What awaits you: The treasures of Fez. The archaeological site of Volubilis. Place El Hedim with its traditional souks. Night in a Riad in the medina. The bohemian atmosphere and timeless charm of Essaouira. Finally, a day at the beach. It’s time to disconnect, to take the time to do nothing!
Departures year-round
Private based on 2 passengers: $5119.00 per person *
Group based on 10 passengers: $3129.00 per person *
(*land only)
INCLUDED
Accommodation in a 3* hotel +
11 breakfasts
Transfers included in the program
Travel documents sent before your departure by e-mail (travel diary, suggestions, practical advice).
Activities and visits on the program
Concierge service (restaurant reservation, outing, activity or unplanned service)
EXCLUDED
International flights
Formalities fees (vaccination, passport, visa)
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned
Drinks
Optional activities and visits ($)
Tips
Personal expenses
1
Day 1: Casablanca - Fez
Welcome to the land of the setting sun, “Marhba” as they say here in Morocco!
We leave Casablanca to head towards Fez. The landscapes are diverse, passing from fields and rural hills until arriving at imperial Fez.
Night at the Riad Kettani hotel, located in the medina of Fez.
Standard room.
Included: private transportation, local guide, room and breakfast
Let's go for a day dedicated to visiting the city of Fez, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities. We discover the imposing ramparts and the exterior of the Imperial Palace before entering the heart of the Jewish quarter. Arriving at the top of the hill, the Borj Sud Fortress offers us a breathtaking view of the city, then we descend to the ceramics district on the outskirts of the medina.
Deeply immersed in the heart of the medina, we take a step back in the history of Fez by visiting the neighborhoods of dyers, cabinetmakers and artisans of Place Seffarine, without forgetting the sprig of mint to camouflage the smells of tanners' district. The city is full of architectural gems, including Al Qaraouiyine, one of the oldest universities in the world. We see its 14 doors before entering the Medersa Al Attarine, an ancient Koranic school founded in the 14th century. In Fez, the “fassis” welcome us warmly, renowned for their art of hospitality!
Night at the Riad Kettani hotel, located in the medina of Fez.
Standard room.
Included: private transport, local guide, entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program, guided activity (private), room and breakfast
3
Day 3: Fez - Meknes - Volubilis - Meknes
Our exploration of the treasures of Fez today begins with the Nejjarine Wood Arts and Crafts Museum. Upon arrival, the scents intoxicate us and step by step we admire the magnificent existing works. From carefully carved doors to expertly crafted musical instruments, we understand the history and know-how of this diverse craft. Then, we pass through the doors of the imposing Bou Inania medersa, an ancient Koranic school founded in the 14th century. It is now time to enter the lively souks where the scents of spices and traditional craft stalls intermingle. Follow the leader !
We leave Fez to join the neighboring imperial city, Meknes. The road passes through the middle of agricultural fields, until the horizon is marked by the historic ramparts of Meknes.
We visit the archaeological site of Volubilis, listed as a UNESCO Heritage site and exceptionally well preserved. Following in the footsteps of the ancient civilization of Volubilis, we delve into the history of the Roman era for approximately 1 hour. The triumphal arch that stands before us is the first element we notice. Walking along the cobblestone streets, we admire mosaics that once decorated Roman homes. Our exploration continues with a visit to the basilica and the Capitol before ending our visit with the discovery of the Temple of Saturn.
Night at the Le Petit Ksar hotel, located in the medina of Meknes.
Standard room.
Included: private transport, local guide, entry(ies) to site(s) mentioned in the program, guided activity (grouped), room and breakfast
This half-day immerses us in the important history of Meknes, capital of Morocco under Moulay Ismaïl, and listed by UNESCO. The route begins with the majestic Bab Mansour, the gateway to the bustling medina. We arrive at Place El Hedim with its traditional souks, then we visit the Dar El Makhzen Palace, a treasure of art and history. We continue the visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, a subtle architecture where the famous sultan rests. On the way, we encounter the royal stables, witnesses to the historical importance of Meknes and its equestrian heritage.
We leave Meknes to reach Rabat, the capital of the kingdom on the edge of the Atlantic. To get there, we cross the Moroccan countryside with its varied landscapes.
Night at the Riad Kalaa II hotel, located in the medina of Rabat.
Standard room.
Included: private transportation, local guide, guided activity (private), room and breakfast
Rabat, administrative capital of Morocco, is a historic and modern city at the same time. We discover the Mohammed V Mausoleum, where King Mohammed V and his sons rest, before stopping at the foot of the Hassan Tower which stands proudly in front of us.
After crossing the medina and its souks, we stroll through the Andalusian gardens of Oudayas, a small peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Rabat is also home to the Royal Palace or Dar el-Makhzen, the official residence of the royal family of Morocco. Only visitable from the outside, the imposing doors and mosaics take us far into the past.
We extend this day by visiting the Chellah necropolis and its ancient ruins. The site gives a view of the Bouregreg river where locals often come for a walk at sunset.
Night at the Riad Kalaa II hotel, located in the medina of Rabat.
Standard room.
Included: private transportation, local guide, guided activity (private), room and breakfast
6
Day 6: Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakesh
We leave Rabat to drive towards Casablanca. This highway is the busiest in the entire country.
During our visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, we dive into the heart of the art, faith and history of Morocco. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it impresses with its grandeur. Here, the silence imposes even greater respect on this cult place. For 2 hours, we wander through the vast, richly decorated prayer rooms and discover the subtleties of every corner of this place of worship. Although considered one of the major monuments of the Arab world, its construction was fraught with challenges and obstacles, which adds to its charm and powerful character.
From Casablanca, we reach Marrakech. The change from a wet to dry region is felt in the landscapes.
Night at the Beldi Country Club hotel, located 10 minutes from Marrakech city center.
Standard room.
Included: private transport, local guide, entry(ies) to site(s) mentioned in the program, guided activity (grouped), room and breakfast
This day in Marrakech offers us a cultural and historical mosaic, starting with its medina delimited by 19 km of ramparts. We quickly dive into the vibrant heart of Marrakech, starting at the foot of Koutoubia, heading towards Jemaa El Fna square where storytellers, musicians and snake charmers capture our attention. Then, during the visit to the Bahia Palace, we travel back in time to the era of the sultans. We also discover the Saadian tombs and take the time to get lost among the narrow streets in the Mellah district.
Let's get away from the center and let ourselves be carried away, for a visit, to the Majorelle Gardens. Strolling through one of the most beautiful gardens in Morocco, the paths with lush plants and the walls painted in Majorelle blue take us on a journey through time and regions. The day continues in the medina with the imposing Medersa Ben Youssef, a true architectural work, and finally the colorful streets of the old town and its souks, where each stall reveals artisanal treasures to haggle with the advice of our guide.
Note: there are many museums and monuments to discover in Marrakech. If you would like to visit one specifically, let us know.
Night at the Beldi Country Club hotel, located 10 minutes from Marrakech city center.
Standard room.
Included: private transport, local guide, entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program, guided activity (private), room and breakfast
An expression of body and mind, calligraphy sublimates the Arabic language while reflecting the richness and beauty of Moroccan art. We take our place around a large table, for this interlude offering us a real journey through history. We learn more about the origins and different techniques of this art. It is time for us to start handling the calame, a reed cut into a point that calligraphers used in the past.
We then draw our first lines, under the wise advice of our teacher. We let ourselves be carried away by the curves of the Arabic letters which are translated through the ink, asking us for precision and flexibility of the wrist...
Free afternoon.
Night at the Beldi Country Club hotel, located 10 minutes from Marrakech city center.
Standard room.
Included: private transportation, local guide, guided activity (private), room and breakfast
9
Day 9: Marrakesh - Essaouira
We leave Marrakech to reach the coastal city of Essaouira. The calmness of the Atlantic Ocean felt announces the approach of this port city.
Essaouira immerses us in its bohemian atmosphere, its timeless charm and its cultural heritage. Formerly known as Mogador, the city held a strategic port with a rich past. We begin with a stroll through the streets of its white and blue UNESCO-listed medina. We advance to the rhythm of the local artisans, their stalls, and we do not hesitate to enter the shops. The craftsmanship of Essaouira has its own signature and there is bound to be a souvenir that will mark this passage cut off from time. We continue along the ramparts, to the sound of the waves, recalling the harmony between the sea and the coastal city. As we explore the bustling little port, we learn about the details of local fishing and the traditional boats that have shaped its identity.
Night at the Madada hotel, located in the medina of Essaouira.
Standard room.
Included: private transportation, local guide, guided activity (private), room and breakfast
Today is beach day. A pretty fine sandbank that someone recommended to us, or a small isolated cove that we spotted when we arrived? Let's not wait any longer to put on our swimsuits: towel and sunscreen in the bag, we're off to enjoy this beautiful day at the water's edge. Well seated on the warm sand, the rhythm of the waves and the scent of sea spray relax us. It's time to disconnect, to take the time to do nothing, even if it means peacefully sinking into a well-deserved nap!
Night at the Madada hotel, located in the medina of Essaouira.
Standard room.
Included: private transportation, local guide, room and breakfast
11
Day 11: Essaouira - Casablanca
From Essaouira, we drive towards Casablanca. Via the highway, we arrive at the great Moroccan metropolis.
Night at the Gray Boutique Hotel, located in the city of Casablanca.
Deluxe Room (Standard category).
Included: private transportation, local guide, room and breakfast
12
Day 12: Casablanca - Return
Transfer to Casablanca airport.
Included: private transport, local guide, departure transfer