Marrakech and Casablanca Tour

Meeting Marrakech

We meet at the Turkish Airlines counter in the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport, 3 hours before the flight. After check-in we board Turkish Airlines flight TK617, departing at 11.50 for Casablanca. We land at 14.50 local time and drive on to Marrakech in our waiting vehicle.

Marrakech takes its name from the Berber words "mur akush", meaning "Land of God". Its red walls earned it the name "Red City", and its narrow lanes still carry the feel of past centuries.

Our city tour covers the Bahia Palace, a window into the life of a 19th century Moroccan noble, the Koutoubia Minaret, the Majorelle Gardens with plants from around the world, and Djemaa El Fna Square, known as the "Courtyard of Souks and Wonders". After the tour we check in to our hotel for free time. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

A day trip to Essaouira

After breakfast at the hotel we join the tour to Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Set on the Atlantic coast and inhabited since prehistoric times, Essaouira is known for its white-walled medina, narrow streets and traditional markets. It is a working fishing port and a quiet seaside town where art is part of daily life, far calmer than Marrakech. Over the years this atmosphere drew names such as Cat Stevens, Jimi Hendrix and Orson Welles, and the town has also served as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

On our tour we see the Essaouira city walls and fortress, the harbour with its fish market and the medina, with time to shop as we explore. After the tour we return to our hotel in Marrakech. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Rabat and Casablanca

After breakfast we drive to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. A panoramic city tour takes in the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in memory of the current king's grandfather and a leading figure of Moroccan independence, and the Royal Palace.

We continue to Casablanca, where our city tour begins on arrival. Morocco's main port is the country's economic centre and its most populous city, and it gave its name to the 1942 Hollywood film. Islamic, French and Berber influences sit side by side in its streets.

The tour covers Mohammed V Square at the heart of the city, United Nations Square where Morocco's past and present meet, the Hassan II Mosque with the world's 2nd tallest minaret, the Old Medina, the Habous district known for its open-air markets, and the Atlantic seafront of Ain Diab and the Corniche. After the tour we transfer to our hotel for free time. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Return from Casablanca to Istanbul

After breakfast and hotel check-out, free time. At the time announced by our guide we transfer to the airport. After check-in we board Turkish Airlines flight TK618, departing at 16.45 for Istanbul. We arrive at 23.25 local time, and our tour ends.