Morocco Private Journey Spice and Treasure

Upon arrival, you will be met by an English speaking tour leader. Transfer to the hotel in Rabat. Arriving in Rabat we will check into our hotel. 

Rabat, the capital of Morocco, has served as the official residence of the king since the early 20th century. Like all of Morocco’s historic cities, it has maintained its traditional Moroccon character. Our morning tour begins with the fortified Kasbah of the Oudayas, including its 17th-century royal residence and famous Andalusian gardens. We will also see the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of art and craft next to which stands the medieval Hassan Tower, built in the late 12th century. Then head inland to the city of Meknes, which served as the capital of Morocco for Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. This vicious king earned a reputation for being not only a ruthless warrior but also a builder; during his 55-year reign, he transformed Meknes from a small town into a majestical capital boasting gigantic ramparts, monumental gates, palaces, and more than 15 miles of exterior walls. Take a comprehensive tour of the city’s highlights, such as the impressive granaries and stables built for the Sultan’s cavalry, the Mausoleum of the King, the monumental gate of Bab El Mansour, and the colorful food market. In the afternoon, we will drive across the stunning countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage and the archaeological site of Volubilis, the largest of the Roman colonies established in Morocco between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Take note of the excavated ruins and their amazing colorful mosaics and remains of Roman monuments such as the Basilica, Template, and Arch of Triumph. Drive to Fes for hotel check-in. (B)

Fes is the oldest royal city in Morocco. Founded in the 9th century, it is said to be the most complete medieval city of the Arab world, as it has preserved all of its medieval aspects and way of life. Fes will stimulate your senses as you take a guided tour inside Fes el Bali (old Fes), food and spice markets, handicraft quarters, auction squares, and colorful stores. We will see the local communal bakeries and children’s preschools, enter artisan workshops and discover the secrets of their ancestral arts, and walk by many historical fountains, mosques, and sanctuaries. We will also see the traditional weavers and famous tanneries. Stop for a break in the Museum Nejjarine, which specializes in the art of woodwork and cabinetmaking. Go inside the 14th century Medersa (theological school) to admire its intricate architecture, and see the University of al-Qarawiyyin from the outside, which is the oldest university in history, founded in 857 AD. In the afternoon, we will visit the royal palace, built in the late 19th century as a summer residence for the king Hassan; inside we will see the central garden and the Dar Batha Museum of Fes traditional arts, a palace that was repurposed as a museum in 1915. From there we will continue to Fes El Jedid (new Fes) to discover what used to be the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco, dating back to the time of the Jewish migration from Spain in the late 15th century. We will take a walk inside this interesting quarter to see the jewelry market and to visit one of the 17th century synagogues. (B)

Today we will head south to discover a landscape that is entirely different from what you have seen thus far in Morocco. Crossing the fertile plains beyond Fez and traveling through the Middle Atlas mountain range, we will stop in the cedar forest and the Swiss-like town of Ifrane, located next to a charming ski resort. The road continues via Azrou, a typical Berber town near which the forest is home for the Barbary apes. We will stop for a break halfway in the town of Midelt, situated 5000ft above sea level between the High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains. This former mining town is now considered the capital of the region that produces the most apple crop in Morocco. In the early afternoon, we will head towards the pre desert town of Rachidia, seeing the tents of nomadic shepherds and their herds of goats and sheep along the way. We will make photo stops along the magnificent gorges of the Ziz Valley and pass rows of sky-scraping palm trees and mud-made fortified villages before reaching Erfoud, an oasis town. You will be driven into the desert to the sand dunes of Merzouga, where you will enjoy a camel ride over the beautiful high dunes of the Sahara Desert. We will watch the sunset over the desert in poignant silence as we ride our camels to our campsite. The desert camp staff will then welcome you to a unique experience in the emptiness of the Moroccan Sahara Desert. Accommodations for the night will be in comfortable tents with all the necessary facilities. A traditional dinner will be served, and we will also have the chance to enjoy entertainment from the locals. (B,D) 

After waking up early to enjoy the sunrise over the sand dunes, we will have breakfast and depart the Sahara Desert for Ouarzazate. Our drive will first take us across a series of luxurious oases, where we will see the remains of the medieval Khettara irrigation systems as well as some local agricultural activities. We will stop in Tinghir, a stunning oasis at the foot of the High Atlas mountains. From there, we will drive along this enchanting valley, with plenty of opportunities for extraordinary pictures. We will enjoy a stroll along the 984-foot deep Todra Gorge, home to a variety of rare plants and bird species. In the afternoon, we will journey along the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs”. This is a region of earth-made fortresses with elaborately decorated façades whose architectural technique and style is quite unique to this part of southern Morocco. We will drive through “The Valley of the Roses” and El Kelaa M’gouna, Morocco’s “rose capital”, before arriving in Ouarzazate, the filmmaking town built at the foot of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. (B) 

After visiting the Kasbah of Taourirt, once the home of the "Lords of the Atlas", we will leave Skoura to drive across a spectacular barren plateau that has served as a filming location for many famous movies. We will also make a stop at the UNESCO protected village of Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most beautiful examples of the Berber architecture that UNESCO is trying to preserve. The natural beauty of the area and the architecture of the village has attracted many film producers who have used it as a backdrop for films such as Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator, and Babel. After lunch, depart for Marrakech along the most spectacular scenic road in Morocco. The road, which was built by the French foreign legion nearly a century ago, runs through the scenic Tizi N’Tichka pass and down to the plains of Marrakech. We will check in to our hotel and, time permitting, join our tour leader for a walk through the Jemaa El Fna square and marketplace, where different entertainers perform at the end of every day. Afterward, you may choose to go to the Selman Hotel to enjoy an optional dinner at the Horses’ Stable (not included). (B) 

Marrakech is considered to be one of Morocco’s most cosmopolitan cities and boasts a spectacular location surrounded by farmlands and snow-capped mountains, including the highest peak in North Africa, rising at 14,000 ft. As we start our visit this morning, we will discover an exciting blend of modern architecture and an ancient walled medina. We will first visit the Koutoubia Mosque with its 282 ft minaret, an architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century. We will then enter the Kasbah from Bab Agnaou Gate to visit the historical and beautifully ornate Saadian necropolis of the 16th century. Our walk through the 12th century Kasbah and its food market, bakeries, and narrow alleyways will lead us to the 16th century Badii palace. Here we will admire the marvelous pulpit of the Koutoubia mosque, built-in Cordoba in 1137 by the best cabinetmaking artisans of that era. We will continue to the 19th century Bahia palace and discover the intricate work done by the local artisans to decorate this splendid residence, built by a powerful vizier for his harem. We will complete our exploration with a stroll inside the Jewish quarter and visit to the historic synagogue built-in 1492 by Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain. After a break for lunch (not included), we will be guided through the “hidden sides of Marrakech”. We will admire the architecture of the oldest building in the city called the Koubba of the Almoravids, a dynasty who ruled in the 12th century. From there, we will start exploring artisan quarters and colorful souks (markets) to engage with the daily life of Marrakech’s people. Before sunset, we will stroll through the famed Jemaa El Fna square, where hundreds of locals and tourists come at day’s end to watch jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, storytellers, and traditional musicians. You may wish to stay here for dinner, either on the square where you may sample many street foods ranging from simple kebabs to the most bizarre recipes, or in one of the delicious restaurants around the square, before returning to the hotel. (B)

Begin with a comprehensive introduction that highlights the importance of cooking in Moroccan society and reviews the variety of recipes created by Dadas(traditional female cooks) over the centuries for special occasions such as marriages, holy days, and family festivals. Then proceed to an overview of the most traditional recipes such as pastilla, couscous, and the broad variety of tajines (stews usually made with lamb or chicken), while reviewing some of the basic pillars of Moroccan cuisine and a ‘spices and herbs’ cooking technique. Finish with a visit to a nearby spice market and communal bread oven, where neighborhood families bake their bread. 

Essaouira is a charming fortified town constructed according to the principles of European military architecture in a Moroccan context and in perfect harmony with the precepts of Moroccan architecture and town-planning. Essaouira has played a major role over the centuries as a caravan trade market linking Morocco with sub-Saharan Africa and as an international trading seaport linking Morocco with Europe and the rest of the world. The town is also an example of a multicultural and multiconfessional center as proven by the coexistence of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian people. We will drive from Marrakech to the Atlantic coast, crossing the Argan tree forest to visit a cooperative of women making this famous Moroccan oil from the Argan fruit kernels. We will enter Essaouira from one of its historical gates and start exploring its traditional colorful streets, food markets, and artisan workshops. We will make a stop at the Museum of Essaouira, bearing the name of the founder of the city, king Sidi Mahemed Ben Abdellah. Here you can find an interesting display of artifacts such as archaeological finds from the islands of Mogador and Berber ethnic jewelry from neighboring tribes. Then climb the Portuguese fortress, a port of call for 16th-century explorers, before continuing on to local art galleries and cabinetmaking workshops. Stop for a visit to the fishing harbor and an optional lunch at one of the seafood stalls. Then you may choose to stroll along the beach or go back into town for shopping before returning to the hotel. 

Your tour leader will transfer you to the airport for the return flight.