Morocco Architecture Tour

inside hassan II mosque casablanca
mausoleum mohammed v in rabat
royal palace in fes
coranic school in fes
boujloud gate in fes
hotel in morocco
TOTAL TRIP:

12 Days Itinerary

TOUR TYPE:

Private

PLACES VISITED:

Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Ouarzazate

DEPARTURE DATES:

Flexible dates

Overview

Discover the fascinating Moroccan architecture on a customized tour with our Moroccan travel agency. Explore the intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors that adorn many buildings, from the zellige tiles covering walls, floors, and fountains to the ornamental plasterwork crafted by skilled artisans. As you visit the imperial cities of Taroudant, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech, witness the architecture that reflects Morocco’s rich history and past rivalries and conflicts.

Marvel at the influence of Hispano-Moorish art in many Moroccan buildings, particularly in the use of colorful tiles and geometric patterns. Each region of Morocco has its own unique architectural style, which adds to the allure of exploring the country’s architecture. Discover the riads, traditional Moroccan houses, with their central courtyards, ceramic tiles with geometric patterns, and plaster sculptures that create an ornamental and refined atmosphere.

Explore the impressive architecture of Moroccan mosques, with towering minarets and large courtyards, like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, renowned for its intricate marble work and colorful mosaics. And don’t miss out on the kasbahs, ancient structures used as defensive fortresses, which have now been restored and converted into hotels or museums, providing visitors with firsthand experiences of Morocco’s history and culture.

Book a tour with our Morocco tour operator and discover the fascinating blend of Islamic, Moorish, and European influences that make up Moroccan architecture, providing an insight into the country’s rich culture and heritage.

Customizable Itinerary Expand all Collapse all

DAY 1 Casablanca

Plan a special trip to Casablanca today and take advantage of a transfer to our accommodation when you arrive at Mohammed V International Airport. Upon your morning arrival, take a complimentary bus tour to explore the city’s Ville Nouvelle and experience the colonial planning and architecture, as well as the iconic Hassan II Mosque. Alternatively, spend your afternoon at your own pace. We’ll then meet up at the hotel for an orientation and introductory lecture.

Transfer
Accommodation
Dinner
Transport
DAY 2 Casablanca – Rabat

We have a wonderful day ahead of us! Today, our journey will take us from Casablanca to Rabat, a city of enormous beauty that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a nutritious and energizing meal, we will have the opportunity to visit the nationally renowned archaeological museum, which features artwork and artifacts from the prehistoric and Roman periods.

Accommodation
Dinner
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DAY 3 Rabat – Sale

This morning, we will begin our journey at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art where we can view artworks of Moroccan artists throughout the years. From here, we will make our way to Rabat’s Oudaïa casbah to take in the magnificent architecture of the Oudaïa Gate. Lunchtime, we will cross the Bou Regreg River to Salé, an old walled city, and visit the 14th-century medersa that has been impeccably restored. Returning to Rabat, we will explore the Bank Al-Maghrib Museum and see its numismatic collection that illustrates the history of money in Morocco, along with the art collection of both foreign and native painters. Our day will conclude at the Hassan Tower, a 12th-century landmark.

Accommodation
Dinner
Transport
DAY 4 Meknes – Volubilis – Fes

Departing Rabat, journey to Volubilis to explore this impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will be awestruck by intricate and well-preserved Roman mosaics dating back to the 3rd century A.D. After a delicious lunch, experience Meknes, the Imperial City that was established by Sultan Moulay Ismaïl and is now also protected by UNESCO. Visit the Bou Inania Madersa, constructed in classical-style during the 14th century, and Dar Jamaï Museum, housed in a 19th-century palace, where you can learn about traditional Moroccan music. Finally, arrive at Fes, an essential representation of Morocco’s intellectual and spiritual legacy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To conclude your journey, check in at a charming boutique hotel consisting of three interconnecting homes, complete with deluxe accommodation.

Accommodation
Dinner
Transport
DAY 5 Fes Sightseeing Tour

Begin your day with a journey of the ancient city of Fes el-Bali, one of the world’s oldest Moorish cities. Take in the grandeur of the Merenid tombs before heading to the Medersa Bou Inania, Idriss II’s mausoleum and the 14th-century Qaraouin University. Afterwards, visit the 17th-century Nejjarine caravansary, now home to the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, and the El Attarine Medersa. After a delicious lunch, discover the bustling local life of the city with a tour of the coppersmiths, dyers, and tanners quarters. To end off the day, experience the stunning Fes from the fortifying ramparts of the city.

Accommodation
Dinner
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DAY 6 Fes

This morning, we make our way to the renowned Bou Jeloud Gardens, well-known for its archaic irrigation system. As we dive into the fascinating history of Fes New Fes, we start off at the majestic Alouite Palace Gate. We then take a peaceful walk through the walled Jewish quarter, and admire the astonishing Danan Synagogue from the 17th century as well as its cemetery. After our tour, we savor a delicious lunch prior to visiting a zillij tile workshop.

Accommodation
Dinner
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DAY 7 Fes – Atlas Mountains – Erfoud

This morning, we set off from Fes, commencing an awe-inspiring adventure across the Atlas Mountain range, through alternating scenes, to the edge of the Sahara Desert. As we travel, we pass through the Middle Atlas, witnessing the last remnants of mighty Mediterranean cedar forests, and make a pause in Ifrane, the location of Africa’s first-rate international college. During our visit, we will search for the Barbary macaques, renowned for their presence in Gibraltar. After a short lunch break in the Berber town of Midelt, we continue to the Eastern High Atlas, renowned for its saturated multicolored landscapes. Finally, we will journey along the Ziz Valley, leading us to the administrative center of Arfoud.

Accommodation
Dinner
Transport
DAY 8 Sijilmassa – Merzouga Dunes – Erfoud

Today we will be exploring Sijilmassa, the mythical “City of Gold” in Africa and the Tafilalet Oasis in Morocco, the largest of its kind. Afterwards, we will proceed to the 18th century Ksar, paying homage to the first Alaouite rulers. At the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif, we will be blessed with a picnic of Saharan delicacies. To continue our adventure, we will drive to Fossils, a factory that shows splendid fossil marble items. To conclude, we will take four-wheel drive vehicles to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Here, we will have the opportunity to rise 600 feet above the desert floor, climb the dunes or take a camel ride to watch the sun set over the Sahara.

Accommodation
Dinner
Transport
DAY 9 Todra Gorge – Tinghir – Ouarzazate

We departed Arfoud at the start of the day and traveled westward, traveling through the desert and hills that were bathed in the warm light of the sun. When we arrived at the Todgha River Gorge, we were amazed by the sight of its 900-foot depth. After, we explored the ancient adobe casbah of Tinghir before having a delicious lunch. Our next destination was the international movie production center of Ouarzazate, which served as the backdrop for the filming of Lawrence of Arabia. Here, we visited the Taourirt Kasbah, which was built in the 19th century by the el Glaoui clan. Though it was not completely restored, the beautiful palace still captivated us with its grandeur.

Accommodation
Dinner
Transport
DAY 10 Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

We depart from the renowned city of Ouarzazate and make our way to the awe-inspiring Aït ben Haddou casbah, the site that served as the backdrop for the iconic movie ‘Gladiator’. We journey northward for roughly 4.5 hours, crossing the majestic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass and its views of voluminous valleys filled with quaint mud-brick dwellings. We arrive at Marrakech in time for a delightful lunch, situated in one of the city’s fanciest boutique hotels located within the old city walls. Later, we explore some of the remarkable local landmarks such as the picturesque Bahia Palace and the newly constructed Dar el Bacha Museum, both of which are situated in important historical buildings. In the evening, we meet up again for a sumptuous Moroccan feast in the middle of the medina.

Accommodation
Dinner
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DAY 11 Marrakech Sightseeing Tour

This afternoon, we will take a journey and absorb the captivating culture of Marrakech. Our first stop is the Souk of wool-dyers or Souk Sebbaghine to observe the handcrafted goods and bazaar, covered in reeds. Later, we’ll make our way to the shrine of BelAbbes, patron saint of the blind, and appreciate its courtyard. For lunch, we’ll enjoy a traditional meal in the medina. The day ends with a tour of the Jardin Majorelle, a 12-acre garden created in the 1930s and restored by Yves St. Laurent, as well as the Museum of Berber Culture. To finish our experience, we’ll savor the taste of the city’s renowned restaurants.

Accommodation
Dinner
Transport
DAY 12 Marrakech – Aghmat – Marrakech

Begin your journey through Marrakech with a visit to the Bab Agnaou, a 19th century gate that still stands tall. Then, make your way to the El Badi Palace, where you can admire the intricate plasterwork and Carrera marble that were once part of the Saadian Dynasty’s grandiose interior decorations. Afterward, explore the historical Jewish Mellah to find the synagogue and take some time to enjoy a meal. Finally, go to Aghmat, the first capital of the Almoravid Dynasty. Although excavation is still taking place, the site is unfortunately closed to the public.

Accommodation
Dinner
Transport
DAY 13 Marrakech – Airport

This morning, transfer to Marrakech Airport.

Accommodation
Dinner
Transport

Highlights

As a Moroccan travel agency, we highly recommend visiting these incredible architectural wonders during your Morocco tour:

  • Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca: This mosque is the largest in Morocco and the seventh-largest in the world. It features stunning architecture, including intricate tile work, a massive minaret, and a retractable roof. Our knowledgeable tour guides can provide insights into the mosque’s history and cultural significance.
  • Marrakech Medina: The medina, or old city, of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its stunning architecture. The medina features historic buildings, palaces, and mosques that showcase the city’s unique blend of Islamic, Moorish, and Berber architecture. Our Morocco tour operator can take you on a guided walking tour of the medina to discover its hidden gems.
  • Bahia Palace in Marrakech: This stunning palace was built in the late 19th century and features beautiful gardens and courtyards, intricate tile work, and elaborate plaster carvings. Our Morocco tour operator can take you on a private tour of the palace, allowing you to fully appreciate its architectural beauty.
  • Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech: The Koutoubia Mosque is one of Marrakech’s most iconic landmarks, featuring a beautiful minaret that is visible from all over the city. The mosque’s architecture is a blend of Almohad and Andalusian styles. Our tour guides can provide insights into the mosque’s history and cultural significance.
  • Volubilis Roman Ruins: The ancient Roman city of Volubilis is one of Morocco’s most impressive archaeological sites. The site features stunning examples of Roman architecture, including a triumphal arch, a basilica, and a forum. Our Moroccan travel agency can arrange a private tour of the site with an expert archaeologist.
  • Fes Medina: The Fes Medina is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of Morocco’s most impressive architecture. The medina features beautiful palaces, mosques, and madrasas (Islamic schools) that showcase the city’s unique blend of Islamic and Andalusian architecture. Our Morocco tour operator can take you on a guided walking tour of the medina to explore its incredible architecture.
  • Hassan Tower in Rabat: The Hassan Tower is a minaret that was built in the 12th century but was never completed. The tower’s architecture is a blend of Almohad and Andalusian styles and is an impressive sight to see. Our Morocco tour operator can provide you with insights into the tower’s history and cultural significance.
  • Kasbahs are often associated with Berber culture and can be found in various parts of the country, including in the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Many of these kasbahs are made of mud brick and feature distinctive architecture, with thick walls, narrow passages, and small windows to protect from the harsh desert sun. Our Moroccan travel agency can arrange a private tour of some of the most famous kasbahs in Morocco, including Ait Ben Haddou and Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate.

What's included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • knowledgeable Certified tour guide
  • Private English-speaking driver
  • Premium-class accommodation
  • Daily breakfasts and some dinners
  • Entrance fees to historical sites and museums
  • Departure transfer

Prices

Prices are on request and depend on your chosen accommodation, services, and time of travel.

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