Rediscover the glory of the Imperial cities of Morocco brought to you by Palace Tours
 
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Glory of Morocco's Imperial Cities (7 Nights / 8 Days)
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  • Day 1 - Welcome to Morocco

  •     Cities Covered : Agadir

    Agadir is a major city in southwest Morocco, capital of the Agadir province and the Sous-Massa-Draa economic region. The city is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Souss River flows into the ocean. The mild winter climate and good beaches have made it a major "winter sun" destination for Northern Europeans. Because of its large buildings, wide roads, modern hotels, and European-style cafés, Agadir is not a typical city of traditional Morocco, but it is a modern, busy and dynamic town, famous for its seafood and agriculture.

         

    You are welcomed upon arrival at Al Massira International Airport in Agadir and transferred to your hotel. Rest and relax after your long flight, and enjoy dinner at the hotel.


     
  • Day 2 - Journey to the "White Pearl of the Atlantic"

  •     Cities Covered : Essaouira ,  Safi

    Essaouira is an isolated city / wilaya in the western Moroccan economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz on the Atlantic coast. Essaouira once served as Morocco's principal port, offering the goods of the caravan trade to the world, until direct European trade with sub-Saharan Africa dominated the trade market. Today, Essaouira presents itself as a city full of culture, and several small art galleries are found all over the town. The medina of Essaouira is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, notably cabinet making and 'thuya' wood-carving (using roots of the Tetraclinis tree), both of which have been practiced in Essaouira for centuries.

    Safi is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of the Doukkala-Abda Region, it has a population of 284,750 (as of 2004), but is also the center of an agglomeration which has an estimated 793,000 inhabitants (1987). Safi is the main fishing port for the country's sardine industry, and also exports phosphates, textiles and ceramics. During the Second World War, Safi was one of the landing sites for Operation Torch.

         

    Check out of the hotel this morning after breakfast and depart to Essaouira (190 km) with fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean during the drive. Essaouira, known as the “White Pearl of the Atlantic” is a magnificent port city with a vibrant artist culture. Continue driving towards Safi (120 km) for a city tour and to see the pottery for which the area is known. Check in to your hotel in Safi for dinner and an overnight stay.


     
  • Day 3 - Imperial cities of Casablanca and Rabat

  •     Cities Covered : Casablanca ,  Rabat

    Casablanca is a city in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Greater Casablanca region. With a population of 3.1 million (3.85 million in "greater Casablanca" according to the September 2005 census), Casablanca is Morocco's largest city as well as its chief port. It's also the biggest city in the Maghreb and the sixth biggest city in the entire continent of Africa. Casablanca is considered the economic capital of Morocco because it is the heart of Moroccan business. Casablanca has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, with little seasonal temperature variation and a lack of extreme heat and extreme cold.

    Rabat is the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco and the capital of the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer region. The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of the river lies Salé, Rabat's bedroom community. Together the two cities with Témara account for a population of 2 million. Unfortunately, silting problems have diminished the city's role as a port; however, Rabat and Salé still maintain relatively important textile, food processing and construction industries. Tourism and the presence of all foreign embassies in Morocco serve to make Rabat the second most important city in the country after the larger and more economically significant Casablanca.

         

    Today, embark on a drive to two of the most important cities in Morocco, Casablanca and Rabat. Arrive in Casablanca (240 km), the industrial and economic capital for a short city tour and continue the drive towards Rabat (90 km), the administrative capital of Morocco. Your city tour includes visits to the ruins of the 12th century Kasbah of Udayas with its Hassan Tower. Also visit the mausoleum of Mohamed V, considered a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Rabat.


     
  • Day 4 - Visit Meknes and Volubilis en route to Fes

  •     Cities Covered : Fes ,  Meknes ,  Volubilis

    Fes or Fez is the fourth largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech with a population of 946,815 (2004 census). It is the capital of the Fès-Boulemane region. Fes is one of the four so-called "imperial cities" (the others are Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat). It is separated into three parts, Fes el Bali (the old, walled city), Fes-Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah), and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fes). The Medina of Fes el Bali, the larger of the two medinas of Fes, is believed to be the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world. Fes el Bali is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Meknes is a city in northern Morocco, located 130 kilometers from the capital Rabat and 60 kilometers from Fes. Meknes was the capital of Morocco under the reign of Moulay Ismail (1672–1727), before it was relocated to Rabat. The population is 950,322 (2006 estimate) and it is the capital of the Meknes-Tafilalet region. Meknes is named after a Berber tribe which was known as Miknasa in the medieval Arabic sources.

    Volubilis is an archaeological site in Morocco situated near Meknes between Fez and Rabat. The nearest town is Moulay Idriss. Volubilis features the best preserved ruins in this part of northern Africa and in 1997 the site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In antiquity, Volubilis was an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests. It was built on the site of a previous Carthaginian settlement from (at the latest) the third century BC, but that settlement overlies an earlier neolithic habitation.

         

    In the morning, depart for Fes (190 km) via Meknes, the former Imperial city of the Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit Bab El Mansour and the bustling medina before continuing the journey towards Volubilis, which is home to the best preserved ancient Roman ruins in Northern Africa and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, visit the nearby town of Moulay Idriss, an important Muslim pilgrimage site and the location of the tomb of Moulay Idris I, founder of Fes. Continue the drive towards Fes, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.


     
  • Day 5 - Explore the shrines, schools and sights of Fes

  •     Cities Covered : Fes

    Fes or Fez is the fourth largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech with a population of 946,815 (2004 census). It is the capital of the Fès-Boulemane region. Fes is one of the four so-called "imperial cities" (the others are Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat). It is separated into three parts, Fes el Bali (the old, walled city), Fes-Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah), and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fes). The Medina of Fes el Bali, the larger of the two medinas of Fes, is believed to be the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world. Fes el Bali is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

         

    Embark on a full day exploration of Fes, starting with a stop at the Zaouia (shrine) of Moulay Idriss II, and the Madrasa (school) Bou Inania which is a fine example of Marinid architecture and is the only Madrasa in Fes which has a minaret. Continue to University of Al-Karaouine, the oldest degree-granting university in the world, the beautiful Najjarine Fountain and the traditional markets. Later, travel to Fes El Jadid and Fes El Bali, the old walled city which is believed to be the largest car-free urban area in the world, before returning to your hotel for dinner.


     
  • Day 6 - Scenic drive through the cedar forests to Beni Mellal

  •     Cities Covered : Beni-Mellal

    Beni-Mellal is a Moroccan city with a population of 163,286 (2004 census). It is the capital city of the Tadla-Azilal Region, sits at the foot of Mount Tassemit (2247m), and next to the plains of Beni Amir. As the city lies quite far inland and is shielded by the Middle Atlas mountains, the area has a real continental climate with very hot summers and quite cold winters. Beni-Mellal has good connections via the road to Casablanca to the East and lies on the ancient route (now a national route) from Fez to Marrakech. The walls of the city date back to 1688, but today most of the city is quite modern and forms an important economic center for the region.

         

    This morning after breakfast, bid farewell to Fes and depart south for Beni Mellal by way of Azrou (90 km). Enjoy the picturesque drive through beautiful chains of cedar trees where you may have the chance to see the Barbary Macaques who dwell in these forests. Upon arrival in the important economic center of Beni Mellal, check in to your hotel, have dinner, and spend the rest of your evening at leisure.


     
  • Day 7 - A day of excitement and sightseeing in Marrakech

  •     Cities Covered : Marrakech

    Marrakech or Marrakesh, known as the "Red City", is an important and former imperial city in Morocco. It has a population of 1,070,838 (as of 2004), and is the capital of the mid-southwestern economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Like many North African and Middle Eastern cities, Marrakech comprises both an old fortified city (the médina) and an adjacent modern city (called Gueliz). Marrakech has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna.

         

    Travel to Marrakech this morning after breakfast (200 km). See the Koutoubia Mosque, which was used as the model for the Giralda of Seville and for the Hassan Tower of Rabat, then onwards to the beautifully decorated Saadian tombs and Bahia palace. Your last stop is Marrakech’s Medina quarter, home of the famous Djemaa El Fna Square which bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, dancers, and musicians. By night, food stalls populate the square which then becomes a huge open-air restaurant with vibrant nightlife, sounds and colors. Check in to your hotel in Marrakech for dinner and your last overnight stay in Morocco.


     
  • Day 8 - Departure day

  •     Cities Covered : Agadir

    Agadir is a major city in southwest Morocco, capital of the Agadir province and the Sous-Massa-Draa economic region. The city is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Souss River flows into the ocean. The mild winter climate and good beaches have made it a major "winter sun" destination for Northern Europeans. Because of its large buildings, wide roads, modern hotels, and European-style cafés, Agadir is not a typical city of traditional Morocco, but it is a modern, busy and dynamic town, famous for its seafood and agriculture.

         

    Check out of your hotel in Marrakech and transfer to the airport in Agadir (240 km) for your departure flight home.


     
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