5 days/4 nights from Marrakech: “The Imperial Cities and Chefchaouen, the blue city”

We set out from Marrakech north to Casablanca.  This is the economic heart of Morocco.  Many European manufactures have set up shop in Casablanca making this city an industrial power house.  Here along the coast we will visit the Great Mosque of Hassan II, which is open to non-Muslims.  From here we travel north along the Atlantic coast to Rabat.  Rabat was founded in the 12.century as a military stronghold.  Used as a haven for Barbary pirates in the 17. century.  These pirates and the problems they created lead to Morocco being the first nation to recognize the United States as a sovereign nation.  You will be able to tour monuments from dating back to the Romans in this Atlantic port town.  The souks here are top quality offering some of the finest handmade goods in Morocco.  The accommodations for the night are in a traditional  Riad bed and breakfast complete with tea service.

Today we travel to the blue city of Chefchaouen.  Wonderfully situated on the southern slopes of the Rif Mountains.  Known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco Chefchaouen is a photographers dream come true.  Because of the location in the Rif Mountains the city has a rich history of being a place of refuge for Moors expelled from Spain to Jewish refugees fleeing here in the 1930’s.  Accommodations for the night will be in a local Bed and Breakfast. Dinner in the Hotel.

Setting out into the Rif mountains we head towards the Saiss plain.  Here we find archaeological site of Volubilis.  This imperial Roman city dates back to the 3.century BC and is also a UNESCO world heritage site.  There are well preserved columns and mosaics here.  Also located in the Saiss is one of Morocco’s 4 imperial cities, Meknes.  This military stronghold with its combination of Spanish and Islamic architecture is known as the Versailles of Morocco or the city of a hundred minarets.  Meknes is also home to Moulay Ismail’s 17.century Imperial Villa, the Bab El Mansour gate and the old souk.  After a proper days tour we head to Fez for the evening in a Riad bed and breakfast.

Today you will be given a personalized tour of the three different districts of Fes.  The original city is now known as Fès-el-Bali was founded early in the Islamic Golden Age.  This district walled and at its center is Qarawiyin University.  Founded as a mosque in 857 the institution subsequently became a leading spiritual and educational center.  Fès-el-Bali itself is a city within a city.  Many of the historic souks, tannery and culinary aspects have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.   Fes el Jadid, another district was added mid 13. century.  At the time Fes was the capital of Morocco. This new district was built around the Royal Palace and Jewish quarter. Fes is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco.   The newest district dates back to colonial French rule, early 20 century.  This area is the largest and most populist area.

We set out from the hotel for the Middle Atlas and the resort town of Ifrane.  In many ways Morocco’s youngest city built in 1929, during the French protectorate period. Delighted by the alpine climate, low temperatures and snowy winters for skiing the French laid out and built a European village, in Morocco.  From here we continue through the Middle Atlas and travel to Azrou. This region is will known for its towering cedars, oak forests as well as mountain streams and lakes the dot the fascinating geography.  This is also the cultural centre of the M’guild Berbers.  Many amazing knotted rugs are available here from the artisans themselves.  We reach Marrakech towards the evening.