ROCK THE KASBAH

Moroccan welcome

The largest city in Morocco, Casablanca stands proud on the Atlantic coast. One of the most modern cities in Africa with office buildings and big-city traffic, it may not have much in common with the eponymous film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, but it does have a few interesting sights for visitors along with a vibrant social scene and rich architectural heritage.

Where you could stay

Casablanca
Hôtel Le Doge

Casablanca
Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

Make it mine

1- Explore the city

Casablanca tour
Follow your expert guide for a panoramic city tour of the legendary Casablanca. You will discover the Habbous traditional district, that was built by the French Protectorate in the 1920s in the spirit of an old Moroccan medina but with modern amenities. You will also explore the Art Deco district, internationally famous for its unique architecture.

2- Dine at Rick's

Iconic Rick's Cafe
Enjoy a meal at the iconic Rick’s Cafe, designed to recreate the restaurant made world-famous by the classic movie: Casablanca. Set in an old courtyard-style mansion built against the walls of the Old Medina. (This meal is an extra, and not included in the cost).

3- Architectural masterpiece

Hassan II Mosque
Situated on the edge of the Atlantic in the easternmost point of Morocco the Hassan II Mosque is truly an architectural masterpiece. It is among the largest mosques in Africa, and the fifth largest in the world. Its minaret is the world’s tallest minaret at 210 metres (689 ft). Completed in 1993, it was designed by Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygues. The minaret is 60 stories high topped by a laser, the light from which is directed towards Mecca. The mosque stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic Ocean; worshippers can pray over the sea but there is no glass floor looking into the sea.

Back in time

Dive into Morocco’s ancient past and traditions in the spiritual and cultural capital of Fes. Explore its ancient medina, and discover the “Mellah”, the historical Jewish district. Divided into three districts, the oldest and most fascinating is Fes el Bali, founded in the 9th century. Venturing through its vast gates into the medina is like stepping back in time. Its dense maze of some 9000 alleys are plied by donkeys and hand-pulled carts (said to be the largest car-free urban area in the world), with narrow passageways leading through beautiful squares, into the middle of a spice-scented food market or to a dead end and the ruins of an abandoned house. Head up to a rooftop terrace to really appreciate the maelstrom at street level.

Where you could stay

Fes
Riad Fes

Fes
Karawan Riad

Make it mine

1- Roman ruins

Volubilis tour
On the way to Fes, walk in the footsteps of the Romans as you explore Volubilis, a partly excavated and remarkably preserved Roman city. Built in a fertile agricultural area, it developed from the 3rd century BC onward as a Phoenician, then proto-Carthaginian, settlement before being the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. Through olives and wine, it prospered under Roman rule from the 1st century AD and gained a number of major public buildings and fine town-houses with large mosaic floors.

2- Fes on foot

Fes guided tour
Fes, Morocco’s ancient imperial capital, is the most complete medieval city of the Islamic world, and a guided walk around its incredible medina is the best way to soak up its timeless atmosphere without fear of getting lost amid the maze. Spend today with your guide seeking out historical highlights, markets and more. The most famous landmark here is The University of al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest educational institute in the world, with UNESCO status.

3- Jewish history

Mellah tour
Follow your guide to the Jewish neighbourhood called “Mellah” and learn about the history of the community in Morocco. You may also be able to explore the Jewish cemetery and synagogue. Afterwards, you will visit the stunning gates of the royal palace located outside the old city.

Into the desert

Morocco’s corner of the desert lies south of the High Atlas Mountains, a smattering of oasis towns becoming less frequent the further you venture, eventually reaching the golden dune seas that evokes the most romantic images of the Sahara. Here you’ll find camel trains emerging from the heat haze led by blue-scarfed Berbers, and there’s no better way to experience the desert than a night in a traditional nomad camp. The 4X4 journey to camp takes about seven hours.

Where you could stay

Moroccan Sahara
Merzouga – Main Luxury Camp

Nomad living and desert adventures

Enjoy a unique night among the wind-sculpted dunes of the Sahara. Tackle the sands on a 4×4, tuck into a filling nomad dinner, and settle in beside the campfire while rhythmic drumming echoes into the night around you, and stars light the inky black skies overhead. The next day you’ll get to see the majestic Dades and Todra Gorges and stop in the Rose Valley on the way to Skoura.

Overnight in Skoura

Spend a relaxing night in the oasis town of Skoura where you can discover some of the local traditions of the Berber people. Learn about the palm grove’s ecosystem and visit the outstanding Kasbah Amridil. Your suite is the perfect place to relax after a travelling from the Moroccan Sahara.

Where you could stay

Skoura
L’Ma Lodge

Skoura
Ksar El Kabbaba

Sights and sounds of Marrakesh

With its rich atmosphere, fascinating history and Berber culture, the city of Marrakesh encapsulates what draws people from around the world to Morocco. Near one thousand-year-old red walls surround the historic medina, with monumental gates leading through to a warren of winding alleys. On the way to Marrakesh, you’ll stop to visit the world-renowned Ksar Aït ben Haddou in Ouarzazate, a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco. It is also a film set for many Hollywood movies from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator and the recent series Game of Thrones.

Where you could stay

Marrakesh
La Villa des Orangers

Marrakesh
Le Farnatchi

Make it mine

1- Awaken your senses

Tour of Djemaa el Fna
This popular historic square in Marrakesh’s medina quarter is a magical place full of market stalls and entertainers. During the day it’s a bustling marketplace and as evening approaches the entertainment changes with Chleuh dancing-boys, story-tellers and magicians entertaining the crowds. Your guide will introduce you to this medieval square and you will get to enjoy it like a local.

2- Fashion connection

Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Jardin Majorelle
Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé first visited Marrakech in 1966, quickly falling in love with the city; its vibrant colours and intricate decor a constant source of inspiration. Step into the Majorelle Gardens, a haven of peace, then visit the Yves Saint Laurent Fashion Museum and the Berber Museum.

3- Old city adventures

Ochre city walking tour
Meet your guide and travel back in time as you explore the old city of Marrakesh, called the Medina. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the souks and stop at remarkable monuments. Step into legends from an ancient past, taking time to linger in the Bahia Palace, the mesmerizing Dar el Bacha, the Secret Garden, and the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret will always help you to find the right direction.

Dining with purpose in Marrakesh

Enjoy a meaningful lunch experience at Amal Association in Marrakesh, a remarkable social enterprise which empowers women through culinary arts training and provides a safe space for them to rebuild their lives. The association helps resilient women who have faced a variety of challenges to rewrite their narratives and step into their power. Through its restaurant-school model, Amal provides trainees with real-world experience in the industry while also generating income which is reinvested into its training programmes. Since 2012, over 300 women have enrolled in the comprehensive four to six-month Moroccan and international cuisine and life skills programme, with a majority of them going on to full-time employment on completion.