Morocco Tour | Imperial Cities | 8 Days Morocco vacation

Your exploration of this exotic land begins with a tour of Casablanca where you will see one of the city's most important landmarks-Hassan II Mosque, a jewel of Moroccan architectural heritage. Experience Rabat where ancient history and modern culture combine effortlessly. Here you will visit Hassan Tower, the green-roofed Mohamed V Mausoleum, the filigreed arches of the Royal Palace, and the ruins of the Chellah Necropolis. Next, delve into Fes where you will visit the ancient university and Nejarine Plaza, and can explore textile crafts at the leather and carpet factories. Then stop at the esplanade to photograph the Golden Door of the Royal Palace of Fes, constructed of gold and framed in ocean-blue tiles. Outside of Fes you will discover the remains of the regal Merenid Tombs. Further along your travels, uncover the magic of Morocco's medieval capital, Meknes, where you will tour El Hdim Square, the old doors of Bab Lakhmiss, the beautiful horseshoe arches of Bab Mansour, the royal stables at Heri es Souani, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ishmail. The ancient Roman city of Volubilis awaits with its ruins of ancient temples and grand-style homes. The next day takes you on a drive through the Berber village of Immouzer Kandar and the city of Ifrane, whose cottages and ski station earned it the nickname ''the Moroccan Switzerland." Continue through Beni Mellal with its 17th century fortresses of Tadla and the Kasba Ras el Ain en route to Marrakech. Your guided tour of Marrakech will take you to visit the Bahia Palace, the royal necropolis of Saadian Tombs, the Jemaa El-Fna Square, and the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, whose silhouette inspired the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. Then discover the open air markets or "souks" before enjoying a day at leisure to round-out your Imperial Cities vacation.

Day 1 - Sat Casablanca

Arrive at the Casablanca Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, begin your tour of Casablanca and see one of the city's most important landmarks-Hassan II Mosque, a jewel of Moroccan architectural heritage. Dinner and overnight (D)

Day 2 - Sun Casablanca/Rabat/Fes

To the northeast of Casablanca lies Rabat. This coastal city is the second largest metropolis in Morocco. It is home to Hassan Tower, a minaret planned to be the tallest in the world until the death of Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour in 1199 ceased construction. Visit the green-roofed Mohamed V Mausoleum, the filigreed arches of the Royal Palace, and the ruins of the Chellah Necropolis before leaving Rabat for Fes. (B, D)

Day 3 - Mon Fes

The whole day is dedicated to touring Fes, Morocco's cultural and intellectual center. Visit the ancient university, Attarine Medersa, then tour Nejarine Plaza and its magnificent mosaic fountain and ornate wood sculptures. Then explore textile crafts at the leather and carpet factories. Afterwards, stop at the esplanade to photograph the Golden Door of the Royal Palace of Fes, a portal forged of gold and framed in ocean-blue tiles. Then journey up into the hills outside of Fes to the remains of the regal Merenid Tombs and take in a panoramic view of the city and its oldest ramparts. Finish the day with the visit to local pottery factories before returning to your hotel. (B, D)

Day 4 - Tue Fes/Meknes/Volubilis/Fes

Leave the bustle of Fes behind for Meknes, the medieval capital of Morocco. Tour El Hdim Square, the old doors of Bab Lakhmiss, the beautiful horseshoe arches of Bab Mansour, the royal stables at Heri es Souani, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ishmail, one of the greatest figures in Moroccan history. Travel a short distance to Volubilis, an ancient Roman city. Visit the ruins of grand homes and temples, antiquities that withstood the looting of Moroccan rulers whose salves hauled away stones for the construction of Meknes. Continue to the holy city of Moulay Idriss, dedicated to Imam Moulay Idriss. Then return to Fes in the evening. (B, D)

Day 5 - Wed Fes/Beni Mellal/Marrakech

Set out for Marrakech today and drive through the Berber village of Immouzer Kandar and the city of Ifrane, whose cottages and ski station earned it the nickname ''the Moroccan Switzerland.'' Continue through Beni Mellal with its 17th century fortresses of Tadla and the Kasbah Ras el Ain en route to Marrakech. (B, D)

Day 6 - Thu Marrakech

Spend your day exploring exotic Marrakech. A guided tour will introduce you to the old city, its foundation, and almost thousand year history. Visit historical landmarks including the Bahia Palace and the royal necropolis of Saadian Tombs. After lunch tour the Jemaa El- Fna Square in the heart of the city where bursts of incredible spontaneous entertainment are commonplace. Finish your tour at the foot of the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, whose silhouette inspired the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. Then discover the souks, or open air markets, and trades of carpenters, babouchiers, and dyers. (B, D)