8 Days North Morocco Tour: Atlantic Coasts, Blue City & Imperial Capitals

Welcome to Casablanca! Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, our local team will greet you warmly at the exit and transfer you to your carefully selected hotel or riad. Relax and enjoy your rest!

After breakfast, take Ai Borap (High Speed Train) from Casablanca to Tangier in 3 hours. Spend full day in Tangier.

In Tangier, your local guide will lead you on a captivating journey through mythical sea caves, historic strongholds, and bustling plazas before you board your ferry back to Spain.

Cap Spartel: Begin your exploration along the dramatic coastline at Cap Spartel, the northwesternmost point of mainland Africa. Standing atop these sweeping cliffs, you will witness the breathtaking meeting point where the wild Atlantic Ocean merges with the Mediterranean Sea.

Hercules Caves: A short drive along the coast brings you to this legendary cavern. Step inside to feel the cool, subterranean air and marvel at the famous "Map of Africa" window—a striking natural rock opening carved by centuries of crashing waves that perfectly mimics the silhouette of the African continent.

The Kasbah & Kasbah Museum: Next, ascend to the city’s highest crest to explore the historic Kasbah stronghold. Wander through an enchanting labyrinth of blue-and-white alleyways before arriving at the Kasbah Museum, housed in the former Sultan’s Palace. Here, you can immerse yourself in centuries of regional history while admiring elegant, tile-adorned courtyards.

Medina: From the ramparts of the Kasbah, follow your guide down into the bustling heart of the ancient Medina. Walk through the vibrant lanes where the air is richly perfumed with the aromas of fresh mint tea and warm, stone-baked bread.

Grand Socco: Conclude your walking tour at this lively, palm-fringed plaza that seamlessly bridges medieval charm with modern Tangier. It serves as the perfect theater to witness the most authentic scenes of local daily life. Take a moment to relax and sip a refreshing glass of traditional mint tea to perfectly wrap up your Moroccan adventure.

Overnight in Tangier.

Today, enjoy a scenic two-hour drive from Tangier to Chefchaouen. Built into the rugged slopes of two mountains, Chefchaouen is a striking city of blue- and white-washed houses.

You can truly feel its captivating charm in the cobblestone heart of the medina at Outa el-Hammam Square. Relaxing on a café terrace, you can enjoy an unhurried view of the grand Tarik Ben Ziad Mosque, whose distinctive octagonal minaret draws inspiration from Seville's famous Torre de Oro.

This Andalusian architectural influence flows throughout the historic Kasbah and its lush gardens at the center of the medina. Within its defensive walls and 11 crenellated towers—one of which once served as a dungeon—lies an engaging ethnographic museum.

A complete exploration of this enchanting blue village highlights the El Makhzan Palace, the historic Uta el-Hammam Square, and the labyrinthine medina.

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

After breakfast, drive to Volubilis from Chefchaouen. This spectacular UNESCO site is Morocco’s most important Roman ruin. The ancient capital shows off impressive classical city planning. As you walk along the historic stone paths, you will marvel at the massive Arch of Caracalla, the grand Basilica, and beautifully preserved mosaic floors.

Then, on the way to Meknes, look out at Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco’s holiest town, located just 4 km north of Volubilis. Founded in 788 by a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, this "Little Medina" holds the green-domed Mausoleum of Idriss I. You can stop at higher viewpoints for great photos of the white houses spreading across the olive-covered hills.

Next, visit Bab Mansour, a spectacular 1732 monument guarding the imperial palace. This famous Meknes landmark features grand Almohad arches, beautiful green Zellij mosaics, and massive, highly detailed stone structures.

Then, see the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, the tomb of the famous ruler called “Morocco’s Louis XIV.” It is one of the few royal shrines open to non-Muslims, showcasing beautiful Zellij tiles, carved plasterwork, and quiet courtyards around the central marble tomb.

Overnight in Fes.

Today, spend the day walking in Fes, Morocco's oldest imperial city and a UNESCO medieval museum. It features a completely car-free medina that leads you through a massive labyrinth of 9,000 winding streets and old souks.

Start your tour at Bab Boujloud, a famous gateway. Look at its classic Moorish design and iconic tiles—blue for Fes and green for Islam—before you walk directly onto the busy main market streets.

Next, visit Bou Inania Madrasa, Fes’s most beautiful Islamic college. This old masterpiece mixes Berber and Andalusian styles. Walk into its quiet courtyard to see Morocco’s best craftsmanship, filled with detailed plasterwork, fine cedarwood, and colorful Zellige mosaics.

Next, explore Al-Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 and honored as the world’s oldest operating university. Serving as a legendary intellectual hub, it invites non-Muslim visitors to look inside the entrance to admire its vibrant green roofs and beautifully preserved, historic Zellige courtyard.

Then, discover Chouara Tannery, which has been working since the 11th century. Holding a fresh mint sprig to mask the strong smell, you can look down at the colorful stone dye vats where craftsmen still use ancient, traditional methods.

After that, drive up to the 14th-century Marinid Tombs for the best view of Fes. Located on a high northern hill, these ancient royal ruins have no fences. You can walk around freely, take beautiful photos, and watch a spectacular sunset over the massive old medina below.

Overnight in Fes.

Optional: Moroccan brass engraving

This 3-hour class starts at 9:30 AM. Using a compass and ruler, you will learn geometric layout by drawing circles and dividing them into exact sections. Clear steps make it very easy to follow.

Today, drive to another UNESCO royal city - Rabat. As Morocco’s capital, this 12th-century Almohad stronghold stands out as the kingdom's most tranquil, organized, and beautifully modern imperial city.

First, visit Hassan Tower, a famous UNESCO site in Rabat. This 12th-century masterpiece was meant to be the world's biggest minaret. Although unfinished, the 44-meter-high red sandstone tower and its many stone pillars look absolutely stunning.

Next, walk to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a symbol of modern Moroccan independence housing King Mohammed V and his sons. Visitors can admire the pristine white marble exterior, intricate Zellige mosaics, and the ceremonial Royal Guards standing watch in their iconic traditional uniforms.

Then, explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th-century Almohad fortress perched where the Bou Regreg River meets the Atlantic. Guarded by the grand Bab el-Kébir gate, this UNESCO site offers spectacular sunset views overlooking the ocean.

Overnight in Rabat.

After breakfast, take 1 hour AI Boraq (High Speed Train) from Rabat to Casablanca.

Hassan II Mosque: Begin your exploration at this breathtaking 20th-century architectural and engineering triumph. Approaching from the seaside promenade, you will catch a dramatic view of the exterior—one-third of this monumental structure is built directly over the Atlantic Ocean bed, anchored by a towering 210-meter minaret. Inside, your guide will lead you through the grand prayer hall to marvel at the retractable roof, intricate mosaic tilework, and colossal crystal chandeliers.

Old Medina: Next, a short drive takes you to the city's historic core. Enclosed by 18th-century defensive ramparts, this lively quarter is a winding maze of narrow lanes. Spend time walking through its bustling traditional souks, artisan stalls, and open-air food markets to catch an authentic glimpse of daily Moroccan life.

Rick’s Café Photo Stop: Located just minutes from the Medina walls, this is the ultimate destination for classic cinema enthusiasts. The venue is a beautiful, faithful recreation of the famous saloon from the legendary Hollywood movie Casablanca. We will pause here to capture photos outside its iconic facade and soak in its nostalgic, romantic charm.

Church of Notre-Dame de Lourdes: Head inland to discover this striking modernist sanctuary. While its bold concrete exterior makes a powerful statement, the true magic unfolds inside, where the church showcases 250 square meters of brilliant, floor-to-ceiling stained-glass windows. As the sunlight filters through, the entire interior transforms into a glowing kaleidoscope of shifting colors.

The Habous Quarter: Continue to this elegant neighborhood, affectionately known as the "New Medina." Masterfully designed by French architects in the 1920s, it features orderly stone archways, pristine cobblestone streets, and exquisite Moorish details. It serves as the perfect spot to pause, relax, and enjoy a fresh glass of hot Moroccan mint tea just like a local.

Mohammed V Square: Visit the grand civic heart of Casablanca, popularly nicknamed "Pigeon Square" by travelers. The vast plaza is framed by striking 1920s government buildings that beautifully fuse traditional Moorish artistry with French Art Deco architecture. Take a moment to unwind by the central musical fountain as flocks of pigeons glide between the historic facades.

The Central Market (Marché Central): Conclude your sensory journey at this historic marketplace built in 1917. This beautiful Neo-Moorish pavilion is Casablanca’s premier culinary hub, famous for its fresh seafood, exotic ingredients, and local delicacies. Spend about 20 minutes exploring its vibrant lanes, watching locals shop, and taking in the rich aromas of colorful spice pyramids.

Overnight in Casablanca.

Today, transfer to Casablanca International Airport for your departure flight as our 8 Days North Morocco Tour comes to a close.

If you are planning to explore other African destinations next, please let us know!