4-Day Imperial Cities Tour of Morocco

After breakfast, depart towards Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and its vibrant economic capital. Here you’ll visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and a true architectural masterpiece. Perched partly over the Atlantic Ocean, it features intricate mosaics, carved marble, and the tallest minaret on Earth at 210 meters.

After exploring Casablanca, continue your journey to Rabat, Morocco’s political and administrative capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before setting out to explore the city’s highlights. Visit the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, an exquisite example of modern Alaouite architecture, and admire the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret that remains a symbol of Rabat.

You will also stroll through the peaceful Oudaya Kasbah and Andalusian Gardens, as well as the historic site of Chellah Necropolis, where Roman and Islamic ruins stand side by side, whispering tales of centuries past.

Overnight stay in Rabat.

After breakfast, depart Rabat and head inland towards the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis. This ancient site, once a thriving Roman city, is Morocco’s best-preserved archaeological treasure. Stroll among its impressive remains, including the baths of Gallium, the Basilica, the Forum, and beautifully preserved mosaics that tell stories from over two millennia ago.

Continue your journey to Meknes, the former Imperial capital built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Enter the city through the grand Bab Mansour Gate, one of the finest gateways in Morocco. Visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, an architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate tilework, marble columns, and ornate stucco. Depending on the time of arrival, you may have the opportunity to step inside and view the richly decorated tomb of the great sultan.

In the late afternoon, drive to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Upon arrival, check into your traditional riad or hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, set out with your local guide to discover the wonders of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known as the “Athens of Africa,” Fes is home to the world’s oldest university and one of the best-preserved medieval medinas in existence.

Step into the labyrinth of the Fes el-Bali medina, a maze of donkey-wide alleyways, bustling souks, and artisan workshops where traditional crafts such as pottery, leatherwork, and weaving are still practiced. The medina is enclosed by an unbroken line of ramparts and historic gates, giving you the feeling of traveling back in time.

Your tour will include visits to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks:

• La Medersa Attarine – a 14th-century Quranic school famous for its exquisite zellige tilework and carved cedar wood.
• Nejjarine Fountain and Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts – showcasing traditional Moroccan woodworking in a beautifully restored caravanserai.
• The Karaouiyine Mosque and University – founded in the 9th century, it is considered the oldest continually operating university in the world.
• Medersa Bou Inania – one of the few religious buildings in Morocco open to non-Muslims, renowned for its intricate stucco and wood carvings.
• Bab Boujloud (The Blue Gate) – the iconic entrance to the old medina with its famous blue-and-green tiled façade.

As you explore, take time to enjoy the atmosphere of the souks, where you’ll see spice merchants, fabric dyers, and tanneries that have been in operation for centuries.

Dinner and overnight stay in your riad or hotel in Fes.

After breakfast, depart Fes and journey through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests where Barbary macaques live in their natural habitat. Enjoy a refreshing stop to observe these playful monkeys and take in the crisp mountain air as you cross charming Berber villages and fertile valleys.

Continue southward to the breathtaking Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco’s most famous and picturesque cascades. Plunging more than 110 meters in three tiers into the river below, these falls create a spectacular setting surrounded by olive groves and red cliffs. Take a walk along the trails for panoramic viewpoints, or simply relax and enjoy the spray of the waterfalls from one of the riverside cafés.

In the late afternoon, continue your drive through ever-changing landscapes towards Marrakech, the vibrant “Red City.” Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or riad, marking the end of your 4-Day Imperial Cities Tour.