Royal Morocco

Duration

9 days / 8 nights

Departures

1

Includes

8

Currency

EUR

About this organized tour

9 days through Morocco's four imperial cities and rich heritage – from the red walls of Marrakech, through elegant Rabat, blue Chefchaouen, historic Fes and majestic Meknes, to the Atlantic coast and cosmopolitan Casablanca. Flights, 8 nights with breakfast.

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Skopje – Istanbul – Marrakech

   Meet at Skopje airport at 07:00; flight to Istanbul at 08:45, arriving 11:20. Flight to Marrakech at 12:25, arriving 15:45. Transfer to the hotel and a first look at Marrakech, the "Red City", one of Morocco's most important historic centres, known for its distinctive architecture, old walls, palm trees and colourful markets. Check-in. Overnight.

2. Day 2: Marrakech

   Breakfast. The day is devoted to Marrakech, for centuries the capital and seat of power of Morocco's dynasties. We start at the Bahia Palace – a lavish blend of Moroccan architecture, beautiful courtyards, fine mosaics and carved wood. Then on to the Koutoubia, the city's best-known mosque and one of its main symbols, before entering the old medina, the heart of historic Marrakech, a maze of narrow lanes, workshops and shops full of crafts, textiles and spices. Our walk continues to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the famous main square with its street performers, craftsmen, scents and colours. Free time for lunch and authentic Moroccan food; the afternoon is for exploring the medina. Back to the hotel in the evening. Overnight.

3. Day 3: Marrakech

   Breakfast. More of Marrakech, with the chance to visit Jardin Majorelle, one of the city's best-known gardens. Created by the French artist Jacques Majorelle, it is a striking composition of exotic plants, palms, cacti, bamboo and pools, with the intense blue now associated with Marrakech. Later restored and preserved by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, the complex also houses the Berber Museum, whose collection presents the rich Amazigh tradition. Back to the hotel in the evening. Overnight.

4. Day 4: Marrakech – Rabat

   Breakfast. Journey to Rabat, the elegant capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, and check-in. Rabat charms with its refined elegance, wide boulevards, landscaped gardens and well-preserved heritage; its medina and historic centre are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start with a panoramic view of the Royal Palace, followed by the Mausoleum of Mohammed V – built of white marble and decorated with mosaics, cedar wood and its distinctive green roof. Nearby stands the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret and the symbol of Rabat. We finish in the Kasbah of the Udayas, with its blue-and-white houses, Andalusian gardens and views over the Bou Regreg river and the Atlantic. Back to the hotel in the evening. Overnight.

5. Day 5: Rabat – Chefchaouen

   Breakfast. We head into the Rif mountains to Morocco's most photogenic town – Chefchaouen. After arrival and check-in we enjoy its famous blue architecture: cobbled lanes, blue façades, small squares and artisan shops. Handmade souvenirs, the smell of freshly baked bread and its friendly atmosphere make Chefchaouen one of the best-known places in Africa. Overnight.

6. Day 6: Chefchaouen – Fes

   Breakfast. The morning is free to explore the blue medina – time for photos, a local coffee and souvenirs. We then leave for Fes, Morocco's cultural capital, whose medina is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. Check-in and free time. Overnight.

7. Day 7: Fes

   Breakfast. Fes is the encyclopaedia and cultural capital of Morocco. Its old medina, Fes el-Bali, with thousands of narrow lanes, still works almost unchanged, with traditional crafts, leather workshops and the oldest university in the world still operating. We start at the Borj Sud fortress for a panoramic view of the roofs and minarets, continue to the Royal Palace and its imposing bronze gates, and enter the medina through the Blue Gate, Bab Bou Jeloud – the Bou Inania Madrasa and, from outside, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University. Our walk continues to the legendary Chouara tanneries, where leather is still worked with centuries-old techniques. Option of lunch at the traditional Palais Mnebhi and free time for shopping. Overnight.

8. Day 8: Fes – Meknes – Casablanca

   Breakfast. Departure for Meknes and a tour of Bab Mansour, one of the most impressive city gates, the restored Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Bou Inania Madrasa and El Hedim square full of cafés and shops. In the afternoon we continue to Casablanca – a photo stop at the Royal Palace and a walk along the Ain Diab seafront promenade. Check-in. Overnight.

9. Day 9: Casablanca – Marrakech – Istanbul – Skopje

   After breakfast we explore Morocco's largest city with a local guide: the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, dramatically set above the Atlantic, the historic Habous quarter (New Medina) with its olive and pastry markets, the city centre and Mohammed V Square. Free time for lunch and souvenirs. Transfer to Marrakech airport, flight to Istanbul at 21:45, arriving 05:45. Flight to Skopje the next morning at 07:25, arriving 07:55.

The price includes

• Return flights Skopje – Istanbul – Marrakech – Istanbul – Skopje including airport taxes
• Checked baggage and hand luggage (a handbag and 1 bag up to 8 kg)
• Transfers as per the programme
• Eight nights with breakfast in 3*/4* hotels – three in Marrakech, one in Rabat, one in Chefchaouen, two in Fes and one in Casablanca
• Organised walking tours with entrance fees as per the programme
• Two small bottles of water during the coach transfers
• Organisation of the trip and a tour escort

The price does not include

• Moroccan visa
• Additional entrance fees to museums and monuments
• Tips for the guide, local guide and driver
• Travel and health insurance

Please note

• A minimum of 15 travellers is required for the trip to go ahead.
• Prices are in euros; payment is made only in denars at €1 = 62 MKD.
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip.
• The General Travel Conditions apply to this trip.

What's included

• Flights Skopje – Istanbul – Marrakech and back
• Transfers as per the programme
• 8 nights in 3*/4* hotels
• Tour escort
• Moroccan visa
• Travel insurance
• Breakfast daily
• Guided walks with entrance fees

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