Grand Tour of Moroccan Cities – 8 Days

Rabat is located on the Atlantic coast and the Bou Regreg River.

Morocco, welcome! Welcome to Casablanca, a modern coastal city. Casablanca’s most prominent attraction is the Hassan II Mosque. It was inaugurated in 1993 and sits on a rocky outcrop that juts into the Atlantic. The view is breathtaking. It boasts a minaret measuring 690 feet (210m), which is the tallest structure in Morocco, and the highest minaret anywhere in the world. This mosque is unique because it is the only mosque that non-Muslims can enter. Take a guided tour to see the finest examples of Islamic and Moroccan craftsmanship.

North to the imperial capital of Rabat ( Meknes and Fes make up the remaining imperial towns). You can explore the medieval fortification at the Chellah Negropolis, and also wander through the Roman and Islamic ruins. Through the magnificent door of the Kasbah Des Oudaias, you will reach Rabat’s historic city center. You can then visit the 20th century Andalusian Garden, and take a break from the crowds. The Hassan Tower is a minaret from the incomplete mosque. This was a 12th-century project which was abandoned shortly after it began.

Enjoy a day exploring the blue-hued streets in Chefchaouen

Today, head north towards the striking blue city Chefchaouen located in the Rif Mountain. You can stop for a short hike (between 2 and 3 hours) through lush vegetation to see the Cascades d’Akchour, which are hidden gems. Arrive in charming Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen, which has remained largely unchanged since the 15th Century, offers a friendly atmosphere and some of the most welcoming people in the country. It is also known for its blue-washed buildings within its historic medina. You can explore the narrow streets and alleyways that cling to the north hillside of the mountains.

The main square, Plaza Outa el-Hammam is named after the number of hammams that used to surround it. Before you browse the shops selling traditional wares, find a cafe or restaurant to grab a bite. You can visit the Grand Moque (old fortress/fortification) or the kasbah, where you can tour the kasbah’s museum, garden, and some of its former prison cells. As evening draws near, climb the path to the white Spanish Moque (between 20 and 30 minutes) for a last glimpse of Chefchaouen before the sun sets behind them.

Meknes’ Bab al-Mansour gate

Begin your journey northeast towards Fes by meeting your driver. You can stop along the way to stretch your legs and explore Meknes. Meknes is a smaller version of Fes. Shopkeepers are less pushy and Meknes has a more peaceful medina. Although Meknes is large, two areas that are most interesting to visitors are the Ville Imperiale and the medina. Make sure you visit the magnificent Bab al-Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum Of Moulay Ismail. Next, you can visit the Roman ruins at Volubilis. It is a UNESCO-protected site that was established in the 3rd Century BCE and remains remarkably well-preserved.

Continue eastward towards Fes. For a panoramic view of the medieval city, make a short climb up a hill to reach the Merenid Tombs before you venture into the medina. At dusk, the best time to visit tombs is As the city lights start to glow, the muezzin’s call to worship can be heard throughout the valley. For a warm meal, return to your riad and settle in for the evening.

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Peek inside Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque

Fes is the oldest imperial city in Morocco and one of the most fascinating and interesting to explore. It has also been the subject of little colonial development, adding to its medieval appeal. Fes is the largest medina in the Arab World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of three main points: Fes el Bali, (old Fes and where you will spend most time), Fes el Jdid, (‘new Fes’), and the French-influenced Villa Nouvelle. Your guide will help you navigate the medina and provide information about Fes’ history and culture.

Begin your tour by visiting Fes el Bali. As you walk past the Spanish- and Tunisian-influenced architecture, discover the shops and wares on sale in the souks. The tanneries are one of the most striking sights in Medina. Chouara Tannery has no exception. For a better view, climb up to the roof of a nearby leather shop. Follow the guide to Al-Qarawiyyin library and Mosque (859 CE). You may get a glimpse inside if you are lucky.

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View over the Chouara Tanneries in Fes

Visit the Batha Museum today. The Museum is housed in a 19th century palace and houses a collection traditional Moroccan arts and crafts. It also contains Zellij (mosaic tilework) and local pottery. Enjoy the Andalusian-style gardens, before heading to the Mellah (old Jewish quarter) and cemetery. You can take a panoramic shot of the city from this location. Continue south towards Ville Nouvelle to witness the dramatic changes in architecture.

Visit a Tile Collective and Ceramics to see how local artisans create wares. From shaping clay to painting designs, you can tour the two. You can also see tile masters at work, putting together tiny pieces of tile to create intricate mosaics. Continue on to Fes el Bali stopping at Jnan Sbil, which is the halfway point between Bab Boujeloud and the mellah. Enjoy the grandeur of the gardens and take a break to cool off by the central fountains, or next to the lake.

Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fna is alive at night

Today, you’ll travel west to the coast before heading south to Marrakech. You have the option of stopping in Meknes or Rabat to break up your drive.

It is possible to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at an easier pace. Jemaa elFna is alive in the evening with performers, snake charmers and musicians. The Square is best enjoyed in the evening when you can wander its stalls and take in the sights. You can grab a bite from one of the food stalls, or you can enjoy the sights from afar at one of the cafes around Jemaa el-Fna. After a long day, take a stroll to see the floodlit Koutoubia Mosque before returning to your accommodation.

Dusk at Jemaa el-Fna Square

Marrakech, also known as the « Red City », is a major economic hub. Its red sandstone buildings and walls are over 1000 years old. Begin your day by visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, a 12th-century mosque. After that, take a break from the heat in the gardens, which are surrounded by fountains and palms. You can indulge your senses by exploring the Souk el-Attarin or Souk Smata to find slippers, rugs and other leather goods. Next, stop by the Islamic school Ben Youssef Mdrasa to get a taste for 16th-century architecture. Marvel at the intricate details such as arabesques and Islamic calligraphy and colorful geometric tilework.

As you walk Marrakech’s alleys, notice the fondouks or caravanserai–medieval inns along ancient trade routes that provided travelers and traders with shelter and supplies. You may want to visit a few places south of Jemaa el-Fna depending on your timing and energy level. You might want to visit the 500-year-old Saadian Tombs or the expansive courtyard and sunken gardens at the 17th-century El Badi Palace. Or the intricate woodwork, painted ceilings, and intricate woodwork of the 19th century Bahia Palace. For a quick bite, return to Jemma el-Fna before retiring to your accommodation.

Dusk over Jemaa el-Fna Square

Marrakech, once an important trading center for the Atlas mountain tribes, is now a vibrant imperial city. Start exploring Marrakech’s old medina by visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, Gardens and other attractions. Non-muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque. However, it is worth visiting its 12th-century foundations as well as its 253-foot (77-m) minaret. The adjacent garden has fountains and pools.

Explore the intricate labyrinthine souks hidden behind regular shops and restaurants. For a wide range of spices and woodwork, visit Souk el Attarin and Souk Chuari. Souk Smata has a variety of traditional Moroccan slippers, babouche. To see traditional dyeing techniques used for cloth and yarn, visit Souk des Tiinturiers. Next, take a look at the fine example Moroccan Islamic architecture found in the Ben Youssef Malasa. This 16th-century Koranic school features carved cedar ceilings and sculpted plaster.

Sunset at the Hassan II Mosque

Depending on where you are departing from, you might want to walk along the Boulevard de la Corniche towards Rick’s Café. Here, you can grab a bite and enjoy a drink at a bar, restaurant or cafe inspired by the film classic « Casablanca. »