A journey of discovery from the Mediterranean to the south Atlantic Coast. Begin the journey in the bustling port city of Tangier, the gateway from Europe, before travelling to the small town of Chefchaouen, nestled amongst hills on the edge of the Rif Mountains. Continue to Morocco’s spiritual capital, the famed city of Fes. En-route to the imperial city of Meknes you’ll discover the Roman history of Morocco at Volubilis,. You’ll visit Morocco’s modern capital, Rabat, where Andalusian influences abound in the old medina. Visit busy Casablanca before following the coastal road to the fortified cities of El Jedida, Safi and Essaouira, a fishing port built by the Portuguese. Then across the southern desert to Marrakech where the journey ends.

Includes: transfers in private a/c vehicle, accomm in hotels and riads, meals as indicated, english speaking local guides in Fes, Volubilis, Meknes, Rabat & Marrakech. Entrance fees to included sites

Not included: Meals not listed, tipping and personal expenses

ITINERARY

Day 1. Tangier
Transfer from the airport or ferry terminal to your hotel. Rest of day allows time to explore the alleyways and passages to the Kasbah at the highest point of the Medina . Within the Kasbah are a number of museums. Or you may wander the wide boulevards of the new town, perhaps sip a coffee in an old cafes.

Day 2. Chefchaouen   [BD]
Morning at leisure in Tangier. Afternoon transfer to Chefchaouen, a beautiful blue and white-washed Andalucian town nestled in the Rif Mountains , with narrow, winding alleyways and market squares. Women, wearing traditional garments and conical straw hats come from surrounding villages come to sell there wares,

Day 3. Chefchaouen   [BD]
Full day at leisure to explore this pretty town. You could take a walk to the Spanish Mosque situated on a hill overlooking the town for fantastic sunset views.

Day 4. Fes   [B]
Through beautiful hilly scenery you reach Fes . Entering this 1200 year old city is like returning to the 16 th century. It is an experience not to be missed.

Day 5. Fes   [B]
A full day at leisure in Fes . An optional, 5-hour guided tour of the ancient medina, with its winding alleys, craft workshops, great mosques, ancient koranic schools, and the old working tanneries, is recommended. During the afternoon you'll have time for shopping, finding treasures hidden in old stores.

Day 6. Volubilis – Moulay Idriss - Meknes   [B]
Stops en-route to Meknes are the old Roman city of Volubilis, and the holy, hillside city of Moulay Idriss, the burial place of the founder of Morocco 's first imperial dynasty. Continue to Meknes , the smallest and friendliest of the five imperial cities of Morocco . The immense city walls and gates lead the visitors' into labyrinth of alleys and market stalls selling spices, olives, pottery, copperware or carpets.

Day 7. Rabat   [B]
Today you journey to Morocco 's capital, Rabat . This busy city, a mix of the old and new, with wide, tree-lined boulevards in the new town and narrow bustling alleys of the old medina. An afternoon at leisure allows time to visit the Hassan Tower , the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the amazing Kasbah Oudaias.

Day 8. Casablanca   [B]
An after breakfast short drive to Casablanca , the commercial centre of Morocco . Here you must see the Hassan II mosque, one of the largest and certainly most beautiful in the world. The old Medina , or the Cathedral de Sacre Coeur and Quartier Habous (the New Medina), are worth exploring. And join the locals on an evening promenade along the sea front and watch the sun go down over the Atlantic .

Days 9-10. Essaouira   [B]
A scenic coastal drive to Essaouira on the south Atlantic Coast . This white-walled town is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, the sand and the sea. There are plenty of activities on offer, camel rides along the shore, ancient forts and palaces to explore, shopping for souvenirs, watching the activities in the colourful fishing harbour.

Days 11-12. Marrakech   [B]
Today you travel to Marrakech, the exotic ochre coloured city filled with exotic sights. Afternoon guided tour to the medina including the Bahia Palace, Saadien Tombs, Ben Youssef Medresa, Djemaa el Fna square and various souks.

Your hotel, located near the Djemaa-el-Fna Square , is in the vibrant heart of the city. In the square you'll see snake charmers, musicians, acrobats and storytellers. In the evening open food-stalls are set up with delicious kebabs and salads. Your senses will be reeling in the narrow streets of the medieval medina with the smell of herbs, leather and meat stalls, the exuberant mix of carpets, fruits, herbs and dyed skeins of wool. In the courtyards the tanners are busy. Small gateways provide an entrance to the beautifully constructed and decorated sultan's tombs, old palaces and Koranic schools. You have three days at leisure to explore.

Day 13. Departure   [B]
Transfer to Marrakech airport for your onward flight.