DAY 1: Sat- Depart from USA
- Board your international flight from the USA to reach Morocco in the next day. 2 Meals will be served on board of the flight.
- Keep in mind there are non-stop direct flight from JFK and IAD airports
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DAY 2: Sun - Arrival to Casablanca (00h45min)
- Arrive to Casablanca airport and transfer to the city for a brief sightseeing that includes the old French quarter of Habous, outside the Hassan II Grand Mosque.
- Set on an outcrop jutting over the ocean and with a 210m-tall minaret that serves as the city major landmark, it is a showcase of the very best Moroccan artisanship: hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble flooring and inlay, gilded cedar ceilings and exquisite Zellige (geometric mosaic tile-work) abound. (Inside tour is available with extra cost).
- Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight
- Meal: Dinner
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DAY 3: Mon- Casablanca, Rabat, Fes (03h35min)
- After breakfast, depart overland towards Rabat, driving along the main highway which links these two major cities. Embark on a city tour which highlights Rabats cultural influences and the superbly preserved relics of its Moorish past.
- Rabats most famous site is the Hassan Tower, the incomplete minaret of the great mosque built in the beginning of 12th century. Located alongside is the mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, the grandfather of the current king.
- Then the Oudaya Kasbah, which is built on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its gate is one of the most beautiful surviving in the Moorish world, and within its walls youll explore a delightful Moroccan garden.
- At the conclusion of your sightseeing, you continue overland to Fez (approximately a 3 hours&rsquo drive). Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 4: Tue - Fes, City Tour
- Today you take a step back in time to the Middle Ages when you visit one of the most imperial, timeless and untouched cities in the world - Fez El Bali (Old Fez) - the cultural heart of Morocco. You explore some of the 9000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks (open air markets) that make-up the labyrinth of the citys old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century AD.
- The Imperial capital was a renowned center of medieval learning and at its heart still remains the Karaouine, one of the oldest, still functioning universities in the world. In the neighboring building is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Your day of sightseeing also includes visits to the Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain with elaborate tile-work mosaics.
- The nearby Fondouq (Caravanserai) has been converted to a museum of carpentry artifacts.
- You will also visit Fez El Jedid (New Fez), built by the Merinides Dynasty in the 13th century. Here you see the Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks and the city wall. Most notably, Fez El Jedid is home to the Mellah (Jewish quarter), which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. The wrought iron decorated windows and splendid carved wood balconies of the old mansions are particularly outstanding. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 5: Wed- Fes, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes (01h40min)
- Journey overland to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. With its triumphal arches, basilica, forum, and capitol, the Volubilis skyline brims with iconic examples of Roman architecture.
- Among its greatest treasures, however, are the amazing mosaic floors of former family dwellings, which include depictions of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck and a portrait of Amphitrite in a seahorse-drawn chariot.
- Continue to Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the imperial cities of Morocco. Meknes is replete with fantastic historical sites, from minarets to museums, to enormous mosaic doors and royal golf courses. Among the most popular attractions are the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Nejjardine Mosque and Grand Mosque (outside visit) as well as the Bab Mansour, Bab Lakmis, and Bab Berdaine gates.
- Return to Fez for an evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
- Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 6: Thu - Fes, Ifrane, Marrakech (06h50min)
- Today we experience the natural & wilder landscapes beyond Fez: Drive to the high alpine region of Ifrane National Park (encompasses Azrou and several Berber villages), filled with cedar and oak forests, and home to the world largest population of Barbary macaques, hundreds of animals and birds and the oldest tree in Morocco Middle Atlas, the 130-foot Gouraud Cedar. The largest cedar forest in the world is found in this park, and several lakes or Dayats abound in the nearby areas. The Lion of Ifrane sits majestically in the city center and is certainly one of the most photographed sites of the region.
- Ifrane feels more like Switzerland relocated to the Middle Atlas than North Africa, with its clean air, scrubbed streets and leafy outlook. The French built it in 1930, deliberately trying to re-create an alpine-style resort. It is a popular summer day trip for picnickers in the winter, the affluent flock here to ski. Stop for lunch in Rabat (on your own)
- Continue to Marrakech via the highway for dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 7: Fri - Marrakech, City Tour
- The Red City, Imperial City, the capital of the mid-Southwestern region, Marrakech is Morocco most popular tourist destination. Since the 11th century, when it was founded, Marrakech has been a political and cultural powerhouse, serving as the capital for three of Morocco greatest dynasties.
- Marrakech was even used interchangeably to refer to both country and city. Marrakech has got lots to brag about. But it not all historical palaces and mosques though, there are plenty of those, rest assured Look out of any window in Marrakech and you will find a postcard view: clay-red houses squared away far and wide, with palm trees sprouting everywhere in between, gardens bursting out of courtyards, and the High Atlas Mountains as a soothing purple back. It no wonder French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent found so much inspiration there.
- In recent years, Marrakech has created an international airport, a world-class soccer stadium, and an Annual Film Festival, adding modern flare to its natural and historical offerings. In short, if you going to Morocco, Marrakech is a must see. Let marvel first at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret. The Bahia Palace, an exemplary specimen of privileged life in the 19th century.
- Your next stop is stop is Dar el Bacha Museum of Confluences. This palace was built by Pasha Thami el Glaoui in 1910. Walk in its lovely gardens, admire the zellige mosaic tilework of this opulent palace, and enjoy exhibitions focused on Moroccan culture.
- Later you visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakechs main square, which is filled with orange juice stalls and vendors, along with fire-eaters, mime artists, snake-charmers, magicians, and street musicians performing at every turn. You may also take the opportunity to explore the citys fabled, labyrinthine souks, their bustling alleyways brimming with all manner of wares. Following your visit, return to your hotel.
- The remainder of the day is at leisure, a perfect opportunity to freshen up and get ready for a dinner in a local restaurant.
- Return to your hotel and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 8: Sat - Marrakech
- Day at leisure or wander on your own or sign up for a cooking class. This retreat experience will start by a pickup from your hotel/riad at 10AM by our English-speaking driver aboard a deluxe car for a 20-min. drive to the Valley of Ourika. Upon arrival at the entrance to the trail you will switch to a camel/donkey/mule -depending on availability- for transfer to the Bennouna farm. A welcome drink is served by the Farm host, followed with a tour of the property that is surrounded by a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background.
- Enjoy a 20-min. meditation on the roof of the farmhouse (yoga class optional upon request on your own expenses). Light lunch will be served. Swimming pool is available for use (if season permits) and fresh drinks are at your disposal (extra charge for alcohol drinks and wine) or enjoy a breathtaking walk in the surroundings.
- We will start to prepare for the cooking class at 4PM. First, we pick up vegetables from the garden if season permits, then bring them to the kitchen to begin an immersed experience with the New York Times 3-stars Executive Chef. You will dine on the food you cooked. After dinner, witness the sunset on the terrace of the villa. Moroccan tea or coffee will be served.
- Return to your hotel.
- You get your dinner and overnight at the hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 9: Saturday - Marrakech - Casablanca Airport, Departure
- After breakfast, we will assist you to the airport for your return flight.
- Meal: Breakfast
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