Best of morocco private tour
Hosting you is a delight
Best to Have: 12 days
Best Time: All years around
Great For: couples, small groups and families
Description: Best of Morocco Tour guarantee you an authentic trip to the most gorgeous areas of Morocco. Landing in Casablanca you will visit the stunning Hassan Mosque, Marrakesh the pearl of the South, The glorious Moroccan Sahara with nomadic tribes and Berber Villages., Essaouira and Fes UNESCO World Heritage and the enchanting Bleu Pearl of the north of Morocco Chefchaouen
- DAY 1: CASABLANCA- MARRAKESH ARRIVAL
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Pick up Casablanca airport by our driver and depending on arrival time, visit of Hassan II mosque Casablanca's landmark building designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau. It is a extravagant symbol not only of the city, but also of Morocco itself. Hassan II Mosque II is one of the largest mosque in the world with a gigantic glass floor for over 24000 worshippers. Its minaret is the world’s tallest at 210 meters. Its location looking out to the Atlantic gives it an exceptional beauty. Intricately carved marble pieces, vibrant mosaics and zellige tile details pay honor to traditional Islamic architecture, and yet still manage to feel contemporary. After the visit you driver will be at your disposition to suggest where you can have lunch. Transfer to Marrakesh. B&B accommodation in a boutique riad in the Marrakesh medina.
- DAY 2: MARRAKESH GUIDED HISTORICAL VISIT
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Breakfast at your riad and set off to explore the fascinating city of Marrakesh. Start your visit with old Medina. Explore this charming area on foot. In Djemaa el Fna, you will visit the famous 12th century Koutoubia Mosque. The guide will take you through the intricate streets and alleys of the Djemaa el Fna. Enjoy the smells of food and explore the souks specializing in Berber carpets, silver jewelry, handmade shoes, and leather tanneries.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Marrakesh’s most tasty restaurants. After lunch explore the El Bahia Palace which is a set of gardens located in Marrakesh. It was built in the late 19th century, planned to be the greatest palace of its time. The name means "brilliance". As in other buildings of the period in other countries, it was intended to capture the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style. There is a 2-acre (8,000 m²) garden with rooms opening onto courtyards.
Visit the Saadian Tombs are mausolea in Marrakesh which date to time of the Saadian dynasty sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603). The tombs were discovered in 1917 and were renovated by the Beaux-arts service. The mausoleum includes the burials of about sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty that originated in the valley of the Draa River. Among the graves are those of Ahmad al-Mansur and his family.
Visit Marrakesh Museum. The museum is housed in the Dar M’Nebhi Palace, constructed in the late 19th century by Mehdi M’Nebhi. The palace was carefully renovated and converted into a museum in 1997. The house itself represents an example of classical Moorish architecture, with fountains in the central courtyard, traditional seating areas, a hammam and intricate tilework and carvings
Later a short drive to Gueliz or Nouvelle Ville of Marrakesh to explore Marrakesh modern areas. Continue to the magical Majorelle Gardens designed by Jacque Majorelle and preserved by Yves Saint Laurent. Its blue and yellow colored paths make of it a attractive garden with various ponds, cacti, and plants.
Evening free to explore Marrakesh on your own. Your private driver will be available to escort you to a variety of restaurants we recommend. B&B accommodation in a boutique Riad
- DAY 3: MARRAKESH -ESSAOUIRA-MARRAKESH
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Breakfast at your Riad and start your journey to the former Portuguese fishing village of Essaouira.
Essaouira is a port city and resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The navy blue of its sky, its rosy ochre ramparts, and white and blue painted houses make up of it a perfect piece of art. Its medina is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah. Behind its walls, protected from the wind, a timeless world persists. Old brass guns line the walls overlooking the Atlantic and watch over the old town.
On your way to Essaouira explore wide variety of landscapes, great biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage. Explore the world’s largest area of Argan forest a national treasure where to see goats hanging calmly on the top of Argan trees. Here you can enjoy unspoilt natural surroundings, where Argan, almond, and olive trees grow wild side by side. And while you’re in the area, you can visit the Argan oil cooperative and admire the know-how of the women as they work at extracting Argan oil and appreciate the traditional hospitality of Berber culture
Upon arrival enjoy local gastronomy at the fishing port. Settle yourself down on a sofa or perch yourself on a pouf and share a delicious tajine or couscous. The Souiri cuisine is best known for is its fresh fish. Essaouira is a city of fishermen and makes the utmost of what the ocean provides.
Visit of the medieval town Essaouira with its lovely white-washed and blue houses and learn about the local tradition and enjoy the fresh seafood.
Essaouira is famous for its annual Gnaoua Music Festival that attracts many visitors in June. It also has a wide beach for surfing called Plage de Safi.
Visit Moulay Hassan Square which is the liveliest place of Essaouira located in the medina, not far from the city walls and port, an ideal location for enjoying a glass of mint tea. Sit back on one of its café terraces and watch the casual comings and goings of the passers-by.
Visit the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum a residence built in the 19th century. It presents Essaouira’s cultural heritage. You can find information on the history of Essaouira and its region dating back to the prehistoric era. You can also find a variety of collection of the town’s craft heritage
Visit Essaouira Thuya wood workshops, rare commodity found only in Essaouira. Wander along the ramparts and visit painter’s galleries where watercolors gleam from canvases.
Visit silver jewellery shops, a craft that owes its existence and fame to the Jewish silversmiths of the 18th century.
In the afternoon drive back to Marrakesh, B&B accommodation in a Boutique Riad in Marrakesh
- DAY 4: MARRAKESH - TIZI N'TICHKA PASS - TELOUET - AIT BENHADDOU – OUARZAZATE
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Breakfast at your riad and start your journey towards Ouarzazate region to explore its famous Kasbahs. Pick up at Marrakesh and start your journey towards Ouarzazate region to explore its famous Kasbahs-sandcastles beyond the reach of time.
Kasbahs are great rise colored citadels standing proudly on the hillsides, defying anyone who passes to ignore them. These are the far famed kasbahs of the Moroccan south, residences built from adobe, a mixture of clayey earth and straw, their architecture of striking originality and rare elegance. Morocco’s kasbahs retain all of their poetry, serene in their power and living witness to the victory and apogee of the mountain culture that brought them into being. Perfectly adapted to their natural surroundings, they are also an expression of the social life of a sedentary mountain people. Standing eternal, they are southern Morocco’s dearest heritage.
You will pass the olive fields of the Oued Zat as you ascend to the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260-meter-high) that will take you through spectacular mountainous land. Along the road you will see panoramic sights of the High Atlas Mountains as well as rich valleys, colorful villages, and striking geology.
Explore The majestic Taourirt Kasbah listed as a national heritage monument. It was built in the 19th century and was the Pasha of Marrakesh ‘s largest residence. Its architecture, with its many crenellated towers, geometric motifs, and interior richly attired in painted stuccowork and cedar wood, is a marvel to behold. The Kasbah has just been restored throughout, and now houses exhibition galleries, a library and an Amphitheatre.
Visit The Tifoultout Kasbah Built in the 17th century to accommodate the pasha of Marrakesh’s guests, The Tifoultout Kasbah was renovated 30 years ago and is now a hotel and restaurant. It stands beside the village of Tifoultout, near Oued Draa, a spot where tranquility and peace of mind reign supreme.
From its terrace, you can enjoy magnificent views of the city of Ouarzazate below, and of the surrounding mountains while having your lunch
Visit Telouet Kasbah whose construction started in 1860, and further buildings were added over the course of the decades. The result is a masterly work of art, fortress, chateau and caravanserai all rolled into one, a marvel of painted woodwork, wrought iron, sculpted stucco and colorful zellij. Legend has it that it took 300 craftsmen three years to sculpt its ceilings and walls.
Explore The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. A revelation of pure beauty listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah is a stunning work of architecture overlooking the Ounila Valley. A graceful ensemble of adobe kasbahs, this one of the oldest and most impressive ksars in all morocco. The earliest of its buildings, a granary standing on the hilltop, dates back to the 11th century. The village gradually grew up around it over the course of the centuries, adding houses, more granaries, cowsheds, a well, and protective surrounding wall.
Architecturally, this museum village located some 30km from Ouarzazate, is without parallel. Its outer walls sport few shutters and only two doors, making sure that its inhabitants knew who was coming and going =, while inside, a public square, a mosque, a koranic school and the village residences jostle for space. Immortalized in such films as “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Babel” and “Indiana Jones” , this magnificent fortress stands radiant and untouched by time, an uncut diamond shining proudly forth from its rocky setting.
B&B accommodation in a nice riad in Ait Ben Haddou.
- DAY 5: OUARZAZATE - SKOURA - VALLEY OF ROSES- VALLEY OF NOMADS - BOUMALNE DADES VALLEY & GORGE
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Breakfast at your Riad and drive to explore Skoura oasis and the Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs. Skoura is an abundant haven with enormous palm groves that offer gorgeous views of the Atlas Mountains along with desert sceneries. The palm groves were placed in the 12th century by the Almohad sultan Yacoub el-Mansour. The most stunning Kasbahs in southern Morocco can be found here.
The Valley of Roses, just north of El Kellaa M’Gouna is for certain an enjoyable trip. You will stop for a visit of the cooperative producing various products of roses: rose water hand and body soaps, oil, crème fragrance. The annual Rose Festival is a perfect time of the year to visit.
Your journey will lead you to the breathtaking Valley of Nomads located in Boutaghrar located at 40km from Rose valley Kellaa M’Gouna. The stunning valley where nomads still live in caves will allow you to travel back in time. The valley is surrounded by Mount M’Goun which is the second highest mountain in Morocco with astonishing views of earthy scenery. A stop for refreshment and Continue to the Dades Valley that covers 125 km between the Todra Gorge and Ouarzazate.
The Dades Valley is located in the high valley of Dades that is scattered with Oasis, palm groves and Kasbahs. Carved through the walls of the High Atlas Mountains by the Dades River, Dades Gorge is an exceptional natural beauty. It has spectacular views which is best seen in the morning when the sun reaches the bottom of the canyon. Driving along you will pass fertile agricultural fields, riverbanks, and several fortified ksours.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant offering local Moroccan food and a panoramic view. Relax and sip mint tea while contemplating the remarkable valley view. Continue your discovery of the Dades Valley and Gorge after lunch.
Dinner and accommodation at a nice Riad with views of the Dades Valley.
- DAY 6: DADES VALLEY - TODRA GORGE - ERFOUD - RISSANI – MERZOUGA
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Breakfast at your riad. Your journey to the Todra Gorge, Erfoud, Rissani, and Merzouga starts. You will first visit Todra Gorge which is the canyon of the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains close to Tinghir. Your driver will take you through picturesque roads to reach the Todra Gorge which extends to Tinghir. Todra Gorge is a spectacular site with gigantic red rock walls that changes its color with the effect of the sunlight.
Next, head the road to the scenic Erfoud city where you will visit Borg Est 935 m high above the city which allows you to enjoy gorgeous views. Explore the fossil sites located at 13km from Erfoud to Merzouga where you can see the fossilized stones dating to a very ancient geological era.
You will continue to Rissani, a desert town from the ancient Alawi Dynasty to discover the old Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the first King of the Alawi Dynasty. On your way to Merzouga, a stop at Khamlia, the village of Gnawa to enjoy the charming music of Gnawa
Upon arrival to Merzouga, another expedition is waiting for you, a camel trek or drive along the dunes of the golden Sahara Desert to enjoy sunset over the majestic Erg Chebbi Dunes. Once you reach the heart of the Sahara, a warm welcome at your luxury camp where you will spend the night under the huge sky full of bright stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp
- DAY 7: MERZOUGA - IFRANE - AZRO – FES
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Get up early, have breakfast, and take a sunrise camel ride or 4x4 drive back to Merzouga. Depart Merzouga and drive to Fes passing through Ifrane and Azrou located at a strategic crossroads between the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas
On the way, a stop for lunch at Bni Melal in the Middle Atlas Mountains. It was first called Ismali back in 1688, since Moulay Ismail, the second ruler of the Moroccan Alaouite Dynasty, built the fortresses of Tadla (remains still visible today). The ruler also constructed the well-known Kasbah Ras el Ain of this area, which overlooks the whole city along with the agricultural surroundings.
Stop for lunch and refreshment and continue to Ifrane which is located in the middle atlas in a national park that was established in October 2004 due to many reasons such as the existence of remarkable species in the territory, the presence of internationally important ecosystems, and the increase of human activity and resource exploitation. With its unique architecture, cedar forest and temperature, Ifrane becomes an appealing destination. Next, continue your drive to Fes and arrive in the early evening.
B&B accommodation at boutique riad in Fes.
- DAY 8: FES GUIDED HISTORICAL TOUR
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After your breakfast start your first part exploration journey of the magnificent Fez old medina. It is a real labyrinth left intact since the Middle Ages. It has been classified as a world heritage in 1981 by UNESCO. Fez medina is considered the largest medina in the Arab world and surrounded by 24 kilometers of walls. The medina encloses 9500 houses, 176 mosques, 83 mausoleums, 11 madrasas dating from the Merenids dynasty and 40 hammams. The medina also encloses magnificent palaces.
Enter the old medina of Fez, through the bleu gate known as Bab Boujloud dating to the 12th century. The name is a vernacular corruption of the expression "Bou Jnoud", meaning a parade ground or military square, referring to the large square known as Place Bou Jeloud just outside and to the west. It is also located near the site of what used to be one of the main citadels of Fes el-Bali, the Kasbah Bou Jeloud.
Stroll the Talaa Kebeera shortly after Bab Boujloud and continues on through the much of the medina. Many different shops, souks and sights are located just off this main road. Though often crowded by locals and tourists alike, it is a nice taste of old Fez.
Visit the Dar Batha Museum. Dar Batha Museum is located in the heart of the medina. Before becoming a museum in 1915, the building was a beautiful palace of Arab-Andalusian style, built by Moulay el Hassan in the late nineteenth century. This museum is full of treasures that reflect the traditional art of Fez and its region carved wood, embroidery, zellige, wrought iron, jewelry, coins, carpets … depicting the stunning wealth of Fassi craftsmanship.
Continue to The Madrasa Bou Inania founded in AD 1351–56 by Abu Inan Faris. It is widely acknowledged as an excellent example of Marinid architecture.
Visit Nejjarine Museum on your way. This well-restored former Fondouk – a place where traders took lodgings and stored and sold their goods during the 18th century – is now home to the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts. Opened in 1998, the museum allows visitors to marvel at such artefacts as craftsmen’s tools, prayer beads, ancient chests, and musical instruments.
Visit (from outside) the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, a religious shrine containing the tomb of Idris II who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828. He is the main founder of the city of Fes and of the first Moroccan Islamic state. In this place your will encounter amazing shops selling candles and locals Fessi sweets altogether with various fragrances used for religious and special events.
Visit Kissaria Serrajine, where an irresistible range of silks, brocades, braided trimmings, embroidered slippers and kaftans awaits you coming. Along the streets you can see a fabulous expertise at work. Continue to Seffarine known for its Boilermakers, coppersmiths, glazed ceramic workshops marked by the famous cobalt blue of Fez. All is a fascinating world of craftsmanship
Visit the famous Quaraouiyine University, the oldest existing, constantly operating. It the first degree-awarding educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records. Quaraouiyine University is referred to as the oldest university that was founded by Fatima al-Fihria in 859 with an associated madrasa, which next became one of the principal spiritual and educational centers of the historic Muslim world. It was incorporated into Morocco's modern state university system in 1963.
Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa close to the Al-Quaraouiyine. It was built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said in 1323. The madrasa takes its name from the Souk al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market.
Visit the Glaoui palace and the Mokri Palace where to admire the fine work of the woodcarvers or the delicate lines of the wrought iron sculptured with surgical precision.
After enjoying your lunch continue your visit by visiting Fez tanneries referred to as the Chouwara tanneries. The tanneries, made of numerous ditches filled to the brim with a incredible variety of pigments, process skins for production of sleep, cow and goat leather in the traditional manner. Look down at the proceedings from a neighboring rooftop terrace-a giant artist’s palette in all its colorful splendors.
Visit the Pottery area and you will come across several scattered shops of ceramic around the medina, each with its own specialty. Some sell fountains, others tilework, etc
Continue to Fes Jdid starting by the Royal Palace, the main monument of Fez el-Jdid. It offers impressive views over its finely carved doors. The creation of Fez el-Jadid marks the full development of the city and the climax of Moorish art illustrated by the construction of magnificent buildings.
Next visit The Mellah, Jewish Quarter founded after the sixteenth century by the Sultan to protect the Jewish community in the city is crossed by the main street, a lively street gathering all kinds of businesses: jewels, upholstery, fabrics. The houses of the Mellah differ from Muslim houses by the windows looking on the outside and their wooden and wrought iron balconies.
Visit the Synagogue Ibn Danan a seventeenth-century Judeo Moroccan heritage masterpiece that is worth visiting.
Enter Fas El Jdid through its monumental gate Bab Semmarine and wander along the shops lined up on both sides.
Continue to Jnan Sbil garden formerly known as the Bou Jeloud gardens on the north-western edge of the medina. This garden has palms, eucalyptus, weeping willows, citrus trees and bamboo. It was opened to the public by Moulay Hassan in the 19th century. It covers 7.5 hectares. This garden is one of the oldest gardens in Fes. Because of its historical importance, great care was taken to restore the Jnan Sbil garden to its original design.
Later drive to Borj Nord from which you can have gorgeous views of Fes. At night, the old city’s walls and ramparts are lit up and you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. The Borj is a fort built in 1582 by the powerful Saadi sultan Ahmad al-Mansour to defend the city from external attacks. It was modeled after the Portuguese Forts in the 16th century. The Borj is considered the largest defense structures around the city of Fez. Today, the fort is open to public as the Museum of Arms.
Take a short hike to the remains of Merenids Tombs which are perched on the hill of Al qolla. this 14th century site was the royal necropolis. From 1361 to 1398, Abou El Hassan’s successors and others of royal linage were buried there. Now in ruins, little is left of the necropolis beyond the remains of three cupolas and mosque, and a few sections of wall. But from the top of this gentle hillside overlooking the city, the views are mesmerizing experience.
Before going back to your Riad, your driver will advise where to enjoy delicious Fassi food for dinner, B&B accommodation
Finally return to your boutique riad in the Old medina, B&B accommodation
- DAY 9: FES - MEKNES - VOLUBILIS –CHEFCHAOUEN
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Breakfast at your Riad and drive to After your breakfast your driver will take you visit to Volubilis. Located in the foothills of the Zerhoun Massif, Volubilis takes its name from the Berber word Oualili, the name for the colorful flower of the convolvulus, a plant to be found in abundance in the region. Included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997, Volubilis is Morocco’s largest archaeological site, with a full 18 hectares open to the public. The site owes its fame to the countless mosaics that decorate its ancient dwellings including a basilica, temple and triumphal arch. Its prosperity, which was derived principally from olive growing, prompted the construction of many fine town-houses with large mosaic floors.
Volubilis is regarded as the ancient capital of the Roman-Berber kingdom of Mauretania. It developed from the 3rd century BC onward as a Berber and Phoenician-Carthaginian settlement before being the capital of the Berber kingdom of Mauretania.
Continue to Moulay Idriss, the oldest town in Morocco, founded by Moulay Idriss I in 789, having fled Mecca because of religious and tribal conflicts.
It is located at twenty kilometers north of Meknes, set on a rocky peak overlooking the Oued Erroumane Valley and the plain upon which the Ancient Romans built their city of Volubilis. This holy town holds a special place in the hearts of the Moroccan people. It was here that Moulay Idriss I arrived in 789, bringing with him the religion of Islam, and starting a new dynasty. In addition to founding the town named after him, he also initiated construction of Fez, continued later by his son, Moulay Idriss II.
Continue to Meknes and have your lunch. After lunching start your journey exploring Meknes rich history. Visit the magnificent gateway of Bab el-Mansour the main gate between Meknes' Medina and Imperial City districts. Bab el-Mansour is an enormous and highly picturesque edifice with intricate architectural style of zellige tiling and carving work. It is one of North Africa's best examples of persisting gateways. Continue to Place Hedim the main square in the old part of the city.
The Bab Mansour gate faces onto Place Hedim, the main square in the old part of the city. Place Hedim is much smaller than Marrakech’s Jemaa el Fna square and also much less interesting. However, there will likely be a few people selling things, charming snakes and running games
Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail that is home to the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his imperial capital in the 17th century. The interiors are truly incredible. It shows the glorious exuberance of Moroccan religious ornament. The actual mosque is not open to non-Muslims, but you can enter the outer parts of the complex and enter the tomb hall itself, with its magnificent decorated interior.
Continue to Meknes Medina (Old Town) an exciting, busy place full of local products. For enthusiastic shoppers Souk Nejarine offers plenty of textile shops. Souk Sebbat is also home to many traditional Moroccan craft shops as well as clothing and Morocco's famous slippers.
The 12th-century Grand Mosque, with its distinctive green-tiled roof, sits right in the medina's center. The medina is still enclosed by its glorious walls built during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail.
Visit also The Imperial City area that has plenty of interesting old ruins to explore, most dating from the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The Koubat Al Khayatine is the city's old ambassador building and today, part of the building is open to the public, with a small photography exhibit on Meknes.
Visit the museum The Dar Jamai built in 1882 as the residence of the famous Jamai family and was converted into the Museum of Moroccan Art in 1920. The museum holds the rich traditional decoration of painted wood and sculpted plaster that were popular interior design of the 19th-century Moroccan higher-classes. The museum is dedicated to arts and crafts of the region.
Continue your visit to Bou Inania Medersa that was founded in the 14th century. It is located within the loops of Meknes' souk streets. The Madrasa is still gorgeously preserved with much of its rich zellige tile decoration. The rooftop of the Madrassa has excellent views across the whole Meknes Medina district and the Ville Nouvelle (new town).
Stop for lunch in the Nouvelle Ville of Meknes at a charming restaurant that offers Moroccan cuisine and a variety of local wines from the Meknes region.
Vendor a little bit out of the old town, past the Royal Gold Course (which is protected by a huge wall) and visit the Heri es-Souani granaries. The site is made up of two main areas. The first is the interior part which feels a bit like the Habs Qara prison except not as creepy. It was used to store huge amounts of grain. The exterior part of the complex also has rows of stone arches, but it was used to as a royal stable to keep horses and other animals.
Visit Sahrij Souani , built by Moulay Ismail, is located in the imperial city, northwest of the granaries. It is a hydraulic structure that measures 148.75 m by 319 m and has a maximum depth of 1.20 m. The lake was constructed to guarantee the supply of water, in times of siege or drought, to the palaces and mosques of the town, as well as to the public baths, homes, gardens and the orchards that surrounded the town and provided for its daily fruit and vegetable requirements. After the tour go back to your Riad to be prepared for the following day adventure. B&B accommodation in nice Riad in the old medina
Take your lunch in a local restaurant in Mouly Idriss and end your tour back to Meknes
- DAY 10 CHEFCHAOUEN
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Breakfast at your hotel, then visit the bleu pearl of the north of Morocco classified as 6th most beautiful cities of the world. In the beautiful Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a gorgeous labyrinth of blue-on-blue buildings that has an amazingly photogenic radiance. Chefchaouen was established in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid for defense reasons against the Portuguese expansion in the north of Morocco. It was inhabited by the Moorish and Jewish people who were exiled from Spain during in the early 15th century.
Wander the Medina alleys and lapping up all that colorful Andalusian architecture. It's a peaceful, easygoing town and a great place to recharge if you've been amid the cities for a while. Lunch at a charming restaurant in the medina. Visit the fortress the first building established by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid in 1471. Dine in a charming restaurant, B&B accommodation in a nice Riad in the medina
- DAY 11 CHEFCHAOUEN – RABAT
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Breakfast at your Riad and drive to Rabat. On arrival start your visit and learn about the glorious history of Rabat dating to the 8th century.
Start your visit by the medina which takes its name from the Muslims who were expelled from Spain in 1609-1610 due to their religious beliefs. Wander through Andalusian wall and you find yourself in rue Souiks lined up with shops vending traditional craftwork. Visit Souk-es-Sebat, a district of dealers of fine leather goods, fabric sellers and bazaars. Continue to Rue des Consuls, the busiest in the medina, lined up with craftsmen’s workshops and fabric and carpet-seller’s stalls. Here each Thursday mornings, you can witness the Rbati carpet auction.
Rue des Consuls has a charming story to tell. From the 17th century up until 1912, all diplomats and representatives of foreign powers lived in this famous street, putting them just a stone’s throw from the slave market at its far end, where they could buy prisoners taken by pirates to be sold at auction. From the end of the 16th century, the city, under the name of Salé-le-Neuf, included Rabat and excelled at its main activity – piracy.
Captured sailors were sold as slaves to wealthy families in the region. Christians were luckier, as they could be brought back by their countries’ diplomats, who had a budget available to them for this very purpose. The taking of Christian ships was the main source of Salé’s income, and it became Morocco’s leading port, keeping on with its pirating activity and continuing to make foreign ships tremble for several centuries.
Have your lunch in a nice restaurant offering Rbati delicious food.
Continue your visit to The Oudaya Kasbah a haven of peacefulness, with its flower-filled little streets, Andalusian garden and Moorish café. The Oudaya gateway is built of dressed stone and is regarded as one of the jewels of Almohad art. Most of the remains still to be seen date back to the 12th century, and the Kasbah contains Rabat’s oldest mosque. Its minaret, adorned with small decorative arcades, is most probably the work of one of the first Alaouite sovereigns. From the ocean side of the old semaphore-station platform at the end of the main street, you can enjoy superb panoramic views over Salé and the Bouregreg Estuary. In the Kasbah’s main square, a warehouse built in the late 18th century now accommodates a cooperative where you can watch girls at work weaving carpets.
The Oudaya museum was renovated in 1995 and is housed in a residence built for Moulay Ismail between 1672 and 1694, and in which the sultan stayed during his visits to Rabat. The museum exhibits rich and varied collections of jewellery, testimony to the extraordinary expertise of Morocco’s craftsmen. The museum is located also in lush garden of an Andalusian style
Later, your driver will take you to visit Hassan Tower. The ruins of the Hassan Tower bear witness to the size of what was to have been one of the largest places of worship anywhere in the Muslim world. Its construction was abandoned upon the death of its founder in 1199, and the Lisbon earthquake in 1755 caused further damage. The mosque comprised a great courtyard laid out over deep, restored cisterns and reaching to the foot of the minaret, and an immense hypostyle room whose 312 columns and 42 marble pillars were arranged to form nineteen naves, not counting its lateral porticos. It was on this site that the Mohammed V Mausoleum was built, in fitting tribute to the Nation’s liberator.
Visit also The Mohammed V Mausoleum whose design and decoration take one’s breath away. This masterpiece of traditional Moroccan art, with its painted woodwork, sculpted plasterwork and marble, and carved bronze, required all the know-how of the Kingdom’s master craftsmen. Mohammed V’s tomb is carved from a block of white onyx and stands in the center of the edifice’s lower level. Today, his two sons, the late King Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdallah, rest in peace alongside him.
B&B accommodation in a boutique Riad in Oudaya district
- DAY 12: CASABLANCA DEPARTURE
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Breakfast at your hotel in Rabat. Drive to Casablanca airport for departure
