Itinerary
Imperial Cities starts in Casablanca every Saturday.-
DAY 1, SAT
CASABLANCA
Upon arrival in Casablanca, please proceed through customs and immigration formalities. Our representative will meet you outside of the Arrival Terminal with a Homeric Tours sign. We will begin with a brief sightseeing drive of Casablanca, Morocco's largest metropolis and industrial hub. Highlights include the old French Quarter of Habous with its historic Moroccan architecture, followed by a drive along the scenic Atlantic coast beaches. During your tour, you will view the exterior of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. This iconic landmark can house up to 25,000 worshippers inside its main hall. Finally, you will continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.Dinner included -
DAY 2, SUN
CASABLANCA / RABAT / FEZ
After breakfast at 9:00 AM, depart towards Rabat, driving along the main highway which links these two major cities. Embark on a brief tour which 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, the incomplete minaret of the great mosque built at the beginning of 12th century. Alongside is the mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, the grandfather of the current king. You'll also enjoy a visit of 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 and to your hotel for dinner and overnight.Breakfast and Dinner included -
DAY3, MON
FEZ CITY TOUR
Today, meet your expert guide at 9:00 AM to take a step back in time into the Middle Ages with a visit to 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 Al-Qarawiyyin, one of the oldest, still-functioning universities in the world. Nearby is the Al-Attarine Madrasa (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 fondouk (Caravanserai) that has been converted into a Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts. In the 13th century, the Marinid Dynasty built Fez El Jdid (New Fez) with its Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks, and 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.Breakfast and Dinner included -
DAY 4, TUE
FEZ / VOLUBILIS / MEKNES / FEZ
After breakfast at 8:30 AM, we drive to the ancient Roman and Berber city of Volubilis (Oualili in Berber) to explore its stunning ruins. The site features impressive stone arches and columns, some tumbled down and others still standing tall against the vivid blue sky. Only about half of the 40-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site has been excavated. The best-known monuments are in the northern part of the site, farthest from the southern entrance. These include the Capitol—dedicated to the Triad of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva and dated to 218 AD—the Basilica, and the forum. Pay close attention to the floors of what were once family dwellings; they 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. It is astonishing that so many of these tiles are still in place and exhibiting their colors after centuries of exposure to the elements! Next, we will visit the whitewashed town of Moulay Idriss, located about two miles from Volubilis. It sits astride two green hills in the cradle of the mountains where Morocco's first Arab conquerors settled. Then, we are off to the Imperial City of Meknes, the one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate. Its medina features winding, narrow streets and grand buildings that justify its status as an Imperial City. Remnants of three sets of fortifications, ingeniously incorporated into the city's 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 gate. Finally, we drive back to Fez for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.Breakfast and Dinner included -
DAY 5, WED
FEZ / IFRANE / MARRAKECH
Today we leave Fez early at 8:30 AM to experience the natural and wilder landscapes outside the city. We drive first to the high alpine region of Ifrane, a town built by the French in 1930 to re-create a European alpine-style resort. Known for its clean air, scrubbed streets, and leafy outlook, Ifrane feels remarkably like Switzerland. It serves as a popular picnic spot in the summer and attracts skiers during the winter. Here, we will make a quick stop to view and photograph the majestic Lion of Ifrane statue sitting in the city center. Next, we continue into the surrounding national park, home to the largest cedar forest in the world and several scenic lakes, or Dayats. We will explore the Cèdre Gouraud Forest, where we can view the historical monument of the ancient, 130-foot Gouraud’s Cedar and observe hundreds of wild birds and Barbary macaques playing in the trees. After spending time in nature, we stop along the route for lunch at our own expense. We then embark on a long but scenic drive through the Middle Atlas mountains, transitioning to the highway to arrive in Marrakech by early evening for dinner and an overnight stay at our hotel.Breakfast and Dinner included -
DAY 6, THU
MARRAKECH CITY TOUR
After breakfast at 9:00 AM, enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Marrakech, the "Red City"—a majestic place filled with palaces, gardens, markets, and mosques. Upon arrival, you will first stand by the iconic Koutoubia Mosque to admire its 253 ft (77 m) minaret, an architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century. You will continue to the stunning 19th-century Bahia Palace to discover the intricate work done by local artisans to decorate this splendid home, built by a powerful Grand Vizier for his harem. The building features roughly one hundred and fifty rooms, countless courtyards, interior gardens, a labyrinth of corridors, hammams, and stables. From there, we will begin exploring the vibrant artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the everyday life of Marrakech. We will continue to the Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences. Built in 1910, it was the lavish residence of Thami El Glaoui, the powerful Pasha of Marrakech. It stands as 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 stroll through the world-famous square, Jemaa El Fna. Located at the entrance of the Medina, this bustling triangular square is surrounded by restaurants, stands, and public buildings. It provides a magical sensory feast where fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, snake charmers, storytellers, musicians (including authentic Gnaoua performers), and acrobats gather daily. After the tour, head back to your hotel to freshen up. When you are ready, transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy dinner before returning to your hotel for the overnight stay.Breakfast and Dinner included -
DAY 7, FRI
MARRAKECH
Free day to relax or explore independently. The following optional activities are available to book: • - Modern Berber-style villa retreat & Cooking Class, • - Traditional Hammam & Massage , •- Cooking Class & DinnerBreakfast included -
DAY 8, SAT
MARRAKECH / CASABLANCA AIRPORT
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.Breakfast included
