Imperial Morocco & the Blue City from Tangier
Embark on a 9-day group tour through Morocco, starting in Tangier. Explore the stunning blue city of Chefchaouen and the scenic Rif Mountains, then visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial cities of Fes and Rabat. Conclude your journey with the vibrant sights of Marrakech.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome
Day 1 Welcome
Welcome! Upon arrival at Tangier Airport or Tangier city Port (Tangier-Ville) you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 Train to Casablanca
Day 2 Train to Casablanca
Tangier - Casablanca. This morning, enjoy breakfast before boarding the high-speed Al Boraq train to Casablanca. The journey will take approximately 2 hours, with speeds reaching up to 300 km/h.
Arrive in Casablanca for an overnight stay, with your guide accompanying you throughout the transfer and train journey to ensure a smooth start to your trip. The afternoon will be at leisure, allowing you to explore or relax as you wish.
Day 3 Casablanca & Rabat
Day 3 Casablanca & Rabat
Casablanca - Rabat. This morning after breakfast, we visit the incredible Hassan II Mosque, rising 210 meters into the air, the third largest mosque in the world is covered in ornate traditional tile work.
After exploring Casablanca, we make our way to Rabat, Morocco's charming capital, which is ours to explore this afternoon. Take a stroll along the long stretch of beach that starts behind the medina, or just up the hill from the medina is the well-preserved Kasbah of the Udayas, dating back to the 12th century.
Please note: For those who have opted to start in Marrakech you will be transferred to Casablanca on the morning of day 2 to meet the rest of the group.
Day 4 Volubilis & The Blue City
Day 4 Volubilis & The Blue City
Rabat - Volubilis - Chefchaouen. Departing Rabat this morning we visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Dating back to 40AD we take time to explore the triple arched Tingis gate, the columns of the Capitoline temple, the Basilica, the courthouse and much more. We'll then continue to Chefchaouen, nestled in the heart of the Rif Mountains, the city boasts incredible blue-washed buildings and majestic views of the surrounding landscape. The rest of the afternoon is ours to independently wander round the Plaza Uta el-Hammam in the heart of the Medina, or perhaps try some of the local street food and watch the sun set.
Day 5 Rif Mountains & Talassemtane National Park
Day 5 Rif Mountains & Talassemtane National Park
This morning, we make our way to Talassemtane National Park. Located on the eastern side of the Rif Mountains, Talassemtane boasts a wide range of landscapes, as well as housing a number of plant species and mammals including the Barbary macaques and the otter. We make our way to the Akchour Falls and God's Bridge where we can relax and soak up the breath-taking views. Return to Chefchaouen for a late lunch and afternoon at leisure to further explore the Blue City.
Day 6 UNESCO listed Fes el Bali
Day 6 UNESCO listed Fes el Bali
Chefchaouen - Fes. Bordered on the foothills of the Atlas Mountains lies the imperial city of Fes, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. On arrival we enjoy a guided tour of Fes el Bali - the old walled city, absorbing the chaos of the souks and getting lost in the medina's labyrinth layout. During the tour visit one of the pungent leather tanneries that Fes is famous for and see the giant dye pits. The remainder of the day is at leisure - why not take part in an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town (both payable locally).
Day 7 High Atlas Mountains
Day 7 High Atlas Mountains
Fes - High Atlas Mountains. Departing Fes this morning, our journey takes us past the Middle Atlas Mountains and the orange groves around Aforer before we ascend into the rugged High Atlas Mountains to the picturesque lake of Bin El Ouidane. Upon arrival relax by the swimming pool, or on the terrace at your lake-shore hotel and enjoy the spectacular views.
Day 8 Marrakech & Djemaa el Fna
Day 8 Marrakech & Djemaa el Fna
High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech. We continue our journey through the Atlas Mountains this morning, where almond trees and juniper covered rocky ridges abound. We stop to admire the spectacular Cascades d'Ouzoud, - the highest waterfall in North Africa, before travelling on to Marrakech via the berber town of Demnate.
This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech's old medina. Inside the rose coloured medina walls is a tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's exuberant market place and towering over it, is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city. Djemaa El Fna springs to life in the evening so be sure to return to the square this evening and experience it in all its glory!
Day 9 Goodbye Morocco!
Day 9 Goodbye Morocco!
Our amazing tour of Morocco ends today after hotel check out. An included onward departure transfer to the airport in Marrakech will be provided. You can also choose to pay a small supplement for a transfer to Casablanca, if you would prefer to end your tour here.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Offering an excellent location right in the heart of the city, this recently-renovated hotel is nestled between Casablanca’s cosmopolitan business district and the amazing architecture of the Art Deco neighborhood. You’ll find the guestrooms to be spacious and fully-equipped with modern amenities including high-speed WiFi. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Bloom, offers tasty Moroccan and international cuisine, whereas in the Torero bar you can enjoy a buzzing atmosphere with live music and delicious Spanish tapas.
Boasting a fantastic location, just a short walk from the entrance to the Kasbah of the Udayas, Riad Dar Alia is wonderful choice for a stay in the capital. It offers a number of uniquely decorated rooms in a traditional Moroccan style. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and a restaurant serves a variety of Moroccan specialities.
This cosy little riad is perfectly located on the outskirts of Rabat in the Medina District, close to the beach with a multitude of incredible sites just a meandering walk away. It’s the perfect base to explore the Hassan Tower Minaret, the Royal Palace of Rabat and the Rabat Central Mosque. Once you have discovered the delights of the area, why not head back to the property to enjoy its seasonal outdoor pool, summer terrace, spa and sauna facilities. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant which serves a delicious breakfast and there are plenty of eating options close by too.
Surrounded by nature, with a large swimming pool, Dar Ba Sidi offers a quiet oasis for guests to relax. Bright spacious rooms are decorated in the traditional Riad style with ornate architecture and mosaics. You can also sample some Moroccan cuisine at the Moulay Ismail restaurant.
Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes is a popular 4 star hotel, conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Nouvelle Ville. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable guest rooms, equipped with free WiFi, flat screen TVs, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Facilities include a restaurant, 24 hour room service and a sauna (at an additional cost). Start the day with a generous continental breakfast before heading out to explore the enchanting imperial city of Fes. After a busy day, relax on the hotel terrace, enjoy a tasty meal at the restaurant or rejuvenate in the sauna.
Sitting on the shore of Lake Bin El Ouidane in the High Atlas Mountains, the location of this 4 star hotel is simply spectacular. Guests can enjoy wonderful views of the lake from the hotel lounge, the terrace and the large outdoor pool, which has a bar. All of the guest rooms have a balcony with views of the lake and are equipped with en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. The hotel restaurant serves Moroccan and international cuisine and there are a range of treatments available at the hotel spa.
Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating massage treatments.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
Add-on: Sahara Hotel Alternative
If you would prefer to stay in the comfort of a hotel room, rather than bedding down at our berber camp in the Sahara Desert, our Sahara Hotel offers just that. Our property of choice is lovely auberge with views over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes of the great Sahara. The auberge offers simple rooms with en-suite facilities, a swimming pool and incredible views of the towering dunes from the terrace at sunset.
End in Marrakech
Prefer to end your tour in Marrakech?
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