Daily Itinerary
DAY 1: Monday, February 5, 2024 DEPARTURE FOR TANGIER
Morocco is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, making it a popular destination
From the rugged Atlas Mountains, to the Sahara desert and the beautiful coastline, Morocco offers a large variety of landscapes.
Architecture, food, music and traditions coming from centuries of a very rich history makes Morocco a unique destination.
Vibrant souks and markets are a paradise for shoppers who will find everything from spices, textiles, leather goods, pottery and jewelry.
Tagines and couscous are the most popular dishes among a plethora of unique Moroccan recipes.
The warm hospitality of Moroccan people is well known and will make you feel at home as you travel.
DEPART USA
Your destination is Tangier. Various airlines are available via Paris, Madrid or other European cities. Airfare is not included but Celestial Voyagers will help you to find the most convenient route and schedule for your flights.
Airfare is not included. See our recommendations to join the group and start the trip in Tangiers.
DAY 2: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 ARRIVAL IN TANGIER (D)
Tangier is located in the North of Morocco, across the strait of Gibraltar, a short ferry ride from Europe. Its fascinating history includes centuries of ancient civilizations from the Berbers, the Phenicians, the Romans and the Moors. It gained its fame in 1925 when it became the center of an international zone controlled by colonial powers.
- Arrival to Tangier International airport
- Individual transfer to be arranged (not included)
- Visit Tangier Medina in the afternoon
- Check-in at hotel for one night
- Dinner and overnight
DAY 3: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 CHEFCHAOUEN (B, L, D)
First we'll visit Tetouan. Wth its peaceful atmosphere and Hispano – Moorish architecture the small city on Morocco's Mediterranean Coast is known as the “daughter of Granada”. Its medina is listed as a World Heritage site by Unesco.
Next, it's on to Chefchaouen. Built on the side of the Rif mountain range, picturesque Chefchaouen, with its blue-rinsed houses, seems to be bathed in azure. We'll visit the Medina narrow winding alleys and the Kasbah in the midst of the old quarter.
Breakfast at hotel
Departure to Chefchaouen
Visit Tetouan City
Lunch in Tetouan
Visit Chefchaouen
Check-in at your hotel for one night
Overnight and dinner at the Ryad
DAY 4: Thursday, February 8, 2024 FEZ (B, L, D)
We depart for Meknes, one of the four Moroccan Imperial CitiesOn El Hedim square you will see Bab El Mansour, the gateway to the medina, a masterpiece of Hispano – Moorish art. We continue to Fez for two nights.
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Meknes
Lunch at Domaine Zouina Winery
Visit Meknes: guided tour
Check-in at Palais Amani for 2 nights
Accommodation and dinner at Palais Amani
DAY 5: Friday, February 9, 2024 FEZ (B, L, D)
We will explore Fes, the city known as the Imperial Pearl. The famous medina of Fez is recognized by Unesco as an outstanding universal value. Stroll through the streets of Fez-El-Bali district and enter the walled medina to experience the tiny small alleyways full of palaces, museums, mosques, fountains, shops and habitations.
Full day sightseeing: guided tour with local guide
“Foodies” tour for lunch.
Visit the Jewish quarter and the Royal Gate
Visit tile and ceramic village
Cooking class at Palais Amani
Dinner is part of the cooking class
DAY 6: Saturday, February 10, 2024 RABAT (B, D)
We drive to Rabat, the country’s modern capital. Beautiful parks, green spaces, a botanical garden and the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel makes it an eco responsible capital. During the tour we will visit the Kasbah des Oudayas and the Chellah: a necropolis from the time of the Merinids dynasty.
Drive to Rabat: 130 miles / 2 ½ our drive
Check-in at hotel for one night
Time for lunch (not included)
Guided city tour
Time to relax before dinner
Dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 7: Sunday, February 11, 2024 ESSAOUIRA (B, L)
We'll spend the morning and early afternoon in The White City, Casablanca, the economic powerhouse of the country. We’ll see large business buildings in every corner, beautiful palm trees lining the avenues, charming districts, legacies of the colonial period, art-deco buildings here and there. We’ll stop and see the Hassan II mosque completed in 1993; it is the largest functioning mosque in Africa. Its minaret at a height of 689 feet is the world’s second tallest minaret in the world
Check-out and drive to Casablanca
Visit the Hassan Mosque
Lunch in a restaurant on the Corniche along the Atlantic coast
Continuation to Essaouira (190 miles / 4 hour drive)
Check-in at L’Heure Bleu Palais for 3 nights
Dinner on your own with many choices close to our hotel in the medina plus the hotel has a highly-rated restaurant
DAY 8: Monday, February 12, 2024 ESSAOUIRA (B, L, D)
Crenelated walls, special wind, houses with white and blue facades, Essaouira, the Ancient Mogador of the Portuguese is known as the “Bride of the Atlantic”. We’ll walk quietly in the shade of its ramparts, climb the walls and walk along the parapet walk from where the panorama extends over the Purpuraires Islands, the falcons, gulls and seagulls living in this nature reserve. Further up, on the other side, surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers are playing with the waves and the winds. The fishing port is quite active and will bring you the delicious fish you can enjoy with each of your meals.
Morning tour: visit the silver and wood workshops of Essaouira
Visit Domaine Val d’Argan Winery: Tour the winery and lunch
Proceed to a women-run Argan Oil cooperative and return to Essaouira
Tapas dinner at Dar Baba
DAY 9: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 ESSAOUIRA (B, L, D)
Half day excursion to the Argan forest: meet the world-famous goats in the trees
Shop for your lunch at the local souk and have it cooked at a restaurant beloved by locals
Afternoon at leisure for more exploring and shopping
Dinner with entertainment at Caravan Cafe.
DAY 10: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 MARRAKECH (B, D)
With the Place Jemma El F'na and the souks, Marrakech, the Red City offers a complete change of scenery at a crossing of tradition and modernity. The Koutoubia, Horse drawn carriages, sunny terraces, fabulous sunsets are among the highlights of this incomparable city. The vast medina is the largest in all of North Africa. It is the undisputed capital of tourism in the country and its medina has everything from cheap souvenirs to high-quality rugs, jewelry, clothing and much more.
Check-out and drive to Marrakech
Brief orientation tour on arrival
Check-in at your hotel for 3 nights
Time for lunch (not included)
Drive to Agafay desert for a Berber experience : camel ride and tent dinner (20 miles / ¾ hour drive)
DAY 11: Thursday, February 15, 2024 MARRAKECH (B, L, D)
Guided tour of Marrakech: visit the souks and “La Sagesse” Berber pharmacy for a Ras el Hanout spice blend workshop
“Foodies tour” and lunch are part of the tour
Cooking class at the Culinary Art Museum
Dinner as part of the cooking class
Visit the world-famous Jemaa El Fna square, a Unesco heritage site, at sunset and see all manner of street performers including snake-charmers, musicians, and storytellers.
DAY 12: Friday, February 16, 2024 MARRAKECH (B, L, D)
- Visit of Marrakech continues: Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- Lunch at “Le Jardin”
- Tour continues: Badii Palace, Jewish quarter, Dar El Bacha Museum
- Hammam at la Maison Arabe
- Dinner at Al Fassia Restaurant
DAY 13: Saturday, February 17, 2024 DEPARTURE FROM MARRAKECH (B)
Group transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA from Marrakech Airport.
Tour Highlights
-
- Visit the four Imperial Cities: Fez, Meknes, Rabat & Marrakech
-
- Wine tasting and lunch at two wineries
-
- Explore the charming Atlantic Coast city of Essaouira with its many artisans
-
- Guided food & culture tour in the ancient medina of Fez and bustling Marrakech
-
- See artisans at work: ceramics, woodwork, silver
-
- Tour the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
-
- Learn about Morocco’s fascinating Jewish history and visit Jewish landmarks
-
- Hands-on cooking classes in Fez and Marrakech
-
- Learn about Berber culture, see the goats in the Argan trees, and learn how argan oil is produced
-
- Stories & history of Moroccan Cuisine with our cooking class and dinner at the Marrakech Culinary Arts Museum
-
- Visit a traditional Berber pharmacy/spice shop and learn the secrets of Ras el Hanout, the shopkeepers prized spice blend
Services Included
-
- Eleven night’s accommodation, double occupancy
-
- Deluxe properties at Riads (restored palaces) and Relais Chateaux
-
- Daily breakfast at the hotels
-
- Nine lunches and eight dinners at restaurants, cooking classes, or wineries
-
- Bottled water on the coach and with meals; coffee and tea with meals
-
- Expert commentary, culinary advice, and background by Chef Aliza Green
-
- Travel by private deluxe vehicle with WiFi (van or motorcoach depending on the size of the group)
-
- Experienced Moroccan guide from arrival to departure
-
- Meals at carefully-selected restaurants on this exclusive tour
-
- Baggage porterage at hotels
Services Not Included
International flights arriving in Fez, departing from Marrakesch
Single supplement
Transfer upon arrival (we will make arrangements for airport pick-up)
Other meals except the ones indicated as included
Beverages with some of the meals
Travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance
Gratuities to guides and drivers
Personal expenses
Any other item not specified in the itinerary
Want More Information?
For questions, visit my contact page or send an email to spice@alizagreen.com.
To register, please click on this link:
Splendors of Morocco: Tangiers to Marrakech Tour February 2024 Registration