Highlights
- Feel like royalty with stays at 5-star luxury hotels and riads
- Join private tours to discover history in Rabat and Fes
- Wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains
- Watch the sunrise in a private hot-air balloon over Marrakesh
- Join a half-day food tour through the vibrant Marrakesh medina
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Rabat, Half-Day Rabat Tour | Rabat |
Day 2 | Transfer to Chefchaouen, Self-Guided Tour | Chefchaouen |
Day 3 | Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes | Fes |
Day 4 | Tour the Fes Medina, Dining at L'Amandier Palais Faraj | Fes |
Day 5 | Transfer to Marrakesh, Dining at La Mamounia's Le Marocain | Marrakesh |
Day 6 | Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon, Half-Day Marrakesh Tour, Hammam & Spa Experience | Marrakesh |
Day 7 | Tasting Marrakesh Tour, Depart Marrakesh |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Rabat, Half-Day Rabat Tour
Welcome to Morocco! Your luxury vacation begins with a seamless arrival and immigration journey through Casablanca airport. A personal chauffeur will greet you for your 80-minute private transfer to one of Rabat's coolest hotels, The View Hotel. From the top of the 17-story urban oasis, you'll experience an amazing 360-degree view of Morocco's capital.
Settle in, then pop on walking shoes ahead of your private tour of Rabat that will uncover hidden gems and history. Visit the Royal Palace, and delve into the Chellah Necropolis, a mesmerizing site with remnants of Roman and Islamic civilizations. Marvel at the grandeur of the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohamed V, testaments to Morocco's cultural heritage. Lose yourself in the medina's bustling souks and seek tranquility in the Andalusian Gardens before exiting via the grand entrance of the Kasbah des Oudaïas.
Day 2: Transfer to Chefchaouen, Self-Guided Tour
Roll through the picturesque Moroccan countryside, passing rolling hills, fertile valleys, and charming rural villages, on today's two-hour private transfer to the famed "Blue City" of Chefchaouen. Perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif mountains, this is one of Morocco's prettiest towns, an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. On arrival, choose to lose yourself in the mazelike streets or relax on the rooftop terrace of your accommodations at the 5-star Lina Ryad & Spa, taking in views of the medina below.
Founded in 1471 as a stronghold against the Portuguese, Chefchaouen holds deep cultural significance. Its eight mosques, zaouias, and marabouts (religious buildings and schools) bear testament to its status as a holy town. The old medina is a mosaic of Moroccan and Andalusian influences with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and streets that lead to Plaza Uta el-Hammam. End the day at Ras el Ma Spring, the town's primary water source, at one of the quaint riverside cafés for tea, then walk to Hotel Atlas for sweeping city views.
Day 3: Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today's 4.5-hour private transfer lands you in the imperial city of Fes. On the way, stop at the well-preserved Volubilis, a 2,000-year-old Roman complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore merchant homes, temples, and vibrant mosaics, and learn about its history as part of the Roman Empire, exporting wheat and exotic animals. Continue to Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco's holiest cities and where Islam was introduced in 789 CE. This ancient town holds great significance as a pilgrimage site and the burial place of Moulay Idriss I, the founder of the Idrisid dynasty.
Then, head to Meknes, founded in the 11th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Under his reign from 1672 to 1727, Meknes transformed into a resplendent capital. Explore the compact medina, the architectural wonders of Medersa Bou Inania, and Dar Jamaï, a palace that exudes 19th-century grandeur. Traverse the Ville Impériale district, where gardens, palaces, the awe-inspiring gate of Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables showcase the best of the city.
Continue to Fes, where you'll check into Riad Maison Bleue & Spa, a 5-star boutique hotel. Feel at home within the walls of this authentic and luxurious Moroccan riad, where the El Abbadi family will welcome you to stay in one of the 18 elegant rooms.
Day 4: Tour the Fes Medina, Dining at L'Amandier Palais Faraj
Discover the vibrant, colorful Fes medina with a private guide leading the way. You'll navigate a twisting maze of more than 9,000 streets, passing markets, shops, mosques, and more. Explore the souks, learn about medieval Marinid architecture, and visit dozens of monuments throughout this ancient city. Pass through Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate), and explore the Chouara Tannery and the ninth-century Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University. Finally, your guide will lead you to a local restaurant to taste dishes such as couscous, shakshuka, makouda, and mechoui lamb.
After tasting homely and rustic traditional Moroccan food at lunch, you'll step into a world of culinary opulence for dinner. As evening falls, enter L'Amandier Palais Faraj, the epitome of luxurious dining in Fes. Nestled within a lavish hotel, this remarkable restaurant offers the very best of Moroccan gastronomy, where each plate is a harmonious symphony of traditional techniques and contemporary flair. Sit down and enjoy views of the medina and the Atlas mountains as each dish takes your breath away.
Day 5: Transfer to Marrakesh, Dining at La Mamounia's Le Marocain
Today a private transfer will collect you from your hotel for a relaxed 5.5-hour drive to vibrant Marrakesh. Soak in scenic landscapes on the journey, and even squeeze in a nap before you reach the energetic, buzzing city. On arrival, you'll check into the luxurious Les Jardins de La Medina, an intimate 5-star hotel with 36 rooms set around lush gardens and a tranquil outdoor pool. With a convenient location in the heart of the medina, you can choose to stretch your legs while exploring the bustling souks or stay by the pool and relax with a book.
Day 6: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon, Half-Day Marrakesh Tour, Hammam & Spa Experience
Witness the desert landscape of Marrakesh from above with an exclusive hot-air balloon ride this morning. Despite the early wake-up call, it's worth it to see the sunrise over the red desert. The serene atmosphere created by the pastel colors, soft lighting, and crisp early-morning air offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. Admire the stunning scenery as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Atlas mountains become miniature marvels in the distance. A traditional Moroccan breakfast awaits you on the ground, bringing you back to earth.
Later this morning, immerse yourself in a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and scents as you discover Marrakesh with a local guide. Your private half-day tour begins at the illustrious Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of carved wooden ceilings, tiled courtyards, and serene gardens. Venture by the Koutoubia Mosque, the symbol of Marrakesh, then follow your guide into the colorful medina, a maze of alleyways lined with riads, souks, and workshops. Your private guide will help you bargain for hand-woven textiles, aromatic spices, ornate jewelry, and leather goods before stopping for refreshments.
After a very early start, this afternoon is yours to simply relax. You'll experience the art of the hammam a luxurious local spa, where a warm ambience transports you to a world of serenity and centuries-old traditions. The traditional hammam bathing experience is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture and will leave you feeling completely renewed.
Day 7: Tasting Marrakesh Tour, Depart
Dive deeper into Moroccan cuisine with today's three-hour private guided food adventure. A local foodie will lead you on an aromatic trail through the alleyways of the medina, tasting local treats and sweets along the way. Pass vibrant market stalls brimming with fragrant spices, juicy olives, and temping confections, then taste the tajine, a savory stew prepared in a traditional clay pot. As you go, they'll share stories about the cultural significance of food and communal dining in Moroccan society and share details about traditional cooking techniques.
Once the tour wraps up, it's time to say goodbye to Morocco. At the designated time, a private driver will be waiting at your hotel to escort you to the airport, a short 20-minute drive from the center. Sit back and relax as you reflect on the past week in Morocco and savor a final view of the "Red City." Safe travels home or to your next destination!