Day 1 - October 4, Casablanca

Arrival,  Some of our experiences for day 1 depend on the time of arrival for our group.

A guide will take us to the Hassan II mosque, the seventh largest mosque in the world and built above the Atlantic Ocean. You can admire the exquisite craftsmanship. It is one of the few mosques that is accessible to non-Muslims. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is nearby and thoroughly describes the history, culture, and tradition of Moroccan Jews. 

Day 2 - October 5, Casablanca - Fes

We will make a stop at Meknes, the former capital of Morocco, on the 3.5-hour drive to Fes. We would visit the wonderful architectural works of Bab el Mansour and Bou Inania Madrasa. The most stunning gate in Morocco is Bab el Mansour, which features lofty columns, historic arches, and delicate turquoise tiles.

Later, we will visit nearby Volubilis, a third-century BC ancient Roman city with more than 2000-year-old Roman mosaics, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mosaics feature images of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins representing good fortune, and a figure of Amphitrite, the sea goddess, riding a seahorse.

Approaching Fes, we arrive first at the medina's highest point, the Blue Gate, also known as Bab Boujloud. You will enter the famous Fes el-Bali, the largest and oldest medina in the world, founded by Moulay Idris in the eighth century. It is one of the largest completely pedestrianized and walled cities in the world.

Day 3 - October 6, Fes

We will have a guide take us through the Medina of the imperial city of Fez. Enjoy discovering the 9,000 narrow lanes and souks that make up the maze of back alley streets where the craft shops are located while inhaling the delicious fragrances of Moroccan cuisine. With a visit to the oldest library in the world, we will delve further into Fes' history. Fatima al-Fihr, a wealthy woman who emigrated to Morocco with her family from Tunisia, created the Karaouine Library, which is affiliated with the University of Al Quaraouiyine, in 857.

Medersa El Attarine was constructed in 1325 but is not now in use. You can access the exquisite artwork inside and the rooftop with views of the city as non-Muslims.

Visit Fez's famed Chouara Tannery.

Observe the city from the rooftop cafe of the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts, which is set in a lovely inn from the 18th century.

Day 4 - October 7, Fez

The Fes Medina has much to explore at a more leisurely pace today. The cultural center of Morocco is the remarkably unaltered Fez el-Bali ("Old Fez"). In the Middle Ages, the imperial capital was a renowned study hub. It originally served as the capital of Morocco and has a rich history filled with eminent scientists, astronomers, philosophers, traders, and kings. Today, you have as much time as you want to explore the medina shops, perhaps shopping for the zellige, a brilliantly painted Moroccan tile, initially created in Fez. Watch local artists making ceramics.

Day 5 - October 8, Fez

Wander about Fes el-Jdid's Jewish neighborhood, the Mellah, and the second medina. It is less busy and more tranquil, although it serves as a center for locals' daily activities like shopping. owing to its unusual architecture and broader streets. The Jewish Cemetery and the Ibn Danan Synagogue, both of which date to the 17th century, are also nearby. Nearby, the Royal Palace was built in the 13th century and is surrounded by large gardens called the Lalla Mina.

Walk in the lovely Jnane Sbil Gardens, an 18-acre garden dating back to the 19th century with bamboo, weeping willows, roses, a pond, and many fountains.

Batha Museum is a 19th-century palace with many wonderful arts and crafts dating back 8 centuries, including furniture, jewelry, and the Fez blue Fassi pottery from the 14th century

Day 6 - October 9, Fez

We will travel to Sefrou, located at the edge of the Middle Atlas mountains, on the former trans-Saharan trade route with a history of different cultures and creeds working together with immense tolerance. Sefrou was once called LIttle Jerusalem, host to one of Morocco’s largest Jewish communities. Sefrou was also the home of Moulay Idress II who built Fez in 806. Sefrou was admired for its lovely waterfalls of about 10 meters and the waters of Wad Aggay which made the area very fertile with groves of cherry trees.

The Sefrou excursion is slower paced and includes more of insight into the town and its history, as well as connecting with artisan communities that our guide has strong connections with. Craftspeople visited include blanket weavers, plough-makers, ironmongers, button makers, tailors and wood carvers. Much of the expertise has been passed on from generations and some through the once abundant Jewish culture; a now quickly vanishing attribute.

Day 7 - October 10, Chefchaouen

Drive for 3.5 hours to Chefchaouen. We will stop in the village of Ouazzane for lunch, shopping, and viewing spiritual sites. This hilltop village is close to the Rif mountains and encircles by a landscape of rolling hills and olive orchards. The town is calm, relaxed, and serene. During the 15th century, Jews fled the Andalusian Inquisition and settled in there. Due to past miracles, it is renowned as "the safe place" and a spiritual center for Jews and Sufis who travel here as a place of pilgrimage. The village is renowned for producing olive oil, wool, honey, and blankets. In the city, there are 3 craft cooperatives and 5000 artisans.

Chefchaouen, a charming blue and white village, is the ideal location to unwind. It is a tranquil village where you may sip fragrant mint tea and take as many beautiful pictures as you like. It is considerably more tranquil than other Moroccan cities. It was once known as the "Blue Pearl," painted blue by Jewish immigrants. After settling into our Riad (small hotel), we take some time to explore the town square, cafes, and souks, as well as the wonderful narrow lanes with blue buildings

Day 8 - Oct 11, Chefchaouen

When walking the narrow streets, take photos but stay mindful of respecting residents. Ask permission for photos of any person or their home. You may be asked to pay a small amount to take a picture of their home. Sunrise and sunset are magical times in Chefchaouen and a great time for photos. There are two squares in Chefchaouen, the larger one has the Kasbah Museum and attractive Andalusian-style gardens. There is an old prison across the street that offers a rooftop view of the Chefchaouen Medina. The smaller square, Square El Haouta, is a quiet place to escape to have tea or try some Moroccan street food. We might trek up to the "Ras Elma waterfall" near the deserted Spanish Mosque on the fringes of the Medina at dusk. Chefchaouen can be seen most picturesquely from this location at either sunrise or sunset.

Day 9 - October 12, Chefchaouen

Moroccan cooking class. A cook class is always a wonderful way to learn about a different culture. You will learn how to make 4 classic Moroccan dishes, salad, soup, main and desert that are decided on with the local chef. You will go to the local market where you will learn to choose the best seasonal prodcue.

Day 10 - October 13, Tetouan

The morning would begin with a leisurely 1.5-hour journey across the Rif Mountains to Tetouan, the former seat of Morocco's Spanish colony. It is renowned for its artwork and for being a school for traditional Moroccan crafts. The most Hispano-Moorish-influenced city in Morocco is this town's architecture. The medina is well-preserved and has a few tiny cultural institutions. The Souk neighborhood is a pleasant area to eat, shop, and people-watch. The apparel and textile vendors set up shop in Guersa El Kebira, offering gorgeous regional items for purchase. Beautiful pottery pieces can be seen at the El Hot Market.

Day 11 - October 14, Assilah

On the Atlantic Coast, Assilah is situated in the northwest of Morocco. The architecture of Assilah is highly distinctive since it combines elements of Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese forms. Asilah is noted for its craft and art galleries and is calm and less tense. There are outside cafes where you can get wonderful coffee or tea, fresh seafood, and perhaps even a glass of wine

Day 12 - October 15, Assilah

Consider taking a leisurely, contemplative stroll down one of the expansive, sandy beaches in the morning. Explore the tiny Medina that the Portuguese created centuries ago. It is lined with green or blue doors leading to residences, businesses, and riads. Asilah is well-known for its murals, street art, and art galleries.

Day 13 - October 16, Casablanca

After taking a high-speed train to Casablanca in the late afternoon, we will reflect on and commemorate our Moroccan odyssey.

Day 14 - October 17, Departure