8 Days Morocco Cultural Tour To Imperial Cities From Marrakech : This itinerary outlines an 8-day journey through some of the major cities and cultural landmarks of Morocco.
8 Days Morocco Cultural Tour To Imperial Cities From Marrakech itenerary:
Day 1: Marrakech Arrival
Upon your arrival in Marrakech, you’ll check into your accommodation and take some time to unwind after your journey. The vibrant city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it the perfect place to start your Moroccan adventure. Spend your evening at leisure, strolling through the Medina, where the sounds and colors of the souks fill the air. You can also visit the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, a hub of activity with food stalls, performers, and entertainers. For a quieter experience, relax at a café, sipping mint tea while watching the sunset over the city. The evening sets the stage for the exciting days ahead in Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech Guided City Tour
Begin your day with a guided city tour of Marrakech, starting with the Koutoubia Mosque, famous for its towering minaret. Continue to the Bahia Palace, a magnificent example of Moroccan craftsmanship with beautifully landscaped gardens and exquisite rooms. Visit the Saadian Tombs, an important historical site adorned with intricate tilework. Then, stroll through the vibrant medina, where you’ll witness the daily life of locals and explore the souks filled with traditional goods. For lunch, indulge in classic Moroccan dishes like tagine or couscous at a local restaurant within the medina.
In the evening, return to your riad for a delightful dinner featuring traditional Moroccan flavors.
Day 3: Marrakech – Casablanca or Rabat (350 km)
In the morning, depart from Marrakech and head toward your chosen destination, either Casablanca or Rabat. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, with roadside towns and rural views along the way. If you choose Casablanca, upon arrival, visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque. One of the largest mosques in the world, renowned for its stunning oceanfront setting and intricate architectural details. Explore the vibrant Casablanca Medina. Where you can discover traditional Moroccan shops and markets. Alternatively, if you head to Rabat, explore the historical Oudayas Kasbah. A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its blue-painted houses and narrow streets. Visit the Hassan Tower. An unfinished minaret from the 12th century that stands as a symbol of the city’s rich history. Enjoy the relaxed pace of these coastal cities before checking into your accommodation.
Day 4: Casablanca or Rabat – Meknes – Fes (290 km)
In the morning, begin your journey from your previous destination and make your way to Meknes. One of Morocco’s imperial cities rich in history. Meknes is home to the majestic Bab Mansour Gate. A stunning example of Moroccan architecture with intricate tilework and carvings. Visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, dedicated to the 17th-century sultan who made Meknes his capital and contributed to the city’s development.
Explore the Royal Stables, a grand historical site that once housed thousands of horses and was used by the sultan’s army. After this cultural immersion. Stop for lunch in Meknes at a traditional restaurant. Where you can enjoy Moroccan delicacies such as tagine and couscous. In the afternoon. Continue your journey towards Fes, one of the most famous cultural and spiritual centers of Morocco. Upon arrival in Fes, check into your accommodation and relax, ready to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture in the coming days.
Day 5: Full Day in Fes
Start your day in Fes with a guided tour through its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina. One of the most preserved and vibrant old cities in the world. Discover the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continuously operating educational institution in the world, founded in 859. Where scholars and students gather to study Islamic law, theology, and sciences. Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, an exquisite example of Marinid architecture. Known for its intricate woodwork and stunning tilework. Explore the famous tanneries, where leather is still processed in traditional methods that have been used for centuries, producing vibrant leather goods.
After the tour, enjoy lunch in the medina at a traditional restaurant. Savoring Moroccan flavors such as pastilla or grilled meats. Spend your evening at leisure, strolling through the lively streets of Fes. Perhaps visiting the bustling souks or relaxing at a café while savoring some of the city’s famed mint tea. Fes offers a chance to experience Moroccan history, craftsmanship, and daily life in an unparalleled setting.
Day 6: Fes – Beni Mellal (290 km)
On your way from Fes to Beni Mellal, you’ll travel through a varied landscape, gradually leaving behind the historical richness of Fes for the natural beauty of central Morocco. The drive will take you through the Middle Atlas mountains, offering picturesque views of the rugged terrain, forests, and valleys. As you head south, you’ll notice the changing landscape, with dense cedar forests giving way to rolling hills and open plains. Along the way, you may pass through small Berber villages, where traditional life remains largely unchanged, and local people may be seen tending to livestock or working in fields.
Lunch en route will offer the opportunity to taste regional specialties, often served in a welcoming roadside eatery or a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Beni Mellal, the town, situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, greets you with a more relaxed pace and a mild climate, surrounded by lush landscapes. After checking into your accommodation, you can unwind and take a brief stroll to appreciate the town’s tranquility.
Day 7: Beni Mellal – Marrakech (185 km)
On the journey from Beni Mellal to Marrakech, you’ll pass through the scenic landscapes of central Morocco, enjoying the view of olive groves, fertile plains, and the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. The road winds through various small towns and villages, giving you a glimpse into rural Moroccan life, with women working in the fields and children playing by the roadsides. The drive takes you through the Ourika Valley, where you can spot traditional Berber houses built into the mountainsides, often made from local clay and straw.
During the trip, you’ll have the chance to stop for some roadside refreshments or admire the changing landscapes, from arid stretches to lush green fields as you get closer to Marrakech. As you approach Marrakech, the hustle and bustle of the city slowly intensifies, preparing you for the vibrant energy that awaits. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and unwind, ready to explore Marrakech once more.
DAY 8: Marrakech – Departure Flight the end of 8 Days Morocco Cultural Tour To Imperial Cities
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Marrakech airport for your departure flight.
