7-Nights Morocco Highlights: Casablanca, Fez & Marrakech - Escorted Tours — CALL

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca

Hotel: Idou Anfa Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Idou Anfa Hotel is situated in the heart of the big metropolis of Casablanca close to the economic centers of the city.

This luxurious hotel offers 220 rooms among which 12 are suites. There are a variety of dining options available including a bar. The hotel also offers a beautiful outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a pleasant terrace featuring a snack bar as well as a fitness center, a sauna and a hammam.

Meal(s): Dinner

Upon arrival in Casablanca, proceed through customs and immigration formalities. Collect your luggage and proceed outside the Terminal where you will be met by our representative who will handle a sign for transfer to the city for a driving sightseeing that includes the old French quarter of Habous and a sightseeing of the Hassan II Mosque (exterior visit). Set on an outcrop jutting over the ocean and with a 210m-tall minaret that serves as the city's major landmark, it is a showcase of the very best Moroccan artisanship: hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble flooring and inlay, gilded cedar ceilings and exquisite zellige (geometric mosaic tiled-work). The inside visit is at your own expense if time permits. Continue to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, depart overland on the main highway which links these two major cities towards Rabat. Embark on a city tour which highlights Rabat's cultural influences and the superbly preserved relics of its Moorish past. Rabat's most famous site is the 12th century Hassan Tower, an admirable example of the stunning Moroccan style, and the incomplete Minaret of the great mosque also built at the same period. Located alongside is the Mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, the grandfather of the current king. You’ll also enjoy a visit of the Kasbah of the Udayas, which was built on a cliff overlooking the city and the Atlantic Ocean. Its gate represents one of the most beautiful illustrations of Moorish architecture. Within its walls, you'll discover a wonderful Moroccan garden, with melodious fountains and sweet-smelling orange trees. Continue to Fez (approximately a 3-hour drive) for dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Hotel: Barcelo Fes (4 Star Rating)

Barcelo Fes Medina is a contemporary 4-star hotel conveniently located in central Fez, within easy reach of the city's UNESCO-listed historic medina. Modern guest rooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring, while the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace and fitness facilities. Guests can also enjoy a selection of restaurants and bars offering Moroccan and international flavours, making it a comfortable base from which to discover the cultural and historic treasures of Fez.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Today you take a step back in time into the Middle Age with the visit of one of the most imperial, timeless, and untouched cities in the world, the cultural heart of Morocco, Fez El Bali (Old Fez). Enjoy exploring some of the 9,000 narrow lanes and alleys in the souks (open air markets) that make-up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century. The Imperial capital was a renowned medieval learning center, and at its heart one of the oldest, still functioning universities in the world, the Karaouine, still remains. Nearby is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Then you’ll visit the Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain, a mosaic of elaborate tilework, and the fondouq (Caravanserai) that has been converted to a Museum of Carpentry. In the 13th Century the Mérinides Dynasty built Fez El Jdid (New Fez) with its Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks and the city walls. Most notably, Fez El Jedid is home to the Mellah (Jewish quarter), which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. The wrought iron decorated windows and splendid carved wood balconies of the old mansions are particularly outstanding. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Hotel: Barcelo Fes (4 Star Rating)

Barcelo Fes Medina is a contemporary 4-star hotel conveniently located in central Fez, within easy reach of the city's UNESCO-listed historic medina. Modern guest rooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring, while the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace and fitness facilities. Guests can also enjoy a selection of restaurants and bars offering Moroccan and international flavours, making it a comfortable base from which to discover the cultural and historic treasures of Fez.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Journey overland to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. With its triumphal arches, basilica, forum, and capitol, the Volubilis skyline brims with iconic examples of Roman architecture. Among its greatest treasures, however, are the amazing mosaic floors of former family dwellings, which include depictions of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck and a portrait of Amphitrite in a seahorse-drawn chariot. Continue to Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well, and one of the imperial cities of Morocco. Meknes is replete with fantastic historical sites, from minarets to museums, to enormous mosaic doors and royal golf courses. Among the most popular attractions are the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Nejjardine Mosque and Grand Mosque (outside visit) as well as the Bab Mansour, Bab Lakmis, and Bab Berdaine gates. Return to Fez for an evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Hotel: Barcelo Fes (4 Star Rating)

Barcelo Fes Medina is a contemporary 4-star hotel conveniently located in central Fez, within easy reach of the city's UNESCO-listed historic medina. Modern guest rooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring, while the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace and fitness facilities. Guests can also enjoy a selection of restaurants and bars offering Moroccan and international flavours, making it a comfortable base from which to discover the cultural and historic treasures of Fez.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Today we experience the natural and wilder landscapes beyond Fez with a drive to the high alpine region of Ifrane National Park --encompassing Azrou and several Berber villages-- filled with cedar and oak forests, and home to the world’s largest population of Barbary macaques, hundreds of animals and birds different species, and the oldest tree in Morocco’s Middle Atlas, the 130-foot Gouraud’s Cedar. The largest cedar forest in the world is found in this park, and several lakes or dayats abound in the nearby areas. The Lion of Ifrane sits majestically in the city center and is certainly one of the most photographed sites of the region. Ifrane feels more like Switzerland relocated in North Africa, with its clean air, scrubbed streets and leafy outlook. The French built this city in 1930, deliberately trying to recreate an alpine-style resort. It is a popular daytrip for picnickers during Summer, and the site attracts the skiers in Winter. Continue to Marrakech via highway with a stop for lunch in Rabat (on your own). Check-in at your hotel then dinner and overnight.

Hotel: Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech (4 Star Rating)

Ideally located across from the train station and the Royal Theatre, Grand Plaza welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Marrakech. Just 5 minutes from the Medina and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel also offers underground parking for its residents.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

‘Red City’, ‘Imperial City’, the capital of the mid-Southwestern region, Marrakech is Morocco’s most popular tourist destination. Founded on the 11th century, Marrakech has been a political and cultural powerhouse, serving as the capital for three of Morocco’s greatest dynasties. Marrakech has even been used interchangeably to refer to both country and city. Marrakech has lots to brag about. But it’s not all about historical palaces and mosques though, there are plenty of those, rest assured! Look out of any window in Marrakech and you will find a postcard view: clay-red houses squared away far and wide, with palm trees sprouting everywhere in between, gardens bursting out of courtyards, and the High Atlas Mountains as a soothing purple backdrop. It’s no wonder French fashion designer Yves-Saint-Laurent found so much inspiration there. In recent years, Marrakech has created an international airport, a world-class soccer stadium, an international marathon, and an Annual International Film Festival, adding modern flare to its natural and historical offerings. In short, in Morocco, Marrakech is a must see. Let’s marvel first at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret. The Bahia Palace, an exemplary specimen of privileged life in the 19th century. Your next stop is Dar el Bacha Museum of Confluences. This palace was built by Pasha Thami el Glaoui in 1910. Walk in its lovely gardens, admire the zellige mosaic tilework of this opulent palace, and enjoy exhibitions focused on Moroccan culture. Later you visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech's main square, which is filled with orange juice stalls and vendors, along with fire-eaters, mime artists, snake-charmers, magicians, and street musicians performing at every turn. You may also take the opportunity to explore the city's fabled, labyrinthine souks, their bustling alleyways brimming with all manner of wares. Following your visit, return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, a perfect opportunity to freshen up and get ready for a dinner in a local restaurant. Return to your hotel and overnight.

Hotel: Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech (4 Star Rating)

Ideally located across from the train station and the Royal Theatre, Grand Plaza welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Marrakech. Just 5 minutes from the Medina and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel also offers underground parking for its residents.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Day at leisure; Wander on your own or sign up for a full-day retreat with cooking class, a traditional hammam and massage or an excursion with lunch with Berber Family at Imlil Valley. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Retreat at a modern Berber-style villa and Cooking Class

This retreat experience will start by a pickup from your hotel at 9:00AM by our English-speaking driver aboard a deluxe car for a 20-min. drive to the Valley of Ourika. Upon arrival at the entrance to the trail you will switch to a camel/donkey/mule -depending on availability- for transfer to the Bennounas Farm. A welcome drink is served by the Farm hosts, followed with a tour of the property that is surrounded by a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background. Enjoy a 20-min. meditation under the tent or in the meditation room (yoga class optional upon request on your own expenses). Light lunch will be served. Swimming pool is available for use (if season permits) and fresh drinks are at your disposal (extra charge for alcohol drinks and wine) or enjoy a breathtaking walk in the surroundings. We will start to prepare for the cooking class at 4PM. First, we’ll pick up vegetables from the garden if season permits, then bring them to the kitchen to begin an immersed experience with the New York Times 3-stars Executive Chef. You will dine on the food you cooked. After dinner, witness the sunset on the terrace of the villa. Moroccan tea or coffee will be served. Return to your hotel.

Traditional Hammam and Massage

A hammam is a traditional Moroccan Spa. Historically, the hammam was a public bathhouse for the locals to clean off the dirt and grime invariably accumulated after traveling through the desert. Today, the hammam still serves this purpose for the locals, and is brought to a higher level for the tourists. In the hammam, you’ll be submerged by a complete relaxation experience within an authentic oriental décor where you’ll be listening to your own body in an atmosphere filled with water, oils, essences and perfumes. Enjoy a 30-min. scrub done by expert hands with black soap or soothing spices eliminating toxins from your body. After Hammam, sway to the massage room where you will experience a 30-min. traditional Moroccan massage to eliminate tensions and gain energy and vitality. A tea is served in the relaxing room before you leave.

Cooking Class and Dinner

At 4PM, you’ll be picked up at the hotel for a unique gastronomic experience, at The Bennounas Farm, in the Ourika Valley. The cooking class takes place on the terrasse of a modern Berber-style villa, in a spectacular setting with the Atlas Mountains in the background. The 3-stars New York Times Chef Azzeddine Bennouna and his wife Marie will greet you in their property where you will discover the secrets of the Moroccan cuisine. The food you prepared will be served for dinner with a glass of wine. This activity includes a tour of the property with picking fresh produces from the garden if season permits; a traditional welcome tea session; a bread making demonstration done by a native Berber woman; and the preparation of a Moroccan dish. While the food is cooking, you are welcome to jump in the pool -if season permits! After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight.

Hotel: Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech (4 Star Rating)

Ideally located across from the train station and the Royal Theatre, Grand Plaza welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Marrakech. Just 5 minutes from the Medina and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel also offers underground parking for its residents.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we will assist you to the airport for your return flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast