Archive for the ‘Fes Travel Tour’ Category

Fes Morocco Travel Package, Haute Cuisine of Fes & Old City Discovery, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Fes Morocco Travel Package, Haute Cuisine of Fes & Old City Discovery – Your Morocco Travel Guide

Fes is the perfect place for a Morocco Travel Vacation or a short break. Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most traveled Imperial cities. Moroccan travelers visit Fes to discover Fassis heritage historical treasures and haute cuisine. The Guinness Book of World Records considers the University of Al-Karaouine Fes, Morocco the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world.

Fes -Traditional-Food-Spread

The city of Fes‘ cuisine offers rich and distinct flavors of traditional dishes such as Moroccan tagines, couscous, Pastilla (Moroccan Pigeon Pie), an mélange of carrot, eggplant and olive salads and the famous Moroccan soup called harira. Moroccan travelers who are looking discovering the culture of Fes should consider a Culinary Tour or ask Travel Exploration Morocco to arrange for a cooking lesson with a Riad and private chefs. Moroccan cuisine in Fes is prepared with a variety of herbs and spices that are grown locally within the region.

Fes-Women-Preparing-Pastilla

There are some dishes that are distinct to Fes. Traditionally combining a sweet flavor with a rich bitter bite. Dishes like mint and melon salad, choukchouka salad, zaalouk salad, feta, tagine, lemons, vegetable tagine, or a chilled radish, orange and fennel salad are often prepared into large courses. And of course, topped of with some Moroccan mint tea.

Fès is the fourth largest city in Morocco and also known as one of its most ancient Imperial Cities. Fes is separated into three parts, Fès el Bali (the old, walled city), Fès -Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah), and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fes. The Medina of Fès el Bali is believed to be the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world.

Fes-Monument

For an up close Morocco Travel experience consider a Fes Tour or going to Morocco for a Fes UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour.

This award winning “Discover Fes” Morocco historical tour guarantees a (Book a Tour or call  (800) 787-8806 spectacular Moroccan holiday.

DISCOVER FES MOROCCO – TRAVEL FOR 8 DAYS: MOROCCO HOLIDAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: CASABLANCA

►Arrive, settle in at your Casablanca hotel and rest for a few hours.

►Start your morning off with coffee and baguettes at one of the cafes at Parc de La Ligue Arabe, a huge garden with avenues lined with tall palm trees, ficus, arcades, pergolas and flowerbeds. Moving north, work your way up to the old medina as you move through Place Mohammed V and the Place des Nations Uniones, the main focal points of Ville Nouvelle, Casa’s new town. See French architecture complemented with Moorish design in Place Mohammed V, the protectorate square.

►Next enter Place des Nationes Unies. Now lined with impressive 1930’s apartments, shops and restaurants, the square was no more than an entertaining market place at the beginning of the 20th century.

►Make sure you have a camera in hand to take pictures of the famous clock tower, art deco hotels, the eleven stories Moretti apartment block and the high rise art deco buildings covered with loggias, columns, zellij tiles and geometric carvings on Boulevard Mohammed V.

►Visit the famous residential blocks: the Glaoui, the Bessonneau and the Asayag. The Boulevard links Place des Nationes with the railway station and is the gateway to the central market. Continue a short way to the Avenue des Forces Royal, a commercial area that leads into the old medina. With the help of your guide, move easily through the labyrinth of narrow streets lined with jewelers, barbers and artisans. See the squala, a fortified 18th century bastion. Visit the nearby shrine containing the tomb of Sidi Allal el-Kairouant, Casa’s first patron saint.

►Enjoy lunch at one of the international restaurants by Casa’s port, the Corniche.

►After lunch visit the Mosque of Hassan II. Casablanca is home to the Hassan II Mosque, designed by the French architect  Michael Pinseau . It is situated on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic, which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor with room for 25,000 worshippers.

►A further 80,000 can be accommodated in the mosque’s courtyard. Its minaret  is the world’s tallest at 210 meters. Casablanca’s Hassan II mosque building process began in 1980 and, was intended to be completed for the 60th birthday of the former  Moroccan King , Hassan II, in 1989. However, the building was not inaugurated until 1993. Authorities spent an estimated $800 million in the construction of the building. It is an enormous architectural masterpiece and the second largest religious building in the world. Tour its famous minaret, dome, royal doors made of marble. On Fridays, the Mosque of Hassan II is open to non-Muslims.

The Mosque of Hassan II’s promontory offers lovely views overlooking Casa in the residential Afna quarter. After touring the Mosque, head over to the New Town of Casablanca also designed by the French architect  Henri Prost for an hour of shopping.

► End the day with a visit to The Parc de la Ligue Arabe (formally called Lyautey) which is the city’s largest public park. On its edge is situated the Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur, which is disused, but is a splendid example of  Mauresque architecture.

►Dinner at Rick’s Café, infamously known from the film, “Casablanca”

DAY 2: CASSABLANCA – FES

►Rise early, have breakfast in the Novelle of Casablanca and the take the road to Fès and arrive in the evening. Arrive in Fès in and settle in at your hotel.

►Enjoy dinner at your hotel or Le Maison Bleu, one of the most elegant Fassis restaurants with traditional music, and then prepare for next days tour.

►Spend the night in Fes at a traditional Moroccan Riad such as Palais Jamai or a Riad that is more intimate such as Ryad Myra.

Hotel-Palais-Jamai-Fes

DAY 3: FES – MOROCCO’S HISTORIC LANDMARKS – MUSEUMS – MOSQUES

►After breakfast of Semolina bread, fruit, coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice; your day will begin at the Merenid Tombs of Fès.

►Standing among olive trees and blue agaves, the sixteenth century elegant ruins of marble and epitaphs face a breathtaking view of the Fès. Take a picture then continue along the old curtain wall of the medina and make a stop at the Musée des Armes, a fortress that once protected Fès.

►Next, enter the Fès el- Bali through the symmetrical horse shoe arches at Bab Boujeloud (The Blue Gate). Fès -el Bali, best characterized as a sea of rooftops embellished with minarets and domes, is too narrow for cars. Aside from walking, donkeys and mules are still the best way to travel within the cities old walls.

Fes-Bab-Boujloud-Gate

►Upon entering Rue Talaa Kebira, the main street in the medina, you will see lines of shops covered by canopies. Make your way to the Karaouiyine Mosque. Located in the Karaouiyine quarter, the Mosque is one of the oldest in the world and functioned as the first university in Morocco.

► After your visit, continue along the streets which will lead you to some of Fes’ most important buildings including Dar el- Magana, a fourteenth century water clock and Zaouia el Tijaniya, containing the tomb of Ahmed el Tijani, who spread his infamous doctrine Tariqq el- Tijaniya (The Way) throughout Morocco.

►We will visit the Ech Cherabliyine Mosque (Mosque of the Slipper makers) then browse the surrounding lines of souks selling henna, slippers, caftans, silks, jewelry and spices crowded around the kissaria. Next visit the UNESCO recognized site, Fondouk el- Najjarine. Within the foundouk’s three floors is the Musée de Bois, which displays carved doors from the Bou Inania Medersa.

►For lunch we will eat within the medina at one of the fine Moroccan palace-restaurants that serves an extravaganza of mezas (small plates of food) common among Fassis tradition. The mezas that are often brought to your table prior to the large mid-day meal will be several of these: Choukchouka salad, Zaalouk salad, Carrots with Cumin Seed, raisin and orange salad, Cold radish, orange, and Fennel Salad. The mezas are traditionally followed by the main meal, which will include the option of, a: Lamb, Prune, and Date Tagine, a Chicken Tagine with Olives and Preserved Lemons or a Vegetable Tagine. For desert you will be served with fruit/ or local Moroccan pastries along with Mint Tea.

Fasis-Traditional-Family-Painting

►After lunch we will visit the Musée Dar el- Batha to view the great collection of pottery, leather-work, wood, books and manuscripts from the nineteenth century.

► Next, enter Bab el Ftouh, the “Gateway of the Aperture” to explore the Andalusian quarter, a residential part of the medina laced with monuments. Experience the El- Sahrij Medersa and the Mausoleum of Sidi Bou Ghaleb. Our last part of the tour will take you into the Fès el Jedid, a Kasbah that functioned as Morocco’s administrative center until 1912. Explore the royal palace and many interesting quarters including the Moulay Abdalllah Quarter, the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and a little farther down south lays Ville Nouvelle (The New Quarter).

Within the medina, we will the following historical sites:

Medersa Bou Inania: An (Islamic school) founded by Abu Inan Faris that is highly decorated from floor to ceiling. The medersa is one of the few religious places in Morocco that is accessible to non-Islamic tourists.

Kairaouine Mosque: Morocco’s second largest mosque was built by Fatima in 857. The Kairaouine Mosque became the home of the West’s first university and the world’s foremost center of learning at the beginning of the second millennium.

University of Al-Karaouine: Founded in 859, this university is one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world and is considered the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world.

Medersa el Attarin: A (Koranic school) that was named for local spice merchants known as attar. Founded by Sultan Abou Saïd in the 14th century as a students’ dormitory, it is attached to the Kairaouine Mosque.

Zaouia Moulay Idriss II: A zaouia (shrine) dedicated to and the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and founded the city of Fès for the second time in 810.

Dar Batha: A Hispano-Moorish palace dating from the end of the 19th century that houses admirable collections of traditional art from Fès.

►Spend the night in Fes at a traditional Moroccan Riad.

Fes-Man-In-Old-Medina-Brass-Working

DAY 4:   FES – MOROCCO’S  TOUR OF SOUKS – MARKETS

►After breakfast you will begin your guided tour of the souks and handicraft traditions in the medina, El Fès Bali, one of the world’s largest walled in cities.

►Every souk is reflected in the value of the items sold. The makers and sellers are grouped together according to the products that they offer and every type of craft has its own street or part of the street which is centered around the kissaria, near the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss. The layout of the souk is a complex network of streets selling luxury goods like fine silks and brocades, high quality kaftans and jewelry. There are also souks like the El-Attarine Souk selling spices, a slipper souk and a henna souk, which is set in a shaded area planted with arbuses.

We will visit the following places:

Weavers Cooperative: We will also visit the Weavers Cooperative located in a residential neighborhood off a main shopping street. The workshop specializes in weaving the finest jellaba fabric, made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy. The shop also makes a quality jellaba fabric from locally spun, textured wool thread called hubba -sometimes referred to as couscous, because it’s nubby texture resembles Morocco’s national semolina dish of the same name.

Berber Carpet Demonstration: The Famous Exhibition of Antique and Modern Carpets is one of the places in Fès el Bali where you can see a Berber carpet demonstration. You will be offered mint tea and follow your guide up a coil of stairs to a small area to watch carpets being made by young girls who come from the mountains to show tourists how Berber carpets are made.

Tanneries: The Chourara or the Tanner’s Quarters is the most lively and picturesque souks in Fès. The Tanneries are often located near watercourses like the Wadi Fès and at a distance from residential areas due to the strongly unpleasant smells they produce.

Dyers Market: The dyers market, located along Rue de Teinturies, is the best place to see the dying vats which have been used for centuries to soak the skins of sheep, goat, cows and camels after they have their hair and flesh removed is best seen from the neighboring terraces. You will see many tanned hides colored with natural pigments ranging from shades of brown, black, turquoise fuchsia, yellow and orange.

Potter’s Cooperative: You will also visit the Potter’s Cooperative. Also known as Place el-Seffarine, this kisseria is the most important center for the production Fasiss style ceramics, brass-ware and silverware in Morocco.

►Spend the night in Fes at a traditional Moroccan Riad.

DAY 5: FES –  VILLE NOUVELLE – NEW CITY

►After a breakfast of Moroccan sweet breads, fresh fruits and hot coffee drive to Ville Nouvelle, the new town dating from the French Protectorate that lies south of Fès el Bali.

►Originally the shopping center was designed to accommodate westerners living in Morocco; however, today it is considered to be a modern Moroccan city. There are five mosques within Ville Nouvelle that were built after Morocco became independent in 1956. Take a tour of the mosques and admire the attractive architecture and the buildings.

►Have lunch in one of the out door cafes in Ville Nouvelle then explore the shops in the new town. Ville Nouvelle has well stocked shops filled with Moroccan crafts and foods from all over Morocco plus European clothing styles. The square is especially known for having some of the best tailors in Morocco. On Lalla Miriem you can find handmade caftans, jallabas and gandouras of which you can have custom made for you or visit the local cooperative where all items have a fixed price.

►Dinner in the old Fes medina. Spend the night in Fes.

(Book a Tour or call  (800) 787-8806)

DAY 6:  FES –  VOLUBULIS/ WALILI –  MOULAY IDRISS

►After a traditional Moroccan breakfast travel on a two-hour excursion outside of Fès to explore the breathtaking archaeological site of Volubilis (Walili).

►Once occupied by the Romans, Volubilis has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site and gained international acclaim when Martin Scorsese made it a feature location for his film, The Last Temptation of Christ.

►Begin your visit by discovering the fascinating Roman ruins adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. The ruins are spread out across several acres and what remain visible are several fragments of wall, parts of massive columns, the capitol, the basilica and a triumphal arch.

►You can view how the Roman Empire transformed the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city complete with mansions, a town center, a triumphal arc and temples devoted to the Roman gods. Volubilis once functioned as a final stop of the Roman imperial roads that went across France, Spain, down Morocco’s northern city of Tangier and eventually into Volubilis.

►Enjoy light fare for lunch at the small café that sits just below the Volubilis ruins.

►On the way back to Fes your driver will take you through the city of Moulay Idriss. You can stand on one of the twin hills of Moulay Idriss. From there you see a panoramic view and appreciate the green plateau upon which Volubilis is situated. The horizon is dominated by the triumphant aqueduct and from there you can see how the FertessaRiver, runs on one side of Volubilis, adding charm to the Roman ruins. Lunch on tajines and couscous and complement your meal with a glass of rose or red wine produced within the region.

►Every Muslim is supposed to make a journey to Haj at least once in their lifetime but five visits to Moulay Idriss equal one trip to Mecca. Explore the sacred town filled with defensive walls, a monumental gate, koranic schools, fountains and a new dome for the mausoleum. While the Tomb of Moulay Idriss is closed to non-Muslims, from the terrace near the Mosque of Sidi Abdallah el Hajjam, you can see breathtaking views of the town and the mausoleum. Before heading back to Fès sip coffee or mint tea on a terrace overlooking the rocky Middle Atlas Mountains.

►Spend the night in Fes at a traditional Moroccan Riad.

DAY 7:  FES – MEKNES

►After a breakfast of fresh fruits, jams, bread and mint tea, begin your tour of Meknes at Bab Mansour. We will take the road from Fès to Meknès.

►Often referred to as the Versailles of Morocco, Meknès is located between the fertile plain of Rharb and the Middle Atlas. The historical importance of Meknes is reflected in its grand Moorish buildings and in Meknes’ close relationship with Volubilis, a nearby city known as the most important archeological site in Morocco.

►Meknes rose to imperial status when Moulay Ismail began a building program to bring prestige to Meknes. Today, Meknès is the fifth largest city in Morocco and has a dynamic economic center that thrives on olives, wine and mint tea. The city’s unity of style lends it undeniable charm, enhanced still further by the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Come to Meknès and appreciate its beautiful gates, ramparts, mosques and palaces.

►Browse Rue de Souks, a street filled with hardware merchants (akarir), corn chandlers (bezzazine) and metalsmiths (haddadin). Also of interest may be a trip to the En-Nejjarine Mosque, a 12th century Almohad built structure. Before moving on to see the square towers and zellij tilework of the Bab el-Berdaïne gateway, catch the action of Ed-Dlala Kissaria. Every day in the Berber souk an auction takes place to sell carpets, blankets and other works made by the mountain dwellers.

►Lunch in the heart of the medina at Zitouna, a charming restaurant serving traditional Moroccan cuisine.  After lunch continue the tour of Meknès in a Travel Exploration air-conditioned/heated 4×4.  Explore Dar el-Kebira, a fortified quarter that is known as the imperial city. Dar el-Keibra is four times as large as the medina and has wide avenues and squares that are protected by a double line of walls and angled gates.

►Visit the palaces and mosques located within the heart of Ksar Dar el-Kebira, the heart of the Imperial city. Dar el-Keibra is also visited for the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Featuring a suite of three rooms, twelve columns and a sanctuary hosting the tyrannical sultan, the tombs are reminiscent of the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh.

►Return to Fes. Dinner at Le Palais D’Medina. Spend the night in Fes at a traditional Moroccan Riad.

DAY 8:  FES – CASABLANCA

►Rise, have breakfast and departure from Fes. This ends your Morocco Travel experience.

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806  or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today

For more information about Morocco Travel to Fes

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara DesertBerber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate.

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Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration

Absolute Morocco, Visit the Imperial Cities of Marrakech, Fes, Meknes & Ancient Kasbahs in Ouarzazate – Your Morocco Travel Guide

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

Absolute Morocco, Visit the Imperial Cities of Marrakech, Fes, Meknes & Ancient Kasbahs in Ouarzazate – Your Morocco Travel Guide

Absolute Morocco is the most exciting tour (Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806) to take for first time travelers to Morocco. Absolute Morocco takes you on an entertaining, fascinating and exotic journey to Morocco’s Imperial Cities of Marrakech, Fes and Meknes while including a visit to other historic cities such as Volubilis and Ouarzazate. When traveling on the Absolute Morocco tour you will visit the Berber capital of Ouarzazate, often referred to as “the door to the desert” and the Hollywood of Morocco. Ouarzazate is where famous directors and films have been shot such as Bertolucci’s Sheltering Sky, Martin Scorsese’s Kundun,, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Oliver Stone’s Alexander The Great and Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven. Ouarzazate also lays claim to one of Morocco’s oldest Kasbahs, Ait Benhaddou.

Roman ruins of Volubilis an archaeological site near to Meknes The Majorelle Garden in Marrakech
The Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate The Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech

The Absolute Morocco Tour also offers travelers the opportunity to discover the famed city of Marrakech’s Majorelle Gardens, Koutoubia Mosque, Djemma El Fna Square and even see Chez Allez, a live Fantasia horse and Moroccan music dinner show located in the palmery of Marrakech.

One of the highlights of the Absolute Morocco tour is the journey you will experience when visiting the old world Medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Imperial city of Meknes. Meknes is known for its traditional architecture, old stables, mosques, its claim as the wine production capital of Morocco. Meknes boasts beautiful vineyards and is also nearby to the Roman Ruins of Volubilis, (Walili).

Absolute Morocco is one of the few tours to Morocco that offers a 9 day vacation to the Maghreb that never leaves you feeling rushed. You are guaranteed to have a full Moroccan travel experience and discover some of the best Moroccan food while traveling hands free with your own English speaking driver and guide. With Absolute Morocco you are guaranteed to discover the best on this tailor-made Moroccan tour.

Berber woman making Argan Oil at an Argan Cooperative The entrance to the Majorelle Garden Islamic Art Museum in Marrakech
Bab Boujoloud The Blue entrance Gate of the Old Fes Medina Fantasia Horse back equestrian performance in Meknes

9 Day Tour: Absolute Morocco – The Imperial Cities of Marrakech, Fes , Meknes, Volubilis & Ouarzazate – [Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806]
Duration: 9:00am – 6:00pm Daily

Inclusion: Luxury Toyota 4×4
English, French Speaking Driver, Guide

Starting & Finishing Point: Airport in Marrakech

ITINERARY

DAY 1: MARRAKECH
►Arrive in Marrakech, your driver will pick you up at Marrakech’s Menara Airport and transport to your riad or hotel.

►In the late afternoon your introduction to Marrakech will begin by traveling outside the Medina, the old quarter of Marrakech. Visit the Djemma el Fna, Square a UNESCO world heritage site. Stroll Djemma’s labyrinth like streets where snake charmers fiddle flirtatiously with their cobras, fire swallowers eat fire, storytellers entertain big crowds, fortune tellers mesmerize Moroccan travelers with stories and the rhythms of African and Arabic sounds hypnotize the crowds. Return to your hotel to rest and prepare for next day’s journey.

►Dinner at one of Marrakech’s most spectacular restaurants which overlooks Djema El Fna Square. Spend the night in Marrakech.

DAY 2: GUIDED TOUR OF MARRAKECH SITES & GARDENS
►After breakfast begin your tour of Marrakech. Travel Morocco’s “Red City” or Al Hamra, “located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

►Your tour of Marrakech will first take you to the Majorelle Garden. The exotic floral paradise was built by Jacques Majorelle to complement his Moorish Villa designed with zellij tilework covering the front door and blue-green and dark red tones decorating the interior. Today the garden surrounds the home with colorful flowers like yucca, bougainvillea, bamboo, laurel, geraniums, hibiscus, cypresses, 400 varieties of palm trees and 1,800 species ofcactus.

►After visiting the Majorelle Garden, we will explore the Bahaia Palace. Built by two grand vizers, Si Moussa and Ba Ahmed, the palace complex is made up of two separate parts that are distinguished by the different needs of the rulers.

[Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806]

 

►Next, we will drive to the Lower Medina to explore more of Marrakech’s secrets: El Mansour mosque, where you will see the sixteenth century Saadian Tombs with its stark towers and also visit the 16th century El Badhi palace.

►En route we will travel to Djemma el Fna, the center and symbol of Marrakech.
We will stop to visit the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque. Strolling through the labyrinth streets, you will recognize the Koutoubia Mosque by its influential minaret. The Mosque is one of the largest in the Muslim world and served as a model for the Giralda in Seville as well as theHassan II tower in Rabat.

►Marrakech is admired by Moroccan travelers for its history of being a city of underground channels built by the architects from Cordoba, Spain. These channels provided water for the town and Palmery.

►Lunch in the city center of Marrakech.

►From here we will explore the old quarter of Marrakech by foot and browse the souks, considered to be the most fascinating among Moroccan travelers. The souks are lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets, jewelry, Moroccan slippers and tanneries.

►Return to your riad to relax. Dinner at the Chez Allez Fantasia Horse and dinner show in Marrakech’s palmery. Spend the night in Marrakech.

DAY 3: MARRAKECH – FES
►After breakfast, tour the La Mamonia Garden, the only remains of 18th century Alouite residence of Sidi Mohammed. The La Mamonia Garden, spans over thirty-two acres and is filled with olive trees. It boasts a newly, modern renovation. Surrounding the garden is La Mamonia Hotel, an Art Deco and Moorish style residence where many famous people including Winston Churchill, Richard Nixon and Orson Welles have stayed. It is at this famous hotel where Alfred Hitchcock wrote “The Birds”, in 1963.

►After visiting the La Mamonia Hotel & Gardens, take the road to Fes.

[Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806]

►Arrive in Fes, dinner at a Fassis traditional restaurant that boasts delicious food and traditional entertainment. Spend the night in Fes.

DAY 4: FES – EL FES BALI GUIDED TOUR
►After a breakfast at your riad, begin your exploration of Fès at the Merinid Tombs. Standing among olive trees and blue agaves, the 16th century elegant ruins of marble and epitaphs face a breathtaking view of the Fès.

► Next, enter the Fès el- Bali through the symmetrical horse shoe arches at Bab Boujeloud ,The Blue Gate. Fès-el Bali, best characterized as a sea of rooftops embellished with minarets and domes, is too narrow for cars. Aside from walking, donkeys and mules are still the best way to travel within the cities old walls. Inside we will visit the UNESCO recognized site, Fondouk el- Najjarine. Within the foundouk’s three floors is the Musée de Bois, which displays carved doors from the Bou Inania Medersa.

►Next, enter Bab el F-touh, the “Gateway of the Aperture” to explore the Andalusian quarter, a residential part of the medina laced with monuments. Experience the El- Sahrij Medersa and theMausoleum of Sidi Bou Ghaleb.

► Visit Fès el Jedid, a kasbah which functioned as Morocco’s administrative center until 1912. Explore the royal palace and many interesting quarters including the Moulay Abdalllah Quarter and the Mellah (Jewish Quarter).

►Stop for lunch within the medina at one of the fine Moroccan palace-restaurants that serve an extravaganza of mezas (small plates of food) common among Fassis tradition. The mezas that are often brought to your table prior to the large mid-day meal will be several of these: Choukchouka salad, Zaalouk salad, Carrots with Cumin Seed, raisin and orange salad, Cold radish, orange, and Fennel Salad. The mezas are traditionally followed by the main meal which will include the option of a Tagine or couscous. For desert you will be served with fruit/ or local Moroccan pastries along with Mint Tea.

►After lunch explore the souks in the old Medina El Fès Bali. Every souk is reflected in the value of the items sold to all Moroccan travelers. The layout of the souk is a complex network of streets selling luxury goods like fine silks and brocades, high quality kaftans and jewelry. There are also souks like the El-Attarine Souk selling spices, a slipper souk and a henna souk, which is set in a shaded area planted with arbuses.

Visit the following ancient sites in Fes: [Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806]

►Medersa Bou Inania: An (Islamic school) founded by Abu Inan Faris that is highly decorated from floor to ceiling. The medersa is one of the few religious places in Morocco that is accessible to non-Islamic tourists.

►Kairaouine Mosque: Morocco’s second largest mosque was built by Fatima in 857. The Kairaouine Mosque became the home of the West’s first university and the world’s foremost center of learning at the beginning of the second millennium.

►Medersa el Attarin: A (Koranic school) that was named for local spice merchants known as attar. Founded by Sultan Abou Saïd in the 14th century as a students’ dormitory, it is attached to the Kairaouine Mosque.

►Zaouia Moulay Idriss II: A zaouia (shrine) dedicated to and the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and founded the city of Fès for the second time in 810.

►Dar Batha: A Hispano-Moorish palace dating from the end of the 19th century that houses admirable collections of traditional art from Fès.

►Weavers Cooperative: The workshop specializes in weaving the finest Moroccan jellaba fabric, made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy.

►Berber Carpet Demonstration:The Famous Exhibition of Antique and Modern Carpets is one of the places in Fès el Bali where Moroccan travelers can see a Berber carpet demonstration.

►Tanneries: The Chourara or the Tanner’s Quarters is the most lively and picturesque souks in Fès.

►Dyers Market: The dyers market, located along Rue de Teinturies, is the best place to see the dying vats which have been used for centuries to soak the skins of sheep, goat, cows and camels after they have their hair and flesh removed is best seen from the neighboring terraces.

►Potter’s Cooperative: Also known as Place el-Seffarine, this kisseria is the most important center for the production Fasiss style ceramics, brass-ware and silverware in Morocco.

► Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the medina which boasts incredible views of the old Fes or at your riad and then prepare for next day’s journey.

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DAY 5: VOLUBILIS & MEKNES GUIDED TOUR
►After a traditional Moroccan breakfast travel on an excursion outside of Fès to explore the breathtaking archaeological site of Volubilis (Walili) and the Imperial city of Meknes.

►Once occupied by the Romans, Volubilis has been recognized by UNESCO as aworld heritage site and gained international acclaim when Martin Scorsese made it a feature location for his film, The Last Temptation of Christ.

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►Begin your visit by discovering the fascinating Roman ruins adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. The ruins are spread out across several acres and what remains visible is several fragments of wall, parts of massive columns, the capitol, the basilica and a triumphal arch.

►You can view how the Roman Empire transformed the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city complete with mansions, a town center, a triumphal arc and temples devoted to the Roman gods. Volubilis once functioned as a final stop of the Roman imperial roads that went acrossFrance, Spain, down Morocco’s northern city of Tangier and eventually into Volubilis.

►Next explore the open air museum with remains of altars, sculptural fragments and colorful mosaics.

► Take the road to Meknes. Lunch in Meknes and then begin your historical tour of this Imperial City. Pass under the arches framed by protruding towers and enter Place El-Hedime (Square of Ruins) which links the medina and the kasbah. The square is lined with modern residential buildings and a covered food souk (market).

►We will stop and visit the Musée Dar Jamaï, a museum showing modern Moroccan arts, woodwork, ceramics, carpets, costumes, jewelry and metalwork. The sophisticated building was once a palace incorporating a mosque, menzah (pavilion), courtyard, kitchen and hammam. Be sure to look for these as well as an Andalusian garden planted with cypresses. Moving along, stop by Bou Inania Medersa to explore the beautiful Koranic school established by the Merinids in the 14th century. Opposite of the Medersa, see the Grand Mosque.

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►Browse Rue de Souks, a street filled with hardware merchants (akarir), corn chandlers (bezzazine) and metalsmiths (haddadin). Visit the En-Nejjarine Mosque, a 12th century Almohad built structure.

►Among the most impressive elements of this imperial city is the grand gate named after the architect, El-Mansour, a Christian renegade who converted to Islam. It was completed 5 years after Moulay Ismail’s death, in 1732. The design of the gate plays with Almohad patterns. It has zellij mosaics of excellent quality. The marble columns were taken from the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

►Visit the palaces and mosques located within the heart of Ksar Dar el-Kebira, the heart of the Imperial city.

►Next,continue on to see Dar el Makhzen, the “Palace of Labyrinths” and then to Bassin de l’Aguedal, a water tank built to supply water to the palace and imperial city. Before returning to Fès, we will visit the well known Haras de Meknès, the largest national stud that can accommodate up to two-hundred and thirty one horses. It’s the home of noble Arabian and Berber Horses. Created in 1912, Haras de Meknès promotes the best breeds of horses to be used during a fantasia or competitive horse races.

►Return to Fes, dinner in the Ville Nouvelle, (new city). Spend the night in Fes.

DAY 6: FES – OUARZAZATE

►Rise early, breakfast at your riad and take the road to Ouarzazate.

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►Lunch en route. Arrive in Ouarzazate, check into your riad and relax. Then visit Spices Maria where you have the option to get a late afternoon massage. Dinner at your riad. Spend the night in Ouarzazate.

DAY 7: OUARZAZATE GUIDED TOUR

►After breakfast at your hotel, we will depart Ouarzazate and take the pise (windy road) towards the Oasis of Fint passing the “Plateau de pierres”. On this road you will find a shining Oasis of palms.

►Visit the Oasis of Fint that hovers under the Atlas Mountains. Journey on a one-hour walk inside the Oasis where you will have a cup of tea with the headmasters family Azziz Ouaziz and tour the surrounding area where date palm oases and dramatic desert scenery are king.

►After visiting the Oasis of Fint we will take the road to Kasbah Tifoultoute which stands majestically on the banks of Oued Tifoultoute. From a distance this old Kasbah is impressive with its castle-like architecture. In the 1960’s the Kasbah was converted into a hotel for the cast of Lawrence of Arabia. Tour the Kasbah and have lunch at its restaurant which is known for delicious mint and herb teas. See panoramic views from the rooftop.

►Lunch in Ouarzazate at a Kasbah restaurant that overlooks the old city.

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►Next, visit the Telouet was once an important stop on the Southern Caravan route for traders carrying spices, slaves and other commodities. Telouet’s Kasbah also known as Dar Glaoui once served as the royal headquarters and residence of the Glaoui tribe. Until Morocco’s independence in 1956, the Glaoui had power in the central Moroccan and French administration.

►Today the Telouet Kasbah’s earth toned, dark red walls are crumbling, however, the dramatic history of its former residents makes it a favorite visit of many. After over half a century of decay this kasbah’s interior still stands out with its painted salon walls, the bright Zellij (tiles) and labyrinth of locked doors with dangling silver knockers. The kasbah boasts iron window grilles and finely carved ceilings decorated in a painterly fashion using Safron and Henna. All of the rooms that still remain include the harem, the kitchens, the cinema and roof top view which is a risky trek but enables you look down upon some of the old courts. After perusing the unbelievable myriad of connecting passages, trek up the nearby ornate central hill and see the astonishing panoramic view of this masterpiece born from quasi-medieval power created in the 20th century.

►After breakfast at your hotel, we will depart Ouarzazate and take the pise (windy road) towards the Oasis of Fint passing the “Plateau de pierres”. On this road you will find a shining Oasis of palms.

►Visit the Oasis of Fint that hovers under the Atlas Mountains. Journey on a one-hour walk inside the Oasis where you will have a cup of tea with the headmasters family Azziz Ouaziz and tour the surrounding area where date palm oases and dramatic desert scenery are king.

►After visiting the Oasis of Fint we will take the road to Kasbah Tifoultoute which stands majestically on the banks of Oued Tifoultoute. From a distance this old Kasbah is impressive with its castle-like architecture. In the 1960’s the Kasbah was converted into a hotel for the cast of Lawrence of Arabia. Tour the Kasbah and have lunch at its restaurant which is known for delicious mint and herb teas. See panoramic views from the rooftop.

►After lunch, visit the Atlas Film Studios. The studios are flanked by Holly-wood style Egyptian figures and cover 30,000 sq m of desert. David Lean filmed Lawrence of Arabia at The Atlas Film Studios in the early 1960’s. Since then many famous directors have followed in his footsteps to exploit the magnificent scenery. International blockbusters shot here in recent years include: the French version of Cleopatra, Bertolucci’s Sheltering Sky, Scorsese’s Kundun, Gillies MacKannon’s Hideous Kinky, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Black Hawke Down, Oliver Stone’s Alexander The Great, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven, and Penelope Cruz’s Sahara. Most of the filming takes place in the desert in the south however you can view the Tibetan monastery featured in Scorese’s Kundan and an Egyptian temple from Cleopatra.

►Return to your riad, have dinner. Spend the night in Ouarzazate.

[Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806]

DAY 8: OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH
►Breakfast at your riad or at a local pâtisserie and then begin your one-day excursion to the Atlas Film Studios &
Aït Benhaddou.

►Visit at the Atlas Film Studios. David Lean filmed Lawrence of Arabia at The Atlas Film Studios in the early 1960’s. Since then many famous directors have followed in his footsteps to exploit the magnificent scenery. International blockbusters shot here in recent years include: the French version of Cleopatra, Bertolucci’s Sheltering Sky, Scorsese’s Kundun, Gillies MacKannon’s Hideous Kinky, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Black Hawke Down, Oliver Stone’s Alexander The Great, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven, and Penelope Cruz’s Sahara.

► Located 32 km from Ouarzazate lies the picturesque village. Aït Benhaddou of Aït Benhaddou is situated in Souss-Massa-Draâ on a hill along the Ouarzazate River. Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here and Orson Welles used it as a location for Sodome and Gomorrah; and for Jesus of Nazareth the whole lower part of the village was rebuilt. In recent years more controlled restoration has been carried out under UNESCO auspices. Aït Benhaddou is one of many locations in this region used for shooting Hollywood films.

►Your guide will lead you on a private tour through this Berber village of towered and crenulated Kasbahs that once guarded the lucrative caravan route through the Atlas Mountains. Explore the Kasbahs by foot with the option to ride a donkey across a river.

►Your guide will share the fascinating history of Aït Benhaddou which once served as the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; ten families however still live within the ksar. Aït Benhaddou was once a significant stop for traders carrying gold, salt and slaves along the famous Southern Caravan route moving through the Sahara.

►For lunch, relax on a terrace with clear views of Aït Benhaddouand enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal of mfouar (steamed wheat), Takila (a Berber tajine), couscous and fruit. After lunch, browse the village shops.

►Take the road back to Marrkakech. En route visit the Argan Cooperative in the High Atlas Tichka Mountains and see how Berber women make Argan oil, Argan butter and cosmetics from the Argan nut. Have tea with a Berber family.

►Arrive in Marrakech, dinner at your riad. Spend the night in Marrakech.

[Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806]

DAY 9: MARRAKECH
►Departure from Marrakech’s Menara Airport.

More information about Absolute Morocco on Morocco Travel Exploration

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts, Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate.

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Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 or (212) 661-4898-960 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.