Tangier and its wonderful caves, Chefchaouen, the pearl of the north with its blue charming alleyways, Meknes with its stunning gates and enormous walls, and Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital with its labyrinth markets are all part of a 5-day northern and imperial towns tour from Tangier. This journey also brings you to a section of the Moroccan kingdom that is still relatively unknown, where the Andalusian influence still pervades the lives of the little communities of the Eastern Rif.
Day 1: Tangier-Chefchaouen
We’ll begin by driving across the Rif Mountains, passing through Tetouan. We’ll take a break at the foot of the Rif mountains in Chefchaouan to thoroughly appreciate the amazing views of the region. Chefchaouen’s medina is heavily influenced by Spanish architecture, as it was originally part of “Spanish Morocco,” and its square is brimming with colorful handmade shops. It also has a number of rooftop restaurants and cafes, which are also available in the Riads, where you may spend the rest of the evening with a pleasant breeze and a stunning view.
Day 2: Chefchaouen-Volubilis-Meknes-Fez
After a delicious breakfast, we continue on our way to Volubilis, passing via Ouazan and other Rif settlements. We’ll see the Roman ruins at Volubilis, recognized by UNESCO (1997). It contains amazing mosaics, hundreds of Latin inscriptions, and artistic elements.. We’ll pause for lunch before continuing on to Meknes, where we’ll see the medieval walls of the medina, as well as Bab el Mansour and the Moulay Ismail shrine. We’ll leave later in the afternoon for Fes, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 3: Fez Sightseeing Tour
Our driver will meet you at your riad/hotel in Fez, we begin our tour at the Royal Palace with its superb bronze doors (seven in general. Then, with its old architecture, we visit Morocco’s first Mellah (Jewish district). We’re about to start our Fez walking tour through the maze of the Fez medina (UNESCO World Heritage). Begin at Sebbaghine, with its vibrant dyers’ lanes, then continue to Seffarine, passing through the winding alleys of the magnificent Mosque el-Quarawiyyin and the University, before taking a trip back in time to the beautiful Souk el-Attarine, filled with scented spices and vegetables. Visit the excellent Medersa el-Atterine, as well as the Quarters, mosques, and tanneries on the Oued Fez’s bank. Fes is the best in crafts, using the same materials as in the past. The tanneries, which are well-known in Fes, are a highlight of the visit, with locals working in small pits on goat, lamp, camel, and cow skins.
Continue to el Najjarine with its woodwork and Plaza fountain painters. We pause for lunch nearby, then proceed to Dar Batha Museum for a tour through Moroccan arts before rejoining our car for the ride to Bab Boujloud.
For the time being, we’ll visit the 16th century Potters’ Region (Fakhkharin), located not far from Bab Ftouh in the Guerouaoua zone, to observe the specialists work in their ovens and possibly purchase some of their unique clayware.
Back in our car, now for a tour of the superb walls with their spectacular Babs “doors” then we will stop at the sixteenth-century Saadian watchtower at Borj Nord for yet another panoramic view. So much history and so many moments to capture on video before returning to our car and driving to your lodging.
Day 4: Fes – Rabat – Casablanca
In the morning and after breakfast we will leave Fes to Rabat (Morocco’s capital and one of the imperial cities). On the way you’ll appreciate many beautiful landscapes and countrysides, we can stop for a while to take some memorable pictures. Upon arrival in Rabat , we will take a break to relax and have lunch then we will begin our tour of the city. First visit the unfinished mosque Tower Hassan and the mausoleum Mohamed 5th and the magnificent Chellah. In the afternoon continue to Casablanca. If we have time we will take you to Hassan II mosque, Casablanca’s most famous monument and the city’s only mosque open to non-Muslims. Morocco’s first introduction of Moorish characteristics is the Hassan II Mosque. It was constructed between 1987 and 1993 by King Hassan II. More than 25 thousand worshipers can pray inside the mosque, while 80 thousand people can pray outside in the mosque’s main square. Finally, we will drop you off at your accommodation.
Day 5: Casablanca-Asilah-Tangier
Today, we’ll travel from Casablanca to Assilah and finally to Tangier, where our journey will come to a close.