5 Days Private Round Trip Starting From Tangier

Tour of Tangier

Tangier (ancient Tingis) was the capital of "Roman Morocco" or Mauritania Tingitana, and it’s at the same time the meeting point of a lot of different things: The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Africa and Europe, the Orient and the Occident, and the three Abrahamic religions. It is this unique blend among other features that have made of Tangier the magical city we know today and that we would like you to explore with us during this private tour of 6-7 hours.

You’ll be taken on a fully customizable tour of two parts. One part consists of an excursion to the breathtaking Atlantic coast of Tangier which itinerary includes the lighthouse of Cap Spartel, a camel ride (or just photos), Hercules cave, and Parc Perdicaris.

The other part of the tour is spent entirely within the historical walls of the Medina, the old town of Tangier. The enjoyment begins when you stroll down the labyrinth of the Medina with your professional local guide and get close to the friendly locals and their lifestyles, culinary, costumes, rituals, and traditions. Furthermore, you'll be heartily guided through the historical heritage and the architecture of this one-of-a-kind city. The Medina circuit comprises the Kasbah (fortress), the old Sultan’s Palace, Bab Bhar terrace, Petit Socco, Grand Socco, Great Mosque, the American Legation, and also places like communal ovens, craftsmen, the vegetables market, the cheeses market, and the spices market.

Upon request, we can add to the itinerary Moïse Nahon synagogue, any Jewish cemetery in Tangier, St. Andrew's Anglican Church, as well as any art gallery you would like to visit.

While on tour, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to have a delightful Moroccan lunch. Based on your preferences, the most authentic Tanjawi restaurants will be recommended to you. In addition, if you choose to take the coastal excursion first in the morning, you may have your breakfast in Cap Spartel while appreciating the view.

After a 2h20 drive, the drop-off will be at your accommodation in Chefchaouen for the trip's 1^st night.

Depending on the time you want to spend in Chefchaouen, the second day of your trip could include an optional visit to Volubilis on your way to Fes.

Tour of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen was founded in the late 15^th century as a Kasbah (fortress) to fight the Portuguese invasion of northern Morocco. Many local tribes, Moriscos as well as Jews settled there. Arriving Jewish exiles painted their houses blue to reflect their divinity — a tradition that continued over the centuries. It wasn’t until recently that the blue shades spread out of the Jewish quarter (the Mellah) to the other parts of the Medina (the old town) making it the "Blue Pearl" we know today.

Chaouen, as it’s called locally, has become one of the world’s top picturesque destinations. Its Medina is a real charmer! Prepare yourself to fall hard for its winding small alleys painted in every shade of blue you could imagine. If you are an Instagrammer, then you are in heaven! Your guide, as a local, knows all the hidden photo spots. You are not going to miss any of them.

By strolling down the Medina’s labyrinthine alleyways, you will immediately absorb the Berber, Moorish, and Andalusian vibes. The itinerary comprises the most important landmarks of the city such as the Kasbah and its Museum, Hawta square, Ras El Maa, the Great Mosque, the bustling Outa El Hammam main square, and most of the arcs and Babs (gates).

If you happen to be in Chefchaouen on a Monday or a Thursday, that would be a big plus because they are market days, therefore, you’ll definitely be taken to visit the Souq. During these days the farmers of the neighboring Rif valley come down to the streets of the Medina to sell their products. These can vary from fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and mountain herbs.

After a break for a delicious Chaouni lunch, your tour guide will escort you to the Spanish Mosque, or Boujaafar Mosque, to take in the wonderful view over Chefchaouen from an outside terrace and that will be the end of your tour of Chefchaouen.

After a 3h30 drive from Chefchaouen through Ouazzane, the drop-off will be at your accommodation in Fez for the trip's 2^nd night.

Volubilis Visit – (30 min)

Upon request and within the opening hours of the place, the tour could include a visit to Volubilis on your way to Fez.

Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage) is one of Morocco’s well-preserved Roman ruins located between the two imperial cities, Fez & Meknes, on a fertile plain surrounded by wheat fields. It developed from the 3^rd century BC onward as a Berber settlement before being the capital of the pro-roman kingdom of Mauretania until the 3^rd century AD.

It is believed that the 42-hectare walled city was once home to 20,000 residents. With wealth generated from local olive production, many grand residences, complete with stunning mosaic tile work, were constructed (still visible and intact to this day) as were Hammams (public baths), a basilica, a temple, triumphal arches, and parliament buildings.

Tour of Fez

Fez is considered the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. It was the actual capital of the kingdom before Rabat and during many intermittent periods since it was founded more than 1200 years ago. Legend has it that the founder, Idris I, used a pickaxe or fas in Arabic, to draw the lines of the city, hence its name.

Massive Arab immigrations, notably in the early 9^th century, gave the nascent city its distinctive Arabic character that harmoniously blended with the Jewish and the indigenous Amazigh components.

The founding of the University of Al Quaraouiyine in 859, the oldest existing and continually operating degree-awarding educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records, as well as the overall restructuration of Fez undergone by the Almoravid, both led the city to gain a reputation of the religious scholarship and mercantile activity in north-western Africa. Almoravid’s impact was such that the second Almoravid ruler, Yusuf ibn Tashfin, is often considered to be the second founder of Fez.

Fez grew ever since to become one of the largest in the world, under the Almohad rule between 1170 and 1180, with an estimated 200,000 people living there. It reached its zenith in the Marinid era. Numerous Madrasas, Mosques, Zawiyas, and city gates were constructed which survived up until today.

Nowadays Fez includes a considerable number of religious, civil, and military monuments that brought about a multicultural society. Its architecture is characterized by construction techniques and decoration developed over a period of more than twelve centuries, and where local knowledge and skills were interwoven with diverse outside inspirations (Andalusian, Oriental, and African). The Medina of Fez is now considered as one of the most extensive and best-conserved historic towns in the Arab-Muslim world.

The tour of Fez starts with Bab Boujloud, one of the ornate gates that welcome you to the oldest part of the Medina of Fez: Fes El Bali. With your local professional guide, you’ll learn the story behind each gate you pass through and there will be many. By strolling down the maze of Fes El Bali you’ll visit the Madrasas such as Al Attarine, Sahrij, Bou Inania, and Cherratine; those are schools that were built in the 14^th and 17^th centuries and survived intact. The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II is also part of the itinerary as well as the University of Al Quaraouiyine, one of the oldest in the world. Fez’s rich history and ancient traditions are clearly demonstrated when you get in close contact with its residents and especially the Maalms (craftsmen), that’s why a tour of Fes El Bali won’t be complete without visiting Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts and Chouara Tannery.

Fes Jdid, the relatively newer part (7 centuries old) of the Medina, will be visited after you have a delightful lunch break. Fes Jdid itinerary comprises Dar Batha museum, Jnan Sbil gardens, the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), Ben Danan synagogue, the gates of Dar El Mekhzen, and the end of the tour will be at Burj al-Shamal for a panoramic view over the city.

After a 2h15 drive from Fez, the drop-off will be at your accommodation in Rabat for the trip's 3^rd night.

On day 4, there will be a tour of Rabat and an excursion to Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca. We can start with either of them, it'll be your choice.

Tour of Rabat

Rabat along with Fez, Meknes, and Marrakech are the imperial cities of the Kingdom of Morocco. It was founded by the Almohad dynasty in 1146, steadily grew, and later became their capital under Yaqub al-Mansur in 1184. He built Rabat's city walls (now the Medina), the Kasbah of the Udayas (the fortress), and began construction on what would have been the world's largest mosque. However, Yaqub died and construction stopped. The ruins of the unfinished mosque, along with the Hassan Tower, still stand today.

Rabat went into an extended period of decline following the collapse of the Almohads. The deterioration was so much that only 100 inhabited houses remained by the early 16^th century. An influx of Moriscos, who had been expelled from Spain, in the early 17^th century helped boost Rabat's growth and turned it into a haven for pirates. The acts of piracy launching from Rabat and the neighboring Salé reached the shores of Scotland and Ireland.

The French established a "protectorate" over Morocco in 1912 and made Rabat its administrative center. Morocco achieved independence in 1955 and Rabat regained its status as capital again. The "protectorate" built a new quarter (Ville Nouvelle) outside the walls of the medina; French architect Henri Prost was the designer.

The most atmospheric part of Rabat is the Medina. Once there with your local guide, you’ll immediately be captivated by how lively this quarter is. During this walking tour, you’ll learn about the lifestyles of R’bati, their cookery, dresses, and customs. Furthermore, you’ll crowd with the locals, in souks and markets, and maybe haggle with vendors to secure a bargain.

The Kasbah of the Udayas is adjacent to the Medina, at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, and opposite Salé. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 12^th century fortress that also used to be a residential area for the 17^th century Moorish refugees from Spain. Now it’s known for its whitewashed blue-toned houses and sandy brown ramparts. You’ll be guided into the Kasbah through Bab Udayas gate, then a walk down the Kasbah’s main street Rua Jamaa passing the first mosque built in Rabat, Al-Atiqa. The itinerary includes a visit to the Andalusian garden and the nearby Museum of Udayas. Last, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the unparalleled views over the Atlantic Ocean from the Kasbah’s main terrace or over the river from Café Maure’s balcony over a cup of mint tea if you would like.

Sightseeing Hassan tower makes part of Rabat’s tour as well. The sky-reaching unfinished minaret is neighboring another must-see of the capital: Mohammed V Mausoleum. The resting place is considered a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture, with its white silhouette, topped by a typical green tiled roof, green being a color symbolizing paradise for Muslims. The interior exudes nothing but royalty featuring a marvelous ceiling, marble floors, walls of elaborate mosaics, and gilt and carved wood.

Mosque Hassan II – Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque is actually unique in its architecture and dimensions, a masterpiece of pure Moroccan arts and crafts, and one of the most stunning places of worship in the world.

The construction works started in 1986 under the effective and daily supervision of His late Majesty Hassan II. The idea has got its inspiration from part of a Quranic verse that says "and His [God] Throne had been upon water", and the realization of this prestigious monument was financed thanks to the participation of all the Moroccan people who voluntarily answered the royal call, each according to his means and his generosity.

The museum adjacent to Hassan II Mosque exhibits a collection of handcrafted samples that were presented to late Hassan II before positioning them inside the then under-construction mosque.  The exhibitions were made by the most renowned Moroccan master craftsmen from all around the kingdom. The museum will be a good preamble to the visit of the mosque.

The drop-off will be at your accommodation back in Rabat for the trip’s 4^th night.

Tour of Asilah

Asilah’s history dates back to 1500 B.C. with the Phoenicians as a trade base. A major turnout in the city’s history was when it was conquered by the Portuguese and turned to a fortified town during the 15^th century. It was that two hundred years of Portuguese rule that formed Asilah to the shape it is today. Their legacy is particularly visible in the Medina’s fully intact ramparts, towers, gates, and houses. The Spanish also ruled Asilah during intermittent periods of time, and while the town has developed a uniquely Moroccan feel since the independence, it hasn’t yet entirely shaken its mainly Portuguese flavor with this slight Spanish touch.

The Medina of Asilah opened its arms to the world after a major restoration undertaken during the late 70s. It is also introduced to the international art community through the Asilah’s Art Festival held annually (July/August) since 1978. And although Asilah is an Atlantic coastal city, its feel is Mediterranean for sure, known for its blue doors and windows, and also whitewashed walls. During the festival days, the walls are used, as a canvas for the imagination of the most creative international artists. Consequently, Asilah is now best known as an open gallery for different kinds of street arts. If we add Asilah’s charm, romance, tranquility, and inner peace, that ensures a steady stream of photo-hungry travelers all year long.

Asilah offers a cocktail of restaurants where you can have your lunch before or during the tour. Contemporary or traditional, Moroccan or occidental cuisines, our agent will be happy to help you find the best for you.

And so, this will be the end of your 5 days trip in northern Morocco. The drop-off will be wherever you like in Tangier.