9-Day Northern Morocco & Imperial Cities from Casablanca

Day 1: Casablanca Arrival (Flexible Timing)

Arrival - Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), your private driver will greet you with a sign displaying your name.

Transfer - Private transfer to your hotel in Casablanca. Settle in and refresh after your journey.

Afternoon/Evening Options (depending on arrival time):

• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the third largest mosque in the world and the largest in Africa. Marvel at its stunning oceanfront location, intricate Moroccan craftsmanship, and the spectacular glass floor allowing views of the Atlantic below.
• 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Stroll along the Corniche d'Ain Diab, Casablanca's beautiful seaside promenade. Enjoy the coastal atmosphere and watch the sunset over the Atlantic.
• Evening: Welcome dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant (not included). Try fresh seafood or traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca → Rabat → Asilah (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your hotel in Casablanca.

9:00 AM - Depart Casablanca and travel north to Rabat, Morocco's administrative and political capital.

10:00 AM - Arrive in Rabat and visit the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a grand 12th-century mosque. Learn about the ambitious Almohad architectural project and admire the intricate Islamic designs.

10:45 AM - Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Alaouite dynasty architecture. See the beautifully decorated tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons.

11:30 AM - Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th-century fortress with iconic blue and white walls. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the beautiful Andalusian Gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

12:30 PM - Lunch break at a local restaurant in Rabat (not included). Savor traditional Moroccan dishes while enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

2:00 PM - Depart Rabat and continue north along the Atlantic coast toward Asilah.

4:00 PM - Arrive in Asilah, the charming, art-filled seaside town known for its pristine beaches and vibrant arts scene.

4:30 PM - Explore Asilah's medina with its distinctive white-washed walls and blue accents. Discover the numerous murals and street art that adorn the town's buildings, created during the annual Asilah Arts Festival.

5:30 PM - Stroll along the beautiful beach promenade and enjoy the fresh Atlantic breeze. Visit the historic ramparts offering stunning views of the ocean.

6:00 PM - Check into your hotel or riad in Asilah. Evening at leisure to explore the town further or enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant (not included).

Day 3: Asilah → Tangier → Chefchaouen (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your accommodation in Asilah.

9:00 AM - Morning exploration of Asilah. Visit the local art galleries and craft shops. Learn about the town's history as a Portuguese and Spanish trading post.

10:30 AM - Depart Asilah and travel to Tangier, Morocco's gateway to Europe.

11:30 AM - Arrive in Tangier and take a brief city tour. Drive along the Boulevard Mohamed VI for views of the Strait of Gibraltar. On clear days, you can see the coast of Spain just 14 kilometers away.

12:00 PM - Visit the Kasbah Museum, housed in the former Sultan's palace, to learn about Tangier's rich history as an international city.

12:45 PM - Lunch break in Tangier (not included). Enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean.

2:30 PM - Depart Tangier and travel inland toward Chefchaouen, the famous "Blue City" of Morocco.

4:30 PM - Arrive in Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Check into your traditional riad in the medina.

5:00 PM - Begin your exploration of the enchanting blue-washed streets. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of this unique mountain town.

7:00 PM - Dinner at your riad or a local restaurant (not included). Relax and prepare for tomorrow's comprehensive exploration of Chefchaouen.

Day 4: Chefchaouen Full Day Exploration (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

9:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen.

9:30 AM - Guided walking tour of Chefchaouen. Explore the medina's famous blue-washed streets and learn about the history of this unique city and why the walls are painted blue.

10:30 AM - Visit the main square, Place Outa el Hammam, with its 15th-century kasbah and waterfall. Learn about the town's Andalusian heritage.

11:00 AM - Climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the entire blue city and surrounding Rif Mountains. This is the perfect spot for photography and understanding the city's layout.

12:00 PM - Explore the local markets and artisan workshops. Discover traditional wool products, woven blankets, and leather goods unique to this region. Visit local cooperatives supporting women artisans.

1:00 PM - Lunch break at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina (not included). Enjoy traditional Rif cuisine while surrounded by the blue cityscape.

2:30 PM - Free time for personal exploration. Options include:

• 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
• Hike to nearby viewpoints for different perspectives of the city

5:00 PM - Return to your riad. Evening at leisure to explore more of Chefchaouen or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (not included).

Day 5: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Chefchaouen.

9:00 AM - Depart Chefchaouen and travel toward Fes. First stop: the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

10:30 AM - Explore Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman archaeological site in Morocco. Walk among the impressive ruins of this once-great Roman city, seeing the triumphal arch, capitol building, and beautiful mosaic floors still in their original positions.

12:00 PM - Continue to the nearby imperial city of Meknes. Visit the grand Bab Mansour gate, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, and learn about Sultan Moulay Ismail's ambitious building projects.

12:45 PM - Brief visit to the Sahrij Souani basin, the massive water reservoirs that once served the sultan's palaces and gardens.

1:15 PM - Lunch break in Meknes (not included). Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine in this imperial city.

2:30 PM - Continue to Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital.

4:00 PM - Arrive in Fes and check into your traditional riad in the ancient medina.

6:00 PM - Evening at leisure. Explore the immediate vicinity of your riad, enjoy dinner at the riad or a local restaurant (not included), and prepare for tomorrow's comprehensive Fes exploration.

Day 6: Fes Comprehensive Guided Tour (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

9:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad, followed by a full day guided tour of Fes with a local expert guide.

9:30 AM - Begin at the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather has been produced using traditional methods for over a thousand years. Watch the tanning process from the surrounding terraces and learn about the natural techniques used.

10:30 AM - Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, founded in 859 AD and considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Admire the impressive exterior architecture and learn about its role in Islamic scholarship.

11:15 AM - Explore the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Marinid architecture. Marvel at the intricate cedar carvings, zellij tilework, and beautiful calligraphy that adorn this 14th-century Islamic school.

12:00 PM - Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, housed in a beautifully restored funduq (caravanserai). Discover traditional Moroccan woodworking and craftsmanship.

1:00 PM - Lunch break at a traditional restaurant in the medina (not included). Try authentic Fassi cuisine such as pastilla (savory pie) or tagine with preserved lemons.

2:30 PM - Continue exploring the medina's souks. Visit the spice market, metal workshops, and textile stalls. Learn about traditional crafts and watch artisans at work.

3:30 PM - Visit the Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el Makhzen) and admire its magnificent golden brass doors and intricate tilework. While the palace is not open to the public, the exterior is spectacular.

4:00 PM - Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) with its unique architecture and historical significance. Visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue, one of the oldest in North Africa.

5:00 PM - Return to your riad. Evening at leisure to explore the medina on your own or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (not included).

Day 7: Fes → Atlas Mountains → Marrakech (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad in Fes.

9:00 AM - Depart Fes and begin your scenic journey to Marrakech. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests and traditional Berber villages.

10:30 AM - Stop in Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its European-style architecture and alpine climate. Take a short walk to see the distinctive stone lions in the city center and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

11:30 AM - Continue through the Middle Atlas, passing through Azrou where you may spot Barbary macaques in the cedar forest. Enjoy the scenic views and watch for these playful monkeys.

1:00 PM - Lunch break in the town of Khenifra or Midelt (not included). Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

2:30 PM - Continue your journey, entering the High Atlas Mountains. The landscape becomes more dramatic as you climb higher, with stunning views of valleys and peaks.

4:00 PM - Pass through the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 meters), the highest mountain pass in North Africa. Stop at scenic viewpoints for photos and to appreciate the dramatic landscape changes.

5:30 PM - Begin your descent toward Marrakech. Watch as the landscape transforms from mountainous terrain to the fertile Haouz Plain.

6:00 PM - Arrive in Marrakech, the vibrant "Red City." Check into your riad in the medina or a hotel in the new city.

7:30 PM - Evening at leisure. Explore the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant (not included), and soak in the lively atmosphere of Morocco's cultural capital.

Day 8: Marrakech Comprehensive Guided Tour (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

9:00 AM - Breakfast at your accommodation, followed by a full day guided tour of Marrakech.

9:30 AM - Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's most famous landmark. Admire the 12th-century minaret, a masterpiece of Almohad architecture, and explore the beautiful surrounding gardens (non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque).

10:15 AM - Explore the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture. Wander through the intricate courtyards, admire the decorated rooms, and learn about the palace's fascinating history.

11:15 AM - Visit the Saadian Tombs, discovered in 1917 after being hidden for centuries. Marvel at the beautifully decorated chambers housing members of the Saadian dynasty.

12:00 PM - Explore the El Badi Palace ruins, once a magnificent 16th-century palace. Climb the towers for panoramic views of the city and the High Atlas Mountains in the distance.

1:00 PM - Lunch break at a restaurant near the souks (not included). Try traditional Marrakchi dishes.

2:30 PM - Walk through the vibrant souks of Marrakech. Explore different sections: the spice market with its exotic aromas, the leather goods quarter, metal workshops, textile stalls, and traditional craft areas.

3:30 PM - Visit the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful botanical garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Admire the exotic plants and the iconic cobalt blue villa.

4:15 PM - End your tour at Djemaa el-Fna square. Experience the lively atmosphere with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls preparing for the evening.

5:00 PM - Return to your accommodation. Evening at leisure to explore more of Marrakech on your own or enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square (not included).

Day 9: Marrakech → Casablanca Airport Departure (Flexible Timing)

Morning - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation in Marrakech.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Free time for last-minute activities. Options include:

• Visit the Marrakech Museum for more insights into Moroccan art and culture
• Explore the Cyber Park (Arset Moulay Abdeslam) 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

11:00 AM - Check out from your accommodation.

11:30 AM - Depart Marrakech for Casablanca. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours through the fertile Haouz Plain.

3:00 PM - Arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN). Allow at least 3 hours before your flight departure time for check-in and security procedures.

Note: If you have an early morning flight, you can choose to stay in Casablanca on Day 8 evening instead of Marrakech. Please inform your driver in advance.