking into your hotel or riad for dinner and relaxation.

Day 3: Fes Guided Tour

Your day begins with breakfast at your riad in Fes, followed by a full day guided tour of this magnificent city with a local expert guide. You'll explore the world's largest car-free urban area, starting at the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather has been produced using traditional methods for over a thousand years. From the surrounding terraces, you'll watch the ancient tanning process that has remained unchanged for centuries. Next, you'll visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859 AD and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world, followed by the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Marinid architecture with intricate cedar carvings and zellij tilework that represent the pinnacle of Islamic art. Your exploration continues at the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, housed in a beautifully restored funduq (caravanserai) that once welcomed traveling merchants. After lunch at a traditional restaurant in the medina where you can try authentic Fassi cuisine such as pastilla or tagine with preserved lemons, you'll continue exploring the medina's souks, visiting the spice market, metal workshops, and textile stalls where the air is filled with the scents and sounds of traditional Moroccan commerce. The tour includes the Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el Makhzen) with its magnificent golden brass doors and intricate tilework, plus the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) with its unique architecture and historical significance. You'll return to your riad in the evening with time to explore the medina on your own or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Fes → Rabat

After breakfast at your riad in Fes, you'll have time for final morning exploration with options to visit the Borj Nord and Borj Sud fortresses for panoramic views of the city, return to the souks for any final souvenir shopping, relax at a traditional hammam (spa) for an authentic Moroccan experience, or explore more of the medina's hidden corners and historic sites. After checking out from your riad, you'll depart Fes and travel to Rabat, Morocco's administrative and political capital. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel or riad and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon exploring Rabat's highlights. Options include visiting the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, exploring the modern part of the city and learning about its role as Morocco's capital, or relaxing at a café in the city center. The evening is yours to explore the city further or enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant.

Day 5: Rabat → Casablanca → Marrakech

Your journey continues after breakfast in Rabat as you travel to Casablanca, Morocco's economic hub and largest city. Upon arrival, you'll begin your exploration of this modern metropolis, starting with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the third largest mosque in the world and the largest in Africa. You'll marvel at its stunning oceanfront location, intricate Moroccan craftsmanship, and the spectacular glass floor allowing views of the Atlantic below while learning about its significance in Islamic architecture. After lunch at a restaurant in Casablanca where you can enjoy modern Moroccan cuisine, you'll visit the Corniche d'Ain Diab, Casablanca's beautiful seaside promenade, where you can enjoy the coastal atmosphere and watch the sunset over the Atlantic. You'll also explore the modern city center and learn about Casablanca's role as Morocco's business capital before departing for Marrakech. Upon arrival in the vibrant "Red City," you'll check into your riad in the medina or a hotel in the new city, with the evening free to explore the famous Djemaa el-Fna square or enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant.

Day 6: Marrakech Guided Tour

After breakfast at your accommodation in Marrakech, you'll embark on a full day guided tour of this captivating city with a local expert guide. Your exploration begins at the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's most famous landmark, where you'll admire the 12th-century minaret and explore the beautiful surrounding gardens. Next, you'll visit the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture, wandering through the intricate courtyards and admiring the decorated rooms that showcase the finest Moroccan craftsmanship. The tour continues to the Saadian Tombs, discovered in 1917 after being hidden for centuries, where you'll marvel at the beautifully decorated chambers housing members of the Saadian dynasty. You'll also explore the El Badi Palace ruins, once a magnificent 16th-century palace, where you can climb the towers for panoramic views of the city. After lunch at a restaurant near the souks where you can try traditional Marrakchi dishes, you'll walk through the vibrant souks of Marrakech, exploring different sections including the spice market, leather goods quarter, metal workshops, textile stalls, and traditional craft areas. Your tour includes a visit to the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful botanical garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, and concludes at Djemaa el-Fna square, where you'll experience the lively atmosphere with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls. You'll return to your accommodation with the evening free to explore more of Marrakech on your own or enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square.

Day 7: Marrakech Departure

Your final day begins with a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation in Marrakech. The morning offers time for final exploration with options to visit the Marrakech Museum for more insights into Moroccan art and culture, explore the Cyber Park for a peaceful green space, return to the souks for any final souvenir shopping, relax at a traditional hammam (spa) for an authentic Moroccan experience, or take final photographs of the most photogenic spots. After checking out from your accommodation, you'll transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure, with flexible timing depending on your flight schedule. Please allow at least 3 hours before your flight departure time for airport transfer and check-in procedures.