Tour description
On the first day we’ll meet up in Casablanca. If you arrive early you can visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s second largest and the only working mosque in Morocco that can be visited by non-Muslims. The next day we’ll drive via Rabat to the charming city of Meknes, with its yellow ochre houses and green tiles, situated amongst orchards and olive groves. Formerly an imperial city, it boasts a huge system of ramparts that form part of the ancient palace complex.
Meknes
On day 3 a short drive from Meknes will take us to the once-great Roman city of Volubilis, where we can pay a combined visit to its impressive ruins and to the nearby pilgrim city which holds the bones of the founder of Islam in Morocco, Moulay Idriss. We’ll then visit the oldest imperial city, Fes, which simply exudes history and religion, and is considered by some to be on a spiritual par with Cairo and Damascus.
Medina of Fes
A visit to the old medina of Fes is a particularly exciting experience because when you enter the sprawling labyrinthine alleys you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Donkeys and mules are the only form of transport in these steep and narrow streets. The most delicious scents come from the souk, where perfumes and spices are traded. But the most appalling stink from the leather tanneries, where men often stand up to their waists treating leather in noxious baths in much the same way as has been done for centuries, shouldn’t put you off going there too. Ethnic leather goods make great souvenirs!
Marrakech
On day 5 we’ll leave for the largest of all the imperial cities and the southern capital, Marrakech, where we will spend the final three nights of the tour. Our journey will take us through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where cedar forests abound, and nearer to Marrakech we’ll be able to glimpse the even more imposing snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains.
Majorelle Gardens
Marrakech has a magical reputation because of its immense souks (bazaars), numerous landmarks and ancient Berber heritage. Its central focus is Djemaa El Fna, the famous square where young and old alike gather every day to enjoy arts and crafts, storytellers, snake-charmers, herbal doctors and jugglers. As darkness falls food-stalls appear and you would be forgiven for feeling that you’d stepped back a thousand years or more.
Marrakech is also famous for great gardens, of which the Majorelle Gardens, created in 1920 by the French artist of the same name, is probably the most beautiful. The bright blue villa contrasts perfectly with the surrounding tropical plants growing in enormous jars and pots.
Arabic city of Fes
Marrakech is dynamic and typically Berber, unlike the more peaceful Arabic city of Fes. You’ll love the markets, the tombs and the gardens. You’ll love watching the sunset whilst listening to the call-to-prayer emanating from the mosques. It is an almost mystical experience as it contrasts red buildings with snow-covered mountain peaks and deep blue skies.
And then, on day 8 in Marrakech, it’s going to be goodbye. Shoestring never ran a trip where our customers came away without meeting new friends, so you are sure to go home with some great memories and some great new pals!