World Heritage Sites Tour

Casablanca > Rabat > Meknes > Fez > Marrakech

8 days/7 nights

This tour has been tailored to include the following UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Medina of Fez (1981)

Founded in the 9th century, Fez reached its height first in the 14th century under the Marinides and again in the 17th century. In 1912, when France established Rabat as the new capital, its political importance declined, but its religious and cultural role continues today, centered as it is around the two famous mosques of Al-Qarawiyin and Al-Andalus in the heart of the medina.

Medina of Marrakech (1985)

Marrakesh, founded in 1071-1072, was the capital of the Almoravids and later the Almohades. The lively medina contains an impressive number of architectural masterpieces, including the walls and the monumental gates, the Kutubiya Mosque with its 77-metre-high minaret, the Saadian tombs and characteristic old houses.

Historic City of Meknes (1996)

Founded in the 11th century by Almoravid rulers as a military town, Meknes became a capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672- 1727), the founder of the Alaouite dynasty. The Sultan turned it into a impressive place in Spanish-Moorish style surrounded by high walls with great doors which show today the harmonious blending of Islamic and European styles of the 17th-century Maghreb.

Archaeological Site of Volubilis (1997)

The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Substantial remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area. It was later to become briefly the capital of Idris I, founder of the Idrissid dynasty, who is buried at nearby Moulay Idriss.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Casablanca

Welcome, assistance and transfer to hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you can choose to relax in your hotel, bargain for handicrafts in the souk, visit the cafes and restaurants at your leisure or take a sightseeing tour of Casablanca. (D)

Day 2 Casablanca/Rabat

Visit of the economic capital of Morocco including the central market, the Habbous district, the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V Square, the residential area of Anfa and the interior of Mosque Hassan II. Short drive to Rabat. City tour of Rabat including the Royal Palace (Mechouar ), the Oudaya kasbah, the Mohamed V mausoleum , the Hassan tower and the Monetary Museum. (B, D)

Day 3 Rabat/Meknes/Fez

Departure to Meknes and visit of the Ismalian Capital famous for its 40 km long walls. Visit of Bab Mansour , the royal stables and the Jewish quarter . Continue on to Fez via the Roman city of Volubilis and the holy village of Moulay Idriss (B, D)

Day 4 Fez

The whole day is devoted to tour this UNESCO World Heritage City. Sightseeing of Fez includes the medieval medina with its Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas , the Nejjarine fountain , the Moulay Idriss mausoleum , and the Karaouine mosque. Afternoon visit of Fez al Jdid – new Fez. (B, D)

Day 5 Fez/Beni Mallal/Marrakech

Departure to Marrakech passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the berber village of Immouzer du Kandar and Ifrane, free time for optional lunch break and a moment of relaxation in Beni Mellal one of the agricultural centers of Morocco . Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon. (B, D)

Day 6 Marrakech

Visit of historical Marrakech: the Menara garden, the Saadian tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Minaret and the Majorelle Gardens named after the famous French painter, who constructed here his art deco villa and started the botanical gardens. Afternoon visit the famous Djemaa El Fna square with its surrounding souks and handicraft quarters. (B, L)

Day 7 Depart Marrakech

Morning transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)