☆ Explore the four ancient capital cities on one trip
☆ Discover major historical sites in every city
☆ Satisfy your craving for learning how to hand make traditional local arts and crafts
☆ Sample some typical Moroccan cuisines along the journey
☆ Include ample optional features and extensions to enhance overall experiences
☆ Visit 7 UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites
ALL PRICES ARE IN USD
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Full Payment is Required at the Time of Booking
GROUP SIZE:
☆ 10 - 40 people in each group
On board international flight to Casablanca.
Upon arrival at Casablanca, meet and greet, then transfer to the hotel (transfer is not included if you booked the land-only package).
Rest up and get ready for your busy sightseeing tomorrow.
Remarks before tour starts:
Acclaimed as the "Atlantic Bride", Casablanca is also called a "White City" as the entire city is dominated by white color. Today you will start your journey from Casablanca to Fes and on the way, visit the political capital Rabat, some 56mi/90km away to the north along the ocean coast. Rabat is one of the four ancient imperial cities with a history of about 900 years. Follow our local expert to explore the UNESCO listed Kasbah of the Udyas, once a military fortress on the ocean and first built by the Berber Dynasty in 12 century AD, now is a mesmerizing blue and white artist village, nicked named "Miniature Chefchaouen". The white marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V commemorating the founding father of modern Morocco sits just opposite of Hassan Tower, a remarkable and elegant structure from 1195 AD. In between the two constructions are 312 stone pillars still standing as the Ruins of Grand Hassan Mosque which was destroyed during the 1775 earthquake. Continue on to Meknes, 94mi/150km from Rabat. En route, stop at Volubilis to visit a UNESCO listed ancient Roman city archeological site. Arrive at Meknes, one of the four ancient imperial cities and used to be the capital city in 1672 AD. Walk around the historical city under the protection of UNESCO including Royal Stables, City Wall and Bab Mansour.
Overnight in Fes.
Being the first of the four ancient imperial cities, Fes is always regarded as the religious and cultural capital even today with 2800 years of history. Start off your full sightseeing day by observing the Bronze Doors of the Royal Palace, symbol of the country followed by entering the magnificent Bab Bou Jeloud erecting between the old town and the new town with shining blue façade on the outside and green mosaic design facing interior, a typical Moorish architecture. Stroll along the UNESCO Medina old winding alleyways lined with hundreds of mosques and tens of thousands of shops with medieval atmosphere. As the first Muslim city in North Africa and proud to be one of the Islamic Mecca places globally, Fes had the world first university, Mosque and University Karaouiyn which was built close to 400 years earlier than Oxford University. Once known as the “African Athens”, “Paradise for Handicrafts” and “Pottery Capital”, Fes was a much more prosperous and sophisticated city than most of the European metropolitan areas back then. Step into the bucket-list workshop of Dye-pits, Tanneries, Ceramics and Carpet weaving to learn how the local artisans have preserved their traditional techniques for producing such high standard handicrafts for hundreds of years.
Enjoy your free evening or you may join us for a unique optional evening excursion to enrich your experience.
Optional Tour: Fes by Night with dinner and live performance in Riad U$109/person
Sit down in a traditional-style house with a courtyard in the middle decorated with colorful ceramic mosaic paterns. Dinner is the special Moroccan delicacy accompanied by a live music band. Some of the instruments that the musicians use date back to ancient dynasties. A marvelous proformance presented by belly dancers and local artists will for sure leave you an unforgettable memory for the evening.
Today you are bused from Fes to Marrakesh (330mi/530km) , the last of the four ancient imperial cities.
Enjoy the rest of the day after arrival or you may take part in our optional Marrakesh evening excursion with dinner.
Optional Tour: Marrakesh by Night with dinner U$109/person
Hop on a horse carriage for a ride to soak up the unique ambiance of thousand-year-old North African culture. Explore Medina, a UNESCO World Cultural Site and linger around the dynamic and lively Djema el-Fna Square, a never-sleeping bazaar for almost one thousand years where you will find dancers, fortune tellers, snake charmers and acrobats all over the market place. The smell of the food stands, the lights of the souvenir stalls, the rhythm of the musicians all make this souk a hustle and bustle hub of Marrakesh attracting visitors from home and abroad every single day. Dinner will be a roast lamb feast in a unique Moroccan tent facing a horse race track for an outstanding production.
Overnight in Marrakesh.
Often declared to be the “Pearl of the South”, Marrakesh is also named “Red City” due to its age-old red city wall together with other red sandstone buildings from history. In sharp contrast to this major city color, Majorelle Garden adopts vibrant colors especially the bright yellow and bright blue for decorating the courtyard dotted with leafy trees, dense shrubs, towering cacti and colorful flowers. The so-called Majorelle Blue villa located in the garden has been converted to be the Berber Museum, home to a collection of Berber cultural relics and artifacts. Next is Saadian Tombs, a richly and luxuriously decorated complex depicting the high point of Moroccan and Moorish architecture in the Saadian Dynasty. Following the necropolis is the Bahia Palace, former residence of the royal family known for its ornate glazed tiles and intricate wood carving decorations. Your final stop is at the center of the old quarter, Koutoubia Mosque, “The most beautiful mosque in North Africa”, big enough to host 20,000 people at the same time. The 253ft/77m tall minaret tower, also called “Fragrant Tower”, is the landmark and symbol of the city, not only due to its height but also its aroma as herbs and spices were added in the plaster when constructed.
Overnight in Marrakesh.
Drive south along the coast to Essaouira (230mi/370km), a major seaport and the gateway to Marrakesh since the 19th century. Essaouira is also a renowned “City of Wind" that makes it the best place for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. En route, stop to watch the Climbing-tree Goats which is unique to this area. Upon arrival, you will be taken to the Fish Market where you may see not only the fresh seafood but also the sea-blue fishing boats. Wander around at the country"s best beach , the Essaouira Beach stretching a few miles long, and enjoy the hustle and bustle here on the fine and soft golden sand with the breeze from the Atlantic. Continue on to visit Skale du Port which is a fortress built in the late 18th century and now the city landmark appearing as Astapor in the Game of Thrones. Afterwards, walk through the Bab el Marsa and explore the UNESCO protected old town of Medina, a melting pot consisting of Arabic culture, Berber culture, South African culture and Jewish culture. The Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and French rulers in history have also left their influences in this fascinating city. Stroll through the old alleyways full of cafes, shops, restaurants and art galleries.
Overnight in Essaouira.
Breakfast in the hotel followed by a bus ride back to Casablanca (190mi/250km), Morocco’s commercial capital and the largest city of the country. On the way, make a quick stop at the Portuguese Fortified City of Mazagan which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an outstanding example of the interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures. Upon arrival at Casablanca, go directly to Mohammed V Square located at the city center in honor of the former king of Morocco Muhammad V. Head to Hassan II Mosque, the third largest mosque worldwide. Designed by French architects, partially built in the Atlantic and equipped with innovative facilities, the mosque is often hailed as the “Mosque on the ocean” and the “Most luxurious and modern mosque in the world”. Stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk, a trendy and cozy coastal promenade where you may enjoy the ocean breeze, view the stunning sunset or take a selfie with the Atlantic Ocean.
Optional Tour: Rick’s Cafe dinner with wine at U$109/person
Overnight in Casablanca.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board the flight back to your home (transfer is not included if you booked the land-only package).
*Please note: Depending on the air scheduling and availability, your flight back to the USA/Canada may depart very early in the morning the next day (00:00 am-03: 00 am).
For your final day, you may explore the city on your own and transfer to the airport in the evening. Hotel check-out is before noontime. (Late check-out may be available for a fee subject to the hotel policy).
1. Round-trip international flight from New York (All Airports) to Casablanca for NO additional charge
The following departure cities are available for additional charge:
Additional U$500/person | Miami / Fort Lauderdale / Boston / Washington, D.C. / Orlando |
Additional U$600/person | Las Vegas / Austin / Oklahoma / Chicago / Detroit / Memphis / Milwaukee |
Additional U$700/person | Dallas / Philadelphia / Charlotte / Houston / Denver / Phoenix / Sacramento / San Antonio / Seattle / Portland / Los Angeles / San Diego / San Francisco / Toronto / Vancouver/ Montreal |
Land only package without round-trip international flight ticket: minus U$500/person
2. Hand-picked 4-star hotel accommodations
3. Transfer from airport to hotel and hotel to airport (except for land only package)
4. Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda
5. Food as specified on the itinerary
6. Special cultural programs as specified in the schedule
7. Professional English speaking local tour expert
8. All tax and fuel surcharge
1. Travel insurance
2. Any personal expenses
3. Tour extensions and optional programs
4. A Mandatory Service Charge & Tipping U$225/person is required and payable by Credit Card Before Your Final Payment Due Date.
5. Single Supplement Fee (Our tour price is based on double occupancy. If a single passenger is traveling alone and not sharing a room for the entire trip, the tour price charged to the single traveler will be double the standard tour price.)
Hotel Upgrade:
☆ 5-star hotel upgrade(not include the tour extension):
Price: U$299/Person
(Single Supplement Fee: Additional U$200)
Flight Choice:
☆ Regular Flight: We are trying to put you on a direct flight. If this is not possible, you will take flights with moderate layover time: + U$0
☆ Express Flight: We are trying to put you on a direct flight. If this is not possible, you will take flights with limited layover time of less than 6 hours each way
Price: U$299/person
☆ Swift Flight: You will take a direct flight with no layover guaranteed (if there is (a) direct flight(s) service already existing between your departure gateway and the arrival gateway of your destination country)
Price: U$599/person
☆ Business Class Upgrade (exclusively available for US departures): Elevate your journey with a luxurious international long-haul flight that defines sophistication and comfort.
Price: U$6,000/person
OPTIONAL PROGRAMS (BOOK ON SITE):
☆ Day 4: Fes by Night with dinner and live performance in Riad U$109/person
☆ Day 5: Marrakesh by Night with dinner U$109/person
☆ Day 8: Rick’s Cafe dinner with wine at U$109/person
VALUE PACK: Click here to view itinerary
Price: U$294/person (with extra 10% off if purchase all three optional programs)
RETURN FLIGHT DEVIATION SERVICE:
1) Return Flight Deviation Service - 3 days (Airport drop-off service not included)
Price: U$1,299/person
Early Bird Price: U$1,099
Included:
*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
2) Return Flight Deviation Service - 5 days (Airport drop-off service not included)
Price: U$1,399/person
Early Bird Price: U$1,199
Included:
*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
3) Return Flight Deviation Service - 6-20 days (Airport drop-off service not included)
Price: U$1,499/person
Early Bird Price: U$1,299
Included:
*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
*Please note the exact departure date may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.
PRE & POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION SERVICE:
Please contact us for details and pricing whenever you need
Morocco does not require a visa for USA & Canada passport holders. You must have a valid passport with at least one blank page.
Visit the "IATA Travel Centre" for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements:
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm
Call 1-855-526-1286 or email [email protected] for any inquiries about travel visas.
More about Travel Documents
*It is your responsibility to ensure that you- and any child travelling with you- have all the valid travel documents necessary to enter in, exit from or transit through, each country/region on your itinerary. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.
*Your passport should be valid for six months beyond your date of return. Passport must be in good condition: passport damaged beyond normal wear and tear will not be accepted.
*Consult with the appropriate embassy, high commission or consulate about the travel document requirement for any country that you plan to enter in, exit from or transit through.
*Some country no longer issue paper visas but rather electronic visas. E-Visa holders must present the printed e-Visa and valid passport at the checkpoint.
*International travel with infants and children may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter Consent or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.
*Americans holding dual citizenship must travel to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. American permanent residents returning to the United States from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
*Canadians holding dual citizenship must travel to Canada with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents returning Canada from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).
HAND-PICKED 4 STARS HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
☆ Casablanca: ONOMO Hotel or Hotel Toubkal or Best Western or similar
☆ Fes: Dar Al Andalous Hotel or L"Escale or similar
☆ Marrakesh: 2Ciels Boutique Hotel & SPA or Nassim Hotel or similar
☆ Essaouira: Dar L"Oussia or Des Iles or similar
INTERNATIONAL AIR: (UTOvacation reserves the right to confirm the airlines below)
☆ United Airline ☆ American Airline ☆ Delta Airline ☆ Air Canada ☆ Lufthansa Airlines ☆ Jet Airways ☆ Lot Polish Airlines ☆ Tap Air Portugal ☆ Austrian Airlines ☆ KLM Airlines ☆ Alitalia ☆ Air France ☆ French Bee Airline ☆ Virgin Atlantic ☆ Vueling Airlines ☆ Air Caraibes ☆ Level Airline ☆ Norwegian Air Shuttle ☆ Iberia ☆ Air Italy ☆ Aeroflot ☆ Aer Lingus ☆ Finnair ☆ Swiss International Air Lines ☆ Scandinavian Airlines ☆ Brussels Airlines ☆ British Airways ☆ Turkish Airlines ☆ Ukraine Intl Airlines ☆ Royal Air Maroc ☆ Etihad Airways ☆ Egyptair ☆ Italia Trasporto Aereo ☆ Qatar Airways ☆ Royal Jordanian ☆ Emirates Airline ☆ Kuwait Airways