Morocco Imperial Cities Tour

After morning meal, head out for a full-day tour of the capital city of Rabat. Begin your tour with a visit to the 2nd-century Chellah Necropolis, established originally as a Phoenician colony. Continue to the Yacoub al-Mansour Esplanade to see the Kings' Mausoleum, which houses the remains of several kings, and the unfinished 12th-century Hassan Tower.

Head to Kasbah des Ouadayas, a 12th-century Almohad fortress. From here, stroll through the winding streets or enjoy a mint tea at the Cafe Maure overlooking the Bou Regreg River. Finish your tour at midday meal, then hit the road for Fes, Morocco's cultural epicenter. The drive inland takes about three hours, and you'll arrive just in time for sunset. Head to your luxurious palace-turned-boutique-hotel for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Enjoy morning meal on the rooftop terrace, then head out for a full-day tour of the city. Founded in 781AD, Fes is now considered the world's largest car-free urban zone. Keep an eye out for the mule-drawn carriages that speed through the alleyways as you explore the city streets. Stop at the medina's Jewish quarter, then continue to the legendary tanneries to see ancient techniques used to prepare leather. The vast tanneries use a variety of traditional methods to produce high-quality Moroccan leather, which is used in everything from clothing to bags and other handicrafts.

A must-see in Fes is the world's oldest and longest-operating institution of higher learning, the University of al-Qarawiyyin, which was founded in 859 CE. Break for midday meal at a restaurant in the medina, then spend the afternoon resting or exploring the city on your own.

In the evening, head out for a quiet dinner on your own or join a tasting tour to visit three local souks and sample traditional Moroccan street food. Tour a honey souk to taste a variety of wild honey and visit a communal hammam bathhouse, then end your night with a visit to a tea house.

Spend a leisurely morning exploring Fes on your own. In the afternoon, take a short flight to Marrakech, arriving in time to relax at a hammam spa before dinner. Hammam means "spreader of warmth," and you'll feel this atmosphere when you walk into the spacious and ornate spa sanctuary. The quintessential Moroccan experience involves several steps of cleansing, mud masks, and a relaxing oil massage designed to purify and detox. Afterward, enjoy some downtime at the riad with a refreshing mint tea and a delicious dinner.

Enjoy morning meal at your riad, and head out for a full-day tour of Ochre City. Start by visiting the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, then continue to the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs to see traditional Moroccan architecture and tile mosaics. Stop by the Mellah, or former Jewish Quarter, to learn about Morocco's little-known but significant Jewish heritage.

Stop for a mid-day midday meal on a terrace overlooking the spice markets. Try the tajine and refreshing mint tea, then head out for the afternoon to explore the souks or markets, which spread through the winding alleyways of the medina. The shops sell everything from spices to clothing, household goods, and a variety of traditional Moroccan gifts and souvenirs. In the evening, make your way to the sprawling Djema El Fna Square to see a colorful medley of street performers, fortune-tellers, musicians, and food vendors.

Start your day with a late wake-up and relaxed morning meal. Head out for another day of sightseeing, starting with the lush Majorelle Gardens. Wander around the colorful gardens, looking for hidden alcoves and enjoying the vibrant plants and small Berber Museum. From here, head next door to the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, which honors the global fashion icon's love for Marrakech and houses a permanent collection of the designer's best-known works. Finish your fashion-filled morning with a trip to 33 Majorelle, located next door to the gardens and featuring a chic collection of clothes and art by trendy Moroccan designers.

In the afternoon, head to a cooking class to learn how to prepare a traditional Moroccan dish—Tagine, a thick stew of chicken and vegetables. Learn how to make the accompanying dishes, including Moroccan bread, fresh salad, and mint tea. End your class with a celebratory dinner to eat your own masterpiece, ending with a sweet dessert—almond-paste cookies.

Bid farewell to your driver and guide, who has by now become your life-long friends, then head to the Casablanca Airport for your connecting flight home. Safe travels!