5-day imperial cities tour from Fes
- Tour Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights
- FES
- MARRAKECH
Tour Info:
- 5-day imperial cities tour from Fes
The 5-day imperial cities tour from Fes begins in Fes and travels to Meknes with its magnificent gates and walls, followed by Chefchaouen, Rabat, the oldest imperial city, and the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco with its maze-like marketplaces.
This excursion also brings you to an area largely unknown to the Moroccan kingdom, where Andalusian influences continue to shape the way of life in the little communities of the Eastern Rif. Visit Marrakech Medina & its Market.
Included in the tour:
- Pick-up & drop off at/from your hotel, Riad or Airport
- Transport by private vehicle with A/C
- Driver/Guide speaking English
- Car Fuel
- 4 Nights Accommodation
Excluded:
- Lunch
- Any Private Expenses
- Tips
5-day imperial cities tour from Fes
- Day 1: Fes explore
Welcome in Fes! The oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities (the others being Meknes, Rabat, and Marrakech), Fes is home to the Arab world’s most intact medina (old city). A significant portion of the city has remained unchanged over the years, resulting in a more realistic medieval experience. You will tour two medina neighborhoods, the ancient Fes el Bali and the contemporary Fes el Jdid, as well as the French-influenced Ville Nouvelle, which is divided into three primary areas of interest.
Your tour to Fes el Bali will begin at the Bab Boujeloud entrance and continue down Talaa Kebira, the city’s major boulevard. Find the Chouara Tannery by navigating the tight, winding streets. Ascend to the rooftop of a local leather business for a panoramic view of the men at work, which has changed little over the centuries. Find Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the world’s oldest still-operating institutions, founded in the 9th century! Visit the Al Attarine Madrasa and uncover several specimens of exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship. Make your way to Fes el Jdid to explore the Mellah (Jewish district and cemetery) and to take advantage of the city’s vantage point.
- Day 2: Fes - Meknes - Volubilis - Chefchaouen
When you leave Fes and travel west to Meknes, your second imperial city, stop at the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic perspective of the city. Meknes is a less crowded and more navigable variant of Fes! Explore the majestic Bab al-Mansour gate and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum in the Imperial City (Imperial City). See the Madrasa Bou Inania (14th century), a stunning specimen of Islamic architecture, prior to exploring the palace-turned-museum Dar Jama. Volubilis, a huge collection of Roman remains and mosaics was the Romans’ farthest outpost in Africa.
Continue north to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, often known as the “Blue City.” Chefchaouen means “two horns,” a reference to the two peaks that rise above the hilltop city. Explore the steep, cobblestone streets and blue-painted structures. Relax with a cup of mint tea at Place Outa el Hammam before perusing the many businesses’ colorful items. Visit the neighboring kasbah and tour the fortification and dungeon from the 15th century. As the sun sets behind the mountains, make your way upward to the white Spanish Mosque, which is no longer in use, for a last view of Chefchaouen.
- day 3: Chefchaouen - Rabat - casablanca
Before driving south to your third imperial city and seaside capital, Rabat, wander Chefchaouen’s peaceful streets early in the morning to take photographs of the city’s emptiness. Visit the medieval fortress and Roman and Islamic remnants of the Chellah Necropolis in the center of the city. The massive Bab Oudaia gate leads to the Kasbah des Oudaias, a stronghold constructed during the Almohad era in the 12th century. Next, rest in the tranquil Andalusian Gardens of the 20th century. Explore the Hassan Tower, a tower of the unfinished Mohamed V Mosque and Mausoleum.
Arrive in Casablanca in the afternoon and stroll down the Boulevard de la Corniche to the Hassan II Mosque (nicknamed the Miami of Morocco). Hassan II, inaugurated in 1993, is on an outcrop that protrudes into the Atlantic, contributing to its dramatic beauty; its minaret is the highest in the world at 690 feet (210 m)! Although though internal visits are only available in the morning, take advantage of the time and see the sunset behind the architectural masterpiece. Rick’s Café is a bar, restaurant, and café designed to resemble the bar from Casablanca.
- Day 4: Casablanca – Marrakech:
See the inside of the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques in Morocco that welcome non-Muslims. Take a guided tour and explore the hand-carved stone, elaborate marble inlays, and gilded ceilings. Go to the Old Medina, the only section of the city that predates French rule, and chat with local merchants in the market. Visit Hobous, the ‘new’ medina constructed by the French in the 1930s, for an example of Mauresque architecture (a mix of European art deco and Moorish design).
Go south to Marrakech, your last stop and fourth imperial city. Jemaa el-Fna is Africa’s busiest plaza and is located in Marrakech, often known as the “Red City” because of the red limestone used to construct the city one thousand years ago. Since the area is best enjoyed in the evening, stroll its booths and watch the acrobats, musicians, and snake charmers! Grab a bite to eat at one of the many food vendors before travelling the short distance to observe the illuminated Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret inspired the design of Rabat’s Hassan Tower. Spend the night in an authentic riad.
- day 5: Marrakech Visit
Marrakech has Berber rather than Arab origins since it was formerly a major commercial center for Berber tribes of the Atlas Mountains as well as trade routes via Ouarzazate and the Desert. Meet your guide and begin exploring the maze-like souks in the heart of Marrakech’s medina (markets). Delight your senses as you peruse the assortment of merchandise, including spices, jewelry, kaftans, lanterns, carpets, dates, figs, and tea. Observe the huge open areas along the alleys; these Fondouks or caravanserai originally served as inns for merchants and visitors.
Experience the exquisite artistry of the Ben Youssef Madrasa School of Islam from the 16th century, including carved wood, sculpted plaster, and zellij tile work. Visit the Marrakech Museum, situated in the Moorish Dar Mnebbi Palace from the 19th century, to see other samples of contemporary and traditional Moroccan art and antiquities. Visit the Kasbah and the 500-year-old Saadian Tombs prior to seeing the Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace. Before taking your trip back home, you may decide to take a break from the heat and throng at the Majorelle Gardens in Ville Nouvelle, if time permits.
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Additional info
- Free reservations can be made by a few simple clicks at any time.
- If you require a vegetarian option. can be made by a few simple clicks at any time.
- alcoholic beverages (for purchase).
- Children must travel with an adult.
The price of a tour varies based on the number of participants, the season, and the type of accommodations. If you are interested in a VIP-level luxury tour of Morocco, we offer both budget and luxurious accommodation choices.
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