Magic Of Morocco

After breakfast, departure to the second imperial city Rabat, the administrative capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. Sightseeing tour with a visit to the Mohamed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower, Ouadayas garden, the Mechouer, ramparts and walls surrounding the Royal palace. Continuation to Chefchaoun, a small charming city was conquered in 1920 by the Spaniards. The clean and fresh air invites you to spend some time to discover the beauty of the place. This town is a visual delight in blue; walls, doors, windows; stairways, alleyways and archways – everything is a combination of soft pastel sky blue and deeper, more powerful hues. You will have the opportunity to take pictures of a panoramic view of the Hispanic flavored town lined with blue and white washed houses, tiny balconies, tiled roofs and patios embellished with citrus trees. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Chefchaouen

Continue to the Imperial city of Meknes known as the “Moroccan Versailles” and founded in the 17th century by King Moulay Ismail. Meknes is famous for its 25-milelong walls. There are numerous historic sites to see and here we name but a few; The massive gate of Bab Mansour, The Bassin de L’Agdal a massive 400m x 100m pool dating back some 300 years. The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is one of only three Moroccan shrines that non-Muslims can visit. Continuation to Fes. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Fes

Full day tour of the oldest imperial cities, founded around 790 by Idriss Ier. Fez, who was for many centuries a political and intellectual capital of Morocco, had become a center for meetings and exchanges. It is reported that Pope Sylvester II 999-1003 stayed in his youth to study there after which he introduced Arabic numerals to Europe. Sightseeing tour will include the following: The Medersa This theological college, marked by its green tiled roof, is a prime example of Merinid architecture, and it's the most beautiful of Kairaounie University's residential colleges. Inside, elegant calligraphy graces the ceramic tile walls. The marble floors, sculpted cedar, and carved stucco walls—made with a concoction of plaster and egg white—have held up since this masterpiece Medersa was built in 1350. Since it is still in use, non-Muslims must depart during prayer time. Bab Boujloud Constructed in 1913, this gate is about 1,000 years younger than the buildings behind it. It's proof that age doesn't matter—the relatively youthful structure is the most strikingly beautiful entry point into the old city. Painted flowers and calligraphy embellish its outer blue ceramic tiles and, depending on one's interpretation, the green mosaic interior either represents peace or the official color of Islam. Stop by at sunset for some excellent photo opportunities. The Mellah The Jewish Quarter. The Jews lived here and received protection from the sultan. The main street is especially interesting with its balconies and Art Deco zellij mosaic. Most Jews in Fez (around 300) now live in the Ville Nouvelle. Highlights will include the visit of mellah with its synagogues (Rabbi Shlomo Ibn Danan Synagogue, Roben Ben Sadoun, the Jewish Museum of the Em Habanim synagogue), next a visit to the Jewish cemetery which contains the tombs of more Jewish saints than any other cemetery in Morocco, like, Yehuda Ben Attar, Abner Ha-Serfati, Solika Hatchuel, Monsenego… We will visit also the house of Maimonides with its mysterious water clock. Souks The souks of Fez are located in the ancient city center, the medina. Merchants selling the same sort of products are generally grouped together in their own “souk”. The tiny alleyways are crowded with the tiny boutiques on both sides The henna and wood working souks are located in the Nejjarine neighborhood and the scent of cedar is everywhere. The main plaza is planted with trees and provides a shaded haven from the warm sun. Various natural products derived from henna are sold here. Nejjarine is also where the fabric dyers are located. You simply should not miss El Attarine, the spice souk. Without question, this souk is the most colourful in Fez. New Medina The “nouvelle Ville” of Fez, or the new city, provides a startling contrast with Fès el Bali. Wide and elegant avenues are lined with numerous cafés and restaurants. The modern aspect of the new city highlights the economic differences of the suburbs and the city center. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Fes

Departure to Marrakech passing by the Berber village of Immouzer Kandar and Ifrane. Moment of relaxation in Beni-Mellal, one of the agricultural centers of Morocco, and having optional lunch. Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Marrakech

A whole day sightseeing tour around the city. Marrakech is the “pearl of the south” founded by the Almoravides dynasty at the end of the 12th Century. Morning visit El Bahia Palace Built in the late 19th Century, and decorated by the best artisans of Morocco at the time, this palace – intended to be the most magnificent of its age – features an exquisite blend of Andalousian and Moorish styles. The Koranic School Medersa Ben Youssef Theological college founded by the Merenid Sultan Abu Hassan in the 14th century, and restored in 1564 by the Saadians who made it the largest theological college in the Maghreb and a rival to the important Medersa Bou Inania in Fés. The Koutoubia Mosque Built by the Almohads in the late years of 12th Century, the Koutoubia Mosque, and specially its minaret, is the most important landmark of Marrakech, and a symbol of the city itself. The minaret of the Koutoubia, 77 meters high, is visible from almost any point of the city – an old ordinance, still in force, forbids any building of Marrakech to surpass the Koutoubia minaret in height. Djemaa El Fna, the Square Nobody knows for certain of the origin of this square, whose name evokes, in Arabic, the contradictory notions of assembly or gathering, and that of absence. Probably as old as the city itself, it was a place for public executions during the day, and the meeting point of musicians, mystics, food sellers, pickpockets, acrobats, snake charmers, storytellers, dancers, fortune tellers and other exotic characters at night (happily enough, nowadays it only retains its more playful aspect). The Souks Filling the alleys north of Djmaa el Fna is the souk, or traditional market – the largest one in Morocco. It is, in turn, subdivided in some 18 souks, each one of them devoted to a specific trade or craftsmanship – from spices or ironwork, to the ingredients necessary for casting magic spells. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Marrakech

After breakfast, Morning excursion to Ourika Valley This trip takes you to the most beautiful valley of the High Atlas Mountains, which was always the favorite place for the inhabitants of Marrakech for their excursions. The Ourika Valley offers an enchanting spectacle of high and wild mountains dominating the red slopes with scattered hamlets in a typical Berber architecture and farming terraced fields. Along the road, you will cross lush green and shaded valley, then successively a rockier and wild landscape. Back to Marrakech, afternoon departure to Casablanca. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Casablanca

After breakfast, departure transfer to airport