* NRV Holiday | Imperial Cities of Morocco 8 Days, Self-drive

The magic and mystique of Morocco come to life over eight fascinating days exploring the impressive imperial cities of North Africa’s last kingdom on your own. Visit the awe-inspiring cities of Marrakech, Fez and Casablanca. Discover the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis and experience the rustic charms of the Atlas Mountains’ market towns. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Casablanca: visit this cosmopolitan city at your own pace and admire the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.

Fez: See the magnificent Moulay Idriss Zaouia, enjoy lunch in the Medina, explore the historic Jewish quarter and take in the panoramic views from the Royal Palace and fortifications.

Marrakech: Admire the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and wander through the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa market.

Day 1: ARRIVAL MARRAKECH (8km – 20min)

Welcome to Morocco! Once you have collected your car drive to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 2: MARRAKECH – CASABLANCA (240km – 3hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Casablanca and upon arrival discover in depth the economic capital of Morocco. Venture to the central market, the charming Habous district, the Royal Palace, Mohamed V Square, the residential area of Anfa and the majestic Hassan II Mosque, which stands imposingly by the sea and the Corniche, the coastal walkway of Casablanca.

Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 3: CASABLANCA – VOLUBILIS – FEZ (300Km – 3hrs)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before departing to the ruins of the ancient Phoenician city of Volubilis and past the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Drive to Fez.

Overnight in Fez.

Day 4: FEZ

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a day exploring the fascinating city of Fez at your own pace. Boasting more than 12 centuries of history, as well as a medina that is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and the oldest university on the planet, Fez is a multifarious city renowned for the splendour of its faded glory. The medina, Fez el Bali, is a vast network of winding alleys hemmed in by ancient walls. Despite being car-free, the bustle, noise, shouting, and the smells of tanned leather, oriental perfumes, barbecues and sweet pastries create a sense of movement and vibrancy that draws you deep into its soul. See the Quaraouiyine Mosque as well as the Nejjarrine fountain and smell the cedar from the carpenters’ district. The alleys are lined with places of study or prayer such as madrasahs or the magnificent mausoleum of Moulay Idriss Zaouia, the most important saint’s shrine in Morocco. In the afternoon, continue through the rustic narrow streets of the Mellah, the former Jewish district, and head to the outskirts to see the Royal Palace and enjoy the extraordinary panoramic view of the whole city offered by the fortifications of the north. Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Fez.

Day 5: FEZ – BENI-MELLAL – AFOURER (380km – 5hrs)

Depart Fez after breakfast at the hotel, heading southwest towards Afourer. Today’s road journey provides an enormous range of landscapes and allows for many enticing photo stops as we drive along the foothill of the Atlas Mountains. Pass the quaint mountain town of Ifrane (1,650 metres high), the Berber villages of Azrou and Khenifra, and make an optional stop in Beni-Mellal. Surrounded by beautiful orange and olive groves, the town of Beni-Mellal is a rendezvous point for nature and mountain lovers, as well as for adventure seekers. Later arrive in Afourer and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Afourer.

Day 6: AFOURER – MARRAKECH (180km – 3hrs)

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. Then drive to Marrakech. 

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 7: MARRAKECH

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you can visit the top monuments charting the history of Marrakech. Contemplate the magnificent Koutoubia mosque, whose 70-metre-high minaret is the city’s most famous landmark. It dates from the late 12th century when most of northern Africa and the southern Iberian Peninsula were part of the Almohad Empire. Later, behold the beautiful Bahia Palace, with its exceptional cedar and marble decorations, and then discover the fascinating Heritage Museum. You can then continue to the walled Medina and its maze of alleys and side streets. Browse the souks and admire the rich craftsmanship of their wares before arriving at Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the beating heart of Marrakech. Marvel at this bustling hive of activity as the sun sets over this vast space packed with stalls, snake charmers, Gnawa musicians and myriad colourful characters. If you want to end the day on a high note, have dinner in an old palace in the Medina while watching a folkloric show. 

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 8: DEPARTURE MARRAKECH (8km – 20min)

Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel. Then check out and bid farewell to Morocco as you drive to the airport to catch your return flight.

Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings in Morocco. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.