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Imperial Cities of Morocco: Culture, History, Palaces & Souks


  • Historic Morocco - Lumle holidays

Imperial Cities of Morocco: Culture, History, Palaces & Souks

 Morocco

9 days from $3999pp return flights
Now $2532pp Save $1467pp-37%

This curated circuit threads together Morocco’s most compelling contrasts—coastal Casablanca, the crimson allure of Marrakech and the medieval soul of Fez—with a scenic traverse of the Middle Atlas.

At a Glance

  • UNESCO heart: Fez el-Bali; Bou Inania; Attarine.
  • Ancient world: Volubilis; Moulay Idriss views.
  • Red City pulse: Bahia; Koutoubia; Jemaa el-Fnaa.
  • Oceanfront icon: Hassan II Mosque (exterior).
  • Royal capital: Oudayas; Hassan Tower; Mausoleum.
  • Scenic traverse: Middle Atlas — Ifrane, Azrou, Beni-Mellal.
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This curated circuit threads together Morocco’s most compelling contrasts—coastal Casablanca, the crimson allure of Marrakech and the medieval soul of Fez—with a scenic traverse of the Middle Atlas. By day, you’ll wander palatial courtyards, storied mosques and UNESCO-listed medinas; by evening, you’ll unwind in comfortable, well-located hotels chosen for ease and atmosphere.

Expect headline moments: the ocean-side silhouette of the Hassan II Mosque (exterior), the spice-scented bustle of Jemaa el-Fnaa, exquisitely carved madrassas in Fez el-Bali, and the Roman mosaics of Volubilis. Between cities, cedar forests, hill towns and orchard-dotted valleys offer generous photo stops and a sense of Morocco’s vast, shifting landscapes.

The short itinerary

Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK / ARRIVE IN MARRAKESH — MEDINA MAGIC BEGINS
Day 2 : ARRIVE MARRAKESH
Day 3 : FULL-DAY MARRAKESH CITY TOUR — SAADIAN TOMBS, KOUTOUBIA & BAHIA PALACE
Day 4 : MARRAKESH → CASABLANCA — PANORAMIC CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Day 5 : CASABLANCA → RABAT → MEKNES → VOLUBILIS → FEZ
Day 6 : FEZ — MEDINA MASTERPIECES, MADRASSAS & LIVING CRAFT
Day 7 : FEZ → MARRAKESH — MIDDLE ATLAS ROAD JOURNEY
Day 8 : MARRAKESH — DAY AT LEISURE (WELLNESS & FLAVOURS)
Day 9 : A FOND FAREWELL TO MARRAKESH

Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK / ARRIVE IN MARRAKESH — MEDINA MAGIC BEGINS

Begin your journey with an evening departure from NEW YORK. Relax on your overnight flight; you will land in Marrakesh the following day. After arrival at Marrakesh Menara International Airport (RAK), clear formalities and meet your representative for a smooth transfer to your hotel.

Practical notes: pack essentials in your carry-on (medication, chargers, light layer); keep passport/visa handy and complete any arrival forms on board; local currency is MAD and ATMs are available at the airport.

Overnight: In flight.

Day 2 : ARRIVE MARRAKESH

Your journey begins as you arrive in the captivating city of Marrakesh, Morocco’s vibrant hub known for its ancient medina, colourful souks, and lively squares. Upon arrival at Marrakesh Menara International Airport (RAK), you will be warmly greeted by our representative, who will assist with your transfer to your hotel. Sit back and enjoy the drive as palm groves and ochre walls welcome you to the Red City.

Once you’ve checked into your hotel and settled in, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Take this opportunity to wander the nearby neighbourhoods, sample mint tea in a shaded courtyard, or gently explore the lantern-lit alleys of the medina at your own pace. Prefer to unwind? Simply relax at the hotel and ease into Morocco’s unhurried rhythm.

As evening falls, soak up the atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa—storytellers, street food and music—or enjoy a calm dinner at your hotel as you prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight in Marrakesh.

Overnight in Marrakesh.

Day 3 : FULL-DAY MARRAKESH CITY TOUR — SAADIAN TOMBS, KOUTOUBIA & BAHIA PALACE

Wake to a hearty breakfast and set out to discover Marrakesh. Begin at the exquisite Saadian Tombs, resting place of a 16th-century dynasty, before admiring the exterior of the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque with its 70-metre Almohad minaret. Continue to the opulent Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of cedarwood ceilings, zellige tiles and cool marble courtyards.

Pause amid olive groves and reflective waters at the serene Menara Gardens, then return to the old city’s heartbeat: Jemaa el-Fnaa. By day, the square teems with juice stalls, artisans and street theatre; by night it transforms into a stage for musicians, storytellers and sizzling food stands. Enjoy a flavourful olive tasting en route, then head back to your hotel to unwind. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Included Today

• Guided full-day city tour of Marrakesh (English-speaking).
• Visits: Saadian Tombs, exterior of Koutoubia, Bahia Palace, Menara Gardens, Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Olive tasting experience (as operated).
Dinner at the hotel (per meal plan).

Cultural Etiquette & Practical Notes

• Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) for religious/heritage sites; remove hats in shrines where requested.
• Photography may be restricted inside certain areas; always ask permission, especially with performers or stallholders.
• Wear comfortable footwear; medina lanes are uneven and busy. Keep small cash for tips and purchases.
• Stay hydrated; carry a light scarf for sun/dust and hand sanitiser for market browsing.

Overnight: Marrakesh (hotel).

Day 4 : MARRAKESH → CASABLANCA — PANORAMIC CITY HIGHLIGHTS

After a luscious breakfast at the hotel, depart Marrakesh for coastal Casablanca. On arrival, check in and refresh. Following lunch (not included), set out on a guided panoramic tour of Morocco’s economic capital: browse the bustling Central Market, wander the charming Habous district, and admire the exterior of the Royal Palace and the stately Mohamed V Square. Continue through the leafy residential area of Anfa to the oceanfront, where the majestic Hassan II Mosque rises above the Atlantic (exterior visit), and cruise along the Corniche promenade before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Included Today

• Overland transfer Marrakesh → Casablanca.
• Guided panoramic tour: Central Market, Habous, Royal Palace (exterior), Mohamed V Square, Anfa, Hassan II Mosque (exterior), Corniche.
Dinner at the hotel (as per meal plan).

Practical Notes

Lunch is at your own expense; ask your guide for café suggestions near the Corniche or Habous.
• Dress modestly for religious/official areas; interiors may be closed during services/events.
• Bring a light layer for ocean breezes and wear comfortable footwear for promenades.

Overnight: Casablanca (hotel).

Day 5 : CASABLANCA → RABAT → MEKNES → VOLUBILIS → FEZ

After breakfast, depart for Morocco’s capital, Rabat. On arrival, take a guided panoramic tour of the Royal Palace (Mechouar), the cliff-top Kasbah of the Oudayas, the serene Mohamed V Mausoleum and the emblematic Hassan Tower. Following lunch (not included), continue to the imperial city of Meknes, whose golden age under Moulay Ismail (17th–18th c.) earned it the moniker “City of a Hundred Minarets.”

Discover Meknes’ monumental city walls, the intricately adorned gates of Bab Mansour and Bab El-Khemis, the vast Royal Stables and the atmospheric Jewish Quarter. Continue via the ancient city of Volubilis—a UNESCO-listed archaeological site showcasing superb Roman ruins with earlier Phoenician roots (entrance included)—and pause at the whitewashed holy town of Moulay Idriss nestled in the hills. Arrive in Fez by evening for dinner at the hotel.

Included Today

• Overland transfers: Casablanca → Rabat → Meknes → Volubilis/Moulay Idriss → Fez.
• Guided panoramic visits in Rabat and Meknes as outlined.
Entrance to Volubilis archaeological site (as operated).
• Evening dinner at the hotel in Fez (per meal plan).

Practical Notes

• Wear comfortable footwear for uneven ground at Volubilis and heritage quarters.
Lunch is at your own expense; your guide can suggest local restaurants en route.
• Modest attire is recommended for religious/official sites; interiors may be restricted during events.
• Keep a light layer and water handy; travel times between cities include photo and comfort stops.

Overnight: Fez (hotel).

Day 6 : FEZ — MEDINA MASTERPIECES, MADRASSAS & LIVING CRAFT

Wake to breakfast at the hotel, then delve into the soul of Fez, a city with over twelve centuries of history, a labyrinthine UNESCO-listed medina and the world’s oldest university legacy. Within the car-free lanes of Fez el-Bali, voices echo off ancient walls while the scents of tanned leather, spices, charcoal grills and syrupy pastries drift through the air—an irresistible pull into living tradition.

Visit the exquisite Medersa Bou Inania and Medersa Attarine (entrances included), masterpieces of Marinid art with cedar lattices, carved stucco and shimmering zellige. Glimpse the learned courtyards of the historic Karaouiyine Mosque (exterior), admire the elegant Nejjarrine Fountain, and wander the souks to the famed tanners’ quarter, where colour-vat panoramas reveal age-old leatherworking techniques—an unforgettable photo stop.

Pause within the medina’s calm for lunch at Riad Dar El Ghalia, then enjoy a warm cultural moment: a family-style Moroccan tea ceremony with three pastries (“homestay” experience), hearing stories of a Fassi household and its city’s traditions. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening at leisure.

Included Today

• Guided full-day city tour of Fez (English-speaking).
• Entrances: Medersa Bou Inania & Medersa Attarine.
• Walk-by visits: Karaouiyine Mosque (exterior), Nejjarrine Fountain, souks & tanners’ district.
Lunch at Riad Dar El Ghalia (as specified).
Moroccan tea ceremony with three pastries (“homestay” presentation).

Practical Notes

• The medina is car-free; wear comfortable shoes for uneven stone lanes and inclines.
• Some interiors have dress guidelines; modest attire is advised. Ask before photographing people or workshops.
• Tannery aromas can be strong—carry a light scarf or accept a mint sprig from local hosts.
• Keep small cash for crafts and tips; stay hydrated and take short rest stops in shaded courtyards.

Overnight: Fez (hotel).

Day 7 : FEZ → MARRAKESH — MIDDLE ATLAS ROAD JOURNEY

After breakfast, depart Fez and strike southwest towards Marrakesh, a scenic overland route skirting the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The road unwinds through cedar forests and high plateaux, offering broad horizons and frequent photo stops. Pass the alpine-flavoured town of Ifrane (≈1,650 m), continue past the Berber centres of Azrou and Khenifra, and pause en route in Beni-Mellal, framed by orange and olive groves—a favourite gateway for nature lovers and mountain adventures.

Later, descend towards the red city and arrive in Marrakesh. Check in, refresh, and ease into the evening—dinner is served at the hotel.

Included Today

• Overland transfer Fez → Marrakesh via Ifrane, Azrou, Khenifra and Beni-Mellal (comfort/photo stops as scheduled).
• Evening dinner at the hotel (as per meal plan).

Practical Notes

• Expect a full travel day; keep water, snacks and a light layer handy (temperatures vary with altitude).
• Wear comfortable footwear for short roadside strolls and lookout points.
• Have small cash for cafés/comfort stops; facilities can be simple between towns.
• Charge cameras/phones in advance—this route rewards landscape photography.

Overnight: Marrakesh (hotel).

Day 8 : MARRAKESH — DAY AT LEISURE (WELLNESS & FLAVOURS)

Begin with a savoury breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a full day at leisure in Marrakesh. Drift along vibrant lanes, linger in shady courtyards and set your own rhythm—today is yours to rest, browse and people-watch amid the medina’s colour and bustle.

Important: The experiences below are optional and at own expense. Advance booking is recommended and subject to availability.

Optional — Moroccan Hammam & Spa (Half-Day)

Rejuvenate in a traditional hammam within a medina riad: black-soap cleanse, invigorating kessa body scrub and aromatic rinses. Unwind over mint tea, followed by a relaxing massage with essential oils—skin refreshed, senses restored.

Good to know: Modest swim/underwear required; oils may mark clothing—use the spa robe provided. Arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in.

Optional — Moroccan Dinner in the Medina

Swap hotel dining for a candle-lit riad table and savour classics such as harira, pastilla, tagine and couscous, finished with orange blossom desserts and tea. A warm, intimate setting to toast your Marrakesh stay.

Practical Notes

• Wear comfortable footwear for uneven alleys; keep valuables minimal.
• Carry water and sun protection; evenings can feel cooler—bring a light layer.
Dinner is served at the hotel if you prefer to stay in (per your meal plan).

Overnight: Marrakesh (hotel).

Day 9 : A FOND FAREWELL TO MARRAKESH

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, then take a last lingering look at the Red City—lantern-lit souks, rose-hued walls and the distant line of the Atlas Mountains. When you’re ready, follow on to your next destination, carrying the scents of spice and orange blossom into the journey ahead.

Departure Notes

• Reconfirm your pick-up time and terminal details with reception.
• Keep passport, e-tickets, valuables and medications in your carry-on.
• Settle any hotel incidentals and allow time for traffic around the medina.

 

What's included

  • International economy flight from NEW YORK.
  • English-speaking escorted guide throughout.
  • 7 nights’ hotel accommodation.
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
  • Arrival shared transfer in an air-conditioned minibus/coach from Marrakesh Airport to your hotel.
  • Shared transportation throughout by air-conditioned coach.
  • Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary: Marrakesh full-day tour; Casablanca city tour; visits to Rabat, Meknes & Volubilis (entrances to Bou Inania & Attarine); Fez city tour; scenic overland transfer Fez → Marrakesh.
  • City tax.
  • 24/7 on-trip support whilst away.
  • Financial protection: ATOL for UK bookings and ABTOT for non-UK bookings.

What's not included

  • Visas and airport taxes.
  • Checked-in baggage (unless added to your booking).
  • Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise).
  • Any visit/entry not mentioned in the programme.
  • Optional tours and activities.
  • Porterage and gratuities.
  • Expenditure of a personal nature (souvenirs, laundry, etc.), and any meals/drinks not explicitly stated.
  • Alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks, bottled/mineral water; camera/video fees where charged.
  • Travel insurance and any loss or extra cost due to unforeseen circumstances (flight delays, accidents, weather, strikes, etc.).
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If you wish to travel on any other date than dates above or have any other queries please call our office at 1-888-214-4856 or email to sales@lumle.com

A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail sales@lumle.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 9 Days
All the Prices are in USD ($) Per Person.

City Hotel Description
Marrakech Hotel Wazo Modern, amenity-rich base with spacious rooms, multiple pools and a relaxed vibe. Convenient for transfers and for reaching the medina by short taxi ride.
Casablanca Hotel Odyssee Center Contemporary city hotel near downtown sights and the Corniche. Clean-lined rooms, reliable Wi-Fi and on-site dining for a smooth overnight stop.
Fez Zalagh Park Palace Resort-style property with gardens and pool, offering roomy accommodation and classic décor—ideal for recharging between immersive medina visits.
Marrakech Hotel Wazo Return stay for a familiar, comfortable finish: leisure facilities, casual eateries and easy access to the Red City’s highlights.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Casablanca: Cosmopolitan Atlantic hub with handsome architecture, lively squares, fine restaurants and galleries; a favourite backdrop for film shoots.

Marrakech: The vivid “Red City” of spice-scented souks and gastronomic variety. See the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Menara Garden and bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Fez: Glimpse Moulay Idriss Zaouia, explore the historic Jewish Quarter and enjoy panoramas from the Royal Palace and surrounding fortifications.

Please note

  • Itineraries/activities may change due to weather, technical or security reasons.
  • Hotel classifications follow Moroccan standards.
  • Late check-out, early check-in and connecting rooms are subject to availability and not guaranteed.

What do I need to bring?

Dress modestly for religious/official sites (no sleeveless tops, shorts or short skirts). Remove shoes before entering a mosque or private home. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and insect repellent are recommended.

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