Northern Moroccan Adventure

If you have the time and would like a day to explore Casablanca, arrive a day early (October 14th). One of our representatives will greet you at the airport and transfer you to Le Casablanca Hotel. After checking in and settling into your comfortable accommodations, you'll have some time to relax.

Optional guided visit to the Hassan II Mosque.

In the evening, we'll head to the iconic Rick’s Café for dinner. Inspired by the classic movie "Casablanca", this charming restaurant offers delicious Moroccan cuisine in a nostalgic atmosphere.

After breakfast (for those who have arrived the day before) at the hotel, we'll visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque depending on when you've arrived. As one of the largest mosques in the world, this architectural marvel offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is renowned for its stunning design.

After we visit the mosque, we'll transfer by van one hour to the Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses and begin our journey together. On arrival, we'll check in and relax. Later we'll meet for welcome drinks, a get-to-know-you session, and dinner at our hotel. 

This morning, we will explore Rabat’s highlights, starting at the Chellah Necropolis. From Chellah, we’ll head to the Yacoub al-Mansour Esplanade, home to two must-see monuments. The King’s Mausoleum was built in 1971 and houses the remains of the late King Hassan II, Prince Abdallah, and their father, King Mohamed. Construction on the Hassan Tower, an incomplete red sandstone minaret, started in 1195 AD.

We’ll wrap up our Rabat visit at the Kasbah des Oudayas, an Almohad fortress built in 1150 AD. From the Kasbah des Oudayas, we’ll head to lunch at Dar Naji, a Moroccan restaurant not to be missed. Look out for the tea-pouring performance at the end of the meal!

This afternoon, we’ll begin our 4.5-hour drive to Tangier. After checking at the 5-star Barceló Tangier we’ll dine at the property.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll learn from our private chef about Moroccan cuisine via a hands-on cooking class followed by lunch.

After a lovely lunch we'll head to the American Legation Museum. Fun fact: Morocco was the *first* country to recognize the USA’s independence in the 1700s! We’ll tour the museum and then head to the Cap Spartel lighthouse in the late afternoon. 

This drive along the coast is not to be missed. The cape is spectacular at sunset. Along the way we'll have a tea break at Cafe Hafa. We’ll get to see both the cape and the Cave of Hercules, with an Africa-shaped opening that leads out to the sea.

After a day of excursions, dinner is at your leisure. 

This morning, we’ll head off to the famous blue city of Chefchaouen (approx. 3 hours driving time). Upon arrival we'll enjoy a guided tour of town. Known for its signature powder-blue walls and calming charms, Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 AD and has recently become famous for its cerulean streets.

Our guide will take us to favorite haunts and Chefchaouen signature locations, starting with the Kasbah in the town center. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the tower. After lunch in the medina at Cafe Clock, a professional photographer will join us to take our portraits with the blue city as our backdrop. 

After your "close up" you’ll have free time to wander up to see the town waterfall or through the hidden streets of the medina. We’ll meet later for a delicious dinner at Casa Hassan. 

Note: Chefchaouen is a dry city with no alcohol. 

Our overnight stay is at the Lina Ryad & Spa.

After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to the “Blue Pearl” and head to Fes, Morocco’s ancient cultural capital. Founded in 781 AD, Fes is now the world’s largest car-free urban zone and a UNESCO World Heritage site!

The drive is about 5-hours, so we’ll break it up with a stop en route at Volubilis, Roman ruins which date back to the 3rd century BC and are also a UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll have a late lunch and wine tasting at a local vineyard.

Upon arrival in Fes, we’ll check into our riad and savor a group dinner at our Riad. We’ll need a good night’s rest before our action-packed visit the next day!

Our hotel for the next days the Riad El Yacout.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our exploration of the ancient city of Fes. A trip to Fes is like a step back in time, be sure to take in all of its unique sights, smells, and sounds.

Our day will include stops at the medina, the Medersa (old school), and the legendary tanneries, where ancient techniques are still used to prepare the Moroccan leather which is used to create a variety of clothing, shoes, and bags. We’ll also stop by the world’s oldest learning institution still operating, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD, by a woman!

We’ll break for lunch in the medina and then continue the tour of the souks, artisan shops as well as the Jewish Quarter after our break. 

Tonight instead of a sit down meal, we'll enjoy a walking and tasting tour led by a local foodie.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a relaxed morning allowing for time to explore more of the city on your own. For those who wish, your guide can take you on a shopping tour of the area. 

Lunch today is on your own. 

This afternoon we'll planned a hammam and spa experience for everyone to get you scrubbed and relaxed like a local. The traditional hammam ritual involves several steps to cleanse, detoxify, and relax. Experience one of the most ancient traditions, a black soap cleanse, followed by a cascading cold-water rinse. This prepares your skin for an invigorating scrub, leaving your skin soft and free of accumulated toxins and impurities. After another rinse, a mask of Moroccan volcanic clay is applied to the body, face, and hair. The last step of this centuries-old purification practice is a relaxing massage using pure oils, Morocco’s precious youth elixir!

We’ll conclude our stay with a farewell dinner complete with henna and entertainment before returning to our riad for the night.

After breakfast, those ending their trip here in Fes will bid farewell to their new friends as well as the sights and sounds of the past week in Magnificent Morocco.

We’ll transfer you back to the Casablanca Airport for your departure flight. It’s a 4-hour drive, so please make your return flight for the late afternoon or evening to ensure plenty of time to get to the airport and for customs and security. 

For those continuing on the Marrakech trip extension ... onward!

If you've extended your trip, this morning we'll be making our way to Marrakech. When we arrive, we’ll check in to our fabulous hotel – La Maison Arabe. 

Then we'll have lunch followed by a self-guided visit to the Majorelle Gardens and YSL Museum. The gardens are filled with exotic plants and trees from around the world. Next door, you'll find the YSL Museum, home to original work of the internationally renowned designer. There is a wonderful store across the street, 33 Rue Majorelle which shouldn't be missed, 

After some rest back at our hotel, this evening, we’ll head to the famed Djemaa el Fna Square, which comes alive at night. Storytellers hold audiences captive; juice vendors call out the flavors, and live musicians perform in the middle of the square. After our visit, we’ll return to La Maison Arabe for a delicious dinner.

After breakfast, we'll venture out to explore the old city of Marrakech. Our guide will lead us on a walking tour of the most notable monuments, followed by a lunch break in the medina. We’ll wander around the souks, browsing through every imaginable item for sale from spices and shoes to carpets. The guide can help you negotiate the best prices for anything that catches your eye!

This afternoon we'll enjoy a hands-on pottery class by a local artisan. Make something to remember your trip by.

Get a little dressed up tonight because we have a special surprise for you. We're having cocktails at La Mamounia, perhaps the most elegant and elite hotel in the world. Not long ago Conde Nast readers crowned it the Best Hotel in the World! After our cocktails, we'll go to Kabana rooftop, one of the trendiest places in town which not only offers a superb view but a change of cuisine - it's continental food tonight. 

Overnight Stay at La Maison Arabe 

Bid farewell to your good friends, driver, and guide. If flying home from Marrakech, the airport is a short drive. If you're returning from Casablanca airport, it's a ~4.5-5 hour drive, so please make your departing flight in the late afternoon or evening to ensure plenty of time to get to the airport and for customs clearance and security.