Itinerary

1. Day 1: Tangier to Chefchaouen

   • Welcome to Tangier, the crossing point between Africa and Europe. Visit the medina (old quarter), a café in the trendy Zoco Chico square, or go for a paseo to enjoy a stroll along the promenade in this city close to the south of Spain. Alternatively, proceed straight to the Rif Mountains' blue-hued city of Chefchaouen. 
   • Enjoy the scenic route and make stops to hike (2–3 hours) to the Cascades d'Akhour along the way (Waterfalls of Akchour). Chefchaoen offers countless winding, picturesque buildings and narrow streets. Look for a restaurant or café in Plaza Outa el Hammam and enjoy a meal while people-watching. The Grand Mosque is still worthwhile a visit even though non-Muslims are not allowed inside. 
   • From there, tour the nearby kasbah's (an ancient fortification) garden, museum, and some of its former jail cells. A path outside the city walls will lead you to Hotel Atlas, where you can climb to the rooftop for a sweeping view of the Blue City. For those who are a little more fit, 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. Day 2: Roman ruins at Volubilis - Imperial cities of Meknes and Fes

   • The Merenid Tombs look out over expansive Fes. Before heading to Fes, get up early to take pictures of the deserted streets. Visit the Volubilis ruins, the Roman Empire's furthest outpost in Africa, which are protected by UNESCO, as you travel. 
   • Wander the complex and discover the temples, many in-place mosaics, and merchant homes with still-working heating systems. 
   • Visit Meknes, a smaller, less crowded version of Fes, to learn more about your first historic imperial city. The Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the medina are the two main attractions. Visit the Royal Stables, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and Bab al-Mansour Gate.
   • Travel east until you reach Fes, your second imperial city. Fes is a city that is worth getting lost in because of its imposingly sizable (and occasionally perplexing) old medina. 
   • Drive up the hill to visit the Merenid Tombs, which are just north of the city, and take in the panoramic views of old Fes and the surrounding area before going into the medina. As you make your way down the hill to your riad—a traditional Moroccan home with a garden inside—you can enjoy a sumptuous meal and unwind for the evening.

3. Day 3: Exploring the Imperial City of Fes

   • Marrakech and Rabat are the other two Moroccan imperial cities; Fes is the oldest and, arguably, the most fascinating to explore. The city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hasn't undergone much colonial development, so you can still enjoy its medieval charm. Fes is made up of the early 20th-century French-designed Ville Nouvelle and 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). Beginning in Fes el Bali, meet your guide who will assist you in navigating the winding, ancient streets of the medinas (789 CE).
   • As you pass the various souks (markets) selling spices, leather goods, and pewter, take note of the architecture with influences from Spain and Tunisia. 
   • Visit the well-known Chouara Tannery and climb to the roof of a nearby store for a better view of the action in this region, which is known for its tanneries and the pungent smell they produce. Observe the zellij tile work at the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa before visiting Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest still in operation in the world (859 CE). For another expansive view of the city, head to Fes el Jdid's Mellah (old Jewish quarter).

4. Day 4: Casablanca via Rabat

   • Leave Fes behind and travel to Rabat, the current capital and former imperial city. Wander the Roman and Islamic ruins while exploring the Chellah Necropolis' medieval fortification. 
   • Enter the old city 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. Find out about the Hassan Tower, a minaret from the unfinished mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V, a 12th-century undertaking that was abandoned, leaving only the minaret and about 200 columns.
   • Travel further south to Casablanca and then take a taxi to your hotel. Take a stroll to the Hassan II Mosque along the Boulevard de la Corniche, the beach promenade that follows the Atlantic and is frequently referred to as Morocco's "Miami." Even though only morning tours are available inside, take advantage of the time and observe the architectural wonder as the sun sets. Eat something at Rick's Café, a restaurant, bar, and café that was built to look like the bar in the iconic film Casablanca.

5. Day 5: Casablanca to Marrakech

   • The breathtaking Hassan II Mosque is located in Casablanca, the country of Morocco's modern and commercial capital. It is the tallest building in Morocco and has the tallest minaret in the world, standing at 690 feet (210 meters) above the Atlantic. An estimated 80,000 worshipers could fit in the interior, according to estimates. The fact that this mosque is one of the few in the nation that non-Muslims can enter gives it a special distinction. 
   • Join a tour in the morning to marvel at the exquisitely ornate craftsmanship, including the hand-carved stone and wood, the minute marble floor details, and the gilded cedar ceilings.
   • When you get to Marrakech, check into your lodging and take the rest of the afternoon slowly. The main square, Jemaa el-Fna, comes alive in the early evening with performers, games, snake charmers, musicians, and food stalls. 
   • Wander the square at your leisure, grab a bite to eat, and sip some fresh mint tea while taking in the scene below in one of the many cafés that are perched above the square.

6. Day 6: Marrakech

   • Due to its 1000-year-old red sandstone city walls and buildings, Marrakech is known as the "Red City" and is a significant economic hub with a thriving medina. Starting west of Jemaa el-Fna, proceed in the direction of the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens' eye-catching minaret. The tallest tower constructed in Marrakech is the 253 feet (77 m) high minaret. Before visiting the Ben Youssef Madrasa Islamic school, peruse the stalls in Souk el-Attarin (Spices), Souk Haddadine (Blacksmiths), and Souk Smata (Slippers) to get a taste of 16th-century architecture and be in awe of the exquisite details.
   • Observe the fondouks, medieval inns that served as lodging and supply stops for travellers and traders, as you stroll through the alleys of Marrakech. Today, some of them have been transformed into homes, while others are open-air shops and workshops. Depending on how you're feeling, you might want to stop by a few locations south of Jemaa el-Fna. 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.
   • Or, if you'd rather end your trip quietly and escape the afternoon heat, you might want to visit Majorelle Gardens and unwind amidst subtropical plants, bamboo, lilies, and palms.