Travel Detail

After breakfast, depart towards Rabat, driving along the main highway which links these two major cities. Embark on a brief tour that highlights Rabat's cultural influences and the superbly preserved relics of its Moorish past. Rabat's most famous site is the 12th-century Hassan Tower (an excellent example of the gorgeous Moroccan style), the incomplete minaret of the great mosque built at the beginning of the 12th century. Alongside is the mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, the grandfather of the current king.

You'll also enjoy a visit to the Kasbah of the Udayas, which was built on a cliff overlooking the city and the Atlantic Ocean. Its gate is one of the most beautiful illustrations of the Moorish architecture. Within its walls, you'll discover a wonderful Moroccan garden with melodious fountains and sweet-smelling orange trees.

At the conclusion of your sightseeing, continue inland to Fez (~3-hour drive) and to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

At the heart of the Imperial City of Fez, hotel L'Escale is perfectly situated for the Shopping Center (Fez Mall), Business Center and Saiss Airport is Just 11.3 km from the property.

Today you take a step back in time into the Middle Ages with the visit of one of the most imperial, timeless, and untouched cities in the world, the cultural heart of Morocco, Fez El Bali (Old Fez). Enjoy exploring some of the 9,000 narrow lanes and alleys in the souks (open air markets) that make-up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century. The Imperial capital was a renowned medieval learning center, and at its heart still remains the Karaouine, one of the oldest, still functioning universities in the world. Nearby is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Then you'll visit the Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain, a mosaic of elaborate tilework, and the fondouq (Caravanserai) that has been converted to a Museum of Carpentry.

In the 13th Century the Merinides Dynasty built Fez El Jdid (New Fez) with its Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks and the city walls. Most notably, Fez El Jdid is home to the Mellah (Jewish quarter), which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. The wrought iron decorated windows and splendid carved wood balconies of the old mansions are particularly outstanding. One of the most interesting sites in Fez is the leather souk, with the oldest leather tannery in the world. The tannery dates back nine centuries. In addition to the tannery, you will visit a clay workshop, the artisan quarters, and other souks. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

At the heart of the Imperial City of Fez, hotel L'Escale is perfectly situated for the Shopping Center (Fez Mall), Business Center and Saiss Airport is Just 11.3 km from the property.

After breakfast, we drive to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis to explore its stunning ruins. Impressive stone arches and columns, some tumbled down and others still standing tall against the vivid blue sky. Only about half of the 40 hectares UNESCO World Heritage site has been excavated. The better-known monuments are in the northern part of the site, farthest from the entrance in the south which are: the Capitol, dedicated to the Triad of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, dated 218AD, the Basilica, and the 1,300 m2 Forum. Pay attention to the floors of what were once family dwellings that are still covered with decorative tile mosaics depicting mythological beings, such as Orpheus charming animals with his lyre and Hercules performing his legendary 12 labors. That so many of these tiles are still in place and exhibiting their colors after centuries of exposure to the elements is astonishing!

Next, we will visit the whitewashed town of Moulay Idriss, about two miles from Volubilis. It sits astride two green hills in a cradle of mountains, where Morocco's first Arab conquerors settled. Then off to the Imperial city of Meknes, the one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate with its Medina all-winding narrow streets and grand buildings that justify its stamp of Imperial City. Remnants of three sets of fortifications, ingeniously incorporated into the city road network, emphasize its past importance and glory. The king's tomb sits at the heart of what remains of the original city, flanked by an almighty royal granary and the magnificent Bab el-Mansour. Drive back to Fez for dinner and overnight to the hotel.

At the heart of the Imperial City of Fez, hotel L'Escale is perfectly situated for the Shopping Center (Fez Mall), Business Center and Saiss Airport is Just 11.3 km from the property.

Today we experience the natural and wilder landscapes outside Fez: Drive to the high alpine region of Ifrane, filled with cedar and oak forests, and home to the world's largest population of Barbary macaques, hundreds of animals, birds and the oldest tree in Morocco's Middle Atlas, the 130-feet Gouraud's Cedar. The largest cedar forest in the world is found in this park, and several lakes or Dayats abound in the nearby area.

The Lion of Ifrane sits majestically in the city center and is certainly one of the most photographed sites of the region. Ifrane feels more like Switzerland with its clean air, scrubbed streets, and leafy outlook. The French built this city in 1930, deliberately trying to re-create an alpine-style resort. It is a popular day trip for picnickers during summer, and the site attracts skiers in the winter. Stop for lunch (own expense). Continue to Marrakech via highway for dinner and overnight.

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

After breakfast, enjoy the city tour of Marrakesh, the "Red City", a majestic place filled with palaces, gardens, markets, and mosques. Upon arrival, you will first stand by the Koutoubia Mosque with its 282 ft minaret, an architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century. You will continue to the 19th-century stunning Bahia Palace and discover the intricate work done by the local artisans to decorate this splendid home built by a powerful Vizir for his Harem. The building includes one hundred and fifty rooms, countless courtyards and interior gardens, a veritable labyrinth of corridors, a Koranic school, hammams, a harem, and stables. From there we will start exploring artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the real life of Marrakech people.

Continue to Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences, built in 1910 and was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, named Pasha of Marrakech by Sultan Moulay Youssef in 1912. It is one of the medina's finest examples of Riad architecture, dripping with Moroccan Zellige (colorful geometric tilework), intricate white plasterwork and heavy carved cedar-wood lintels. Before sunset we will be strolling in the square of which the city is so famed, Jemaa El Fna. Located at the entrance of the Medina, this triangular square is surrounded by restaurants, stands and public buildings, and provides everyday commercial activities and various forms of entertainment. It is a magical circus where fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, snake charmers, dancing wild costumed monkeys, story tellers, hypnotic medicine-men, cross dressers, tooth pullers, musicians including real Gnaoua, and acrobats gather in a cacophonic feast. After the tour, head to your hotel to freshen up. When you are ready, transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy your dinner. Back to your hotel for overnight.

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

Refresh and enjoy a lovely morning at leisure, or join your Tour Manager for an adventure through Marrakech's famous stalls of spices, perfumes, carpets, and shoes.

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport for your return flight.