non-group tour
6 DAYS NORTHERN MOROCCO
Northern Morocco has seduced visitors for centuries with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, charming locals, ancient kasbahs and captivating desert landscapes and is the perfect addition to our Southern Morocco itinerary.
A long history of camel caravans plied with spices for trade, driven by nomadic Berbers with stories from far away lands there is little wonder the world of adventurers has been spellbound by this enchanting land for many centuries. Roman soldiers of fortune and Muslim armies have all passed through this land leaving impressive monuments and crumbling ruins, when combined with the dazzling blue, washed mountain villages, makes the region an absolute must for any serious traveller.
TOUR START DATE
On Request
START LOCATION
Marrakech, Morocco
TOUR END DATE
On Request
END LOCATION
Marrakech, Morocco
HIGHLIGHTS
- Guided tour Borj Tower
- Explore panoramic Fes
- Learn from traditional artisan potters
- Option to hike to nearby Cascade D’Akchour
- Peruse ancient medinas
- Visit UNESCO world heritage site Volubilis
- Explore the stunning blue-washed village of Chefchaouen
- Wander the kasbah of the Udayas
- Stay in charming boutique riads
- Visit the sacred city Moulay Idriss Zerhound
- Meet traditional potters and try your hand
- Supporting sustainable tourism
1
Day 1:
Fes Up!
Start the tour in Marrakech where your guide will transfer you to the ancient city of Fes. This will be a long day of driving, but there will be many stops for tea and photos along the way. Planning to arrive in time for dinner and with some free time to explore the ancient medina.
Let go of all expectations and allow yourself to wander and explore the cobblestoned alleyways of the world’s largest car-free urban area. Darting out of the way of the donkey-drawn carts carrying merchants wares, you’ll be hypnotised by the call to prayer and drawn to magical pockets and corners while being transported to an ancient lifestyle that will seduce your senses and leave you wanting for more tomorrow. Getting lost is all part of the fun!
Accommodation: Riad Al Makan, Fes.
Meals: N/A
Activities: Transfer from Marrakech to Fes.
- Option to fly to Fes at own expense.
2
Day 2:
Meet Traditional Artisans
Today, following a delicious breakfast, your local city guide will meet you at your riad for a guided tour of the city of magnificent Fes.
Begin the day with the Royal Palace before heading to one of the Borj (towers) for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
You will then head to a mosaic house where you will have a demonstration of traditional pottery making techniques. Feel free to jump in and try your hand with one of the artisans.
Head into the medina of Fes through the Blue Gate Bab Boujloud where you will discover the ancient streets and neighbourhoods, as well as Al-Qarawaiyin University. Founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 864 AD and still in operation today, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest continually operated university in the world.
Fes is famous for its leather and you’ll have a chance to visit one of the tanneries. You’ll visit the handicraft area of the souks and visit a wide variety of artisans, including textile weavers, throughout the medina.
After your introduction to Fes, you’ll be free to explore on your own.
Accommodation: Riad Al Makan, Fes.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Tour of Fes, meet traditional potters, visit tannery, visit souk.
3
Day 3:
Fes – Volubilis – Meknes – Chefchaouen
Enjoy breakfast before pick up by your local guide and head to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Before the Romans came, Volubilis was an Amazigh city known as Oulili (pronounced wa-lee-lee) which dates to the 3rd century B.C. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in the 18th century and subsequently further damaged by Moulay Ismail’s architects, it is still “an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire”, according to the UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Once reclaimed by the local Amazigh tribes around 235 AD, it was near here in the 8th Century that Idriss I established the first dynasty of the Kingdom of Morocco.
After visiting Volubilis, be guided to nearby Moulay Idriss Zerhound, a sacred city that until recently non-muslims were not allowed to enter, where we will stop for lunch before making the short drive to Meknes to discover this interesting and lesser-known Imperial city.
After your visit here, you’ll head to the beautiful ‘Blue City’ Chefchaouen. You will have the rest of the evening to explore this relaxing city.
Accommodation: Dar Echaouen, Chefchaouen.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Visit Volubilis, Moulay Idriss Zerhound, transfer to Chefchaouen.
4
Day 4:
Full Day Chefchaouen
Be charmed and intoxicated as you spend the entire day in this beautiful little city and discover the narrow blue washed mountain village on your own.
If you are up for a little adventure, you can hike to nearby Cascade D’Akchour in the morning and enjoy the cool green hills, arriving back to Chefchaouen early enough to enjoy more of this gorgeous city.
If you prefer an easier pace, get carried away in the old medina of red-tiled roofs and bright blue buildings in what is an eclectic mix of Moroccan and Andalucian influence, being the perfect balance of authenticity and tranquillity.
Relaxation more your vibe today? Ease your way into a traditional hammam for some pampering to calm and soothe the body and senses.
Accommodation: Dar Echaouen, Chefchaouen.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: N/A
5
Day 5:
Rabat & Ruins
After breakfast, head down the coast to the capital of Morocco, historical Rabat. Here you will visit the ruins of the Roman town of Sala Colonia (also known as Chellah) which was settled in 40 AD.
Venture through the walls of the Kasbah of the Udayas where you’ll discover the city’s oldest quarter which was built during the Almohad dynasty. A bustling neighbourhood has evolved over centuries with enticing narrow streets with signature whitewashed and blue houses built during the 16th century by Moroccan refugees from Spain. Get your fill exploring the old Medina before returning to your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel des Oudaias, Rabat.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Transfer to Rabat, visit Sala Colonia, Kasbah of the Udayas.
6
Day 6:
Marrakech Bound
This morning, you will be transferred back to Marrakech with ample time your onward flight. Departure transfer to Casablanca on request.
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Transfer to Marrakech.
