Morocco: Imperial Cities
Led by Mr. Jalil Benlabili
Morocco has captured the imaginations of visitors for centuries with its layers of rich history, vibrant desert landscapes, and bustling souks that are just as beautiful as they are chaotic. Our journey begins in Rabat, whose status as the country’s diplomatic center appropriately reflects the city’s diverse cultural influences. Visit two notable eras of Moroccan history at the imperial city of Meknes, once home to the grand Moroccan sultanate, and the ancient Roman settlement of Volubilis, whose outstanding collection of mosaic floors rival any in the world. Discover Fes hidden in a valley surrounded by kaleidoscopic hills that change with the time of day. Explore the city’s legendary labyrinthine medina where something breathtaking is hidden around every corner. Travel through a landscape dotted with small fortified villages to the Moroccan desert that by day boasts views of breath-taking natural sand dunes and by night offers unparalleled glimpses of the unpolluted night sky. Stop in Ouarzazate to see UNESCO-protected red-earth kasbahs dating back thousands of years. Arrive in Marrakesh and you will find yourself immersed in the country’s proud artistic history on display in the surrounding architecture, elaborate tile mosaics, and traditional artisanship that define this ancient trading center. Spend a day in the High Atlas Mountains understanding the unique ways of life of Morocco’s native peoples, the Berbers. Fly home from Marrakesh.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday. Depart US.
Day 2: Friday. Rabat. Villa Mandarine.
Day 3: Saturday. Rabat.
Day 4: Sunday. Fes. Palais Faraj.
Day 5: Monday. Fes.
Day 6: Tuesday. Fes.
Day 7: Wednesday. Erfoud. Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Maadid.
Day 8: Thursday. Merzouga. Sahara Stars Desert Camp.
Day 9: Friday. Ouarzazate. Ksar Ighnda Hotel.
Day 10: Saturday. Marrakesh. Les Jardins de la Koutoubia.
Day 11: Sunday. Marrakesh.
Day 12: Monday. Marrakesh.
Day 13: Tuesday. Return home from Marrakesh.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR JOURNEY
We love organizing private journeys as much as we love putting together our group programs. If you would prefer, a customized journey can be planned for one person or a larger group of families or friends, and we would be delighted to work with you on your dream tour that reflects your interests, your pace and your budget.