9 Days Morocco: The Imperial Cities Tour from Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech: Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your riad or hotel.

Explore Marrakech: Spend the afternoon exploring Jemaa el-Fnaa, the heart of Marrakech, filled with street performers, food stalls, and vibrant souks. Visit Koutoubia Mosque and wander through the Majorelle Gardens.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant or a rooftop cafe overlooking the lively square.

Historical Sites: Visit Bahia Palace, a 19th-century palace with stunning gardens and intricate tilework. Explore the Saadian Tombs, which date back to the 16th century.

Medina Exploration: Discover the narrow, bustling streets of Marrakech’s medina, where you can shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

Jardin Menara: Relax at the Jardin Menara, a peaceful garden with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner in a local restaurant with live entertainment or music.

Morning Drive to Rabat: After breakfast, leave Marrakech for the coastal capital city of Rabat, a journey of around 4 hours.

Rabat Sightseeing: Visit Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret that dates back to the 12th century, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where the tombs of the Moroccan royal family rest.

Kasbah of the Udayas: Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a beautiful fortified area with blue-painted walls and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Evening: Walk along the beach promenade or relax at your hotel in Rabat.

Drive to Meknes: Depart Rabat for the city of Meknes, known for its impressive walls and gates, a journey of about 2.5 hours.

Meknes Sightseeing: Visit the magnificent Bab Mansour, the grand gate to the old city. Explore the Meknes Royal Palace and the Heri es-Souani, an ancient granary and stables complex.

Roman Ruins of Volubilis: Take a short drive to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved mosaics and ruins dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Evening: Return to Meknes for a traditional dinner and overnight stay.

Drive to Fes: After breakfast, take a short drive (about 1 hour) to Fes, one of Morocco’s most famous cities.

Fes Medina: Begin your tour of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest living medieval cities in the world. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the world’s oldest continuous university, founded in 859 AD.

Fes Tanneries: Explore the Fes Tanneries, where leather is still dyed using traditional methods, and see the famous multi-colored vats.

Medersa Bou Inania: Visit the stunning Medersa Bou Inania, a 14th-century Islamic school with intricate tilework and wood carvings.

Evening: Dinner in a traditional riad or restaurant in the heart of the medina.

Explore More of Fes: Take a deeper dive into the medina’s many hidden gems. Visit the Royal Palace, the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), and the Bab Boujloud, the iconic blue gate.

Souks of Fes: Wander through Fes’ vibrant souks, where you can shop for local handicrafts, such as carpets, pottery, and spices.

Jewish Heritage: Learn about the Jewish history of Fes, including visits to the Jewish Cemetery and Habad Synagogue.

Evening: Enjoy a Moroccan feast at a local restaurant or in a historic riad.

Morning: After breakfast in Fes, begin your scenic drive to Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue City” nestled in the Rif Mountains.

Scenic Drive: Enjoy the stunning views of the Rif  Mountains as you travel towards Chefchaouen. The landscape offers a dramatic change in scenery compared to the imperial cities.

Arrival in Chefchaouen: Check into your hotel or riad, and take some time to relax. The town is renowned for its calm atmosphere and distinctive blue-painted buildings, creating a surreal and photogenic environment.

Explore Chefchaouen:

Wander the Blue Streets: Stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the medina, painted in various shades of blue. The vibrant colors are said to symbolize peace and tranquility.

Kasbah Museum: Visit the Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress and museum that offers panoramic views of the city. Inside, learn about Chefchaouen’s history and culture, and enjoy the tranquil gardens.

Ras El Maa Waterfall: For a relaxing afternoon, take a short walk to the Ras El Maa waterfall, located just outside the medina, surrounded by lush greenery and offering beautiful views of the town.

Evening: Dinner in one of the charming rooftop restaurants or local eateries, offering views of the blue-painted buildings and the surrounding mountains.

Drive to Marrakech: After breakfast, drive back to Marrakech, passing through Rabat and Casablanca, visit the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca.

Evening: Celebrate your last night in Morocco with a traditional dinner and entertainment at a local restaurant.

Final Exploration: If time allows, enjoy one last walk through the Jemaa el-Fnaa or visit the Saadian Tombs before your flight.

Transfer to the Airport: Your driver will take you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure.