The Magic of Morocco

Upon arrival, our VIP Services include FastTrack Assistance through all immigration and customs formalities. Once through, we’ll take you to the Four Seasons Casablanca Hotel. Then join your guide to explore this vibrant city. Stand in Mohammed V Square, where French and Moroccan architectural styles blend harmoniously, and marvel at the glorious Hassan II Mosque; its stunning location on a platform that extends over the Atlantic Ocean is complemented by the soaring artistry of its design and the exquisite indigenous materials used in its construction – creamy marble from Agandir, Cedar wood from the Middle Atlas Mountains, and gleaming granite from Tafraoute.   If time permits visit the bustling Central Market, you’ll mingle with city residents who come daily to shop for fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables. Other vendors specialize in fine Moroccan goods that make excellent mementos and gifts, from leather slippers and lanterns to fragrant spices and Argan oil – the famous elixir used in moisturizers, shampoos and even food.   This evening, you’ll enjoy dinner, wine and cocktails at Rick’s Café, an evocative re-imagining of the classic Bogart film.  Meals D

Depart Casablanca and travel to Rabat #WHS# to explore the Oudayas Kasbah, a walled city within the city; founded in the 12th century, it’s still home to 2,000 of Rabat’s citizens. We’ll also see the splendid Mohamed V Mausoleum and marvel at the Hassan Tower, an unfinished but impressive minaret started nearly 1,000 years ago.   Sit down to a delightful lunch and then continue to Fès where you check in to the enchanting Riad Fès. Located in the medina in the heart of this ancient Imperial City, our luxury retreat evokes the elegance and romance of Morocco’s traditional courtyard palaces.  Meals B+L+D  

Journey to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities and capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail, the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty.  Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was originally founded in the 11th century as a military settlement.  Though the monuments have been unexpected closed for renovation, Meknes is still worth a stop.  Renowned for its blending of Spanish and Moorish architectural styles of the 1600’s, Meknes is further distinguished by its high and thick walls - punctuated by gracefully arched gates. We’ll learn about Morocco’s ancient Jewish history as we explore the mellah, the ancient walled Jewish quarter inhabited since the early days of the city.  Then drive to Moulay Idriss, a sacred hilltop city, before continuing to the archaeological site of Volubilis. With finely preserved ruins dating back 2,000 years, this remarkable ensemble of temples, baths, a basilica, brothels and finely preserved mosaic floors offers a unique look into the ancient history of Roman Africa. Return to Fès where the evening is free to relax, enjoy and dine at your leisure.  Meals B+L

Founded in the 9th century, Fès #WHS# is the best preserved medieval city in North Africa. Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, it reached its peak of influence and glory in the 13th and 14th centuries when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of the Kingdom. Although the modern capital was transferred to Rabat nearly 100 years ago, Fès remains the cultural and spiritual heart of the country. Setting out with our engaging guide, today’s sightseeing includes the ancient Medina and two medieval institutions of learning. With their extravagant style, these Madrasas stand in striking contrast to the timeworn cobblestones and simple market stalls of the souks that surround them.   Carpenter’s Square, where artisans still chisel and sculpt indigenous cedar wood, you’ll admire the much-photographed Nejjarine Fountain, famed for its exquisite ceramic mosaics. Also on the day’s program is the Kairaouine Mosque with its graceful 1,000-foot minaret. Founded in the 9th century this is the second largest mosque in Morocco and home to one of the world’s oldest universities.  We’ll interlace our visits with food-tasting experiences to ensure you get the true flavors of Morocco.  Meals B+L

After an early breakfast in your hotel, leave Fez and head south, traveling across the cultivated and fertile valleys of Saiss, up to Imouzzer de Kandar with the gorgeous nearby Lake Dait Aoua, and Azrou, a typical Berber town with its flat roofed earth houses. The road goes through magnificent cedar, pine and oak forests. This particularly varied itinerary from north to south offers a diversity of impressions through the Middle Atlas Mountains where nomad shepherds live in black tents and move with their herds of goats and sheep across these mountains in the hot season down to the desert land areas in the winter. As soon as you start seeing the first palm trees of the oasis in the outskirts of Marrakech, you will know that you are not far from the red city of Morocco. Upon arrival, check in to the exceptional Les Jardin de la Koutoubia. Set inside the walls of an 18th century riad, our 5-star property provides a romantic haven in the heart of the ancient medina. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch  

Today you’ll enjoy a comprehensive guided exploration of Marrakech #WHS#, founded 800 years ago by the Almoravid Dynasty. First you visit the lavishly decorated Saadian Tombs, dating to the late 16th century. The gravestones of these Saadian princes and members of the royal household are embellished simply and elegantly with colorful ceramic tiles, each with a short epitaph and a quote from the Qur’an. The next stop is the Dar Si Said Museum, where fine Moroccan art is exhibited in an exquisite former palace. Continue to the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque and the lovely Bahia Palace, built in 1880.   Then experience the exotic atmosphere of the city’s famed souks; exploring with your guide through this labrynthine maze of shops and vendor stalls, you’ll emerge in lively Djemaa el Fna Square, undoubtedly the heart of the Marrakech medina. Next up, in contrast, is the tranquility of Le Jardin Majorelle – a botanical oasis of rare plants and vibrant blooms – created by a painter and more recently owned by the renowned designer Yves Saint-Laurent. On the roof top of Maison de la Photographie, you’ll enjoy afternoon tea as you take in the breathtaking views over the Marrakech medina.  Meals B+L

Leave behind the bustling pace of Marrakech and travel into a tranquil land of olive groves and citrus orchards. As the peaks of the Atlas Mountains draw near, you enter the timeless Ourika Valley. At an innovative Berber cooperative, you’ll observe and learn more about the production of Argan oil – highly prized for its hydrating and beautifying effects. The process from tree to oil is time consuming and done almost entirely by hand. Employing local women, this cooperative is an important community resource and promises an enlightening visit. Dine tonight at one of the finest restaurants in Marrakech.  Meals B+L+D

We’ll take you to the airport for your onward flight.  Meals B