Welcome to Tangier, the stepping stone between Africa and Europe. Visit the medina (old district), a café in the trendy Zoco Chico square, or take a paseo to enjoy a stroll along the promenade in this region of Spain that is close to the south. Alternately, continue to Chefchaouen, a blue city in the Rif Mountains. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while stopping to hike (2–3 hours) to the Cascades d’Akhour (Waterfalls of Akchour). Chefchaoen offers picturesque buildings and countless winding, narrow streets. Visit a café or restaurant in Plaza Outa el Hammam and eat while people-watching. Although they are not allowed inside, non-Muslims should still visit the Grand Mosque. Visit the garden, museum, and former prison cells in the nearby kasbah, an ancient fortification. To get a sweeping view of the Blue City, head to Hotel Atlas via a path outside the city walls and ascend to the rooftop. To reach the deserted white Spanish Mosque, climb the way for 20 to 30 minutes if you feel a little more athletic. To do this, follow the road east until it crosses the Ras el Ma Spring. As the sun sets behind the mountains, take one final look at Chefchaouen.

Get up early to take pictures of the deserted streets before heading to Fes. Visit the Volubilis ruins along the way to see the Roman Empire’s farthest outpost in Africa, protected by UNESCO. Wander the complex to see the many mosaics still in place, temples, and merchant homes with working heating systems. You can learn more about your first historic imperial city by continuing to Meknes, a smaller, less crowded version of Fes. The main attractions are the medina and the Ville Impériale (Imperial City). Visit the Royal Stables, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Bab al-Mansour gate. Your second imperial city, Fes, is located further east. Fes is a city worth getting lost in thanks to its imposingly large (and somewhat perplexing) old medina. Drive up the hill to the Merenid Tombs, just north of the city, and spend some time there before going into the medina to take in the panoramic views of old Fes and the area. After descending the hill, locate your riad (a traditional Moroccan home with a garden inside), where you can have a sumptuous dinner and unwind for the evening.

Rabat and Marrakech, Morocco’s other two imperial cities, are the two most interesting to explore, but Fes is the oldest. You can experience the city’s medieval charm because it is a UNESCO-protected site and hasn’t undergone much colonial development. Fes is made up of two old medina quarters, Fes el Bali (where you will spend the majority of your time) and Fes el Jdid (a slightly newer area of the city), as well as the Ville Nouvelle, a structure designed by the French in the early 20th century. In Fes el Bali, meet your guide, who will assist you in navigating the ancient medinas’ winding, congested streets (789 CE). As you pass the various souks (markets) selling spices, leather goods, and pewter, take note of the Spanish and Tunisian architectural influences. Visit the well-known Chouara Tannery and climb to the roof of a nearby store for a better view of the action. This area is famous for its tanneries and the pungent smell they produce. Before visiting Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest still in operation universities in the world, stop by the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa to admire the zellij tile work (859 CE). For another expansive view of the city, locate the Mellah (old Jewish quarter) in Fes el Jdid.

Depart from Fes and travel to Rabat, the current capital and former imperial city. Wander the Roman and Islamic ruins and the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis. The Kasbah des Oudaias’ grand door welcomes you into Rabat’s historic district. Visit the Andalusian Gardens of the 20th century from there to take in the tranquil setting away from the crowds. The Hassan Tower is a minaret of the unfinished mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V, a 12th-century undertaking that was abandoned, leaving only the minaret and about 200 columns. To get to your hotel: 1.Travel further south to Casablanca. 2.Take a stroll to the Hassan II Mosque along Morocco’s “Miami,” the Boulevard de la Corniche, a beach promenade that follows the Atlantic. 3.Even though only morning interior tours are available, take advantage of the time and observe the architectural marvel as the sun sets. 4.Get a bite to eat at Rick’s Café, a restaurant, bar, and café modeled after the bar in the iconic film Casablanca.

The stunning Hassan II Mosque is located in Casablanca, the country of Morocco’s modern commercial capital. The tallest building in Morocco and the tallest minaret in the world, it is perched on an outcrop overlooking the Atlantic and has a 690-foot (210-meter) minaret! With space for 25,000 inside, the courtyard is believed to accommodate 80,000 worshipers. This mosque is unique because it is one of the few in the nation that non-Muslims are permitted to enter. During a morning tour, you can marvel at the exquisitely detailed craftsmanship, which includes hand-carved stone and wood, elaborate marble floor designs, and gilded cedar ceilings. Upon reaching Marrakech, check into your lodging and slowly take the remainder of the afternoon. Early in the evening, Jemaa el-Fna, the main square, comes alive with performers, games, snake charmers, musicians, and food stalls. Wander the yard at your leisure and enjoy the show below while eating something and sipping some fresh mint tea in one of the many cafés above the square.

Marrakech, also known as the “Red City” due to its 1000-year-old red sandstone city walls and structures, is a significant economic hub and the location of a bustling medina. Start your journey west of Jemaa el-Fna and proceed toward the impressive Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. Marrakech’s tall structure is a 253-foot (77 m) minaret. Before visiting the Ben Youssef Madrasa Islamic school to experience 16th-century architecture and be in awe of the exquisite details, explore the stalls in Souk el-Attarin (Spices), Souk Haddadine (Blacksmiths), and Souk Smita (Slippers). Observe the fondouks and medieval inns along old trade routes that offered supplies and shelter to travelers and merchants as you stroll through the alleys of Marrakech. Today, some have been turned into homes, while others have been transformed into shops and open-air workshops. You should stop by a few locations south of Jemaa el-Fna, depending on how energetic you are. The Saadian Tombs, which date back 500 years, the expansive courtyard and sunken gardens of the 17th-century El Badi Palace, or the elaborate woodwork and painted ceilings of the 19th-century Bahia Palace are a few options to think about. If you prefer a peaceful respite from the afternoon heat, consider visiting Majorelle Gardens to unwind amidst sub-tropical plants, bamboo, lilies, and palms.

It’s time to bid Morocco farewell as you travel to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) to board your flight home or your next adventure.