Highlights Of Morocco

Arrive in the 'red city' of Marrakech. This atmospheric city encompasses the very essence of Morocco; opportunities to get lost in the narrow, winding lanes of the medina and to people watch with a traditional mint tea in Djemaa el Fna. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Marrakech at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), which is around 20 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. Should you miss the meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to visit Jardin Majorelle just a short walk from our hotel. This is a fast paced tour, with limited time in Marrakech at the start or the end of the trip. Should you wish to extend your stay there is the option of adding additional nights onto your trip to give you more time in Marrakech.

This morning we experience the heady delights of Marrakech on a guided tour of this iconic city. Renowned for its beautiful architecture, we pass the rose-coloured Koutoubia 'booksellers' Mosque on the way to the Bahia Palace, a fusion of Moroccan and Islamic styles that is an excellently preserved open-air museum, and is naturally cool, making it a pleasure to wander around! Munching on fresh pastries from a traditional bakery, we'll continue into the Medina on foot. Being guided through the labyrinth of colourful spice-scented souks serves up a feast for the senses. Rugs, leather goods, silverware and crockery of all shapes and sizes are on offer. We'll visit a spice shop and see the variety of mouth-watering food on offer, sampling ripe dates with almonds from the stall sellers. Navigating our way out of the souks we find ourselves in the midst of the frantic Djemma el-Fna Square. Following our city we bid farewell to Marrakech, heading for the beautiful waterfalls at Cascades of Ouzoud. We will stop en route for lunch in a local restaurant in Tamalet. After visiting the waterfalls we continue on to our stop for tonight in Bin el Ouidane. The drive is around three hours, with stops along the way to stretch our legs, before arriving in the late afternoon. Our hotel for this evening is hidden peacefully in the Atlas Mountains boasting views across Bin el Ouidane lake.

We will have a very early start this morning for the full day journey to Fes via Meknes and ancient Volubilis. The drive will follow the northern slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, into the Oued Boufekrane River Valley with a picnic stop en route to the city of Meknes. Once the heart of the Moroccan Sultanate, Meknes was built by the tyrant, Moulay Ismail, and was once filled with palaces and grand gateways. Although much of Ismail's capital has crumbled to dust, it still exudes a sense of its former regal grandeur. In the company of a guide we will visit the old granary of Heri es-Souni and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail himself. In spite of the sultan's infamous blood lust and cruelty, many still see his reign as a golden age and the tomb is held in high regard. After time in Meknes we'll take a short 45 minute drive to the ancient site to Volubilis. Once the capital of the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana, Volubilis is Morocco's' best-preserved Roman site, set among rolling, fertile plans, and was once a thriving city home to an estimated 20,000 residents. We'll have time to explore and learn about the extensive history of the area. The day ends with another hour drive to Fes, our home for the next two nights. Please note that there are extensive renovations taking place in Meknes and Fes during 2023 and 2024 and some sites could be closed during building work, your tour leader will update you on what is open and adapt the itinerary to make the most of our time here.