General
This 8 days trip aims to give you a good insight to the gems of North Morocco including chief cities like the legendary Tangier that was once an “international zone “ a figurative gateway to Morocco in particular and Africa in general .It exposes you also to the both the Mideteranian Sea and and the Atlantic Ocean.From here you can spy on Spain.This North Morocco trip introduces you to the UNISCO Heritage site Tetouan that was once the capital of Spanish Morocco.
You will also discover rural Rif Mountains and learn about the culture of the Riffians.Tour the Blue photoginic Chefchaoun and the oldest medina in the world ;Fes that is dubbed the sister of Jerasalum and the Athen of Africa.
Activities
Day 1: Tanger
Welcome to Morocco!
Upon arrival you’ll be welcomed by your private guide and driver at the airport. Then you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Tanger to relax.
Riad La Tangerina (Double Suite Room)
Day 2 Tanger-Assilah-Tanger
When you are ready start your discovery tour of this mysterious city. Tangier will give you a taste of Northern Africa’s exotic culture. Morocco has been described as "a land of Arab culture, situated in Africa with its roots in Europe." Tangier became part of the Kingdom of Morocco in 1956 and has a diverse mix of international influences. One highlight of your visit is the Cape Spartel, a colorful “Kasbah” (ancient quarter) filled with a mishmash of narrow streets, where artisans create handicrafts and traders sell their wares. You’ll also visit the city’s ancient “medina” (the old section of the city) and the Royal Palace
This vibrant city with tremendous history and an eclectic mix of historic legacies from past European and Arab rule
Tanger was also once a kind of paradise for expats from around the world.
Start your tour with a visit to the old Kasbah .Admire the stunning views of the medina and the port. From here, you can also spy on Spain!
Visit the 17th century Sultan’s palace which is currently a museum of antiquities including Roman remains. Enjoy this beautiful Historical Museum in Tanger. Then Visit the Medina and finish at the port. Finish your tour with the Jewish Cemetery with its well restored tombs.
After lunch, enjoy a dramatic drive that takes you through La Montagne, an exclusive suburb of royal palaces and villas west of Tangier to Cap Spartel. It is the northwestern extremity of Africa’s Atlantic Coast. This spot is the place where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Below the cape are the Caves of Hercules. The caves have shown evidence of Neolithic occupation.
Enjoy a relaxing excursion to the nearby city of Assilah. Its old town, or medina, is
enclosed by well-preserved 15th-century ramparts and gates, built by colonial Portuguese.
The medina is an art hub, known for its murals and Moussem Cultural International of Assilah, an annual festival that has been taken place in this city for years.
Return to your riad in Tangier to relax.
Riad La Tangerina or similar
Day 3: Tanger - Tetouan - Chefchaouen
After having breakfast in your riad, enjoy the drive to nearby city of Tetouan. This city offers a splendid medina, fine Spanish architecture with features redolent of the Alhambra and orchards and beautiful white and green buildings.
Upon arrival, explore the highlights of this UNIESCO heritage site. Tetouan was founded in the 15th century by Jews and Muslims fleeing persecution in Spain. Your tour includes the old Medina; the Jewish quarter and the parade ground of the Royal Palace. Visit also the souk which is considered to be an exceptionally well preserved and complete example of this type of historic town. Then tour the Moroccan Arts Museum and the Artisans School which teaches traditional arts and crafts.
Enjoy the drive along the Mediterranean Sea and the Rif Mountains .Then; proceed to the blue city of Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen is the take-off for visit to the beautiful but hidden village of Mechkralla. In Chefchaouen, change your vehicle and enjoy a 4 well drive off road to your hotel Dar Rihana. It’s well located at the heart of the Rif Mountains. Here, you are far from the world in a comfort resting place.
Meet your host Mostapha, check in your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
When you are ready, you are welcome to have hands on the experience of cooking the specialties of the area.
Enjoy your dinner and your stay in Dar Rihana.
Dar Rihana or similar (B L D)
Day 4: Mechkralla - Chefchaouen
Today, you will have a day in the life when you meet the Berber Riffians of the Rif Mountains.
Enjoy this part of Morocco that is untouched by modernity.
After having your Breakfast at your place, take the vehicle and drive to the small Berber village of Mechkralla. Meet Berber Riffian farmers. Learn about their culture. They will receive you in their home. If you want you can enjoy a mule ride around this wild part of the Rif Mountains and learn about the local culture of the Riffians who are the native inhabitants of the this part of Morocco.
After lunch, enjoy the panoramic views along the way back to your Riad in Chefchaouen for overnight. Transfer to your Riad in Chefchaouen for overnight.
Riad Cherifa or similar
Day 5: Chefchaouen –Fes
Chefchaouen is one of the cleanest and prettiest small towns in Morocco. Its blue rinsed houses, winding streets and markets enjoy a stunning setting in the foothills of the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen, this charming town deep in the Rif Mountains is clean, safe, relaxed and highly photogenic with cobbled streets, flower-filled squares and breathtaking mountain backdrop.
When you are ready, enjoy a tour of Chefchaouen that is called the blue City. Start with the visit of its blue and white medina known for its beautiful doors.Chechaouan is a, great place for photographers. Tour the 17th century Kasbah, admire its unique Grand Mosque. Finish at Ras Alma, the waterfalls and sources. There you might see Berber women doing their washing.
When you are ready, your private guide and driver will transfer you to Fes. Upon arrival check in your riad
After lunch enjoy an introduction to Fes. Step back six centuries into the medieval world of Fes, whose cobbled streets are filled with ancient mosques, towering green-glazed minarets and crumbling Foundouks (hostels for travelers and their animals).
Enjoy your day with a visit to the 14th century Fes El Jedid (New Fes). Here you will see the stunning gates of the King Palace. Then we walk in the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter which is the oldest one and it provides an interesting insight into the Jewish architecture. Visit the 17th century Ibn Danan Synagogue which is the oldest synagogue in Fes. Admire the Jewish Cemetery which is the largest one in all Morocco and it’s still in use!
Check in at your hotel Riad Salam, a beautifully restored building showcasing the local craftsmanship for which Fes is known. Well located in the medina, Riad Salam’s owner is very interested in restoring old Moorish houses. He has been instrumental in preserving the medina of Fes. Your hosts will offer you tea, fruit and Moroccan sweets throughout the day.
Riad Salam or similar
Day 6: Fes
Today you take a step back in time to the middle Ages!
After breakfast, enjoy walking in the well restored Jnan Sbil Gardens. Stop near the Northern Fort to have some memorable shots of the oldest Medina in the world. Fes is nicknamed the sister of Jerusalem and the Athens of Africa. Fes was founded in 8th century by Moulay Driss 1 and subscribed as a UNESCO patrimonial in 1981.
Start with a visit to the 19th century Batha Museum. This palace houses artefacts that tell about the rich cultures of Fes. Then visit the pottery quarter to admire this old craft of Fes. Return back to your riad to relax.
Get ready to take a step back in time to the middle Ages when you visit Fes El Bali, the largest living medieval medina-city, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Visit the Bou Inania Mederssa (Koranic College), a jewel of the Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Your tour of the medina includes also the Nejjarine complex that houses a beautiful fountain and the nearby Foundouk; now converted into a museum. Fes is also the capital of Arab handmade crafts; visit the Medieval Tanneries and then see artisans at work; see the brass workers at Essafarine souk .Among the highlights of Fes there is the Karaouine Mosque and university and the Shrine of Moulay Driss 2.
Then transfer to your riad in Fes to relax. The rest of the day at leisure if you want to have massage or just relax
Riad Salam or similar
Day 7: Departure
Today, you will be escorted to Fes Saiss Airport for your departing flight back home.
End of our services with many everlasting memories. Bonne Voyage!
Inclusions:
- 7 Days touring in a private comfortable air-conditioned van with fuel and driver
- Water in the van during the tour
- 6 Nights’ accommodation in varied authentic Moorish Riads and Boutique Hotels with daily breakfast
- Conception and organization of the tour and assistance
- Professional licensed English speaking guide throughout the tour
- Lunch everyday
- Entrance fees to the sites while accompanied by the guide
- Cooking class in Tanakoub
- Mules ride in the Rif Mountain
Exclusions :
- Air transportation
- Tips and Gratuities to guide and driver
- Drinks for meals
- Travel insurance highly recommended
- Meals noted as suggested, at leisure, or not specifically mentioned.