Fez, Marrakech & the Charms of Morocco

Upon arrival in Casablanca, you’ll embark upon a scenic drive to Fez, the royal city, where you’ll check into your riad (traditional Moroccan house with a garden courtyard). Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure, with dinner in one of the wonderful local restaurants.

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. You’ll return to Fez late this afternoon to enjoy the evening at leisure.

Today, visit Fez el-Bali, the world's largest and most beautiful living medieval city. 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 some of the traditional shops to enjoy a cup of mint tea and some friendly haggling over a piece of jewelry or a carpet.

Traverse the Middle Atlas range with its landscape of Berber villages and ancient cedar forests on a leisurely drive to Marrakech, stopping for a picnic lunch in the Tadla region at Beni Mellal, famous for its oranges, grapefruit, apricots and figs. You’ll arrive in Marrakech, the cultural capital of southern Morocco, in the late afternoon.

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. Just before sunset, visit the Djemaa el-Fna, the enormous square and atmospheric wonderland of torch-lit food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers, and acrobats.

Bid farewell to Morocco today as you’re escorted to Marrakech airport for your flight to Lisbon. Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted to the port to board your cruise ship.