Magic of Morocco

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, La Tour Hassan Palace. A transfer is included from Rabat-Salé Airport or Casablanca Airport to La Tour Hassan Palace in the heart of the city. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner with live music at the hotel.

Morocco's seaside capital city of Rabat is an intriguing blend of medieval Arabic and modern European influences, wide palm-lined boulevards, enclaves of elegant French colonial architecture, and Moorish-style palaces, mosques, and ramparts that echo the city's golden age as an Almohad stronghold. Sightseeing includes a drive through the grounds of Dar-al-Makhzhen, the Royal Palace and residence of the king of Morocco, built in 1864, with its sumptuous Islamic ornament and exquisite formal gardens. Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Alouite-style architecture featuring stunning ornamental carvings and chandeliers, the final resting place of the king who fought for Moroccan independence in the mid-20th century. View the massive Hassan Tower, the city's most imposing landmark, built in the 12th century and rising 140 feet high. The minaret is the centerpiece of a great mosque that was never finished, begun at the height of the Almohad Dynasty. After walking through the white-washed Kasbah, visit the Museum of Adornment, an ethnographic museum, viewing collections of jewelry worn in Morocco for centuries. Leave Rabat and head for Fes, stopping for lunch at a winery on the way. Arrive this afternoon and check into a lovely boutique hotel with views of the old town and the city skyline. Tonight, you'll dine at leisure at the hotel.

The sprawling city of Fes is over 1,200 years old, and its well-preserved old town is a vast maze of winding streets and alleys, crowded, aromatic bazaars, and eclectic architecture. No cars are allowed, so transport here is in the ancient, traditional style – on foot. Choose the focus for your morning walking tour: sample the flavors of dates, honey, and spices with visits to food vendors, or get an insider's look at the craftsmanship of artisans who create intricate, handcrafted carvings, rugs, leatherwork, and metalwork. Have lunch in the medina and enjoy an exclusive lecture by a local scholar on life in Morocco from a woman's perspective. After lunch, take an eye-opening tour of the city's famous leather tanneries, dominated by numerous deep, multicolored pools of dye. Here, leather is prepared in the same way as in medieval times to supply the artisans of the souks and bazaars. Return to the hotel, then join us for dinner at a riad – an inn with a central garden or courtyard. The Palais Faraj is a mix of old and contemporary.

Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, set among the rolling hills and fertile farmland between Fes and Meknes. Once an important Roman city on the western edge of the empire, Volubilis is one of the richest archaeological sites in North Africa, with remarkably preserved remains that offer a glimpse into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. Explore its ancient streets with a local guide, discovering the triumphal arch and remnants of grand residences, temples, a forum, and colorful mosaics that once decorated the floors of wealthy Roman homes. Continue to the nearby town of Moulay Idriss for a memorable lunch at a private home known as the Scorpion House, where you'll enjoy Moroccan hospitality and views overlooking the town and surrounding countryside. Return to Fes this afternoon for a visit to the historic Jewish Mellah, the walled quarter where the city's Jewish community once lived. Explore this important part of Fes's cultural heritage, including visits to a Jewish cemetery and synagogue. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

This morning, visit the American Fondouk, a charitable veterinary clinic specializing in caring for the donkeys and mules that carry goods through the narrow streets of the Fes souks (you might have even seen some pass you by during your time here). Founded in 1927, the clinic provides essential care for these hardworking animals, and you'll have an opportunity to learn about its mission and meet some of the animals and veterinary professionals involved. Next, drive to Meknes. This walled city of lavish Spanish-Moorish architecture dates back to the 11th century but rose to prominence in the 17th century under Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made it the capital of his empire. Known as the Warrior King, Moulay Ismail expanded and strengthened his rule through military campaigns and ambitious building projects. Explore Meknes on a guided walking tour through its historic medina, where bustling souks, traditional architecture, and winding streets offer a glimpse into the city's imperial past. Enjoy a special lunch at the private home of your local guide before continuing to Casablanca, viewing the classic Bogart-Bergman film of the same name along the way. Arrive at your seaside Four Seasons hotel, distinguished by its contemporary Moroccan design and Atlantic Ocean setting, in the late afternoon; dine at the hotel this evening.

In Casablanca, visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque, set beside the Atlantic Ocean with a towering minaret rising approximately 689 feet high. Completed in 1993, it is the largest mosque in Morocco, built to accommodate thousands of worshippers beneath its elaborately decorated ceilings and in its vast surrounding courtyard. On a guided visit, discover the extraordinary craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans, from intricate mosaics and carved stone to richly detailed woodwork. (When touring this site, women and men must cover their knees and shoulders.) Stop for a visit to the Musée Abderrahman Slaoui, showcasing works by Jacques Majorelle and other artists associated with Morocco, before lunch at Rick's Cafe – a recreation of Humphrey Bogart's fabled gathering place in the film Casablanca, complete with a piano bar and an atmosphere recalling the Hollywood classic. Continue on to Marrakech, where a horse-drawn carriage ride introduces you to the city's distinctive architecture, lively streets, and palm-lined avenues. Check into your Four Seasons resort, where you'll dine at leisure this evening.

Marrakech is surrounded by imposing stone walls from its medieval days as the wealthy capital of an empire. Within those well-preserved fortifications are palaces of red-hued stone, gardens and palm groves, and a medina of narrow streets and arches packed with fascinating souks and stalls that have attracted visitors for centuries. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to one of Marrakech's historic palaces, where richly decorated rooms, intricate tilework, and traditional Moroccan architecture offer a glimpse into the city's royal heritage. Continue toward the landmark Koutoubia Mosque, whose soaring minaret has dominated the Marrakech skyline for centuries. Along the way, you may encounter the elaborately costumed traditional water sellers who have long been a familiar sight in the city's public squares. Explore the medina on foot, passing through bustling souks filled with colorful textiles, fragrant spices, leather goods, and handcrafted wares. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Le Jardin Secret, a beautifully restored historic garden whose origins date to the 16th century. Discover its two distinct sections – an exotic garden featuring plants from around the world and an Islamic garden inspired by traditional Moroccan design, with geometric pathways, fountains, and carefully arranged greenery. Continue through Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakech's famous main square, where storytellers, musicians, street performers, and market vendors create a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy some time to explore before returning to your hotel for an afternoon and evening spent as you wish.

Your day begins with a visit to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, dedicated to the celebrated fashion designer whose creative life was closely connected to Morocco. Explore exhibits highlighting his designs, artistic influences, and enduring relationship with Marrakech, a city that inspired much of his work. Return to your hotel, with some free time before an afternoon excursion beyond the city into the striking landscapes of the Agafay Desert. Traveling aboard 4x4 vehicles, leave Marrakech behind as the scenery gives way to rocky hills, open countryside, and distant views of the Atlas Mountains. Visit a local Berber village, where you'll meet a family and share a traditional tea ceremony, learning about customs and daily life in this rural community. Continue to a desert camp, where a welcoming tented setting provides the backdrop for an evening of Moroccan hospitality. Enjoy dinner served Berber-style, accompanied by traditional music and entertainment, with an opportunity to experience the distinctive atmosphere of the desert after sunset. Return to your Four Seasons hotel in Marrakech later this evening.

You'll have a choice of sightseeing activities in and around Marrakech this morning. Attend a local cooking school to learn about Moroccan cuisine, its history, and the influences that have shaped its distinctive flavors. Prepare traditional dishes, including Moroccan bread, salads, and a chicken tagine, before enjoying the lunch you've helped create. Alternatively, take an excursion to the walled seaside town of Essaouira, a historic Atlantic port known for its whitewashed buildings, fishing harbor, and lively medina. Explore its picturesque streets with a local guide and enjoy lunch before returning to Marrakech. Or choose a morning of pampering at your hotel's hammam, where you'll experience the traditional Moroccan ritual of steaming, washing, and exfoliation, followed by lunch at the resort and time to relax. After some free time this afternoon, gather this evening at your Four Seasons resort for a private farewell reception, followed by a farewell dinner exclusively for Tauck guests.

Tour ends in Marrakech. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Four Seasons Marrakech to the Marrakech Menara Airport (about a half-hour drive) or Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (a drive of approximately 2.5 hours). Allow three hours for flight check-in.