Magical Morocco

DAY 1, Saturday – Arrive Casablanca, Welcome Dinner
Upon arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you will be met by your Morocco Tour Manager. Your welcome dinner will be served in a local Moroccan restaurant.
Overnight: Casablanca
Meals: Dinner
 
DAY 2, Sunday - Casablanca and Rabat Tours
After breakfast, you will have a driving tour of Casablanca with a stop at the Hassan II Mosque. From here, head north to Rabat.  Upon arrival, you will tour Rabat, the capital city and residence of the king. Your visit includes stops at the King’s Palace, La Tour Hassan and Mausoleum. There will be time for lunch on your own; your tour manager can suggest some delightful local eateries. Continue to Fes. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel where you will enjoy dinner that evening.
Overnight: Fes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
DAY 3, Monday - Medina Walking Tour in Fes
After breakfast you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the King’s Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. Lunch is served at a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. The tour of the medina continues after lunch. Upon conclusion, return to the hotel to rest and freshen up for this evening's festivities. Tonight, experience a traditional Moroccan dinner complete with dancers and musicians.
Overnight: Fes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 4, Tuesday - Meknes, Moroccan Cooking Class, Volubilis Roman Ruins
After an early breakfast, set off to Meknes for a visit to this Imperial City. Later, you will have a hands on experience of Moroccan cooking. Visit a lovely Moroccan Dar (house) where your teacher will walk you through the steps of preparing these delicious dishes. Lunch will be the fruit of your labors. Your day continues to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.  Spend the afternoon exploring the 2000-year-old ruins with a sense of life during the Roman Empire. Return to Fes in the evening for dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Fes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 5, Wednesday - Travel the High and Middle Atlas to Marrakech
After breakfast, the group will depart for Marrakech, through the foothills of the High Atlas.  The beautiful drive will take you up into the Middle Atlas Mountains, through the Berber towns of Ifrane and Azrou.  Keep your eyes open for the Barbary Apes! Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will enjoy some time to relax. Dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight: Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
DAY 6, Thursday - Marrakech Walking Tour
After breakfast, you will have a walking tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures. The tour continues to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech.  Lunch will be served in a local Moroccan restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure; perhaps you will spend time wandering the souk of Marrakech.  In the evening, be sure to partake in the nightlife as it seems the whole city is alive and  ready to entertain you.
Overnight: Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
 
DAY 7, Friday - Ourika Valley Excursion, Henna Ceremony
After breakfast, you will set off into the High Atlas to enjoy the Ourika Valley, known for the adobe homes and Berber villages.  In the evening, you will participate in a henna ceremony as you have your hands decorated with this traditional, natural dye (used in weddings and celebrations).  Dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight: Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
DAY 8, Saturday - Essaouira
After breakfast, depart Marrakech to the coastal city of Essaouira, a picturesque fishing town, lying on the southwest coast of Morocco. With an exquisite beach to the south, Essaouira has become one of Morocco's most popular coastal towns.  Many of the countries wood carvers and artists make Essaouira their home. Dinner will be served at the lovely Riad.
Overnight: Essaouira
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
DAY 9, Sunday - Return to Casablanca, Farewell Dinner
Your last day of travel will take you back to Casablanca.  You will leave Essaouira for Casablanca with a stop at Safi (famous for pottery) and El Oualidia on the way. You will drive along the coastline to El Jadida where we visit the citadel and see the underground cistern. You will then continue on to Casablanca, where we spend our last night in the country with a farewell dinner at Rick’s Café, inspired by the movie Casablanca.
Overnight: Casablanca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
DAY 10, Monday - Depart for the USA
After breakfast, bid adieu to the exotic charms of Morocco as you depart for the airport for your return flight home
 Meals: Breakfast