Excursions by Exotrav

Morocco Tour

Through the Lanes of the Royal Cities

Trip Duration:

7 days

Recommended season:

March–May

September–November

Morocco - Trip Summary

A customized 7-day Morocco tour begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. We’ll visit Rabat, the capital, followed by Meknes—one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, with a rich cultural history. Next, we journey to Fes, regarded as one of the oldest and most preserved imperial cities in the world. Our final stop is the colorful city of Marrakech, where we’ll explore its bustling market and take a scenic walk in the beautiful Ourika Valley.

A tailor-made journey through Morocco offers an experience of royal cities with vibrant markets, fascinating cultures, desert oases, and pastoral villages in the Atlas Mountains. We provide a variety of personalized tours, complete with comprehensive services, English-speaking local guides, and a dedicated driver, ensuring you enjoy an unforgettable travel experience, at your pace and style.

Fragrant Markets • Imperial Cities • Culture

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival - Casablanca - The City by the Atlantic Ocean

Welcome to Casablanca! Upon arrival, you will meet our representative and be transferred to your hotel.

Casablanca is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and is home to approximately 3.3 million people, making it the largest city in Morocco and the country’s economic hub.

 

After refreshing, we will embark on a half-day guided tour of the city. We will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, built with a substantial budget. Next, we will explore the Museum of Moroccan Jewry. Following that, we will head to Mohammed V Square, the administrative center of the city, and enjoy a drive along the city’s long and impressive promenade.

 

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 2

Day 2: Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes - The Royal City of Fes

After breakfast, we set out on a scenic 1.5-hour drive (approx. 53 miles) to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River, Rabat is the country’s political and administrative center, with a population of around 577,000. The city offers a unique blend of old and new, with a charming historic medina alongside a modern urban core.

Upon arrival, we’ll begin a guided city tour. Highlights include the Royal Palace courtyard, the impressive Mausoleum of Mohammed V – resting place of the revered king and his son, King Hassan II – and the striking ruins of the Hassan Tower, an ambitious mosque project from the 12th century. We’ll also explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque fortress perched above the river with views of nearby Salé. Our tour concludes with a drive through the modern part of the city, passing by the Parliament building.

We then continue east on a two-hour drive (about 93 miles) to the imperial city of Meknes, one of Morocco’s four historic capitals (alongside Fes, Marrakech, and Rabat). Meknes flourished in the 17th century under Sultan Moulay Ismail, a powerful ruler inspired by the grandeur of Louis XIV. He transformed the city into a showcase of imperial ambition.

On our guided tour of Meknes, we’ll visit the famous Bab El Mansour, an ornate gateway decorated with intricate tilework. We’ll explore the vibrant market area surrounding the Royal Palace and admire a panoramic view of its expansive grounds – earning Meknes the nickname “the Versailles of Morocco.” The city also holds remnants of a once-thriving Jewish community, including the Great Synagogue and the former Talmud Torah school.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll drive about an hour (40 miles) to Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart. With nearly 2 million residents, Fes is the country’s second-largest city and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. It’s made up of three distinct areas: the historic Fes el-Bali, the 13th-century royal district of Fes el-Jdid, and the modern city. Tomorrow, we’ll dive deeper into the wonders of its old medina.

We arrive in Fes by evening.
Overnight in Fes.

Day 3

Day 3: Fez - The Heart of the Ancient Imperial Cities

After breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour of the city.
We will visit the “Mellah,” the quarter where the Jews of Morocco, descendants of those expelled from Spain, once resided. Next, we will head to the Royal Palace’s courtyard, featuring the entrance facade with seven monumental bronze doors adorned with stunning engravings. We will then continue straight into the medina, the old city of Fez—visiting here is like stepping into a time machine back to the medieval period. This city is over 1,200 years old, surrounded by walls with 14 gates, and at its center lies the Kairouan Mosque. The medina is divided into 187 quarters and contains about 9,400 narrow streets and alleys.

 

In Fez, you’ll find an endless collection of markets connected to a large, colorful souk, where you can shop for clothes, shoes, bags, mosaics, ceramics, Moroccan carpets, sweets, and much more. The bustling market is composed of numerous smaller souks, such as the wool souk, dye souk, date souks, and, of course, the famous tannery district, recognizable by its distinct and pungent aroma. You will have the opportunity to glimpse artisans preserving traditional crafts, such as blacksmiths, tanners, woodworkers, and more. All of these experiences undoubtedly create a unique sensory adventure.
We will stroll through the winding alleys of the old city, visit the impressive Bou Jeloud gate—one of the main entrances to the medina, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and of course the vibrant souks, giving us a glimpse into a fading world.

 

After the tour, we will return to the hotel.
Overnight in Fez.

Day 4

Day 4: Fes - Marrakech - Ali's Fantasia Show

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately 5-6 hours to Marrakech, the most colorful city in Morocco and the vibrant heart of the country, known for its historical and cultural significance. This red desert city is home to around one million residents and is located southwest at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

 

The city is divided into two areas: the old city (medina) and the new city, famous for its winding alleys and vibrant markets, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.

 

In the evening, enjoy the “Fantasia of Ali” show—a typical Berber folklore performance featuring traditional dances, singing, acrobatics on horseback, and gunfire.
Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 5

Day 5: Marrakech - Exploring the Cultural Heart of Morocco

After breakfast, we’ll meet our local guide in the hotel lobby and head out for a full day of exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech.

Our first stop is the Koutoubia Mosque, an iconic landmark of the city. Built in the late 12th century, it is the largest mosque in Marrakech, known for its majestic minaret that rises high above the skyline and can be seen from nearly every part of the city.

We’ll continue to the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century architectural gem built by a grand vizier of the sultan. This stunning palace features Andalusian-style pavilions, intricate tilework, peaceful courtyards, marble fountains, and lush gardens that reflect the elegance of Moroccan craftsmanship.

Next, we’ll visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and step inside the historic Al-Azama Synagogue, originally built in 1492 by Jewish refugees from Spain. The site offers a glimpse into the city’s diverse cultural heritage.

Our journey continues at the serene Majorelle Gardens, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later lovingly restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The garden’s vivid cobalt blue accents, exotic plants, fountains, and peaceful walkways create a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. We’ll also visit the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the designer’s life and artistic legacy.

In the afternoon, we dive into the medina, the historic old city, where we’ll explore the maze of souks brimming with traditional goods—from colorful textiles and handwoven carpets to spices, leather goods, and ceramics. We’ll pause for a break on the second floor of a café, where you can take in sweeping views of the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Marrakech’s dynamic cultural epicenter, alive with musicians, performers, and local life. For those interested, a stop at a traditional apothecary can be arranged to learn about Moroccan herbal remedies passed down through generations.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Optional evening activity: For those interested, we can arrange tickets to the Fantasia Ali show—a dazzling Berber folklore performance featuring traditional music, dance, acrobatics on horseback, and dramatic displays of horsemanship and pyrotechnics.

Day 6

Day 6: Marrakech- Ourika Valley - A Natural Paradise

After breakfast, we will embark on a day tour to the stunning Ourika Valley, located about 60 km from Marrakech (including a guide). The Ourika Valley is a lush, unspoiled oasis nestled at the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Along the way to the valley, we will pass through orchards, streams, grassy meadows, and traditional Berber villages from the 16th and 17th centuries.

 

Upon arrival in the valley, we will visit a traditional Berber home and learn about the lifestyle of the indigenous inhabitants of Morocco. This unique cultural experience offers insight into their daily lives and customs.

 

Next, we will enjoy a circular hiking trail through the valley, where the breathtaking mountainous scenery will captivate us. In spring, we may even catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas. After a day filled with adventure and natural beauty, we will return to Marrakech.
Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 7

Day 7: Marrakech - Airport

After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Marrakech.
In the evening, depending on your flight schedule, we will have a transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

 

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