Africa
Morocco, Marrakech, Fes and Riads 7 Days - From: $3,740
Trip Summary
Simply the names of Morocco's imperial cities evoke the exotic treasures this custom journey has to offer: colorful souks, mouthwatering cuisine, architectural wonders, and the welcoming aroma of mint tea. After your arrival in Casablanca, step back in time with your private guide, and visit the former imperial city of Meknes before exploring the Roman ruins of Volubilis. In Fes stay at an exclusive riad (traditional house), and explore the oldest of the imperial cities, its labyrinthine souks, centuries-old mosques, and bustling medinas.
Leaving city sights behind, depart in private vehicles and explore the beautiful scenery and mountain culture of the Berbers in the Middle Atlas, with visits to villages and markets along the way. Then enter the intriguing "Pink City" of Morocco, and settle into your traditional riad located in the romantic medina of Marrakech.
Highlights
- Explore the labyrinth of the souks of Fes
- Visit Berber villages and enjoy views of the High Atlas Mountains
- Experience the sights and sounds of Marrakech
Trip Details
Per Person Double Occupancy Price:
| January | $3,740 |
| February - June | $3,885 |
| July - August | $3,740 |
| September - November | $3,885 |
| December | $3,740 |
Based on two guests traveling.
(Note that prices may be higher during peak Holiday travel time from mid-December through mid-January.)
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
Day 1
Casablanca
Arrive in Casablanca take a city tour of Casablanca.
Lodging: Golden Tulip Farah
Day 2
Fes
Depart after breakfast in your private Mercedes mini-coach for the two-hour drive to Meknes, a former Imperial city of Morocco. See the old ramparts; the Agdoul Basin, which was used to water the royal gardens and amuse the favorite concubines; the Moulay Ismail stables, granaries, and House of Water (Dar el Ma), which were built in the 17th and 18th centuries to house, feed, and water the sultan's 12,000 horses. Also visit Bab el Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, one of the few holy sites in Morocco which may be visited by non-Muslims, and the enjoy intrigue of the Meknes landscape. Continuing your drive another 30 minutes you'll arrive at the ruins of Volubilis. Volubilis was the Roman capital of northwestern Africa and has impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins. The Romans evacuated most of Morocco at the end of the 3rd century, but unlike some other Roman cities Volubilis was not abandoned and survived until the 18th century when it was demolished, and its marble used for construction in nearby Meknes. In 1915, the French began archeological excavations uncovering extensive remains. Continue by road to Fes (approximately 40 minutes) and check into the Riad Fes. Riad Fes is renowned for its luxury, impeccable service and fine restaurant. Its new Andalous pavilion and lounge have brought an even more vibrant edge to Fes's most stylish Riad. With spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains, Riad Fes is ideal for those travelling for business or pleasure. Enjoy Moroccan specialties and French cuisine as well as the swimming pool, and nearby golf course.
Lodging: Riad Fes
Day 3
Fes
Your private guide and Mercedes mini-coach will meet you in the hotel reception for a full-day tour of Fes, the religious capital of Morocco. Your tour will include the old and new medinas, the 14th century Medersa Attarine (religious school), and the Arts Museum of Batha. This Hispano-Moorish palace dates from the end of the 19th century houses an admirable collection of traditional art from Fes: sculpted wood, wrought iron, sculpted plaster, and decorative materials that are works of art in their own right. Also embroidery, carpets, jewelry, and coins compete with one another for the visitor's attention. This afternoon, explore the impressive labyrinth of souks in Fes, declared by UNESCO to be one of the world's cultural treasures. The afternoon will also include photo opportunities at the imposing gate of Bab Boujloud, the splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine, the ancient ramparts, and the beautiful façade of the Royal Palace.
Lodging: Riad Fes
Day 4
Marrakech
After breakfast depart for Marrakech in your private vehicle, via Azrou across the Middle Atlas Mountains, with visits to Berber villages, scenic views and classic markets. Today will give you a wonderful opportunity to experience the mountains and the lifestyle of the country mountain culture. As you enter the famous and intriguing "pink city" transfer to your legendary hotel located in the romantic medina of Marrakech
Lodging: La Maison Arabe
Days 5 - 6
Marrakech
Embark on a full-day guided tour to Marrakech. Marrakech dates back as far as the year 1070. First, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, sister tower to Seville's Giralda, the minaret of which has become the symbol of the city. Then visit the more recently built 19th-century Bahia Palace, which is often inhabited by His Majesty's guests Continue to the Museum of Dar Si Said with the country's best display of Berber arts and crafts, and the remains of the Badii Palace.
The following day, take a morning horse-drawn carriage ride along the old city ramparts and through the lush botanical Majorelle Gardens, privately owned by Yves St. Laurent. Enjoy some time in the gardens before heading off to the souks of Marrakech, the most colorful and the liveliest in Africa. The different trades are grouped by services they offer: the dyers, the blacksmiths, the babouche and shoemakers, spices, and fabric sellers. This afternoon ends at the renowned Djemaa El Fna Square, a popular entertainment area where each afternoon storytellers, snake charmers, tooth-drawers, and dancers appear to entertain the crowd in a scene that is pure street theater.
Lodging: La Maison Arabe
Day 7
International Flights Home
Enjoy the morning at leisure before your international flight home.