A Fascinating 8 Days Journey Through History, Culture, and Natural Beauty

We will dedicate most of the day to explore central Casablanca. Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. It is important economic center not only in Morocco but through Africa as well. In Casablanca is Morocco’s chief port that contains the second largest commercial port in the country and the is the largest fishing port. We will see the main sights of the city: we will start our tour Hasan II Mosque, to Al Hank Observation Deck and to La Corniche. We will drive to Rabat and explore the night market. Overnight in Rabat.

• Hasan II mosque – the largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the largest in the world. Its minaret is the world’s second tallest minaret at 210 meters. The Mosque exterior and interior are masterpiece of Moroccan designs and architecture
• Al Hank Observation Deck – To get the best impression of the Mosque size, drive to Al Hank Observation Deck
• La Corniche – is the promenade that runs along the coast of Casablanca. It is a wonderful place to walk and watch the sea and sit for a coffee. The promenade is usually a busy at weekends and holidays. There are many restaurants, clubs and even, and a very active nightlife
• Rabat night market – we will visit the colorful market and see the sellers and buyers. It is a nice place for snacks

We will dedicate most of the day to explore central Rabat and Meknes by car and by foot. Rabat is the capital city. Rabat is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, opposite Salé. The medina of Rabat is listed as a World Heritage Site. We will see the royal palace, Chellah, Hasan tower, mausoleum for king Muhamad V and Kasbah of the Udayas. On our way to Fes, we will visit Volubilis archaeological site and explore its main monuments. We will finish our day in Fes. Overnight in Fes

• Dar al-Makhzen – The royal Palace – is the official residence of the king of Morocco. The Palace area contain a vast territory with government offices and public workers resident. We see the place main gate from the outside
• Rabat Chellah – was founded to be a trading emporium by the Phoenicians, that later became Roman colony. In the Middle Ages part of the site was turned to Muslim necropolis on the south (left) side of the Bou Regreg estuary. In spring the place is crowded with nesting strokes. Today the site part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Hassan Tower – is the minaret of an incomplete mosque. The tower was part of a mosque, that was initiated by Yaqub al-Mansur in the 11ᵗʰ century. After its death, the mosque was left incomplete. It was a vast mosque with walls around and 348 columns to hold the roof. The tower, along with the remains of the mosque and the modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V, are an attractive site
• The Kasbah of the Udayas – is a Kasbah located on a hill at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. It is a picturesque house and whitewash walls, and blue doors and windows make it a pleasant place. It is listed, along with other sites in Rabat, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Volubilis archaeological site – a Phoenician-Roman city in Morocco situated near the city of Meknes. The city prosperous as a center for olive oil production that wea export throughout the Empire. That because it was built in a fertile agricultural area, it developed from the 3ʳᵈ century BC onward. We will explore the city ruins by foot 

Fes is a city that consists of two old medina quarters, Fes el-Bali and Fes Jdid, and Ville Nouvelle that was founded during the French colonial era. The medina of Fes is labyrinth of alleys that are arranged around two main ones and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the Chaouara Tannery from which is one of the oldest tanneries in the world. Fes is the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. We will explore Fes Medina mainly by foot and see the main sights of the city. The best way to do that, is by strolling along the small alleys, look for the different artisans in their small Shops and fill the atmosphere of the of the Medina. Overnight in Fes.

• Walking tour in Jdid (new) city of Fes – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot
• Dar al-Makhzen – Fes Royal Palace original founded during the foundation of Fes el-Jdid (“New Fez”), to serve as a royal citadel for the Marinid dynasty. We will see only its main entrances
• The Mellah – Is Fes Jewish quarter and the first one built in Morocco. It is in Fes el-Jdid close to the royal palce. Stroll by foot along the Mellah
• Ibn Danan Synagogue – Dated to the 17ᵗʰ century It was built by Mimoun Ben Sidan, a wealthy merchant. The synagogue was one of several inside the walls of Fes and one of two that was restore and is open to the public
• The Jewish cemetery – that can represent cemeteries in the country because entry to Moslems cemeteries is prohibited to non-Muslims
• Walking tour in el-bali (old) city of Fes – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot. Fes is one of the most magnificent old cities and along with Fes Jdid, as a World Heritage Site in 1981. Fes el Bali is still enclosed by a long 11ᵗʰ century defensive wall. The main souk streets of the city through two main alleys to the area of the city’s main mosque: the Qarawiyyin mosque and, to the Zawiya of Moulay Idris II
• Bab Bou Jeloud – is an ornate city gate in Fes el Bali, the current gate was built by the French colonial administration in 1913 to connect between Fes AL Jadid and Fes Al Bali that were for centuries separated quarters. The structure is a triple-arched gate that with pointed horseshoe arches and decorated from the outside by green tiles (the color of Islam) and from the outside by blue tiled (the color of Islam
• Madrasa Bou Inania – is a wonderful example to the madrasa architecture that was brought to Morocco by the Marinid dynasty. It is also functioned as a congregational mosque. The madrasa is highly decorated in ornaments that represent the Moroccan architecture
• Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts – This museum is served as funduq – a caravanserai, a place where travelling merchants could find a room and stored their goods. Centered on a courtyard, the rooms are given over to displays of traditional artefacts
• Zawiya of Moulay Idris II – contains the tomb of Idris II, the second ruler in the first dynasty who ruled Morocco. main constructions of the city of Fes took place in his time. The most monumental entrance portal of the zawiya building is on its north side
• University of al-Qarawiyyin – was founded as a mosque by Fatima al-Fihri a refugy from Kairouan in Tunisia. It was one of the leading spiritual and educational centers Middle Ages Islamic world. The mosque building is a significant complex of historical Moroccan and Islamic architecture that were added in different periods
• Chaouara Tanneries – is one of the oldest in the world and is continually operating in the same fashion since the 11ᵗʰ century. This site is one of the must-see sites in Fes el Bali. It is a very colorful place

Today we will Leave Fes and drive to the Middle Atlas Range to our main destination Marrakesh, we will stop in Ifrane, a town with an alpine atmosphere. we will drive to the national park of Cèdre Gouraud Forest and will take a short walk between the scenic middle Atlas range and drive along the towns and villages of the Imazighen (known by their common name Berber) to Afourer. Overnight in Afourer.

• Walking tour in the town of Ifrane – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot. Ifrane is a city in the Middle Atlas range. In the regional Tamazight language, Ifrane means caves. Ifrane has a European atmosphere as it was founded by the French administration to be a holiday resort to spend the hot summer months
• Ifrane Lion – near the Hôtel Chamonix. there are different stories about the sculpture. The common one is that it was carved by a German soldier during WWII, when Ifrane was used briefly as a prisoner-of-war camp, in exchange for the prisoner’s freedom. It commemorates the last wild Atlas lion, which was shot near here in the early 1920’s
• Cèdre Gouraud – is a national park that was declared by the French to protect the Atlantic Cedar trees from extinction. The forest is notable as a habitat for a sub-population of Barbary macaques, species native to the Atlas Mountains in north Africa, along with a small population in Gibraltar. Seeing them in their natural habitat is an exciting experience. When approaching them be careful after all they are wild animals

We will drive from Afourer that is situated on the foots of the middle Atlas back into the mountains. The scenic road is climbing up the mountain and, on the roadside, we will see the giant pipe that is part of a hydroelectric power station, we will drive across Bin El Ouidane dam that creates Bin El Ouidane reservoir. We will continue driving through Azilal which is the gate for M’Goun Conservation Area. We will drive to Ouzoud Falls for a short hike. At the end of the day, we will arrive Marrakesh. Overnight in Marrakesh.

• Bin El Ouidane Dam – is built by the French administration on the El-Abid River. The dam was constructed to supply hydroelectric power production and for irrigation. On the way to the dem we will see the pipes that are part of the hydroelectric power station
• Ouzoud Falls – are several waterfalls that empty into the El-Abid. They are the highest falls in Morocco. Upon arriving to the parking lot prepare for a two hour round hike to the bottom of the falls which is accessible through a shaded path of olive trees. While descending the gorges from the “wadi el-Abid” to the canyon there are picturesque views of the falls

Today we will explore the nature and the traditional life in the high Atlas in Asni and Imlil. As you travel up the valley from Asni to Imlil, the colorful mountains and creeks will escort you to the green walnut’s trees around Imlil. The village of Imlil is a lovely Atlas Mountains settlement that offers views to the high pics among them jabl Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco. On our way back to Marrakesh we will stop in Oukaimeden ski resort for spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. At the end of the day, we will drive back to Marrakesh. Overnight in Marrakesh.

• Asni Town- is a small town in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Every Saturday there is a regional weekly market. It is a very colorful place that buyers from the surrounding villages and sellers from all south Morocco are gathering here
• Imlil village – is village in the high Atlas Mountains It is close to the mountain Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Imlil and the villages around are shroud by high mountains and walnuts tree. Imlil is a wonderful place to see the life in the Atlas Mountains
• Oukaimeden ski resort – situated in the Atlas Mountains and considered the highest ski resort in Africa reaching the altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level at its highest peak. We will get some wonderful views of Toubkal Mountain

Today we will dedicate the entire day to explore the beautiful valley and villages along the Ourika Valley. We will enjoy the beautiful landscapes, filled with a great variety of trees and plants. The mountains and rocks are colorful with different minerals. The valleys to the south of Marrakech, are essentially populated by Berber. We will visit the village of Setti Fatma and take a short hike to one of the many waterfalls there. We will drive back to Marrakesh. Overnight in Marrakesh.

• Ourika Valley – is a valley in the High Atlas along the Ourika River. Ourika valley is popular vacation spot for many Moroccans escaping the summer heat to the cool air in the valley. Despite its proximity to Marrakech, it is still considered a relatively well-preserved valley
• Setti Fatma – the village is located at the end of the road from Marrakech. It is also the starting point for hikes. we will take a short hike to the waterfalls. There are seven waterfall and some of them are accessible

We will dedicate the entire day to explore Marrakesh Medina mainly by foot. We will see the main sights of the city, starting our tour from the Kutubiyya Mosque, see Saadian Tombs, visit El Badi and Bahia Palaces, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), Koubba Ba’adiyn, Ben Youssef Madrasa and the jewel of Marrakesh, the Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square). But most of all it is a day of feeling the atmosphere of this vibrant city, full of life and spectacular. End of the Trip.

• Walking tour in the old city of Marrakesh – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot
• Kutubiyya Mosque – The largest mosque in Marrakesh. The mosque is a wonderful example of the 11ᵗʰ century architecture and is one of three that was built at the same time. It is situated near the famous public place of Jemaa el-Fna and is flanked by large gardens
• The Saadian Tombs – The Saadian are a royal necropolis inside the royal kasbah (citadel), that was built to be the burial place for the Saadian dynasty. The complex is another example for Moroccan architecture at its best during the Saadian period due to its luxurious decoration and careful interior design
• El Badi Palace – Was commissioned by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty and was built by reach materials including Karra marble imported from Italy. IT was used for receptions and designed to showcase the Sultan’s wealth and power
• The Mellah – is the first Jewish Quarter in Morocco that was built when Fes al Bali became a sacred place not suitable for non-Muslim. Therefore, it was built outside of the walls of El Badi Palace. It was a walled quarter, with its gates closed at night
• Bahia Palace – is a mid to late 19ᵗʰ century palace built first by Si Musa, grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman. It is beautifully decorated with panted cedar wood ceilings and, is a comprises several inner courtyards and gardens around which are arranged various rooms and chambers
• Koubba Ba’adiyn – is a small monument and is the only structure built by the Almoravid dynasty in the early 12ᵗʰ century that was preserved in Marrakesh. Its decoration is a masterpiece of design that is influence both from black Africa and Andalusia. The interior is richly decorated with carved floral and vegetal patterns, palmette/seashell shapes, and calligraphy
• Ba’adiyn Ben Youssef Madrasa – The Ben Youssef is an Islamic madrasa (college) that was the largest Islamic college in Morocco. The ornamentation shows the sophistication and beauty of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, with pools, gardens, fountains and carved stucco and wood
• Jemaa el-Fnaa – is no doubt the highlights of Marrakesh’s medina. It is used by locals and tourists, and it look different at day light and at night. During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls and sometimes you can see youths with chained Barbary apes and snake. late in the day the square becomes more crowded, with Chleuh dancing-boys, storytellers, magicians, and food stalls set up every night anew. It is a UNESCO heritage site for Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity