8-Day Imperial Cities Tour from Tangier – Explore Fez & Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! Your 8-day imperial adventure begins in Tangier, the vibrant coastal city known as the “Gateway to Africa.” Upon arrival, our team will greet you at the port, airport, or your accommodation. Begin your journey with a panoramic drive through the modern avenues and colonial-era architecture of Tangier. Discover landmarks such as the Kasbah, the medina, and the Grand Socco market. Stroll along the famous Corniche and take in the views of the Strait of Gibraltar. After a cultural introduction to this cosmopolitan port city, enjoy dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Tangier.

Set off along the picturesque Atlantic coast toward Rabat, Morocco’s serene and stately capital. Discover royal landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret that tells stories of grand ambitions, and the white-marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Stroll through the flower-filled Kasbah of the Udayas, a blue-and-white citadel overlooking the ocean. Continue to Casablanca, the modern heartbeat of Morocco. Visit the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, which floats partly over the sea and boasts the tallest minaret in the world. Enjoy a walk along the palm-lined Corniche before checking in to your hotel in the city of Humphrey Bogart’s “Casablanca” fame.

After breakfast, head to the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco’s “Red Jewel.” With its walls painted in sunbaked ochre and its energy pulsing from every alley, Marrakech is a thrilling feast for the senses. On arrival, explore highlights like the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, the lavish Bahia Palace, and the ancient Saadian Tombs. As dusk falls, wander into Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where fire eaters, drummers, storytellers, and sizzling food stalls come alive. The magic of Marrakech truly begins after sunset. Dinner and overnight in a beautifully restored riad in the medina.

Today is all about diving deeper into the soul of Marrakech. Start at the Majorelle Garden, a lush botanical escape created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Visit the Berber Museum and discover the colorful heritage of Morocco’s indigenous people. Then, enter the maze-like souks of the medina—perfect for discovering handwoven carpets, brass lanterns, spices, and perfumes. Visit the elegant Ben Youssef Madrasa, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. End the day with an optional hammam spa experience or a traditional dinner with belly dancing and Berber music.

Leave behind the arid plains of Marrakech as you ascend the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cascading waterfalls, cedar forests, and remote Berber villages. Stop for lunch in Beni Mellal, a peaceful town surrounded by olive groves and orchards. This scenic drive offers an authentic glimpse into rural Moroccan life. Arrive in Fez, the oldest imperial city in the country and its spiritual and scholarly center. Check in to your atmospheric riad tucked inside the medina walls and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Step into Fez el-Bali, the world’s largest car-free urban area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 9,000 labyrinthine alleyways, Fez is a living museum. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 AD and considered the oldest in the world. Marvel at the intricate tilework of the Bou Inania Madrasa and witness the ancient process of leather dyeing at the Chouara Tanneries. Meet local artisans, sip mint tea in hidden courtyards, and let your guide unravel the magic of Fez. Tonight, enjoy a rooftop dinner with views over the glowing medina.

After breakfast, journey north to Chefchaouen, the breathtaking “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, this town is painted in every imaginable shade of blue, symbolizing peace and spirituality. Wander through cobbled streets, visit the charming central Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and capture photos at every turn. Sample local goat cheese, shop for woven rugs, or simply relax in one of the serene cafés. Later in the day, return to Tangier for your final night, where you can toast to your adventure by the sea.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport or port according to your departure time. Your Imperial Cities Tour from Tangier ends, but the sounds of the medina, the scent of orange blossoms, and the memories of Morocco’s timeless cities will stay with you forever.