THREE IMPERIAL CITIES & NORTHERN MOROCCO FOOD & WINE TOUR
Traverse Morocco Three Imperial Cities up to the Continent's northern edge
Morocco is the gateway to Africa and opens the way to a continent yet to be explored. But, without going any further, in these lands you can enjoy the best of Islamic culture along with the inevitable western influence. The term “imperial” is given to these cities because they have been capitals of Morocco at some historical point. Each dynasty chose one of these places as the royal seat and “queen of queens”, assigning to each city a color that distinguished them both in their constructions and in their craftsmanship. Marrakech is red, Rabat is ocher, Fez is blue and Meknes is green.
There is magic and life in every corner. You’ll love cool and chic Marrakech and its frantic pace. Probably Rabat, the political capital of Morocco is not as rowdy as Marrakech and, being the least known of all, it is totally Europeanized in the purest French style. The kasbah with its 10-meter high walls overlooking the ocean is our favorite spot. Meknes, the city of Ismail Ibn Sharif, the Warrior King, does not have an airport and this has contributed to maintain that genuine flavor without so much attention to the tourist.
Finally queen Fez, with more than 300 neighborhoods, 9,000 alleys and half a million inhabitants, this walled medina whose origin dates back to the 8th century is considered the largest in the world.
Food and wines will be present all this adventure through in a cultural hodgepodge where all revolves around the table as a sign of hospitality and respect.
Day 1
Casablanca - Rabat
Day 2
Rabat
Day 3
Rabat - Meknès - Fez
Day 4
Fez
Day 5
Fez
Day 6
FEZ – CHEFCHAOUEN – TETOUAN - TANGIER
Day 7
Tangier
Day 8
Tangier
Day 9
TANGIER – ASILAH - CAP ESPARTEL - TANGIER
Day 10
Tangier, end of journey
Inspiring itinerary
IDEAL LENGTH: 9 NIGHTS ✧ WHEN TO GO: ALL YEAR AROUND
Day 1
RABAT, ARRIVAL
Upon arrival, welcome by your driver and transfer to Rabat. Check-in and take a nice rest to recover from the jetlag.
*Would you like to arrive a day earlier to visit the iconic Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca, we would arrange it.
Dinner
5* Luxury hotel
Day 2
RABAT PRIVATE TOUR
After a fresh breakfast, meet our local guide at the lobby for a private-guided tour of the Moroccan capital. As the most probably is you stay in the Ville Nouvelle, the modern city, be ready to cross the magnificently carved sandstone arches of the Oudaia Gate ready to explore the heart of old Rabat, which is bounded by the sea and river on two sides and by high walls on the others. While a tour of the medina must include the Roman ruins of the village of Chellah on the southern edge of town and the 144-foot high uncomplete Tour Hassan, ancient Rabat is a must-to-explore. Rabat's rambling medina now houses a plethora of traditional shops, markets and cafes and Andalusian style buildings, since there is a section of the medina that was created in the 17th century when Muslim refugees from southern Spain settled here.
After the tour, ready for a nice local lunch at one of our favorite restaurants.
Free evening. Don’t forget to book a hammam session to unwind.
Breakfast5* Luxury hotel
Day 3
MEKNÈS AND ITS WINES
After breakfast, make your way to Meknès, a small town just west of Fez, a laidback and quiet place, yet with a grand and fascinating history. An imperial city, Meknès was once the home of the sultanate during the 17th century. On our tour, we’ll pass much of the city’s grand Moorish architecture, including opulent palaces, striking religious schools, grand mosques and the imposing city gateway.
The tour will be followed by a visit to one of the most renowned Moroccan wineries, framed in the appellation AOC Guerrouane, where we’ll explore the vineyards and enjoy several tastings with lunch. Red, white and grey fair-trade wines are produced in the region.
After lunch, continue to Fez. We will assist you on the dinner options.
Breakfast, lunch5* Luxury hotel or Riad
Day 4
FEZ PRIVATE TOUR
This morning enjoy a private tour of Fez and its medina, the world’s largest car-free urban area and the biggest labyrinth on the planet, where donkeys and carts still roam and rows of tanneries and fine leather shops can be found hidden down its maze of alleyways. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez medina was founded in the 9th century and is home to the oldest university in the world. In the 13th to 14th centuries it even replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom. Today, many of its exquisite structures remain, including palaces, mosques, noble residences and fountains.
The tour of the medina will be followed by a high quality Moroccan lunch at a fine restaurant.
Free evening. The afternoon will be free for you to do as you choose, whether that’s exploring the exotic Jnan Sbil gardens or visiting the intriguing Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts or enjoying a hammam purifying ritual back in our riad.
Breakfast, dinner5* Luxury hotel or Riad
Day 5
COOKING CLASS
What about experiencing an authentic traditional Moroccan cooking class? You'll learn how to create some of the city’s most famous dishes. The class will start with a visit to the maze-like souks to shop for various herbs, spices and other classic ingredients. Then, enjoy a unique hands-on session and savor it all in a quiet and magic atmosphere.
Free evening. At dinner time, you can either stay at the hotel since you will get up early tomorrow. Enjoy a massage, take it easy and relax. Or, go out for a last dinner experience in Fez.
Breakfast, lunch5* Luxury hotel or Riad
Day 6
CHEFCHAOUEN, THE BLUE CITY
Ready for an exciting road trip of exploration in northern Morocco. Head to Chefchaouen - or Chaouen, as it’s sometimes called -nestled in the Riff mountains, an outrageously picturesque blue-walled city. Settled in the 15th century, Chefchaouen has been home to Moorish and Jewish populations, now it is an artsy, bucolic charming city.
TETOUAN
After lunch, on the way to Tangier, stop by Tetouan, one could say it is almost an extension of the last white towns of Cádiz. Coquettish Tetouan is the best kept secret in Morocco and without a doubt an infallible claim for all lovers of the most chic bohemian and virgin beaches. The reason for its nickname the "white dove", lies on the immaculate whitewashed of its Medina and the unmistakable merengue tone of the 20th century Spanish buildings, which abound in the new part of the city, and once again recall the ties that unite us. Enjoy walking through six centuries of history in one day across this faithfully preserved medina off the Moroccan tourist circuit.
Free evening in Tangier, we'll assist you on all your meal plans.
BreakfastLuxury Boutique Hotel
Day 7
TANGIER
Today the city with our expert local guide, you’ll fall in love. Did you know Tangier was from 1923 to 1956 an international city? During the 1930s, the city became a center for espionage and a strategic point on trade routes due to its location by the Strait of Gibraltar. Discover and exciting history full of charm and intrigues.
After the tour, ready for a nice Moroccan lunch before heading to the hotel. Freshen-up, and don’t forget to book a hammam session.
Free evening, we will suggest some options or you decide to stay at the hotel.
BreakfastLuxury Boutique Hotel
Day 8
MOROCCAN COOKING CLASS
No rush, turn on the slow mode. We propose a lovely cooking class today, that will include a visit to the food market, making your own Moroccan bread and preparing a tajine to master the use if spices. Simple, authentic and fun.
Free evening.
Breakfast, lunchLuxury Boutique Hotel
Day 9
ASILAH
Today explore the western coastal area of Tangier. You’ll go to Asilah, the Blue City of northern Morocco, a lovely fortified fishing town 20 miles from Tangier. White house, pastel colors and lots of arts boutiques, this photogenic medina on the Moroccan coast will captivate you at first sight. The Bab El Bhar gate (gate of the sea) is one of the main entrances to the medina, and welcoming you there is a busy fruit market. Behind its threshold we immerse ourselves in a dizzying flow of time: cars, no motorcycles, and no nods to the technical 21st century. With illustrated neighbors, art is very present in Asilah, there are several galleries, cultural centers and artists who seek refuge and inspiration under the shelter of its walls - Paul Bowles himself had a house here.
CAPE ESPARTEL
After lunch in the best restaurant, on the way back to Tangier you will stop in Cap Espartel and the Cave of Hercules, an intriguing cave complex steeped in myths and legends. The lighthouse at Cape Espartel is illuminating the strait for more than a century and a half. The cape is also special because the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Along with Cape Malabata, at the other side, Espartel constitutes one of the most recognizable geographical points around Tangier.
Free evening on your last night in Tangier.
BreakfastLuxury Boutique Hotel
Day 10
END OF JOURNEY
Today, private transfer to Tangier airport or port, or to your next destination in case you decided to extend your trip.
BreakfastThis is an itinerary for your inspiration; the final route will be unique and tailor-made to your schedule, party details, objectives and travel personality. All private arrangements are quoted individually.
TELL US what you're looking for and we’ll make it happen!.
Price & Booking Terms
DATES:
- From mid September to mid May, every journey is tailor-made to your trip dates.
INCLUDED:
- 9-Night accommodation in curated hotels and private villas
- Private Mercedes or 4×4 chauffeured service throughout
- Private local expert guide throughout
- Private experiences as described
- Exclusive excursions in remote hidden corners
- Restaurants bookings
- Airport private transfers
- VIP Airport fast track upon arrival and departure
- All taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flights
- Personal purchases and expenses
- Meals not included
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
HOTELS:
We make every stay unique, where every detail counts. Therefore, we treat every request individually and we will present a curated selection of the properties that better suit your personality.
PRICE:
Every trip is quoted individually.
*Prices are in Euros
BOOKING DEPOSIT:
- At the time of reservation: 40% of journey cost per person
- 45 days before departure: Balance due
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Payment method: Bank transfer or major credit cards are accepted (Visa, American Express, Mastercard)
