Suggested Itinerary Number : 11

The Imperial Cities of the North

Explore the current and former capitals of northern Morocco - the 12th century city of Rabat the current capital renowned for its fine gateways and battlements. Fez, whose medina is the largest living Islamic medieval city in the world, and Meknes the 17th century capital of Moulay Ismail. All three cities are now World Heritage sites and boast lively medinas, splendid palaces, madrasas and fondouks.

Our recommendations

Season: all year round.

Length: 7 nights.

Flights: Fez (1 hour transfer) or Casablanca.

Prices from £360 per person (7 nights) excluding flights*


Day	Nights' Stay	Typical itinerary for illustration
1	2	Transfer Fez airport to accommodation in Meknes (approx 1 hour). Afternoon and evening visit to explore the souk.
2		Visit The Rouah - Moulay Ismail's stables, Moulay Ismail' Mausoleum and the medina or take optional half-day trip to Moulay Idriss and the Roman ruins at Volubilis.
3	2	Train Meknes to Rabat SELF-BUY (approx 3.5 hours). Afternoon exploring the souk area and the Kasbah des Oudayas.
4		Visit the ruins of the Chellah inhabited by storks, the Hassan Tower and the ornate mausoleum of Mohammed V.
5	3	Train Rabat to Fez SELF-BUY (approx 3 hours). Afternoon and evening visit to explore the souk.
6		Tour of the Fez Medina (up to 4 hours) through the densly packed alleyways taking in madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains.
7		Free time or optional day trip to the un-spoilt berber town of Sefrou, the cave dwellers in Bahlil and the 'alpine villas' of Ifrane, or the spa and natural springs of Moulay Yacoub.
8		Transfer Fez to Fez Airport (approx 1 hour).

Pricing: * Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Riad Safir (Meknes), Riad Kalaa (Rabat) and Lune et Soleil (Fez) - budget accomodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a wide range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Transport options: First class train between Fez, Meknes and Rabat recommended; taxi or car (self-drive or with driver). All travel times are approximate.

Extension options: South to the Sahara desert, Marrakech; North to Chefchaouen, Tangier and Asilah.

Activity options: Cookery, trekking from Fez, visits to Middle Atlas Mountains, Roman ruins of Volubilis and the spa and natural springs of Moulay Yacoub.

Request a Quotation or Tel: UK: 0845 345 7195 (local rate) or 01239 710 814

Duration: 7-10 Nights

Meknes

The former 17th century capital and current World Heritage site is an important market centre. Often by passed by visitors this hassle-free city offering visitors many attractions including many structures giving a sense of its grand past: huge tombs, granaries and stables, gardens, lakes, mosques and much more

Rabat

The capital city of Morocco, Rabat is a relaxed and elegant city with a cosmopolitan air.

It has some of Morocco's oldest monuments, including the Kasbah des Oudayas, the ruins of the Chellah inhabited by storks, the incomplete Tour Hassan and the ornate mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Fez

The most authentic of Morocco’s Imperial Cities was capital of Morocco for more than 400 years Now a World Heritage site it is the country’s spiritual and religious centre.

The historic medina is a maze of alleys and souks with notable medersas, fondouks, palaces, mosques and fountains. A guide is recommended for at least part of your time.

Pictures