...Trip idea
Imperial Cities of Morocco
Awaken your senses on a 10-day northern heritage circuit around the Imperial Cities of Morocco, ending in coastal bliss on the Mediterranean Sea.
Casablanca
Dynamic Morocco at its best, Casablanca is an underrated city of contrast from the decorative curves of Petit Paris’ Art Deco buildings to the gleaming white minarets of Hassan II, Africa’s largest mosque. In between exploring the historic alleyways of the medina with a guide, take time on the seafront Corniche for an evening stroll and to appreciate authentic seafood restaurants. From Casablanca your private car and driver will escort you to Rabat, in just over an hour.
STAY: Royal Mansour Casablanca
Sister to the famed property in Marrakech, the new outpost in Casablanca is just as reassuringly luxurious, with an international feel of glamour that has reignited this former palace. Reams of marble, gold and glass swathe the hotel, while suites and villas are sophisticated havens, decorated in stylish mid-century furniture.
Rabat
Although not many tourists spend time here, Morocco’s capital Rabat is an authentic place to explore with an attractive beach, a palm-shaded boulevard, flower-filled parks, lush green spaces and a medina listed as a World Heritage Site. Spot the cubic and intricately carved 12th-century Hassan Tower, adjacent to this is the tombs of the Moroccan king Mohammed V and his sons, encased in marble sculpted by Moroccan craftsmen. The 12th-century Kasbah of the Oudayas has a dramatic clifftop location with spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Stay: Four Seasons Rabat Al Kasr
Known as the ‘palace by the sea’ this new luxurious residence sits alongside the coast, with a peaceful and secluded ambience, despite its location in Morocco’s capital. Highlights include an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean and a lavish spa with a hammam complete with saltwater bathing pool. Spacious suites are contemporary in design with Moroccan touches and handmade zellige tiles.
Fez & Volubilis
From Rabat, meet your private car and driver and make your way to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Morocco’s largest and most impressive Roman ruins that dates to the 1st century AD; spend time admiring the well-preserved mosaics in situ. Continue onto the lost-in-time city of Fez – out of all the Imperial cities, it is the oldest and its dense medina is one of Morocco’s most authentic and labyrinthine. Explore it with a guide and discover the imposing fortress of Borj Nord and the unforgettably ornate Medersa Bou Inania.
STAY: Karawan Riad, Fez
Fez will startle your senses at every turn so it’s essential to have a calm respite at the end of each day. Enter Karawan Riad, a cool and breezy former palace in a secret corner of the medina that’s filled with intricate detail, tinkling fountains and a traditional hammam. The multi-roomed suites are opulent and charming, strung with lanterns and dotted with carved curiosities.
Tangier & Chefchaouen
From Fez, head north to Chefchaouen, a striking town known as the Blue City due to the collection of blue-tinged houses in the Old Town. Wander this small, authentic city nestled in the Rif Mountains, home to traditional industries such as leather and weaving. In Morocco’s north, you have the choice of both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Tangier sits at the apex of both and is known as the entry point to Africa, where a whitewashed hillside medina and a buzzing hotpot of influences make it ideal for exploring narrow alleys and decorative mosques.
STAY: Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay
Situated on Morocco’s Mediterranean coastline, welcome to stylish beach resort, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay. Contemporary in its architecture and embellished with Moroccan flair, Tamuda Bay’s interior is a step away from classic Moorish design and instead has a fresh, considered look and feel, creating the ultimate beachside getaway. The perfect finish to a tour of Morocco’s Imperial Cities.
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Hidden Routes Through Southern Morocco
This six-stage, tourist-free journey around the remote regions of southern Morocco takes experiential travel to the next level, suiting those with an adventurous spirit.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
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