Imperial Cities Tour From Tangier 7 days
Duration
Tour Type
Explore Tours
The Imperial Cities Tour From Tangier offers an immersive seven-day journey through Morocco’s most historically significant cities. Starting from Tangier, known for its bustling port and rich history as a gateway between Africa and Europe, the tour takes travelers on a captivating exploration of Morocco’s Imperial Cities: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat.
In Marrakech, visitors are enchanted by the vibrant energy of Djemaa el-Fna square, the ornate architecture of the Bahia Palace, and the serene beauty of the Majorelle Garden. Fes, with its ancient medina and labyrinthine streets, provides a glimpse into Morocco’s medieval past, while Meknes showcases grandiose palaces, massive city walls, and the impressive Bab Mansour gate.
The tour then continues to Rabat, the modern capital, where travelers can admire the historic landmarks of the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Along the way, stops at charming towns, scenic viewpoints, and local markets offer opportunities for cultural immersion and authentic experiences.
With expert guides leading the way, the Imperial Cities Tour From Tangier promises an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture.
Highlights:
- Tangier: Your journey starts in Tangier, a city with a rich history and a blend of European and African influences. You can explore the kasbah, the Medina, and the Caves of Hercules.
- Chefchaouen: Also known as the “Blue Pearl,” Chefchaouen is a beautiful mountain town known for its blue-washed houses. You can wander through the narrow streets of the Medina, explore the Kasbah, and relax in the main square, Place Outa el Hammam.
- Volubilis: The Roman ruins of Volubilis are some of the best-preserved in North Africa. You can explore the temples, the forum, and the triumphal arch.
- Meknes: Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 17th-century architecture. You can visit the Bab Mansour gate, the Heri es-Souani stables, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
- Fes: Fes is the oldest of the imperial cities and is home to the world’s oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin University. You can explore the Fes el-Bali, the largest car-free urban area in the world, and see the Chouara Tanneries.
- Rabat: Rabat is the capital of Morocco and is home to a variety of historical and cultural attractions. You can visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Hassan Tower.
This tour is a great way to see the best of Morocco in a short amount of time. You’ll get to experience the country’s rich history, culture, and architecture.
Included/Exclude
- Transportation: This usually involves a private, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire duration of the tour.
- Accommodation: Expect 6 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels or riads (traditional Moroccan inns) depending on the tour.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Guide: An English-speaking driver/guide is often included to navigate the route and provide insights throughout the tour.
- Drinks
- Tips
- Extras
- Lunches
Tour Plan
Arrival at the airport or the port of Tanger and transfer to the blue town (Chefchaouen) through the mountains of Rif and Tetouan to enjoy the views of the beautiful mountains, until you reach Chefchaouen one of the stunning villages at the foot of the Rif mountains, accommodation in riad/hotel.
After breakfast we will visit Chauen. This city is one of the most particular in Morocco. It welcomed Muslim refugees fleeing Granada in 1492 or after the expulsion from Spain in 1648, so it has many similarities with the Andalusian villages, white and blue houses, steep medina on the back of the mountain and Andalusian courtyards.
Then we will go to the ruins of Volubilis where we make a guided tour to its mosaics and temples, then Meknes, chosen by Sultan Moulay Ismail as its imperial capital at the end of the 17th century.
The city was built with 20 gates, more than 50 palaces and 15 kilometers of walls surrounding it. After lunch, stop to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, with its mosaics and temples.
Finally, we will arrive in Fez, Accommodation in your Hotel/Riad.
Enjoy a full day of touring in Fes today to discover the sites of the oldest of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities.
Fes El Bali, often known as the “Old Fes,” has managed to hold onto its genuine beauty and is extremely untouched. You will have the chance to take amazing pictures while exploring the unique Bou Inania Madrassa, seeing the medina, and admiring the fine tile work in the breathtaking courtyard of the Kairaouine Mosque during this guided trip.
A visit to the esteemed University of Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 by Fatima Al Fihri, is a major highlight of the journey. It is the oldest university in the world, according to UNESCO and the Guinness Book of Records, and has a long history.
You will, of course, visit the well-known tanneries and discover the process of turning leather into the raw material that is used to create the many leather goods that can be seen throughout the medina.
Explore the Museum of Moroccan Arts in Fes El Jdid, also known as “New Fes,” in the afternoon to get insight into the rich cultural legacy of the nation. You may spend the remainder of the day touring the medina, making sure to visit the vibrant stores that provide the chance to buy leather and silver mementos, if you so like!
We stay at the riad for the night.
The day tour starts at your Fes accommodation. After that, we go to Meknes, the capital of the Ismailis and one of Morocco’s royal towns. whereby we pay visits to the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, the Royal Stables, the Sahrij Souani Basin, Bab Al-Mansour, and the granary.
Lunch break is available. After that, we travel 30 km outside of Meknes to the historic Volubilis Roman ruins. Given that UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage Site, it has been kept in good condition. It contains old pillars and arches strewn throughout, as well as several exquisite mosaics.
After breakfast we leave for the picturesque town of Ifrane the small Swiss of Morocco with its pointed slate roofs. We will pass through the forests of Azrou where we will have the opportunity to see the monkeys that live in these forests, to continue the journey towards the Berber city Khenifra (Jenifra) in the mountain between the High Atlas and the Middle Atlas.
Crossing of historical roads that serve the main imperial cities of the Kingdom (Marrakech, Meknes and Fez), the region is much more than a crossing point and aims to become a true tourist destination Until the city of Beni Mellal where we have lunch, then we continue the journey to Marrakech, night in Hotel/riad.
This sightseeing tour of Marrakech is the ideal way to get to know the red city. It enables you to thoroughly explore Marrakech and reach locations that you would not discover on your own. After that, see Marrakech’s top sights with the assistance of a licensed guide and a driver. During your sightseeing tour of Marrakech, you will view the following sights:
Yves Sait Laurent’s calm garden, the Majorelle Gardens, was created by Jacques Majorelle. Majorelle’s walls are a well-known shade of blue. It has peaceful cafés, lots of plants and trees, a little bridge, pathways, and fish ponds.
One of the biggest and most exquisite mosques in the nation, the Kotobia Mosque is a famous landmark in the red city. The mosque’s 69-meter tower is decorated with four copper globes, and it was constructed in the classic Almohad style.
A superb and exquisite example of Eastern architecture is El Bahia Palace. It represents the standards of the affluent people who lived in that era and dates back to the 19th century. Ahmad Ibn Musa constructed this intriguing location between 1894 and 1900. The palace is a stunning example of handicraft, with its cedar wood roof and tiled walls.
The Saadian Tombs are from Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansur’s reign (1578-1603). After being found in 1971, the tombs underwent restoration. The tomb has grown to be one of the main draws for tourists visiting Marrakech because of its exquisite decorations and distinctive architecture.
Djemaa El Fna Square: Marrakech’s central plaza is arguably its most well-known feature. There were snake charmers, dried fruit vendors, juice stands, and spice dealers. In addition, there are storytellers, henna artists, and a plethora of food vendors open late. Discover Marrakech’s stores and souks.
You return to your riad for the night.
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