Highlights of Northern Morocco

Welcome to Casablanca!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Moroccan Marvels

This morning, start your Moroccan adventure with a guided panoramic drive of Casablanca to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Later, enjoy a scenic drive along the Barbary Coast to Rabat, Morocco's capital city. This afternoon and evening, enjoy some free time to start getting acquainted with the city. (B) 56 mi / 90 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: The Hassan II Mosque is one of the most recognizable buildings in Casablanca, if not the whole of Morocco. An architectural and artisanal work of art, using both tradition and technology, its stunning 689-ft minaret dominates the skyline from its prestigious position on the Atlantic coast.

A Cultural Crossroads

Start the day with a guided city sightseeing of Rabat, a fascinating journey through history and culture. It comprises a panoramic drive and sights of the Royal City and Palace, the Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudayas, plus a visit of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Chellah Gardens. Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore more. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: The current capital of Morocco, and one of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, Rabat has been pivotal for many cultures and civilizations, including the Romans, Berber, and French. Once a haven for corsairs it is now the seat of government and one of the King's royal palaces. Whilst exploring Rabat, it is easy to see the imprint each of these has left on Rabat, whether it be through archaeological sites, architecture of local specialties.

Coastal Caves and Characters

Experience different aspects of Morocco today. Travel north to the enchanting coastal fishing village of Asilah, commonly known as “The Pearl of the Atlantic.” Enjoy an orientation walk featuring the Medina and Old City walls, plus some free time to browse and sample local specialties for lunch. Continue to Tangier to visit the Caves of Hercules before reaching the promontory of Cap Spartel. Gaze at the amazing views while sipping traditional mint tea. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) 174 mi / 280 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: Enjoy the panorama as you travel along the Atlantic coastline of North Africa. First stop to visit the Caves of Hercules, said to be one of the resting places of Hercules between his twelve legendary labors. Continue to the the dramatic Cap Spartel promontory that stands at the entrance of the Straits of Gibraltar, separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Mediterranean Sea and Africa from Europe. Legend says that Hercules is also responsible for the creation of these straits.

Gateway to Africa

This morning, discover more of this distinguished city with a guided sightseeing that includes an orientation drive, plus visits to the American Legation Museum, the only U.S. National Landmark not located on U.S. territory, and the Grand Socco. Later, enjoy free time to explore more. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: Explore Tangiers and stroll around the Grand Socco – the historic circular roundabout separating the old Médina with its vibrant markets and blue and white buildings from the modern downtown area.

Spanish Footprints

Depart Tangier and drive to Tétouan, often called the “White Dove” due to its impressive white buildings. Follow a guided walking tour of the city and see the UNESCO-listed Medina. Visit a tannery to learn about the centuries-old tradition of leather-making before continuing to the coastal resort of M'Diq. Enjoy some leisure time strolling the charming streets or walking along the seafront. (B/D) 62 mi / 100 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: Located at the foot of the Rif Mountains Tétouan is often called Morocco's most Spanish city. After the Reconquista of Spain, refugees fleeing from Spain settled in Tétouan and rebuilt the city using an Andalusian style architecture. The medina, built on the slopes of Jebel Dersa, is considered to be one of the best maintained examples of a traditional Moroccan medina.

The Blue Diamond

Today, visit Chefchaouen, considered by many to be one of Morocco's most picturesque towns. Join the guided tour to see some of the main sights, including the Kasbah, the Bab El Ain gateway, Place Outa el Hammam, the Great Mosque, and the Ras El Maa waterfall. Enjoy some free time to browse and lunch, before continuing to Fez. (B/D) 174 mi / 280 km.

LOCAL FAVORITE - BLUE HUES: Known as the “Blue Diamond” or the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen has become an iconic city, famed for the blue hues that color its charming buildings. But why blue? Some say that the blue represents the colour of the Mediterranean Sea; others say that the Jewish community of Chefchouen introduced the colour blue as they believe is represents the sky, heaven, and God. Some suggest that the colour blue keeps the houses cool, or that it repels mosquitoes; and in Islamic culture blue represents happiness and optimism. Whichever version you choose to believe, one thing is certain, the blue hues of Chefchouen won't fail to charm!

The Heart of Morocco

Start the day with an interesting, guided sightseeing of Fez, Morocco's oldest imperial city. Visit the Medina, one of the world's largest and oldest urban pedestrian zones, and Medersa Bou Inania. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure or join an optional excursion. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Discover a lively city akin to Disney's Aladdin, bursting with vibrant hues and fragrant aromas. Fez's ancient history comes to life in this part of the town surrounded by high walls, separating the maze of over 9.000 alleys from the outside world.

Play it Again

This morning, arrive in Meknes, the former capital, and one of the four Imperial Cities. Follow a guided sightseeing tour that features the monumental gates, mosque, and Royal Palace. After some free time for lunch and more browsing, return to Casablanca. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) 190 mi / 305 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: The cultural and architectural heritage of Meknes has been preserved to such an extent that it is often called “the city of a hundred minarets” or the “Versailles of Morocco.” Hiding behind the impressive 17th century defensive walls and monumental gates are many key monuments that display Islamic and European architecture in all their grandeur.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)