Travels with Karen - Magical Morocco

Saturday, May 4, Day 1

Upon your arrival at the International airport in Casablanca, you will be transferred to your hotel. Casablanca is a port city and commercial hub and you can easily see the city’s French colonial legacy in its Mauresque architecture, a blend of Moorish style and European art deco. Some time to relax before dinner on your own. Perhaps in the elegant hotel restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Sofitel Tour Blanche.

Sunday, May 5, Day 2

Following breakfast a visit to Hassan II Mosque, the biggest mosque outside of Mecca. Then we are off to visit the town of Meknes, known for its Imperial past, with remnants including Bad Mansour, a huge gate with arches and mosaic tiling that leads into the former Imperial city.
We will also visit the town of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Center, a partly excavated Berber and Roman city considered the ancient capital of the city of Mauritania. Continue on for our check in to Fez.
Dinner and overnight at Riad Palais Faraj.

Monday, May 6, Day 3

Breakfast, and following our sightseeing
tour of the city. Considered the cultural capital of Morocco, the tour starts by the Royal Palace, the Jewish headquarter, the first Mellah ever built in Morocco. On to the famous Al Qaraouine University (the oldest in the region) and the Tanneries. After lunch a visit to a ceramic factory with a panoramic view over the entire Medina of Fez.
Dinner and overnight at Riad Palais Faraj.

Tuesday, May 7, Day 4

Breakfast and day on your own to
explore this intriguing and captivating city.
Dinner and overnight at Riad Palais Faraj.

Wednesday, May 8, Day 5

Breakfast and depart for the capital city of Rabat, an Imperial City and designated a World Heritage Site. Following breakfast we will tour the city and see the Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower and the 12th century Oudaya Kasbah at the mouth of the magnificent Bouregreg Marina.
Dinner and overnight at Riad Kalaa.

Thursday, May 9, Day 6

Breakfast and depart from Rabat for Marrakech.
Dinner and overnight at Riad La Maison Arabe.

Friday, May 10, Day 7

Breakfast and following a tour of this former imperial city, a thriving economic center and home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The median is a densely packed, walled Medieval city dating back to the Berber Empire. Called the “red city” of Morocco, you will see important places of historical and cultural interest, including the Saadien tombs; the Palaces of El Bahia and El Badi, and the Ben Youssef Coranique School and more.
Dinner and overnight at Riad La Maison Arabe

Saturday, May 11, Day 8

Breakfast and today is a very special day trip to the High Atlas Mountains. Lunch will be at the Kasbah Tamadot, a spectacular property owned by Richard Branson (and his mother, who is very active in promoting local artisans.) On the way, for those who would like, a short camel ride.
Dinner and overnight at Riad La Maison Arabe.

Sunday, May 12, Day 9

Breakfast and off to the coastal town of
Essouria, a town that has been inhabited since prehistoric times and where many Moroccan Jews were encouraged to settle. Once 40% of the population, today there are three Jewish inhabitants. This is a lovey harbor town and our hotel is a charming Relais & Chateau property. On the way we will stop at a wonderful winery for a tasting and lunch.
Dinner and overnight at Riad Heure Bleue.

Monday, May 13, Day 10

Breakfast and departure for Casablanca
Overnight at Hotel Sofitel Tour Blanche. For those flying out of Marrakech you will be returned to the Riad La Maison Arabe.

Tuesday, May 14, Day 11

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for
your return flight.