7-Day Morocco Sightseeing Tour from Andalucia

You travel along the Costa del Sol to Algeciras and there board the ferry to Cueta a tiny Spanish enclave on the coast of Morocco.

On arrival at Cueta you board your coach and drive on to Fez. On arrival at Fez you check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, in the morning, you start your city tour of Fez.

Fez is one of the “Imperial Cities” of Morocco and the oldest. It regarded as being the symbolic heart of Morocco. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina of Fez el-Bali, in particular and Fez in general, has been regarded as the cultural and artistic centre of Morocco. It was for quite a long time the religious and centre for both Muslims and Christians.

You will have a guided sightseeing tour of Fez. Start with the gates of the Royal Palace. The rest of the palace is not open to the public. It is however said to be one of the most graceful and beautiful structures in Morocco.

The Christian and Jewish Quarter, wander around the mellah or walled Jewish quarter of Fez was the first official one to be established in Morocco. Nowadays most of the Jews have emigrated but their beautiful and distinctive dwellings and other reminders of the past still survive. These ancient and historic areas of Fez with their distinctive architectural styles and character.

Continue to the Medina (Old City). The ancient walled city with its twisting alleys and souks - is widely regarded as the most intact Islamic medieval city in the world. The medina of Fez is a virtual treasure chest of architectural treasures and artwork of all kinds. Within its twisting alleyways there are many, many beautiful and traditional houses containing fabulous antiques and other treasures dating back thousands of years.

After your tour of this fascinating city, the afternoon is free for you to do as you please. Return to your hotel in Fez for dinner and to stay for the night.

After breakfast at your hotel you set out for Marrakech via the lovely town of Meknes.

On arrival at Meknes you have time for a quick tour of the city. Meknes is one of the Imperial Cities with monumental gates, imposing walls and an enormous palace complex and many other building projects.

The construction of the city was commissioned by Moulay Ismail in the latter part of the 17th century. It was once the capital of the Moroccan kingdom.

You will visit the Mansour Gate - The great and beautiful Gate attracts many visitors everyday. It is one of the more beautiful pieces of Moorish architecture in Morocco. Once the main entrance to the city, the huge gate is well preserved and has interesting inscriptions on the top.

You will also visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, this is a beautiful piece of architecture and is the tomb of, probably, Morocco’s greatest personality.

Besides the architecture of the city, the many romantic and traditional souks selling everything from cure-all medicines to carpets and jewellery to bakeries selling traditional breads are another major attraction for visitors.

Leaving Meknes we carry on to the legendary city of Marrakech. On arrival at Marrakech you check into your hotel for dinner and stay the night.

After breakfast you are taken on a tour of the city of Marrakech. The “Red City” or “Al Hamra” – Marrakech sits at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Founded in the 11th century, the underground canals built at that time still service the water needs of the city.

In the ancient Medina visit the Koutoubia Minaret - the most perfect Islamic monument in North Africa.The minaret dominates the city of Marrakech and is visible for miles around. It is a perfect and classic example of the Moroccan-Andalucian architectural style. You will find copies of the Koutoubia around Morocco but none to match it in size or grandeur.

The Saadian Tombs were discovered early in the last century. They are a must see because of the delicate carvings and the beauty of the decorations. It is one of the cities architectural attractions. Housing the remains of about 60 members – the tombs are decorated with beautifully carved cedar wood and stucco work with the graves made of Italian marble.

The Djemaa El Fna Square is the largest traditional market in Morocco and the busiest square in all of Africa. It is the core of the medina and the main square of Marrakech. It is filled with fortune tellers, story tellers, snake tamers, etc. This square is where it all happens and draws the visitor back time and time again. Lively at any time of day, it is especially so as sundown turns to night.

The Mellah or the Jewish Quarter is still home to Marrakech’s remaining Jews. The area has a different feel to the rest of the city and the Jewish cemetery is a remarkable sight with white tombs stretching into the distance.

The Palais el Badi – The original building was a fairy-like palace. The design was influenced by the Alhambra of Granada, Spain.

After the morning’s sightseeing you are at leisure to do as you please for the remainder of the afternoon. You will take lunch at afternoon in the hotel.

You return to your hotel for dinner and stay the night.

After breakfast you depart for legendary Casablanca. On arrival at Casablanca we take you on a short panoramic tour through the most interesting sections of the city. Casablanca is Morocco's largest city, industrial and economic capital as well as its chief port.

The focal point of the city is the large and impressive United Nations Square. Located at the corner of the old part of Casablanca it has an impressive (restored) clock tower. In the same area are the remains of Casablanca’s 18th century fortifications. The ruins of this former bastion provide a breathtaking view of the city.

You will drive down the ANFA Avenue, which is reckoned to be the most westernized district of the city. You will also get to travel down the new and impressive Promenade Maritime.

The large and imposing Hassan II Mosque is another noteworthy landmark. This mosque is the world’s third largest. The soaring minarets and laser lights (pointing the way to Mecca) at night make it a truly striking piece of architecture.

Later in the afternoon the tours leaves for Rabat. On arrival at Rabat you check into your hotel for dinner and to stay the night.

After breakfast you set off on your morning tour of the city of Rabat. Your sightseeing tour of Rabat starts a stroll past the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace lies right in the heart of Rabat and what you see impressive enough and will help you imagine the real beauty, which is behind the walls, however very few are allowed beyond these walls.

Continue to the Mohammed V Mausoleum. The building is considered a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture, with its white silhouette, topped by a typical green tiled roof.

You will also visit the Hassan Tower This incomplete minaret along with the mosque and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V forms the most important historical and tourist complex in Rabat.

After your tour of Rabat and in the afternoon we head off for Tangier. On arrival at Tangier we will take you on a short tour of the city, which highlights some of the more interesting locations.

You will drive along the Boulevard Pasteur the Boulevard Pasteur and its views overlooking the Strait and its scores of cafes - relics from the days of the International Zone and the Beat Generation. During the Thirties, Forties and Fifties Tangier was famous for its famous eccentric writers and artists. It also acquired a dubious status for the large-scale espionage activities and smuggling.

With its reputation and old world charm, Tangier still manages to captivate today’s visitors. You will visit some of the cities most exciting places.

Start with the Grand Socco - Just outside the city walls is the souk, where you can see traditional products being made and sold. Walk through the archway into the medina and take a trip back in time as you encounter a medieval world as you traverse the narrow lanes of the old town.

Petit Socco - Here, in the heart of the Medina, you will find an open space with cafés where you can see people from all cultures go by.

Lastly visit the Kasbah, a complex of castles on top of the hill overlooking the city. The 17th century Dar el Makhzen palce and its gardens are part of this complex.

We will also drive along the Mohammed V Avenue and the famous Promenade Maritime.

After the city tour you are taken to your hotel in Tangier where you will take your dinner and stay overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel we leave for Pier where you spend a little time before you board the ferry to Algeciras. On arrival at Algeciras your coach will take you to Costa del Sol where the tour ends.