Mysterious Cities of Morocco Tour

Chefchaouen to Fes

We meet at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport approximately three hours before the flight. After completing baggage and check-in procedures, we fly to Tanca in Morocco on Air Arabia’s scheduled service. We arrive at Tanca Airport in the morning. After passport control and baggage collection, we board our waiting vehicle and travel to Şafşavan, known as the Blue City.

Upon arrival in Şafşavan, we go to a local restaurant for breakfast. We then give you free time to explore the city, known for its blue and white houses, narrow streets and small squares. In Şafşavan, at the foot of the Rif Mountains, you can walk through streets reflecting traditional Moroccan architecture, browse the shops and photograph views of the city.

After free time, we leave for Fes, one of Morocco’s culturally and historically rich cities. Upon arrival, we begin our tour of the Medina (Old City), which has preserved its historic character for centuries. During the tour, we see Attarine Madrasa, Old Karaounie University, Nejarine Square, the Artisans’ Bazaar and the Historic Leather Tanneries.

At Attarine Madrasa, we examine the decorative details of traditional Moroccan architecture. We also see Old Karaounie University, one of the city’s important historic buildings, and Nejarine Square, known for its fountain. We then explore the Artisans’ Bazaar, where Moroccan jewellery, copperwork, leather goods and various handicrafts are displayed. At the Historic Leather Tanneries near the Fes River, leather has been processed using traditional methods for centuries.

After the tour, we go to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Fes.

Rabat and Casablanca

After breakfast, we depart for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, we begin our tour of the city, known for its historic buildings, wide boulevards and location on the Atlantic Ocean. During the panoramic tour, we view Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Royal Palace. Hassan Tower is the most significant surviving part of an unfinished mosque project and one of Rabat’s landmarks. The Mohammed V Mausoleum features details of traditional Moroccan architecture, while the Royal Palace is one of the official residences of the Moroccan Royal Family.

After the Rabat city tour, we depart for Casablanca, Morocco’s economic and commercial centre. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour with a view of Hassan II Mosque, one of the city’s landmarks on the Atlantic coast. We then visit the Medina and the Hobus district, which reflect Casablanca’s traditional character, followed by Mohammed V Square and United Nations Square, two of the city’s busy central areas. We then see Ain Diab and the Corniche area, which stretch along the Atlantic Ocean and are known for their coastal views and lively atmosphere. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Casablanca.

First encounter with Marrakesh

After breakfast, we depart from Casablanca for Marrakesh. Upon arrival, we begin exploring the city, known for its red buildings, bustling markets and historic palaces. First, we see Ba Ahmed’s Bahia Palace. After the palace, which reflects traditional Moroccan architecture, we view the Koutoubia Minaret, one of Marrakesh’s landmarks, which displays features of Moorish architecture. We then walk through the narrow streets of the souks, lined with shops selling spices and traditional handicrafts.

We continue our tour at Jma El Fna Square, also known as the Court of Miracles. At the square, one of the city’s central gathering places, we see street performers and traditional vendors and observe Moroccan culture up close. We then visit Majorelle Garden, known for its exotic plants, cacti and distinctive architecture. After the city tour, we have free time to explore Marrakesh. At the end of this time, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Marrakesh.

Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains

After breakfast, we set out on a tour of the Atlas Mountains and Berber Houses to discover Morocco’s natural surroundings and traditional way of life. We begin in the Atlas Mountains, where we can see valleys, mountain villages and traditional Berber life. Our itinerary includes the Atlas Mountains, Ourika Valley and Traditional Berber Houses. When we reach Ourika Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, we have free time to explore the valley with its small settlements and take photographs. We then visit one of the Berber Houses to learn about the local way of life. As we learn about the Berber people’s daily lives and traditional house architecture, we experience our hosts’ hospitality and drink mint tea, which has a place in Moroccan culture. At the end of the tour, we return to Marrakesh and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Marrakesh.

Essaouira's Atlantic coast

After breakfast, we leave Marrakesh and travel to Essaouira on the Atlantic Ocean coast. With its whitewashed houses, blue doors, historic walls and ocean views, Essaouira recalls the Bodrum of the past and is one of the Moroccan cities once under Portuguese influence. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city is known for its historic buildings, fishing port, art and cultural life.

Upon arrival in Essaouira, we begin our city tour. On the tour, we see the City Fortress, the Fishing Port and the Medina. First, we explore the historic fortress and walls overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, then continue to the Fishing Port with its colourful fishing boats. We then visit the Medina, the city's historic centre. Here, we see traditional buildings in white and blue, narrow winding streets, small art galleries, handicraft shops and local markets.

We provide free time to explore the city, shop and spend time on the Atlantic Ocean coast. After this free time, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Essaouira.

Return to Istanbul

After breakfast in Essaouira, we check out of the hotel. At the time set by our guide, we transfer to Casablanca Airport. After completing baggage, ticket and passport formalities, we fly to Istanbul on Air Arabia’s scheduled flight. Our tour ends upon arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, with arrival time stated in local time. We hope to see you on our next trip.