Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen
PRIVATE TOUR: Travelling from the modern port city of Casablanca to the captivating imperial city of Marrakech, discover the wonders of northern Morocco. Be enchanted by ancient Fes el Bali and picturesque Chefchaouen, the blue pearl. Roam around Rabat, marvel at the Volubilis ruins and soak up spectacular mountain scenery, all in 8 magical days.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Casablanca
Day 1 Casablanca
Sunday. Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, you'll be met and transferred to our hotel where you have the remainder of the day at leisure. In contrast to Morocco's imperial cities, the bustling port city of Casablanca is the modern, industrial and economic heart of Morocco. Perhaps take a stroll around the souks in the attractive Quartier Habous (new medina), or grab a bite to eat at Rick's cafe, which was inspired by the 1942 film 'Casablanca'.
Day 2 Casablanca & Rabat
Day 2 Casablanca & Rabat
Casablanca - Rabat. This morning after breakfast, visit Casablanca's incredible Hassan II Mosque. Rising 210 meters into the air, it's the third largest mosque in the world and it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time!
Bidding farewell to Casablanca, drive to the imperial city of Rabat, Morocco's charming capital. The afternoon is free for you to independently explore. Take a stroll along the long stretch of beach that starts behind the medina, or just up the hill from the medina is the well-preserved Kasbah of the Udayas, dating back to the 12th century.
Day 3 Volubilis & Chefchaouen
Day 3 Volubilis & Chefchaouen
Rabat - Volubilis - Chefchaouen. Departing Rabat this morning, drive to the Roman ruined city of Volubilis for a guided tour. Dating back to 40AD, Volubilis is Morocco's best-preserved archaeological site. Take in the highlights of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, including the triple arched Tingis gate, the columns of the Capitoline temple, the Basilica, the courthouse and much more.
Then continue your journey to Chefchaouen, nestled in the heart of the Rif Mountains. Known as the Blue City, Chefchaouen is arguably the prettiest town in Morocco, with its incredible blue-washed buildings and majestic views of the surrounding mountains. The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll around the Plaza Uta el-Hammam in the heart of the enchanting old medina, enjoy some local food and watch a beautiful sun set.
Day 4 Rif Mountains & Talassemtane NP
Day 4 Rif Mountains & Talassemtane NP
This morning enjoy an excursion to Talassemtane National Park. Located on the eastern side of the Rif Mountains, this picturesque national park boasts vast forests of fir trees, cascading waterfalls, craggy cliffs and deep gorges. Talassemtane is also home to rare wildlife such as golden eagles, lynx and Barbary macaques. Take a leisurely walk to Akchour Falls and God's Bridge where you can relax with a picnic lunch while soaking up the breath-taking views. Return to Chefchaouen for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 5 UNESCO listed Fes el Bali
Day 5 UNESCO listed Fes el Bali
Chefchaouen - Fes. In the foothills of the Atlas Mountains lies the imperial city of Fes, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. On arrival, take a step back in time on a guided tour of Fes el Bali - the mesmerising old walled city, with its labyrinth of 9400 alleys and cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. During the tour visit one of the pungent leather tanneries that Fes is famous for, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the giant dye pits below, which are full of deep earthy tones.
Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax or independently explore. Alternatively you can book an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town (both payable locally).
Day 6 High Atlas Mountains
Day 6 High Atlas Mountains
Fes - High Atlas Mountains. Departing Fes this morning, travel past the Middle Atlas Mountains and the orange groves around Aforer before ascending into the rugged High Atlas Mountains to the picturesque lake of Bin El Ouidane. Upon arrival relax by the swimming pool or on the terrace at your lake-shore hotel and enjoy the spectacular views.
Day 7 Marrakech & Djemaa el Fna
Day 7 Marrakech & Djemaa el Fna
High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech. Make the final leg of your journey this morning, travelling through the heart of the Atlas Mountains, where almond trees and juniper covered rocky ridges abound. Stop to admire the spectacular Cascades d'Ouzoud, - the highest waterfall in North Africa, before travelling on to Marrakech via the berber town of Demnate.
This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech's old medina. Inside the rose coloured medina walls is a tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's exuberant market place and towering over it, is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city. Djemaa El Fna springs to life in the evening so be sure to return to the square this evening and experience it in all its glory!
Day 8 Marrakech
Day 8 Marrakech
Your tour of Morocco comes to an end today, with an included transfer to Marrakech airport.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Offering an excellent location right in the heart of the city, this recently-renovated hotel is nestled between Casablanca’s cosmopolitan business district and the amazing architecture of the Art Deco neighborhood. You’ll find the guestrooms to be spacious and fully-equipped with modern amenities including high-speed WiFi. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Bloom, offers tasty Moroccan and international cuisine, whereas in the Torero bar you can enjoy a buzzing atmosphere with live music and delicious Spanish tapas.
Located between the sea and Anfa mount, Hotel Club Val d’Anfa is in one of the most prestigious residential districts of Casablanca. Combining warm colours, ceramic tiles and fine wood, the interior decor was inspired by Amazigh art. The attractive guest rooms contain all the modern amenities needed for your stay and face either the sea, hotel gardens or the Casablanca Corniche. Boasting three restaurants, two bars, a fitness centre, spa and pool - there's certainly plenty to keep guests entertained.
Riad Zouhour has been recently and lovingly restored in a charming and traditional style. Located in the Medina District of Rabat, and just a two-minute walk to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Kasbah of the Udayas; the Hassan Tower Mosque and Royal Palace of Rabat are also within easy walking proximity to the riad. Its rooms are quiet and comfortable, and you can enjoy some R&R in the hamman after a busy day exploring, or just sit and relax on the sun terrace and patio.
Surrounded by nature, with a large swimming pool, Dar Ba Sidi offers a quiet oasis for guests to relax. Bright spacious rooms are decorated in the traditional Riad style with ornate architecture and mosaics. You can also sample some Moroccan cuisine at the Moulay Ismail restaurant.
Located in the centre of the old medina of Chefchouen, Casa Hassan features rooftop terraces with medina views and colourful and unique architecture. Guest rooms are decorated with artworks from local artists and antique accessories, they also feature a fireplace and private bathrooms. The restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine and a continental breakfast is served daily on the patio or terrace.
Situated in the heart of Blue City, Riad Cherifa is designed to look like a genuine Medina with traditional architecture and verdant gardens where corridors have been replaced by twisting lanes and the rooms replaced by beautiful riads, making for a magical experience in Chefchaouen. Guest rooms are fully equipped with high attention to detail and complete with air conditioning and private bathrooms. For those seeking reprieve from the sun, why not take a swim in the pool or book a treatment and relax at Riad Cherifa Hamman and spa.
Located in the heart of the animated souks of Fes, Riad Reda combines traditional Moroccan design with modern air-conditioned rooms. Each room has a private bathroom and free WiFi is provided throughout the property. In the evening guests can enjoy dinner in the exquisitely decorated restaurant or simply relax in one of the lounge rooms.
Riad al Bartal, which means the house of Fez, is a beautiful, tranquil riad inspired by the architecture of Arabia and Andalusia. The stunning courtyard and the striking, spacious rooms decorated in typical Moroccan style all provide guests with the ultimate sense of calm. Materials such as marble, mosaic and cedar wood add to the charm of the property. In keeping with its appearance, guests can enjoy fine Moroccan cuisine prepared with seasonal produce on the flower-filled terrace. The riad is just one block from the main entrance of the medina.
Located just 2 hours from Marrakech you’ll find the village of Ouzoud surrounded by waterfalls, lakes and mountains, here you will find Borj de Cascades offering a stay of comfort and authenticity. All guest rooms are decorated with care featuring private bathrooms and offer a breathtaking view of the famous Ouzoud waterfalls. Sit back and relax on the terrace or take a dip in the swimming pool overlooking the falls and the vast olive groves.
The Cascades D'Ouzoud is traditional in style with a large room terrace and a beautiful courtyard. The rooms are a good size and simply furnished.
Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating massage treatments.
Traditional and stylish, the Riad Imilchil is a beautiful example of boutique Moroccan accommodation. The 6 rooms and 1 suite are beautifully decorated with colourful interiors and gorgeous en suites. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is a stunning rooftop terrace where guests can view the whole of the city whilst enjoying a refreshing drink. At night you can view the famous Djemma El Fna pulsating in the distance. Well located, just 10 minute walk into the centre of the Medina.
Tour Reviews
Driver and guide were both excellent Continuously looking after our safety and needs.Always on time and relaxed. Happily travel with them again The tour was well planned and covered a good part of Morocco. Loved the ryhads.
This tour was a good way to get to explore lots of Morocco- we visited such a diverse range of cities and landscapes over the course of our 8 days- from Casablanca to the Atlas Mountains. Our guide was Mohamed Ladous and our driver was Abdellah. Together they ensured we had a safe, comfortable and enjoyable trip- they were great company for our 8 days travelling around the country! Mohamed shared so much information with us, not just about the cities we visited but also about the history of Morocco, Berber culture and gave us insights into daily life for people in the towns we visited. It was also great to get out of the towns and visit some of the national parks where Mohamed took us on some great hikes. Nothing was too much trouble for our guide - helping me find monkeys on our hike or stopping to buy fresh pomegranates from local farmers- he ensured we got to see the best of the areas we were in.
Our tour with Hussein finished on arrival in Marakesh before we had the opportunity to evaluate our accommodation there. We stayed at a Riad called Dar Sahone managed by a young man called Samir. He was amazing. Nothing was too much or too difficult for him. I would highly recommend this Riad for his management alone. Rooms were spotless, breakfast good and he escorted us through the maze of taxi bookings, online tour bookings, even ordered us a pizza for dinner when we were too hot & tired to go out again in the evening. A smiling, genuine and happy young man who deserves to be acknowledged. He earns every dirham he is paid.
In Marrakech we stayed 2 nights at the Riad Dar Sahone which I would like to highly commend. The suites are beautifully appointed, soap etc provided, and the Manager, Samir, excelled himself in his personal attention to our needs extending to picking up pizza, a local map with specific directions and organising taxis to and from the Jardin Majorelle….we felt we could ask him anything and he would facilitate all! Thank you Samir!
We felt the tour was great. The destinations were well chosen and the accomodation was always appropriate to the town. One that stands out was Rabat where we had rooms in the Medina itself close to the markets. We felt we really were offered a full taste of the Moroccan experience at this stop. At other times it was a modern (though superb) hotel and a bus ride to get to the town for free time and this restricted us a little. In Fez we had no free time and this was a disappointment. The town tours with local guides were great. Overall It would have been a solid four star experience........ however.... Our guide and driver Abdul and Suleiman Bairha took the tour into a different class. They were always polite and sensitive to everyone's needs. They fulfilled every need with a smile. They ensured good compromises were agreed when customers needs differed and ensured long coach trips were occupied with information, entertainment and laughter. They took responsibility to minimise the inevitable dull processes of touring (ie hotel checking in etc) and accentuated the positives such as..... assisting in vital souk negotiations.....always pointing out interesting sights with much background history and explanation....and answering every question on the current culture and practices in Morrocco. I would give the tour 7 stars if I could with these two hosts.
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