Day 1
Arrive into Casablanca. Transfer to capital Rabat. After checking in, refresh and then do some sightseeing in the afternoon, with a visit to the Mausoleum of Late King Mohammed V, a classic example of Hispano-Moorish architecture. Also visit the Hassan Tower and the Oudayas Kasbah overlooking the mouth of the Bou Regreg river. Meals: N/A
Day 2
Leave for the Château Roslane, close to the former Imperial City of Meknes. This stunning property comprises among other things, a 70,000 hecto-litre cellar, stainless steel tanks, 3 sorting conveyor tables for unloading grapes, a coaxial heat exchanger for colouring the entire harvest, pneumatic presses, underground ageing cellars with a capacity of 3000 oak barrels and 3 million bottles. Take a tour of the vineyards (spanning 700 hectares) and do some wine-tasting.
Afterwards, drive to nearby Meknes. The city was built at the end of the 17th century by King Moulay Ismael. Visit the old ramparts, the Moulay Ismael stables, granaries, the House of Water, Bab El Mansour (one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco) and the impressive Moulay Ismael Mausoleum facing the Aguedal Basin. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, drive to Volubilis, which contains Morocco’s finest Roman ruins. Continue on to the village of Moulay Idriss, beautifully hanging on the hills and sheltering the tomb of Moulay Idriss.
Proceed to Fez and check into your stunning riad. Dinner and overnight in Fez. Meals: B
Day 3
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the ancient souks of Fez – you will visit: Achabin square for spices, Chemaine square for dry fruit, the Joutya for salt, eggs and fish, the Kissaria for hand-woven textiles and other locally produced goods, the Henna souk, and the Attarine souks for more spices! You will also visit the nearby Maristan and the Attarine Medersa (Koranic school). Lunch at local restaurant.
Next, you will leave for a local riad for your first cooking class, learning to make some Fassi specialities, including some of their delicious breads and pastries. Afterwards, enjoy what you have cooked for dinner in the riad.
Rest of evening free. Overnight in Fez. Meals: B,D
Day 4
Early morning, start your journey south through the High Atlas. Pass through stunning scenery and picturesque villages, including the village of Immouzzer du Kandar, the Lake of Daiet Aoua, Ifrane ski resort located in the heart of
a cedar forest. Proceed through Azrou and Khenifra, through the Tadla Valley and the rich agricultural area of Beni Mellal, where you will stop for lunch.
After lunch, continue to Bin El Ouidane via Afourer . Bin El Ouidane is knowing for its interesting dam. It was built on the Wadi-el-Bin Ouidane, forming a reservoir which brightens the landscape surrounding mountains. Due to its size, it allows both power generation and irrigation of the plain of Tadla.
Arrive early evening in the small town of Demnate. Check into the beautiful hotel Illy Kasbah, overlooking a gorge and verdant forests. Dinner and overnight in Demnate. Meals: B
Day 5
Take a wander in the morning to visit the nearby 1.2 million old natural bridge, Iminifri, set in a spectacular gorge. Demnate is known for honey production, so you will meet villagers who produce their own honey, mixed with seasonal herbs such as thyme and eucalyptus. Afterwards, drive to Ouzoud waterfalls, Morocco’s most impressive waterfalls, dropping some 120m. Ouzoud is the Berber word for olive, which is apt, as the walk to the base of the falls passes through olive groves, where you will often see locals harvesting olives from the trees. After your walk, have lunch nearby (try some delicious Berber omelette!). Afterwards, leave for Marrakesh. Arrive in the evening, and check into your riad. Overnight in Marrakesh. Meals: B
Day 6
Half day sightseeing of Marrakesh in the morning, including the historical monuments such as Koutoubia Mosque (although entry is not allowed to non-Muslims), the Bahia Palace and the tranquil surroundings of the Saadian Tombs. The afternoon is free to explore the souks of Marrakesh’s vibrant medina. People watch in the famous square of Djemaa el-Fna, known for its excellent food stalls and open air entertainment, including snake charmers, astrologers, story-tellers, and much more.
Freshen up back at the hotel and then you will be whisked away to a palace restaurant. You would never know these amazing buildings are hidden within the walls of the medina. Feast on sumptuous Moroccan cuisine in elaborate surroundings, and wash down your meal with some fresh Moroccan mint tea. Late evening, transfer back to your riad. Overnight in Marrakesh. Meals: B,D
Day 7
Morning breakfast will be taken at a local Moroccan café. Order from the same menu and enjoy a bowl of harira soup, Moroccan pancakes and breads, eggs, fresh orange juice and Moroccan mint tea or coffee. Walk off your breakfast on a walking tour of the food parts of the souks. Take lunch near Djemaa el-Fna or back at the riad. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Maison Arabe, where you will participate in another cooking class. Learn how to cook traditional dishes, such as tajine or couscous, as well as delicious salads. Dinner will be taken here as well. Evening free. Overnight in Marrakesh. Meals: B,D
Day 8
Your Moroccan adventure comes to an end. Breakfast at the riad, then transfer to airport for your return flight.
Meals: B
