Compare Magic of Morocco 2023 by Tauck vs Imperial Morocco - 8 Days by Travel for All

Day 1 Arrive Rabat

Tour begins: 6:00 PM. A transfer is included from Rabat-Sale Airport or Casablanca Airport to La Tour Hassan in the heart of the city. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner with live music at the hotel.

MEALS : D

LODGING : La Tour Hassan

PORTOFCALL : Rabat, Morocco

Day 2 Rabat, Morocco's capital & on to Fes

Morocco's seaside capital city of Rabat is an intriguing blend of medieval Arabic and modern European influences, wide palm-lined boulevards, enclaves of elegant French colonial architecture, and Moorish-style palaces, mosques, and ramparts that echo the city's golden age as an Almohad stronghold. Sightseeing includes Dar-al-Makhzhen, the Royal Palace and residence of the king of Morocco, built in 1864, with its sumptuous Islamic ornament and exquisite formal gardens. Visit the Mauseoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Alouite-style architecture with stunning ornamental carvings and chandeliers, the final resting place of the king who fought for Morrocan independence in the mid-20th century. View the massive Hassan Tower, the city's most imposing landmark; built in the 12th century and rising 140 feet high, the minaret is the centerpiece of a great mosque that was never finished, begun at the height of the Almohad Dynasty. Leave Rabat and head for Fes, stopping for lunch at a winery on the way. Arrive this afternoon and check into a lovely boutique hotel with views of the old town and the city skyline. Tonight you'll dine at leisure at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Sahrai

PORTOFCALL : Fes, Morocco

Day 3 The souks & bazaars of Fes

The sprawling city of Fes is over 1,200 years old, and its well-preserved old town is a vast maze of winding streets and alleys, crowded aromatic bazaars, and eclectic architecture; no cars are allowed so transport here is in the ancient, traditional style, on foot. Choose the focus for your morning walking tour: you may choose a tour on which you'll sample the local cuisine; get an insider's look at the craftsmanship of the artisans who make intricate, handcrafted carvings, rugs, leatherwork, and metalwork; or explore the Jewish quarter and learn about its influence on local cuisine and culture. Have lunch in a medina and enjoy an exclusive lecture by a local scholar on life in Morocco from a woman's perspective. After lunch, get an eye-opening tour of the city's famous leather tanneries, which are dominated by numerous, deep, multicolored pools of dye; here, preparing leather is done in the same way as in medieval times to supply the artisans of the souks and bazaars. Return to the hotel, then join us for dinner at a riad, an inn with a central garden or courtyard; the Palais Faraj is a mix of old and contemporary architecture set within the Fes Medina.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Sahrai

PORTOFCALL : Fes, Morocco

Day 4 Roman ruins at Volubilis

Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, in the rolling hills and fertile farmland between Fes and Meknes. Volubilis was a remote military outpost of the Roman Empire that fell to local tribes in 285 and was never retaken; it is one of the richest archaeological sites in North Africa, a well-preserved, example of a Roman colonial town which still retains its triumphal arch and remnants of its mansions, temples, forum, and glorious mosaics. Enjoy lunch in the town of Moulay Idriss at a private home known as the Scorpion House. Return to Fes for an afternoon and evening spent as you please.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Hotel Sahrai

PORTOFCALL : Fes, Morocco

Day 5 Walled Meknes to famed Casablanca

This morning, drive to Meknes. This walled city of lavish Spanish-Moorish architecture dates back to the 11th century but rose to glory in the 17th century under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made it the capital of his burgeoning empire. Known as the Warrior King, Moulay Ismail was a powerful and ruthless leader who liberated Morocco from the Ottomans and Europeans. This morning's walking tour of Meknes includes Moulay's stables, large enough to house 12,000 horses and designed to water and feed them with an aqueduct and granary; the city's medina; and a visit to a historic madrasa (or medersa), an Islamic learning center and Koranic school. After a hearty lunch and some free time in Meknes, head for Casablanca, viewing the classic Bogart-Bergman film of the same name on the way. Arrive at your seaside Four Seasons hotel, steeped in modern Moroccan elegance, in late afternoon; dine at the hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

PORTOFCALL : Casablanca, Morocco

Day 6 Casablanca, Rick's Cafe & Marrakech

In Casablanca, visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque, set on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic with a towering minaret, 689 feet high; completed in 1993, it is the largest mosque in the country, built to accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and another 80,000 on the grounds. (Touring this site, women and men must dress appropriately.) Stop for a visit to the Musée Slaoui (Museum of the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation), showcasing works by Jacques Majorelle and other artists who made Morocco their home, before lunch at Rick's Cafe – a recreation of Humphrey Bogart's fabled lair in the film Casablanca, complete with piano bar. Continue on to Marrakech and check into your Four Seasons hotel, where you'll dine at your leisure this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 7 Discovering magical Marrakech

Marrakech is surrounded by imposing stone walls from its medieval days as the wealthy capital of an empire. Within those well-preserved fortifications are palaces of red-hued stone, gardens and palm groves, and a Medina of narrow streets and arches packed with fascinating souks and stalls, which have long held a mystical attraction for visitors. Meet the elaborately red-costumed "watermen" who sell water on the streets of the city at a park overlooking the Koutubia mosque before beginning your day at the magnificent Bahia Palace, considered to be one of the greatest palaces of the 19th century, perfectly capturing the essence of the Islamic and Morroccan style. From the Bahia Palace, visit the Gardens Majorelle, the masterpiece and former home of French-born artist Jacques Majorelle, designed in the 1930s and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Visit the stunning Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, whose collections preserve and interpret the life and work of the designer. After lunch at a local restaurant in the trendy Gueliz district, take a walk through the main square and marketplace, Jemaa el-Fna, and spend time exploring on your own before returning to your hotel for an afternoon and evening spent as you wish.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 8 An idyll in the desert

Explore Marrakech on your own this morning, then join us for a drive aboard 4x4 vehicles outside of the city to spend an afternoon and evening in the desert. Enjoy a tea ceremony, visit a local home in a Berber Village and get acquainted with Berber history and culture. Dinner is served Berber-style under a tent at a desert camp with musical entertainment. During your desert experience, enjoy a camel ride and the exotic flavors of the hubbly-bubbly pipe before returning to your Marrakech hotel for the night.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 9 Your choice, in & around Marrakech

You'll have a choice of sightseeing activities in and around Marrakech this morning. You can attend a local cooking school to learn about Moroccan cuisine, its history and influences (and enjoy a lunch you help to prepare); take an excursion to the walled seaside town of Essaouira, an ancient port whose magical light and picturesque beauty has long attracted prominent artists and rock stars, accompanied by a local guide and a photographer who offers tips on getting that perfect shot; or enjoy a morning of pampering at your hotel's hammam (steam bath), where you'll learn the traditional Moroccan way of steaming and washing that leaves the skin smooth and rejuvenated. After some free time this afternoon, join us this evening at your Four Seasons resort for a farewell reception at the rooftop bar, followed by a farewell dinner at the hotel; both are private and exclusively for Tauck guests only.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 10 Journey home

Tour ends in Marrakech. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Four Seasons Marrakech to the Marrakech Menara Airport (about a half-hour drive) or Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (a drive of approximately 2.5 hours). Allow three hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 1: Arrival

Meals: Breakfast

Upon arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you will be met and transferred by your accessible, private accessible transport driver to your Casablanca hotel, where you will check-in and relax for the afternoon.

If desired, you will have the opportunity to head out to see some of the city, perhaps including a visit to popular Ain Diab, a flat and beautiful corniche along the Atlantic Ocean.

Blue sky and the sun shining through an arch in the mosque in Casablanca Morocco

Day 02: Rabat & Fes

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you will depart from Casablanca with your private driver towards Fes. On route, you will stop at Rabat, the capital city and residence of the Moroccan King. Enjoy lunch and a time to explore the amazing sites of this beautiful coastal city including Le Tour Hassan, King’s Palace, and the Kasbah of the Udayas.

After lunch, you will continue on to Fes – the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco.

Streel lined with a ancient stone wall in Rabat Morocco

Day 03: Fes Medina Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you will venture into the Medina with your personal, English-speaking guide along our specifically designed wheelchair adapted route. This is one of the world’s largest walled cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the narrow, winding streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art treasures of Morocco.

A visit to the Kings Palace, the Jewish quarters and the local pottery artisans are just a few places you can experience. For lunch, eat at a traditional restaurant with handcrafted Moroccan dishes in the heart of the old medina.

After lunch, complete the tour in this historic city and return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner.

Picture of a walled city in Morocco

Day 04: Volubilis/Meknes

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast drive east toward Meknes, the next Imperial city on your tour. En route, take in the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. You will spend the morning exploring the 2000-year-old ruins and getting a picture of life during the Roman    Empire.

Lunch may be taken in Moulay Idris, one of the holiest cities in Morocco.  After lunch, your guide will take you on a tour of the imperial city, Meknes. Continue to Fes where you will spend the night.

Brightly colored Tajines fill this market space in Morocco

Day 05: Marrakech(Full Day Drive)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will depart for Marrakech. The beautiful drive will take you up into the Middle Atlas Mountains and along the base of the High Atlas mountains. Check into your accommodations and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the famous center square of the medina.

Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth a visit.

The market in Marrakech Morocco  glitters in the evening light

Day 06: Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, you will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures.

After lunch, you will continue with an exploration of the souk (market) of Marrakech.

Picture of brightly colored ceramics and art displayed in the market at Marrakech Morocco

Day 07: Marrakech / Casablanca

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

It is time to return to Casablanca where you started this fantastic journey. In the early afternoon, you will visit Hassan II, the 5th largest mosque in the world. It is the only mosque in Morocco that allows non-Muslims to enter and is mostly accessible to wheelchair users. The architecture and exquisite details are a wonderful site to see and a great cultural “bookend” to your trip to Morocco.

Day 08 :Departure

Meals: Breakfast

With lifelong memories, stories of your journey to share and perhaps even some new historical expertise, your driver – and new friend – will make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time for departure at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport.