Day 1:

Arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport.

VIP airport services include being met upon arrival, expedited through passport control and escorted to meet your guide & driver who will be waiting for you just outside of the baggage claim exit.  The VIP representatives will be in contact with our waiting team.

You will be escorted directly to Marrakech (About 3-hour ride on the highway).

There will be convenient stops along the way for coffees or snacks, or even a light lunch.

Check-in at Villa des Oranger- a Relais  and Chateaux Inn that is well located within the old city walls. Built around a series of courtyards, the Villa offers excellent service, cuisine and a level of authenticity you will not find in a large property. Your stay includes a light lunch and laundry service.

After a little rest and time to refresh, your guide and driver can give you an introductory tour of the city.

Visit the Koutoubia Minaret which dominates the skyline of Marrakech.. The 12th-Century monument is a classic example of Moorish architecture. Continue on to the Djemaa el Fnaa, the main square at the heart of the medina. In the late afternoon, food stalls appear next to rows of escargot sellers, snake charmers, musicians and story tellers.

Then, head to the Mellah – Jewish quarter of Marrakesh. Share, understand and appreciate the potential of the coexistence of the two religions and cultures. In Morocco, Jews and Muslims have coexisted in harmony for hundreds of years. Marrakesh, at the foot of the Atlas mountain range was home to more than 50,000 Jews, according to a 1947 census. Visit the Jewish Cemetery & the historic Synagogue of Marrakech.

Rest & Refresh at your Hotel before dinner.

7:30 p.m. Dinner reservations at Maison Arabe’s Restaurant Les trois Saveurs.

Overnight at Villa des Orangers.

Day 2:

Breakfast at your Hotel.

Your guide and driver are at your disposal.

Visit the Jardin Majorelle. The garden was a gift to Marrakech from Yves-Saint Laurent. Purchased from the painter Jacques Majorelle, the garden is adorned with Majorelle blue, the color named for him.

Continue to the Berber Museum. Dedicated to Berber traditions, displaying costumes, craftwork, jewels and musical instruments.

Then to the Yves-Saint Laurent Museum, opened in October 2017.

The museum highlights the life work of the designer and his connection to Marrakech. The museum also includes a hall for temporary exhibitions, a research library with over 5,000 volumes, a 140-seat auditorium, bookshop and terrace café. The museum itself is recognized by architectural experts as a unique and innovative design.

Visit the architectural Secret Garden – a recently restored complex showcasing Islamic art and architecture. The garden and adjacent buildings date back 400 years. The small café is a nice place to grab a refreshment.

1:30 p.m. Lunch reservations at Café Nomad – a hip spot in the spice bazaar.

After lunch, visit Dar el Bacha Confluences Museum in Marrakech – Once the home for the famous Pacha Glaoui. Located in the medina of Marrakech, it is one of the most beautiful palaces of the red city. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century.

Then, visit the opulent Saadian’s Tombs, the mausoleum of a great dynasty which once ruled North Africa.   The site has some of the most eye-popping mosaic work in Morocco!

Return to your riad, rest & refresh before dinner.

8:00 p.m. Dinner reservations at Villa des Orangers.

Overnight at Villa des Orangers.

 

Day 3:

Breakfast at your Hotel.

Your guide and driver are at your disposal.

Start your day with an insider’s look at the Marrakech design and artisanship scene. Visit ateliers and workshops tucked out of public view. These are personal connections of your host for the day, an expat designer living in Marrakech for the last 18 years. Your day will be planned around your special interests once you have spoken with your host.

You will visit wholesalers and specialty shops which are off the beaten path, known only to industry experts.

This is a great day to get your shopping done whether it is textiles, indigenous jewelry or just gifts for friends and family. This is a fun day with a little bit of education and Moroccan Art and Design mixed in.

Continue to an atelier where local designers create their own twist on traditional home décor accessories. You will have access to the workshops to see new designs being created using traditional methods.

1:30 p.m. Lunch reservations at Le Grand Cafe de la Poste Restaurant.

After lunch, visit a bustling metal and brass workshop and get a up close look at the design and creation process of large architectural works including lighting elements and furniture like you have never seen made before!

Return to your Riad about 4 p.m. for a quick change of attire and depart for the Desert of Agafay for your evening experience.

The Desert d’Agafay is an arid, rocky area that is ideal for a taste of Moroccan desert culture. You will be staying at Agafay Desert Camp perched on a rocky expanse.

You will be welcomed with Moroccan wine & a scarf like those worn by Saharian Nomads.

Enjoy a Sunset Camel Trek.

Enjoy a festive dinner under the tents of the camp in Agafay. Dinner includes a supplemental wine package.

Return to your Hotel in Marrakech for overnight.

Overnight at Villa des Orangers.

Day 4:

Breakfast at your Hotel.

Your guide and driver are at your disposal.

When you are ready, take an excursion to the coastal city of Essaouira, it’s about 3 Hours’ drive. A former Portuguese town on the Atlantic Ocean that has become something of an artists’ colony.

Start by exploring the enchanting streets and alleys of laid-back Essaouira. Once known as Mogador, Essaouira’s blue and white medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit the street of the thuya workers, the ocean-side ramparts, and the numerous art galleries scattered about town. Once a Portuguese outpost, now a hip art community known for such visitors as Jimmy Hendricks and Cat Stevens. Most  recently the film location for several episodes of “Game of Thrones”.

Essaouira and nearby regions are famous worldwide for their sailboarding, surfing, and general beach activities. With beautiful, diverse beaches and surfing spots, Essaouira offers an ideal combination for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

1:30 p.m. Lunch at Chalet de la Plage – Located on the seafront overlooking the beach and its seagulls, the menu is devoted to a typically Mediterranean cuisine. Specialties of the house include oysters, sea-urchins, giant prawns, squid, lobster and whole fish.

After lunch, stroll through the ancient city of Essaouira.

Visit the old Jewish cemetery and synagogue of Rabbi Ḥaim Pinto (1748–1845) He was the leading rabbi in the seaport city of Essaouira, known in his lifetime as Mogador. Rabbi Pinto, himself born into a distinguished rabbinic family, had four sons, Rabbi Yehouda also known as Rabbi Haddan, Rabbi Yossef, Rabbi Yehoshiya and Rabbi Yaacov.  Annually, on the anniversary of Rabbi Pinto’s death, Jews from around the world come on pilgrimage to pray at the rabbi’s grave.

Head back to Marrakech. Return to your Riad.

Rest & Refresh before dinner.

8:30 p.m. Dinner reservations at Yacout Restaurant – Yacout Restaurant is a landmark of Marrakech. It was among the first opened in the medina around twenty years ago by Mohamed Zkhiri, who still manages this sumptuous venue. The decor is enchanting with private rooms and a breathtaking terrace view of the Medina and the Koutoubia Mosque. Yacout features traditional Moroccan cuisine with a menu incorporating an amazing succession of spices and flavors. With its world class service, it will be an evening to remember!

Overnight at Villa des Orangers.

Day 5:

Breakfast at your riad.

This morning, check-out from your riad.

12:00 p.m. Transfer to Marrakech’s Menara Airport to board your 2:50 p.m. flight to Fes aboard Air Arabia. 50 minutes flight time. (Booked by Heirloom Private Travel Morocco).

Upon arrival in Fes, you will be welcomed and escorted to town by your driver. Your guide will be flying with you.

Check in at Palais Amani- An oasis of tranquility built around one of the largest courtyards in the medina. You will find art deco touches throughout the Palais as it was renovated in the 1930s.

Rest & refresh at your hotel.

When you are ready,  your guide & driver will give you a brief introductory tour of Fès.

Enter the medina of Fes, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the scents and rhythms of Morocco’s cultural capital. Founded at the confluence of the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains, Fes has been a center of scholarship and trade for over 1200 years. Visit the Jewish Cemetery and walk in the Mellah.

Rest & Refresh before dinner.

8:00 p.m. Dinner reservations at Amaraz- Hotel Sahrai’s gourmet Moroccan restaurant. One of our favorites with a fabulous view at night.

Overnight at Palais Amani.

Day 6:

Breakfast at your hotel.

Your guide and driver are at your disposal.

This morning, walk down Talaa Kebira, the spine of Fes el Bali to the Medersa Bou Inania. The Medersa was part seminary, part dormitory and is a splendid example of Moroccan architecture’s three core elements: intricate tile mosaics, carved plaster and painted cedar.

Pass the Blue Gate, the Shrine of Moulay Idriss, and peek through the many entrances of the massive Al Quaraouiyine Mosque.  As you explore, you will wind in and out of a variety of souks – from vegetable markets through the street of butchers, alleys of harira soup cafes, weavers, carpenters and so much more.  While you walk, you will pass by the communal bread ovens, that are very much a part of daily medina life.

Then, head to the University of al-Qarawiyyin – also written Al Quaraouiyine or Al-Karaouine.  According to UNESCO and Guinness World Records it is the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution in the world.  They also name it as the first degree-awarding educational institution.

Continue on to the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts.  A wonderfully restored fondouq (rooming house) – a caravanserai for travelling merchants who stored and sold their goods below and took lodgings on the floors above. Centered on a courtyard, the rooms are given over to displays of traditional artifacts of craftsmen’s tools, chunky prayer beads and Berber locks, chests and musical instruments. Everything is beautifully presented.

Lunch to be determined with the advice of your expert guide.

After lunch, visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa near the Al-Qarawiyyin. It was built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said (r. 1310-1331) in 1323-5. The madrasa takes its name from the Souk al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market.

You will be invited to visit one of the oldest hand loom weavers in Fes whose work will astound you!

Next, we will learn a bit about the Moroccan leather industry as you continue to the iconic Chouara Tannery. Chouara Tannery is one of the three tanneries in the city of Fez. Built in the 11th century, it is the largest tannery in the city and is located in the Fes el Bali, the oldest medina quarter of the city.  Since the inception of the city, the tanning industry has been continually operating in the same fashion as it did centuries ago. It’s best to head up to the balconies of one of the shops that will welcome you with a sprig of mint and a memorable view.

Rest & Refresh at your Hotel before dinner.

7:30 p.m. Dinner reservations at Nur Restaurant- Nur offers fine dining in the Medina of Fes featuring the flavors of the Middle Atlas through a creative lens.

Overnight at Palais Amani.

Day 7:

Breakfast at your hotel.

Your guide and driver are at your disposal.

This morning, start with a visit to the stunning gates of the Royal Palace of the Alaouite sultan in the city of Fez.  The palace is located in the Fes el Jdid quarter. It has an area size of 80 hectares, and known for the brass gate ornamented with zellige tilework and carved cedar woods. The palace is not open to the public.

Continue by foot to the Jewish Cemetery and enjoy a walking tour through the Mellah of Fes (Historic Jewish Quarters). You will visit the historic 17th century Ibn Danan Synagogue. The oldest existing synagogue in the city, Ibn Danan underwent a restoration as part of a UNESCO project in 1999. You will cross through an area known for its goldsmithing, and continue across the street to Fes Jadid, passing ancient homes to the entry called Bab Semmarine. The entryway was built by the Marinid Dynasty in the late 13th century.  Continue through the famous public Jnane Sbil Gardens to the Blue Gates of the old city (known as Bab Bou Jeloud).  Follow a different route back to enjoy the scenery.

Lunch to be determined with the advice of your expert guide.

After lunch, take a tour of the Medersa Bou Inania, founded in the years 1351-56. The Medersa is one of the few religious places in Morocco accessible to non-Muslim visitors. The Medersa was part seminary and part dormitory. It is a splendid example of Moroccan architecture’s three core elements: intricate tile mosaics, carved plaster and painted cedar.

Then, visit the Dar Batha Museum, which has a particularly impressive pottery collection that dates to the 16th century.

Then, your guide and driver will make a special stop to visit one of the famous ceramic factories of Fes. Moroccan ceramics and tile production are, and have been, world famous for centuries.  This is partially due to the unique soil composition of Fes, which is perfect for the production of these artistic creations. The other part of course, is talent! See from start to finish how these wonderful mosaic tile creations are made, and have an opportunity to bring home a beautiful handmade ceramic Kiddush cup, tagine (a customary Moroccan cooking vessel), or other amazing souvenir. See the entire production and creative process in creating the famous traditional Fes ceramic designs.

Return to the hotel, rest & refresh and enjoy the facilities.

7:30 p.m. Dinner reservations at Palais Amani’s Eden restaurant – Eden at Palais Amani introduces you to the diversity of Moroccan cuisine through types of dishes found in Moroccan homes, revitalised with a twist of creativity and sophistication and brought to your table by their acclaimed chef!

Overnight at Palais Amani.

Day 8:

Breakfast at your hotel.

Check-out of your hotel.

Your guide and driver are at your disposal.

Head out of town towards Meknès. Total driving today is about one hour (plus stops).

First stop is the ruins of the late Roman era capital of the province of Mauritania.  A UNESCO World Heritage site, Volubulis overlooks the fertile plains of the Meknes region near the foot of Mt. Zerhoun.   Intact mosaics, restored arches and olive oil presses give one a sense of the importance of this outpost on the fringes of the empire. Visit the Triumphal Arch, Basilica, Diana and the Bathing Nymphs.

Then, drive on for few minutes to Meknes, the Imperial capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail, founder of the ruling Alaouite Dynasty. Explore Meknes’ massive granaries and stables, ornate city gates and the grand Place El Hedim.  See the Bab Mansour, is often mentioned as Morocco’s most beautiful city gates. Visit the Dar Jamaï Museum, a palace of powerful Viziers that now houses a collection of antique ceramics and crafts.

The last stop for the day is a short 30-minute drive to the beautiful Chateau Roslane.

Located in the wine estate “Château Roslane”, this jewel of charm and sweetness is a delight. The majestic entrance porch made of stone with its huge Moroccan door and copper hanging lanterns, welcomes you to this beautiful boutique Hotel.

Mastering a vineyard of nearly 2000 hectares, managed by professionals who love the land and their craft, Celliers de Meknes also have winemaking facilities located in the heart of the vineyards.

The only wine château in the Moroccan landscape, this magical estate is worth the detour. Combining tradition and modernity, this heritage of the late Brahim Zniber, is a real cathedral dedicated to wine.

Enjoy lunch at Chateau Roslane, then visit the winery, where you will realize that Morocco too, produces very high-quality wines!

Continue on to Rabat (about 1 hour and 45 minute ride).

Upon arrival, check in at the View Hotel – A hotel in the heart of the city enjoying an exceptional location, with its 17 panoramic floors overlooking Rabat.

Rest & Refresh before dinner.

7:30 p.m. Dinner reservations at Villa Mandarine.

Overnight at the View Hotel.

Day 9:

Breakfast at your Hotel.

Your guide and driver are at your disposal.

This morning, visit Chellah, the roots of which go back to Phoenician times. The Romans and the corsairs of later eras operated from this fortress located above the banks of the Bouregreg River.  Today, Chellah is an amazing collection of ruins, a citadel and lush gardens.

Continue on to the Mohammed VI Modern and Contemporary Art Museum. The museum opened in 2014 and offers a look at Moroccan contemporary art as well as various travelling exhibits.

1:00 p.m. Lunch reservations at Sofitel Jardins des roses El Patio Restaurant- The menu features French and Mediterranean dishes in an elegant, bistro-like setting that looks out at the hotel’s beautiful gardens.

After lunch, visit Hassan Tour (AKA Hassan Tower). Rabat’s iconic landmark, is the half-finished minaret of a planned mosque whose remnants attest to its ambitions. Drive by the Royal Palace, the residence of the current reigning king Mohamed VI, and see the luxury of this sprawling palace.

Visit the Kasbah des Oudaias, built by the Almohad Dynasty in the 12th century. Stroll the narrow streets to the Andalusian Gardens that sit on the site of the former palace and are something of a town square – especially in the summer months.

After the visits, rest & refresh at your hotel before dinner.

7:30 p.m. Dinner reservations at the Legend Club – Atop the towering View Hotel, against an elegant contemporary setting, Legend Club offers a modern reinterpretation of new age gastronomic cuisine, always respectful of the seasonal nature of its ingredients. Nested on the fifteenth floor, the restaurant offers a breathtaking panorama of Rabat. The best view in the city!

Overnight at the View Hotel.

Day 10:

Breakfast at your hotel and then check out.

This morning, head inland to Casablanca.  It’s approximately 60 minute ride on the highway.

Upon arrival, enjoy Lunch at Rick’s Café.- Created by a former US diplomat as an homage to the film “Casablanca.”

Depending on your arrival time, you can start exploring the most significant venues & monuments in Casablanca.

Start by a visit to the Mosque Hassan II. Completed in 1993, the Mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers making it the second largest in Islam today.

After the visit of the mosque, check-in at The Casablanca Hotel- a beautifully recreated Art Deco style hotel in the exclusive Anfa residential district of Casablanca.

Take the rest of the day at leisure and enjoy the facilities.

8:00 p.m. Dinner reservations at Le Petit Rocher Restaurant- For fine dining with a fantastic view; the elegant Petit Rocher is just the ticket: its amazing location lets you gaze over the sublime Atlantic waves and the Hassan II Mosque. Sample delicious Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, and good wine!

Overnight at Le Casablanca Hotel.

Day 11:

Breakfast at your hotel.

Early this morning, check-out from Le Casablanca Hotel & meet your driver in the lobby.

You will be escorted to the Casablanca Mohamed V Airport for your departing flight.

VIP airport services, which includes help checking in, being expedited through passport control and use of the VIP lounge while you await your departure.

Included in your land package:

 

• VIP airport services upon arrival and departure.
• Airport Transfers back and forth.
• 10 nights’ accommodation (double occupancy).
• Hotel service charges and taxes.
• Breakfast every morning.
• Domestic flight from Marrakech to Fes.
• Guiding services
• Agafay Experience with Camel Ride & Dinner.
• Air-conditioned Mercedes mini-van with driver at disposal.
• Insider’s look at the Marrakech design and artisanship scene.
• All admissions while accompanied by your guide.
• The services of our Marrakech office and 24/7 emergency contact.

Not included:

 

• International air transportation.
• Meals notes as suggested.
• Gratuities, tips for porters, drivers, and guides.

 

Insurance:  We strongly recommend that all clients purchase a comprehensive travel package that includes trip cancellation protection and emergency medical evacuation.