Marrakech, Fez & the Charms of Morocco

Upon your arrival in Marrakech Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel. Check in and explore the cultural capital of southern Morocco, at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, tour the Saadian Tombs, elegant El Badi Palace and the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque, which is famed throughout the Arab world. Meander through the medina, exploring an endless procession of souqs, mosques and madrasas. Experience the soul of Moroccan hospitality at a local restaurant and taste a succulent lunch at the heart of the Medina. Just before sunset, visit the Djemaa el-Fna, the enormous square and atmospheric wonderland of torch-lit food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers, and acrobats. The charm of Marrakech will continue through the evening, in a magical setting of a restaurant hidden in the alleys of the Medina enjoy a succulent dinner accompanied by a local style entertainment. Please note: If the Badii Palace is closed, the visit will be substituted with visiting the Bahia Palace.

This morning, check out after breakfast. Traverse the Middle Atlas range with its landscape of Berber villages and ancient cedar forests on a leisurely drive to the Fez, stopping for a picnic lunch in the Tadla region at Beni Mellal, famous for its oranges, grapefruit, apricots and figs. You’ll arrive in Fez, the royal city in the late afternoon. After check in, enjoy some relaxation time. A Riad dinner will be served according to daily menu.

Today, visit Fez el-Bali, the world's largest and most beautiful living medieval city. After breakfast, tour the 14th-century Medersa Bou Inania (theological college), famous for its stucco Quranic scriptures, zellij tiles, and wood carvings. Explore the 13th-century tanneries and henna and spice souks as you wind your way through the labyrinth of streets and alleys, discovering hidden squares like the Place an-Nejjarine. Along the way, stop in at a traditional house and interact with a local family while sipping a refreshing mint tea and homemade pastries

Drive through the Moroccan countryside, to Meknes, a millennia-old cultural center, which boasts a fascinating medina (old city) and a maze of streets filled with colorful stalls and architectural delights, such as the intricately carved Bab el-Mansour. Continue to Moulay Idriss, Morocco's holiest city, and then on to the Roman ruins at Volubilis to see the Triumphal Arch and exquisite mosaics. Enjoy a scenic drive to Casablanca, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Casablanca today as you’re escorted to airport for your flight to Lisbon, where you will be met by a local representative be escorted to the port for your Azamara® cruise.