Imperial Cities & The Sahara Desert

Welcome to the western coast of Morocco! Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your accommodation. Depending on your flight details, you may have time to explore your surroundings. Take a stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche, the beach promenade that follows the Atlantic coast and is sometimes referred to as Morocco's Miami. Grab a bite in Rick's Café, a restaurant, bar, and café designed to recreate the bar made famous in the movie classic, Casablanca. 

Casablanca is a modern, commercial capital of Morocco, and is home to the stunning Hassan II Mosque. It sits on an outcrop over the Atlantic Ocean and has a 690 feet (210 m) minaret —  the tallest structure in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world! It is estimated the courtyard can hold 80,000 worshipers, with room for 25,000 inside. What makes this mosque unique is that it is one of the few mosques in the country non-Muslims can enter. Join a morning tour and be awestruck with the exquisitely ornate artisanship: hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble floor detailing, and gilded cedar ceilings. Continue to Meknes to explore the Ville Impériale (Imperial City). Roam gardens and palaces, the impressive gate of Bab al-Mansour, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Visit the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a sprawling complex worth wandering. Marvel at the merchant homes, temples, and colorful mosaics in situ, including the Labors of Hercules. Carry on to Fes and navigate its impressively large and complicated medina that stretches down a hillside. Before venturing into the medina (old quarter), take a moment and visit the ruins of the Merenid Tombs to enjoy a panoramic view of the old city. Spend the night in a beautiful riad in the old town where you can enjoy the local specialties.

Fes is the oldest of the four Imperial Cities (Rabat and Marrakech are the remaining two) in Morocco and perhaps the most interesting and exciting to explore.  It has the most complete medina in the Arab world and is relatively untouched since it was founded over 1000 years ago. Often considered the country's cultural capital, it is made up of three parts, two medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the modern Ville Nouvelle constructed during the French colonial era (1912-1956). Meet your guide and spend a half day learning about the history and culture as you navigate the winding narrow streets of the medinas. Roam Fes el Bali (founded in 789 ACE) and discover how Spanish and Tunisian refugees influenced the medina's architecture. Browse the many souks (markets) offering local goods and watch the artisans at work. Visit the Chouara Tannery (11th century) and find a nearby leather shop for an encompassing overview. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (859 ACE) and catch a glimpse of the beautifully decorated interior, its university is the oldest still operating university in the world! Immerse yourself in the Al Attarine Madrasa and marvel at the detailed zellij tile work and woodwork. Head to Fes el Jdid (13th century) to check out the Mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery) and take advantage of its location for a stunning panoramic photo of the city.