Northern Moroccan Adventure

Fly into Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport (CMN). We’ll provide VIP Fast Track through customs and a private airport transfer, ensuring a smooth, efficient arrival. After a warm welcome by your driver, you’ll be transferred to the elegant Le Casablanca Hotel, where you can relax, unwind at the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or relax after a long flight.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at La Grande Table Marocaine, one of Morocco’s most celebrated restaurants. Housed within the luxurious Royal Mansour, this dinner will introduce us to the richness of Moroccan cuisine with traditional dishes served in a refined setting.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest and most iconic mosques. Perched dramatically on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this architectural masterpiece boasts breathtaking views and intricate details that will leave you speechless. As we explore its stunning halls, delicate mosaics, and soaring minarets, you’ll feel the grandeur of Morocco’s cultural heritage.

If time allows, you can also visit the Jewish Museum, the only one of its kind in the Arab world, offering insight into Morocco’s Jewish heritage.

All of this exploring has surely made you hungry. Let's head to La Sqala for a traditional Moroccan lunch featuring fragrant tagines, fresh seafood, and perfectly spiced pastillas. 

After lunch, we'll drive to Rabat, roughly an hour's drive along the Atlantic Coast, to check into the Villa Mandarine. Stroll through lush gardens, take a dip in the sparkling pool, and savor the tranquil ambiance.

We’ll come together this evening for a warm and festive dinner at this stunning hotel. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow travelers as you savor the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine - a delicious introduction to the unforgettable journey ahead!

This morning, we’ll dive into Rabat’s rich history, starting at the Chellah Necropolis, a hauntingly beautiful site steeped in centuries of stories. From there, we’ll visit the Yacoub al-Mansour Esplanade, home to two iconic landmarks: the King’s Mausoleum, built in 1971 to honor King Hassan II, Prince Abdallah, and King Mohammed V, and the Hassan Tower, an incomplete yet stunning red sandstone minaret dating back to 1195 AD.

For lunch, we’ll visit Dar Naji, a Moroccan gem that offers authentic dishes and a memorable tea-pouring performance to close the meal.

We'll stroll along the Corniche de Rabat after we eat, a coastal promenade with beautiful views of the ocean.

Later, we’ll gather for dinner in our hotel at the Restaurant Dinarjat, closing the day with a delicious meal. Consider trying the lamb with prunes or the delicious pastilla with almond and chicken—both are wonderful choices!

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll leave Rabat and begin our scenic drive north into the Rif Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a Vietnamese village hosted by a local woman who brings her own story of cross-cultural exchange to the table.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Chefchaouen, the enchanting blue city. Famous for its vibrant blue-washed buildings, narrow winding streets, and picturesque alleyways, Chefchaouen exudes a peaceful charm that captures the essence of Morocco. We’ll check into Taj Chefchaouen, a stunning luxe hotel set on the hilltop overlooking town.

To wrap up the day, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at Bab Ssour, a local restaurant offering a diverse selection of authentic Moroccan dishes. It’s the perfect way to experience the region's flavors while unwinding after a day of exploration.

After breakfast, we’ll meet our local guide and explore the medina, starting in Place Outa el Hammamm, the town’s central square, and continuing through winding alleys to Ras El Ma, where the mountain spring emerges. Along the way, we’ll pass artisans weaving woolen goods and painting pottery in tiny open workshops.

We’ll be welcomed into a local home for lunch and take part in a cheese-making workshop using traditional methods. This region is known for its mild goat cheese, a staple on many local tables.

In the late afternoon, we’ll relax with a hammam spa ritual, followed by a massage. It’s a chance to experience Moroccan bathing culture, which emphasizes cleansing, exfoliation, and relaxation.

Dinner is at Café Clock, where Moroccan cuisine meets creative energy, and the night may end with stories or live music.

We'll depart Chefchaouen after breakfast and begin our journey toward Fez, stopping along the way at the remarkable Roman ruins of Volubilis. Once a thriving imperial outpost, these ruins offer a glimpse into Morocco’s ancient past with well-preserved mosaics and impressive columns set against rolling hills.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy lunch at the scenic Scorpion House, followed by a tasting at a local winery. 

Afterward, we’ll continue to Fez, our home for the next three nights. Often considered Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, Fez is home to Fes El-Bali, the largest car-free urban zone in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. Founded by the Idrissid dynasty in 789, it remains the best-preserved Arab-Muslim historical city.

We'll check into Le Jardin Des Biehn, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. This evening, we'll gather for a group dinner at the riad.

After breakfast, we’ll explore the rich history of Fez. Every corner feels like a step back in time, and the city’s ancient streets are alive with unique sights, sounds, and smells, offering a truly immersive experience. Many of our stops today are nestled within the UNESCO-recognized medina, a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with bustling markets, residences, and mosques.

We’ll begin at the Bou Inania Medersa (old school), a stunning example of Islamic architecture, where artisans still use ancient methods to create beautiful Moroccan leather for clothing, shoes, and bags. 

We'll also tour the University of Al Quaraouiyine, established in 859 AD and recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating educational institution, to understand its crucial role in the Islamic world.

We’ll break for a delicious lunch to savor the region's flavors. Then, we'll continue our exploration of the souks and artisan quarters, where skilled craftsmen create everything from intricate pottery to beautiful textiles.

In the evening, we'll have the chance to learn how to prepare a traditional Moroccan tajine. After our culinary adventure, we’ll gather around the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor and share a delicious homemade meal.

Fez is renowned for the beauty and craftsmanship of its pottery and zellij tiles, created by skilled artisans using centuries-old techniques. 

This morning, we’ll experience this artistry firsthand in a hands-on pottery and ceramic workshop. We'll sink our hands into soft clay, learn to turn the pottery wheel by foot, and create our own piece, whether it’s a small tagine, a mug, a bowl, an ashtray, or a vase. 

For those who wish to continue their artistic endeavor, there’s the opportunity to join a painting session where master artisans will guide us through traditional Islamic and Moorish design techniques.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a cultural immersion with a Fassi family. We'll try on traditional Moroccan attire, receive beautiful henna designs, and take part in a photo session to capture the moment. A homemade lunch will follow, filled with the warmth and hospitality of local life.

This evening, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner at Dar Roumana, a celebrated restaurant in a restored riad offering refined Moroccan cuisine.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Fez and to the new friends we’ve shared this journey with. For those concluding their trip here, we’ll arrange a comfortable transfer to Casablanca Airport. 

With a four-hour drive to return to the airport, we recommend booking an afternoon or evening flight to allow ample time for the journey and making your way through the airport.

If you’re continuing on to Marrakech for the trip extension, the adventure carries on. Onward!

After breakfast in Fez, we’ll make our way to Marrakech, either by road or by air, depending on availability. If flights are canceled (which can happen last minute), a comfortable vehicle will be on hand and can also carry our luggage.

We’ll check in at Riad Kniza, a beautifully preserved historic property tucked into the medina, offering a peaceful retreat with traditional design and attentive service.

In the evening, we’ll head into the heart of the city for a food tour through Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. This is Marrakech at its most vibrant, where storytellers, street musicians, and spice sellers animate the square as the sun goes down. We’ll sample a variety of local street foods and sweets while soaking up the evening atmosphere.

After breakfast, we’ll spend the day exploring Marrakech’s medina and cultural landmarks with our local guide. The morning includes a visit to the Majorelle Gardens, a lush haven of cobalt blue and exotic plants once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. We’ll also visit the YSL Museum and Berber Museum, which showcase both fashion and heritage.

Lunch is at Amal Restaurant, a non-profit organization that trains and empowers women through culinary work. This is a delicious and meaningful stop that our guests always love.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to dive into the souk experience with your guide. Whether you’re looking for leather goods, textiles, or spices, they’ll help you navigate the maze and make the most of your time.

Dinner tonight is at Farmers, a modern Moroccan bistro known for fresh, seasonal plates.

Today we'll step into the rhythms of life in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich Amazigh heritage.

Guided by a local host, we'll begin with a light walk through the hills, taking in the scenery while learning about the customs, traditions, and daily life of the Berber communities who call this region home.

Along the way, we’ll visit a village and have the chance to meet residents, observe traditional crafts, and see how families tend their land and prepare their meals. A home-cooked lunch will be served in a peaceful mountain setting and may include dishes like tagine, couscous, homemade bread, and sweet mint tea.

Before returning to Marrakech, we’ll learn the art of preparing mint tea, a symbol of hospitality and an essential part of Amazigh social life.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a memorable farewell dinner at Plus 61, one of our favorite restaurants in the city.

Today, we must bid farewell to our new friends - it's been a fantastic trip! 

You have two options for booking your return flight. Flying home from Marrakech is the most convenient way because we're already in Marrakech, and the airport is just a short drive from our hotel. However, if a round-trip flight to/from Casablanca works better, we'll arrange for your return there. 

Note: The drive back to Casablanca is approximately 4.5-5 hours long, so please book a return flight that departs in the evening to ensure you have plenty of time to arrive at the airport, check in, and go through security. If your only option is an earlier flight home from Casablanca, we recommend spending the night in Casablanca and leaving the following day. We can arrange for you to spend the night at Le Casablanca Hotel. 

Whatever route home you choose, we'll drive you to the airport and ensure that you're comfortable with every aspect of your return trip.