Imperial cities

Description

Key Highlights

• Key highlights
  - Visits of the four imperial cities: Fez, Marrakech, Rabat and Meknes
  - Authenticity, culture and sun
  - Diversity of landscapes
  - Visit of ancient medinas

Day by day

• Day 01: Reception at Marrakech airport
  Whatever your time of arrival, a member of RedaTrekMaroc welcomes you. Beforehand, all you have to do is specify your flight details: arrival time, origin and flight number. In the case of delay, it is imperative to report it by SMS. Night at the hotel or riad in bed & breakfast formula.
• Day 02: From Marrakech to Fez (490 km)
  We leave the morning of Marrakech to head to Beni-Mellal, located between the Middle Atlas and the plain of Tadla, on the road of the imperial cities. We have lunch on the way. We continue our route towards Azrou, city of altitude at 1250 m, known for its cedar trees, its cherry trees, its apple trees, its fish farm and its monkeys. We continue our journey to Ifrane 1713 m, European style mountain village often called "Switzerland of Morocco" with its houses in red tiles. Ifrane is blooming in spring and snowy in winter. We continue towards Fez. Night at the hotel.
• Day 03: Fes
  We spend our day visiting Fes, spiritual, intellectual and cultural capital of Morocco: el Bali (the old city), medieval city the best preserved in the world with its medina and souks; the Zaouïa of Moulay Idriss, mausoleum containing the tomb of the founder and the medersa decorated with earthenware geometric patterns, a symbol of oriental elegance; the place Nejjarine (cabinetmaker) with its pretty fountain in zelliges; visit of the Nejjarine Museum, the only museum of arts and crafts of wood in Morocco located in a historical building. After lunch, we continue our visit to discover Fes el Jedid (the new city) by taking the main avenue of Mellah (Jewish Quarter) with its Andalusian balconies and goldsmiths. We follow the vast complex of the Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen). Its main entrance, Place des Alaouites, consists of three monumental gilt bronze doors, protected by a canopy of green tiles. We then walk around the potters' quarter where we observe the techniques used by craftsmen in the manufacture of pottery, ceramics and zellije. To end this day, we walk around the ramparts and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the medina of Fez. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Fez or Meknes.
• Day 04: From Volubilis to Meknes (150 km)
  We go to discover the Roman remains of Volubilis, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take the road to Meknes and we stop for lunch. We enter the imperial city of Meknes by the imposing Bab Mansour, gateway to the medina, classified by Unesco for its exceptional character. We sink deeper into the imperial city by continuing towards the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, king of the Alawite dynasty. We cross Bab el-Khemiss which gives access to the gardens and visit granaries of Moulay Ismail, one of the most fantastic monuments to visit. We return to the hotel in Fez or Meknes. Optional Moroccan evening.
• Day 05: From Meknes to Rabat (210 km)
  After our breakfast, we head to Khémisset, known for its Berber carpets and fantasias that bring together the best riders and horses in the province. We continue our journey to Tiflet, on the edge of the plain of Gharb, 56 km east of Rabat and the Atlantic coast. We have lunch, then visit Rabat, a city protected by imposing walls and proclaimed imperial capital in 1956 by King Mohammed V. To the south of the city, the gardens of the Mechouar Square offer a walk closer to the royal palace. We continue our visit of the Moroccan capital by Chellah, merinid necropolis located on a Roman city listed as World Heritage by Unesco. We visit the mausoleum of Mohammed V, designed by the Vietnamese architect Vo Toan. We marvel at the Italian white marble monument with pyramidal roof of green tiles, like the green of the star of the Moroccan flag, symbol of Alawite royalty. The site stretches on a huge esplanade where stands the famous tower Hassan. Finally, north of the city, we stroll the streets of La Kasbah des Oudayas, real place of life where people of Rabat like to walk and chat. We dine and sleep in Rabat or Casablanca.
• Day 06: From Rabat to Casablanca then to Marrakech (87 km then 250 km)
  Arrived in Casablanca, we begin with a tour of orientation of the white city: place Mohamed V, park of the Arab League, stop in front of the big mosque Hassan II (optional visit except the days of religious festivals, to pay on the spot), walk on the ledge. We have lunch before leaving for Marrakech. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
• Day 07: Marrakech
  After breakfast, we visit the ocher city. It differs from the northern cities by its atmosphere. Ranking as the first monument in Africa, the Jemaâ el Fna Square attracts for its unique authenticity and its living culture that has passed through time. Stalls of carefully presented orange juice and dried fruit, water carriers and their traditional costumes, Gnawa dancers, henna tattooers with refined designs. It is nice to land to fully soak up the atmosphere to the sound of "Mizmars" this little instrument typical of snake charmers. We have lunch, then go to admire the oldest and most impressive monument of Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque representative of the art of the Almohads. We discover the Majorelle Garden, a botanical garden of which Moroccans are very proud, it was created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. We finish our walk by visiting the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Marrakech is also a destination of choice for an unforgettable gastronomic stay. The city offers all kinds of cuisines, flavors, to satisfy the most demanding taste lovers. Dinner fantasia, overnight at the hotel before departure.
• Day 08: Transfer to the airport according to the time of your airport meeting
• To note
  For various reasons, your guide may need to read the program, if necessary, for the smooth running of your trip.

Included in the travel price

• Included in the trip
  - Transfers required for normal travel
  - Accommodation as described in double room
  - Full board during the tour (except lunch and dinner in Marrakech)
  - Supervision by an English-speaking Moroccan graduate guide
  - The assistance of a local team (drivers, muleteers, camel drivers, cooks)

Not included in the travel price

• Not included in the trip price
  - Flights to Marrakech (and transport to airport) and return from Marrakech
  - Cancellation / interruption of stay / loss of luggage insurance and assistance
  - Meals in Marrakech, lunch and dinner
  - Drinks
  - All tips to: guide, drivers, muleteers and camel drivers
  - All that is not indicated under the heading "Included in the trip price"

Map