In the heart of Morocco

Peace be upon you! Welcome to Morocco and the vibrant Casablanca. Our adventure begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6:00 PM. If we have arrived with time to spare, we might explore the Villa des Arts in Art Deco style, an architectural gem from the 1930s that houses collections of contemporary Moroccan and international art. For a dive into a different cultural facet, the Museum of Judaism offers us a unique look at the rich Moroccan history.

This morning, we will take the fast train to the coastal city of Tangier, a strategic crossroads in the Mediterranean and gateway to Africa. We will take a brief orientation walk with our leader, and then enjoy some free time exploring the city. We might visit Café Hafa, frequented in the past by celebrities like Sean Connery, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones, and enjoy the breathtaking view of Gibraltar while sipping Morocco's national drink: a steaming cup of mint tea. In the afternoon, we will move with a private transfer to the wonderful Chefchaouen. Nestled in a vast valley among the majestic Rif mountains, Chefchaouen shines with its Andalusian charm, a legacy of refugees who fled the Spanish Reconquista. We will follow our leader on an orientation walk and reach a charming viewpoint to watch the sunset over the city.

Today we will have a free day to explore Chefchaouen at our leisure. We might decide to join a guided tour to discover the wonders of the medina, savoring the local scents and flavors, such as the irresistible orange juice, at a cafe in Plaza Uta el-Hammam. If we prefer outdoor adventure, a hike in the surrounding hills could be ideal, with the option of a tour that takes us through the majestic Rif mountains to the enchanting Akchour waterfalls, a natural oasis of peace. In the evening, we could indulge in a tagine at a traditional restaurant or relax in a traditional hammam, immersing ourselves in the soothing atmosphere of a Moroccan spa. The night will be all ours to enjoy as we please.

This morning, after a light breakfast, we will take a picturesque journey through the countryside to the sacred village of Moulay Idriss. We will have the opportunity to explore the medina of this historic location and immerse ourselves in traditional Moroccan life. We will visit the place of worship where devotees gather to honor the tomb of Moulay Idriss, the great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who introduced Islam to Morocco. As sunset approaches, we will enjoy a breathtaking view over the plains of Volubilis. In the evening, our stay will be in a warm local guesthouse, where we will be served a lavish feast prepared by our hosts. It will be the perfect occasion to exchange stories and deepen our understanding of their culture, thus living a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.

Today we will visit the site of Volubilis, a place declared a World Heritage Site and one of the farthest outposts of the Roman Empire. We remain enchanted by the impressive ruins that emerge on the edge of the plateau, while our local guide enriches us with details about its history. Later, we will head towards Meknes, where we will have a few hours to explore freely. The more adventurous among us might be tempted to try a camel burger in a restaurant in the medina - a culinary experience not to be missed! In the afternoon, our journey will continue towards Fes, where we will spend the next two nights. Fes, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, is considered the spiritual and cultural heart of the country, offering us the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in a unique medieval atmosphere and, why not, end the day with an optional dinner with our group in one of the many local restaurants.

This morning, after breakfast, we will immerse ourselves in a guided walking tour of Fes el Bali, the Old City, a leap back in time to the medieval heart of the medina, alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries, and mosques. We will walk alongside donkeys laden with goods, in one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, exploring the thematic areas that characterize the souk. We will visit the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the most evocative buildings in Fes, recently restored and open to visitors. We will also discover Medresse el Attarine and the magnificent Funduq al-Najjarin, an 18th-century inn finely restored. A visit to the famous tannery, with its iconic view of the colored vats, and a pottery factory, where we will observe potters at work with traditional techniques, is not to be missed. The afternoon will be free for further personal explorations. And to conclude the day, we might indulge in a Moroccan dinner, savoring dishes such as harira and chicken pastries accompanied by couscous.

Today we will say goodbye to Fes and take the train to Marrakech, traveling through the Moroccan landscape and arriving in the late afternoon. In Marrakech, we will join an experienced local guide for a walking tour of the medina, where we will meet a charming local coffee enthusiast who will show us a unique method of preparing coffee in hot sand. Tonight, we will have the opportunity to join the crowd for an optional dinner in the vibrant Jemaa el Fnaa square, the beating heart of the city, which comes alive at dusk with henna painters, performers, storytellers, and a lively street food bazaar, where we can taste a variety of Moroccan delights.

Our tour discovering Morocco ends here. Depending on your departure time, you can still spend some time in Marrakech and continue exploring this beautiful city!