Imperial Cities of Morocco

A classical tour of the Royal cities of Morocco and the ancient Roman city of Volubilis dating to 25BC. Amongst the highlights are old palaces and medinas and their labrynthine alleyways and noisy, bustling souks.

Guide

Imperial Cities is accompanied from Day 2 to your return to Marrakech, by a local tour guide.

MEAL PLAN → Full breakfast and dinner throughout from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.

ACCOMMODATION → Is all based on 5 star hotels.

TOUR INCLUDES → Tour vehicles or coach for land based sightseeing. All sightseeing as detailed.
GROUP SIZE → Maximum 13 passengers.
MINIMUM NUMBERS → This tour is subject to minimum numbers, please call for details.
GRATUITIES → In Morocco we recommend small amounts and often, including for porterage on your tour. For guides we recommend tipping at the end of your tour.
TRAVEL TIPS → With the Moroccan climate and altitudes covered on the tour, regular use of sun cream and sunglasses is recommended. Warm clothing for winter evenings is essential.
NB → This tour has a minimum age of 12 years.

DAY 1 LONDON TO MARRAKECH
Fly Royal Air Maroc from Gatwick to Marrakech. On arrival transfer to the Atlas Medina & Spa or similar for a three night stay.

DAY 2 MARRAKECH
Start your tour with a half day sightseeing of Marrakech including the historic Menara Gardens, the old medina, a stop at the foot of the 12th Century Koutoubia Minaret and finally a stroll through the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square. Return to your hotel for lunch. In the afternoon visit the colourful souks of Marrakech. Admire the exotic spices and Moroccan craftwork, and witness the art of bartering. In the evening join the Fantasia dinner show (optional, at extra cost locally) and experience a traditional Moroccan dinner served under the canvas of a caid tent, or take dinner in your hotel.

DAY 3 MARRAKECH
An excursion to the Berber souk provides an insight into rural local life. Journey through the foothills of stunning mountain scenery and and en route have the opportunity to see inside a typical Berber home (time permitting). Late afternoon return to Marrakech.

DAY 4 MARRAKECH to FES
After breakfast embark on a full day drive through cedar forests to Fes. Arrive for dinner and stay two nights at Palais Medina or Jnan Palace.

DAY 5 FES
Today, a full day sightseeing includes visits to the 14th Century religious schools and traditional souks. Stop briefly for photographs at the mosaic-tiled fountain in the Palace Nejjarine and at the front of the Royal Palace. An optional three-course Moroccan lunch (extra coast locally) in the old medina is highly recommended. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 6 FES to RABAT
This morning drive to Volubilis to see the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Continue on to nearby Meknès and tour this former imperial city of Morocco. Also see Bab el Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Visit the medina before continuing to Rabat. Dinner and overnight at La Tour Hassan or L'Amphitrite Palace.

DAY 7 RABAT to MARRAKECH
Begin with a half day guided tour of Rabat, including the Kasbah of the Oudayas and the Oudaya Gate. See the minaret, La Tour Hassan and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, completed in 1971 and containing the tombs of the King Mohammed V and his two sons. Beyond the city walls, visit the Chellah, the remains of an ancient Roman city and see the front of the Royal Palace and government district. An optional three-course lunch (at extra cost locally) at La Caravelle, a restaurant built within the old  ramparts of the city with a splendid view over the Atlantic Ocean. This afternoon drive to Marrakech for dinner and your last night at the Atlas Medina & Spa or similar.

DAY 8 MARRAKECH to LONDON
Fly Royal Air Maroc from Marrakech to Gatwick arriving later the same day.