TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the charming blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains.

Walk through the streets of an ancient Roman city, surrounded by lush rolling hills.

See the first American public property located outside of the United States

Explore the medina (old city) of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre where artists still create the intricate brass work, ceramics, clothing, and leather goods of their ancestors.

Experience breathtaking panoramas across the mountains.

Enjoy a festive show that features dancers and musicians with dinner in a medieval mansion.

Taste the rich variety of spices, herbs, and delectable Moroccan foods.

Numerous ocean views along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive to Tangier

Today, all participants arrive to the port city of Tangier. We meet at our hotel and, if time allows, we may visit Cap Spartel, Africa’s northwestern tip, which is located eleven kilometers west of Tangier. Cap Spartel is a scene spot where the waters the Mediterranean Sea mix with those of the Atlantic Ocean. Dinner together and overnight in Tangier. (D)

Day 2

Explore Tangier

Today we explore Tangier, a city that has been the gateway between Africa and Europe since ancient times. Today Tangier is a bustling and modern port, but it has retained its deep-rooted charm. As we enter the ramparts of the old city, one can’t help but sense the centuries of history that it contains. Within its old city is the American Legation Museum, the first American public property located outside of the United States. Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States as an independent country in 1777. The museum documents the early diplomatic relations that existed between the United States and Morocco and the life of many Americans who made Morocco their home. (B, D)

DAY 3

Tetouan – Chefchaouen

Today, we head to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s blue city. On the way we make a stop in Tetouan to do some exploring of this white-washed town. Tetouan was once an important point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia in Spain, and its importance continued after both Muslims and Jews were expelled from Al-Andalus during the Spanish Reconquista. We continue to the mountainous city of Chefchaouen, a gem tucked into the Rif mountains. Founded in 1471, this small, relaxed town will not fail to charm you. It is known for the many shades of blue that adorn the city’s walls. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 4

Chefchaouen

Spend the day delving deeper into Chefchaouen’s blue streets, a true photographer’s paradise. In late afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely hike up the hill to the Spanish mosque and enjoy the breathtaking view and sunset overlooking the valley of Chefchaouen. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 5

Volubilis - Fes

After breakfast in Chefchaouen, we head south to Fes. This ride provides us with a view of the rich, interior farmland and the breathtaking scenery of the Rif Mountains. On the way to Fes, we will make a special stop to visit Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 3rd century BC, Volubilis became an important outpost of the Roman empire. Impressive remains of ancient Roman buildings and their associated mosaic decorations can still be found in place. After a tour of Volubilis, we drive to the nearby spiritual center of Moulay Idris, built by Idris I who founded the city of Fes in the 8th century. We end the day in Fes, the center for many medieval ruling dynasties. Fes is still considered to be an important cultural and artistic center in Morocco.  Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Fes. (B, L, D)

DAY 6

Explore Fes

We start our day with a visit of Fes el Jadid or “new Fes,” which, despite its name, is not very new.  In fact, “new Fes” dates to the 13th century and was constructed when the Merinid Dynasty decided the old city of Fes was too small for their new mosques, schools, markets and gardens. The Merinids also protected the city’s large Jewish population and built them their own district called the mellah, which we will visit. We also see la ville nouvelle (the new city), which was built during the colonial period by the French and features wide café-lined boulevards that stand in stark contrast with the winding streets of the older parts of the city. We continue with a panoramic tour of the city’s ramparts. Roads outside the city take us to the ceramic and mosaic factories that make Fes famous. We spend the second half of the day in the old city, also called the medina or Fes el Bali. Fes is an exciting city and a wonderful place to see artists actively making such exquisite items as hand engraved brass plate and handmade silk weavings, using centuries-old traditional techniques.  Also included in the visit is the city’s famous tanneries, 14th century Qur’anic schools, and the 10th century Karaouyine mosque and university, the oldest continually operating university in the world. The night concludes with a special dinner party in an authentic mansion located in Fes el Bali where we will enjoy a show of Morocco’s lively music and dancing. Overnight at hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 7

Rabat

Travel west to Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. Upon arriving, we spend the afternoon discovering the city, including the mausoleum built to honor King Muhammed the fifth, who led Morocco in the struggle for independence from European colonization. From his mausoleum, we will gaze upon the remains of the12th century mosque of Hassan - a mosque that was intended to be the largest in the world but was never completed.  Also, we visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a fortification that dates to the 13th century. This area is particularly scenic and we will meander through winding streets that end with a beautiful panoramic view of the Atlantic. This visit gives you the rare opportunity to compare and contrast medieval and contemporary Arab architecture in Morocco in close proximity to each other. Also of interest is the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts. While Rabat has ancient remains that date back to the 3rd century B.C., it also is a thriving, contemporary city.  We will explore Rabat’s wide, European inspired boulevards, open-air cafes, and dine at one of its most dynamic restaurants. (B, L, D)

DAY 8

Rabat – Assilah – Tangier

Today we head north, taking the costal road that goes by Larache and Asilah in order to return to Tangier. Larache is a little town located on the Atlantic near the archaeological site Lixus, which was once a trading post for the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, and finally the Romans. After our visit of see Larache, we head to Asilah, a coastal town about 40 kilometers south Tangier. Asilah shares with Larache a deep history that stretches back to the Roman era. Asilah has also been through Portuguese and Spanish occupations during recent history. Evidence can be seen in the  Portuguese architecture, the ramparts, and towers that still remains. Portuguese fortifications enclose an ancient town with white-and-blue-washed houses and a noticeable Mediterranean feel. By the end of the day, we must return to Tangier where we started the tour. We will have a farewell dinner before we officially end our tour. 

TRIP INFORMATION

If anyone needs an optional transfer next day, it can be arranged locally or if anyone would like to extend their travel in Morocco to different regions, it can be done but mention it when booking this trip

NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP:

• All airfare

• Travel insurance

• Visas

• Any private transfers

• Travel insurance (required) and is the participant’s responsibility to obtain.

• Passport fees and or any paper work related expenses

• Excess baggage charges

• Telephone, laundry, room service, and any personal expenses

• Medical expenses

• Beverages

• Meals not listed in the itinerary