Imperial Cities and Essaouira Tour

Day 1 - Volubilis - Meknes - Fes

After your arrival to the Casablanca, Rabat or Fes airport, an escort will greet you to begin your Moroccan journey.

Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubulis, sprawled amid a wildflower-dotted hillside, where the remains of palaces, baths, soaring arches and magnificent mosaics await exploration. Then, you'll travel through lush rolling hills studded with the fertile plains of ancient olive groves and vineyards which await you in the Ismalian capital of Meknes. Meknes is on Unesco's world heritage list. After a pleasant lunch at the holy city of Moulay Idriss, explore the ports of Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis.

Dinner and accommodation are at your charming riad in Fes.

Day 2 - Fes

Start the day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast, and then it's off to explore the ancient white city of Fes, one of the best examples of a preserved medieval city. Fes, founded in the 9th century, has been little unchanged since then.

A certified guide will help you explore the serpentine souks, where you'll find fine artisanal goods, rich carpets, pyramids of olives and rainbow-colored spices, sweet fruits and other delights. Or visit the much photographed, colorful honeycomb vats of the tanneries and climb the Merenid Tombs, which overlook a stunning panorama of Fes.

The visit includes the following:

* Jewish quarter

* Synagogue

* The ramparts of Fes

* The gates of the Palace

* The panoramic view of Fes

* The pottery cooperative

* Tanneries

* Berber Carpet Demonstration

* Dyers Market

* Wood Museum / Najjarine

* Museum Batha

* Al-Qayrawan mosque

* Medersa Bou Inania

* Weavers Cooperative

* Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II

* Antiquitites' gallery

* Medersa Cherratine

Enjoy dinner at one of the many area restaurants.

Accommodation is at your charming riad in Fes.

Day 3 - Rabat

A morning drive to the capital of Morocco.

Rabat, a vibrant city with lush green parks, is entered through the enormous Almoahad Gate to the Kasbah des Oudaias, which is situated on a bluff overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean.

Rabat offers a rich historical and cultural heritage. Tour the exquisite 17th century palace which is now a part of the Musée des Oudaia (Museum of Moroccan Arts), the Andalusian Gardens near the famous Tour Hassan, and a 12th century minaret which is intended to be the highest and the largest in the Muslim world. Or view the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and King Hassan's regal palace.

Enjoy dinner at one of many restaurants in the area.

Accommodation is at your charming riad in Rabat.

Day 4 - Marrakech

Following breakfast, it's a 45-minute ride to the Pink City of Marrakech.

Marrakech is a name that offers up mystery and magic. It's a pink city rising out of the desert and against a backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Furthermore it is known as a city of contradictions where camels are tethered on the roadside and ancient souks exist with modern rose-petal strewn bistros and nightclub music. Veiled women move languorously along the avenues and young women in miniskirts zoom by on mopeds.

A certified guide is available to help you explore the ancient Bahia Palace from the days of the harem, which is now populated by a sentry of nesting storks, or ancient royal Saadian Tombs. Or, you may wish to enter the historic Jewish mellah where some of the best handcrafted jewelry of Morocco is sold. Another site is the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in the city.

Enjoy dinner at one of the many area restaurants.

Accommodation is at your charming riad at the ancient city of Marrakech.

Day 5 - Marrakech

You will have a morning visit to the glorious Majorelle Gardens that are owned by international designer Yves St. Laurent. Stroll along the ancient Menara pool, and then tour the ancient city wall and Palmerie.

In the afternoon, take time to explore the hidden treasures of Marrakech, and at the end of the day, be seduced by the world-famous Djemaa el-Fna open air market, where you'll find exotic snake charmers, Berber musicians, spinning acrobats and fortune tellers. The air is filled with curls of smoke rising from delectable kebobs grilled over coals.

Enjoy dinner in Djemma el-Fna, or at one of many restaurants in the area.

Evening accommodations are at your riad at the ancient city of Marrakech.

Day 6 - Essaouira - Marrakech

Essoaouira sparkles in white against the brilliant turquoise sea in the former 18th century Portugese settlement and current fishing village. Cannons sit on ramparts pointed toward the sea to stop marauding pirates of the past. Camels stand at the ready for passengers to ride across the sands. Artisan shops, boutiques and art galleries fill the squares and the aroma of restaurants fills the air. Stop in a café for a French pastry and mint tea. Long a draw for music legends including Jimmy Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, Essaouira continues to lure artists and musicians alike today.

Enjoy dinner at one of many cafes or restaurants in the area.

Accommodation is at your charming riad at the ancient city of Essaouira.

Drive back to Marrakech late afternoon. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the area.

Accommodation is at your charming riad at the ancient city of Marrakech.

Day 7 - Transfer to either the Marrakech or Casablanca Airport for your home return.

Note:

- If you wish to modify the itinerary according to specific dates, interests or cities of arrival or departure, please advise them.

- Pick up from any airport, port or train station in Morocco is available.

- This tour can be extended or modified to end wherever guests wish.

- Children 2 years of age and below can stay free of charge.

- Children from 2 to 6 years of age get a 75% discount.

- Children between the ages of 7 to 11 years get a 50% discount.

- Children 12 years of age and above - Full cost.

We must receive a document in writing to inform us about your cancellation.

• Cancellation more than 60 days prior to your arrival date to Morocco: we keep 30% of the trip cost
• Cancellation more than 30 days prior to your arrival date to Morocco: we keep 50% of the trip cost
• Cancellation less than 30 days prior to your arrival date to Morocco: we keep 75% of the trip cost
• Cancellation less than 15 days prior to your arrival date to Morocco: we keep 100% of the trip cost

Our pricing policy is designed to protect both you and Marrakesh Voyage in the event something unforeseen prevents you from traveling with us.