Greetings from Morocco! Welcome to Casablanca, a contemporary coastal city. The massive and relatively modern Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca’s main draw. It was dedicated in 1993 and is perched on a rocky outcrop that projects into the Atlantic. The tallest building in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world, it has a 690-foot (210-meter) minaret. This Mosque is particularly special because it is one of the few in the nation that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. Join a tour and enjoy the fine displays of Islamic and Moroccan craftsmanship. The remaining imperial cities are Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, head north to Rabat, the imperial city and current capital. Wander the Roman and Islamic ruins while exploring the Chellah Necropolis’ medieval fortification. Enter the original city center of Rabat through the majestic door of the Kasbah des Oudaias. Visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens from there to take in the tranquil setting away from the crowds. Learn about the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the unfinished Mosque, and the Mohamed V Mausoleum. A construction project that was shelved in the 12th century.The Grand Mosque is still worthwhile a visit even though non-Muslims are not allowed inside. Discover the garden, museum, and prison cells of the nearby kasbah, an ancient fortification. A path outside the city walls will lead you to Hotel Atlas, where you can climb to the rooftop for a sweeping view of Blue City. For those who are a little fitter, follow the road east, cross the Ras el Ma Spring, and then climb the path for 20 to 30 minutes until you reach the deserted white Spanish Mosque. Observe Chefchaouen one last time as the sun sets behind the mountains. 2 to 3 hours for the hike

This morning, travel to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, a stunning blue city. The Cascades d’Akchour (Waterfalls of Akchour), a hidden gem, can be enjoyed after a short (2–3 hour) hike through lush vegetation and small pools just before you arrive at the Blue City. Enter the charming city of Chefchaouen. Since the 15th century, Chefchaouen has remained largely unaltered. It is known for its blue-washed buildings in its historical Medina and offers a laid-back atmosphere with some of the friendliest people in the nation (old quarter). Explore the city’s winding lanes, and streets that cling to the mountain’s northern slopes. Discover Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the central SquareSquare so named because it once had several hammams (public baths) surrounding it. Before exploring the many shops selling antiques: Find a restaurant or café to grab a bite. Explore the Grand Mosque, the kasbah (ancient fortress or fortification), its garden, Museum, and even some of its former jail cells. As dusk falls, spend 20 to 30 minutes climbing the path leading to the abandoned white Spanish Mosque to get one last look at Chefchaouen before the sun sets behind the mountains.Proceed to Fes, your second imperial city. Fes is a city worth getting lost in because of its imposingly sizable (and occasionally perplexing) old medina. Spend some time at the Merenid Tombs to the north of the city to take in the expansive views of old Fes and the region before going into the medina. Return to your riad (a traditional Moroccan home with an interior garden) for the evening as you descend the hill.Your guide will then escort you through Marrakech’s bustling souks, where you can meet various artisans and learn about their wares. By mid-afternoon, your tour will be over, and you’ll have the rest of the day to explore independently. Visit the souks to buy trinkets, enjoy a delicious traditional meal in one of Marrakech’s restaurants, or wander the Jemaa el-Fna square’s stalls to chow down on mouthwatering street fare while taking in the crowds’ entertainment from musicians and snake charmers.

Pick up your driver and travel to Fes in the northeast. Stretch your legs along the way and stop to explore Meknes. Meknes, a smaller version of Fes, offers a calmer medina and less pushy shopkeepers. Despite the city’s size, the Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the manageable Medina are the two main attractions in Meknes. The magnificent Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail should not be missed. Visit Volubilis’ Roman ruins next. It was established in the third century BCE and is now a UNESCO-protected site. Continue east to Fes. Spend some time ascending a hill to the Merenid Tombs’ ruins before exploring the Medina to get a comprehensive overview of the medieval city. Around dusk is the ideal time to visit the tombs. As the city lights turn on, the muezzin’s calls to prayer can be heard throughout the valley, adding to the ambiance. After a hearty meal, head back to your traditional riad to unwind for the evening.

Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and, arguably, the most fascinating and exciting to explore. Little colonial development has added to its medieval allure. Fes comprises three main points of interest: Fes el Bali (old Fes, the Medina, where you will spend most of your time), Fes el Jdid (‘new’ Fes), and the French-inspired Ville Nouvelle. It is the most comprehensive Medina in the Arab world. Meet your guide to learning more about Fes’s past and present and get assistance navigating Medina. Start your tour in Fes el Bali at the gate that welcomes you onto Talâa Kebira, Bab Boujeloud. As you walk past the architecture with influences from Spain and Tunisia, discover the goods offered for sale in the souks (markets) and shops. The tanneries in the old Medina are among the most distinctive sights, and Chouara Tannery is no exception. Then, ascend to the roof of a nearby leather store for a better view of the men at work and the stone pots filled with dye from the 11th century. Follow your guide to the Al-Qarawiyyin Library and Mosque (859 CE). You might be able to sneak a peek inside if you’re lucky.Until you reach Casablanca, keep traveling south along the Atlantic coast. Walk to the Hassan II Mosque along the Boulevard de la Corniche, the beach promenade that follows the Atlantic (often referred to as Morocco’s Miami). Even though there are only morning interior tours available, take advantage of the time and observe the architectural wonder as the sun sets. Grab a bite at Rick’s Café, a restaurant, bar, and café built to look like the bar in the Casablanca movie.

Go to the Batha Museum today. A collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts, including carved wood, zellij (mosaic tilework), and regional pottery, can be found at the Museum, housed in a 19th-century palace (its highlight). Visit the gardens in the Andalusian style before proceeding to the mullah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery). Utilize its location to capture a breathtaking panoramic image of the city. Continue south to Ville Nouvelle to see the striking transformation in the architecture. Visit a ceramics and tile collective to discover the entire manufacturing process, from sculpting clay to painting product designs. Also, observe how the tile masters assemble tiny pieces to create complex mosaics. As you head back to Fes el Bali’s direction, pause at Jnan Sybil (Bou Jeloud Gardens), which is midway between the mellah and Bab Boujeloud. Spend some time unwinding in the splendor of the gardens and cool off by the lake or in the central fountains.

Today, you’ll travel to the coast in the west before heading south to Marrakech. You can pause in Meknes, Rabat, or Casablanca to break up the journey. You should take things more slowly for the afternoon. Jemaa el-Fna comes alive in the early evening with musicians, performers, snake charmers, and games. As the SquareSquare is best enjoyed in the evening, wander around the stalls and vendors and take in the show. Grab a bite at one of the many food stands, or if you prefer to observe events from a distance, pick one of the cafés close to Jemaa el-Fna and savor a meal and a cup of mint tea. Take a short walk in the evening to admire the Koutoubia Mosque’s floodlights before retiring to your lodging.

Marrakech, also known as the “Red City,” is a significant economic hub known for its 1000-year-old red sandstone city walls and buildings. Take a break from the heat in the gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque, which dates back to the 12th century, where there are fountains and palm trees. Explore the spice market, Souk el-Attarin, or Souk Smata to indulge your senses and find your favorite slippers, rugs, and leather goods. In the Islamic school, Ben Youssef Madrasa, you can experience architecture from the 16th century and be in awe of the intricate details, including arabesques, Islamic calligraphy, and vibrant geometric tilework. Observe the fondouks or caravanserai as you stroll through the alleyways of Marrakech. These medieval inns on old trade routes offered supplies and shelter to travelers and traders. You should stop by a few locations south of Jemaa el-Fna, depending on the time of day and how you feel. Consider the 500-year-old Saadian Tombs, the expansive courtyard and sunken gardens of the El Badi Palace from the 17th century, or the elaborate woodwork and painted ceilings of the Bahia Palace from the 19th century. Before retiring for the evening to your lodging, return to Jemma el-Fna for a quick meal.

Depending on the specifics of your departure, you might want to take a stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche to Rick’s Café, a bar, restaurant, and café that was inspired by the timeless film “Casablanca,” and get something to eat there.