Sultans & Dynasties – Imperial Morocco Odyssey: 8-Day Private Tour – 4.5 Star Luxury

Even though this trip is only a week long, the experiences you have on it will be with you forever. When you arrive at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport, the adventure begins.

After passing through immigration and customs, you'll find your professional, English-speaking driver waiting to take you to your hotel. You'll come to think of him as a friend who goes out of his way to make your trip enjoyable and show you a side of Morocco that most tourists never see.

​As you make your way to the hotel, you'll be soaking it all in.Do you find Casablanca to be a bit more cutting edge than you anticipated? Maybe you've seen the beautiful djellabas that the older men and women of Morocco wear...

The Hassan II Mosque is a must-see if you get there early enough in the day, so have your driver take you there. As its namesake, King Hassan II, planned, this is one of the most recognizable buildings in Casablanca. The mosque's minaret's turquoise and green hues are echoed by the Atlantic Ocean below. You'll need to squint at the top of the world's tallest minaret to make out the intricate designs.

Walking inside, you'll get a close look at the artwork and be taken aback by the ornate arches and intricate design of the building. Inquire with your tour guide about the spiritual allegory hidden within the architecture.

Travel today to Fes, a place with deep historical roots in Morocco. As you make your way to the modern city of Rabat, where you'll have lunch, take in the beautiful scenery outside the window.

Rabat, Morocco's capital, is a beachside metropolis on the cutting edge of urban development. Rabat has an authentic atmosphere because it is not a popular tourist destination.

Stop by a small restaurant in Rabat to sample some of Morocco's finest cuisine.it's ideal when you can avoid a tourist trap and eat at a local joint. Visit the palace of Morocco's monarch or stroll a palm tree–lined avenue. We will drive over the impressive Mohammed VI Bridge. 

​The Medina of Fes was established in the 9th century, and as you enter the city from the outside, you'll first pass through the current New City. Donkeys are the only mode of transportation allowed within the city's medieval walls. It has more than nine thousand narrow streets, some of which are so tight that you'll have to walk side by side. Let your mind wander to a time when you entered a culture that has been unchanged for millennia.

After spending the night in a traditional Moroccan riad - some of which are over 800 years old - you will enjoy a delicious breakfast of authentic Moroccan cuisine and hear different options of how to spend your day from your guide.

We will have a driving tour and a walking tour. In the bazaar, local artisans are eagarly awaiting your arrival, where you will get to learn how traditional Berber rugs are woven, have a private tour of our famed leather tannery, and try your hand at our beautiful and delicate Moroccan pottery.

 Fes is a place with deep historical roots in Morocco. It is the cultural and spiritual heart of our Kingdom. Fes is home to the world's first university. 

The Medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the largest pedestrian-only area in the world, was established in the 9th century, and as you enter the city from the outside, you'll first pass through the current New City.

Donkeys are the only mode of transportation allowed within the city's medieval walls. It has more than nine thousand narrow streets, some so tight that you'll have to walk side by side. Let your mind wander to a time when you entered a culture that has been unchanged for millennia.

Visualize standing where the Roman Empire once stood...

Storks built their nests atop the lofty, bare pillars of Volubilis. The antique mosaics have faded with age, but their original splendor is still apparent in their intricate coloration and design. The antique olive oil press will be demonstrated, and your guide will explain the significance of the various structures that once stood on this site, which dates back two thousand years.

You'll also have a chance to see Moulay Idris, one of Morocco's holiest cities. This town, which has the name of the Muslim saint who founded Fes, is picturesque, with its white buildings and distinctive green roofs.​

The lunch halt will be in Meknes, another royal city. You'll take a tour bus across the city and see the impressive Bab Mansour, erected in the name of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The zellij tiles and intricate etching on this gate are stunning. The old granaries and the Royal Stables of Moulay Ismail will also be visited.

The drive from Fes to Marrakech today will be the longest of the trip, but it will also be one of the most scenic. The route takes you up into the Middle Atlas Mountains and then winds along the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy the beautiful countryside; getting out of town for a while will do you good. Find out from your driver what sights in Marrakech they think you shouldn't miss.

Taking a horse-drawn carriage ride is a delightful way to see the sights. Just close your eyes and picture the clip clop of the horse's hooves on the road as the breeze and the sights of Marrakech pass you by. The Jma El Fnaa, the central plaza of Marrakech, will be right there for you to pull up to. Going in the evening will allow you to witness it at its liveliest.​

There are food stands everywhere with sellers shouting out their wares. If you give in to the temptation, you can fill your tummy with fresh drinks, dried fruit, heated meals, and more. If you're feeling brave, snap a photo of yourself with the snake you got from the snake charmer. Your companions are really curious to see the proof.

Today, you'll learn why so many people from all over the world flock to Marrakech. The more people who learn about it, the more popular it becomes, and anybody who goes there leaves comprehending the craze.

The Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakech's largest, and your guide will take you there. Raise your head and look up to see how high it goes...

Try to picture yourself strolling through the souks and medina bazaar. Lantern-lit stands attract the most attention because of the glittering shards of color they cast. As you wander the stalls, trying to decide which one to visit, you'll be surrounded by silver, brass, spices, and soft materials.

In the Bahia palace, your guide will show you where Grand Vizier Si Moussa and his son, Bou Ahmed, once lived. You'll learn why the word means "brilliance" as you wander the gardens and elegant parlors. Another fantastic attraction in Marrakech is the Saadian Tombs. Many members of the royal Saadian dynasty are interred in these graves, which have lain undiscovered for decades.

 The tombs here are absolutely stunning, with intricate zellij patterns and ornate artwork covering every available surface.

You woke up to your last full day in Morocco, but luckily it's a day off, so you can get in any last-minute visits or purchases you've been meaning to make. Grab a lantern for your home, enjoy sweet, fresh-squeezed Moroccan orange juice, or circle back to the medina to check if the shopkeeper decided to budge on their price.

At your convenience, your driver will take you back to Casablanca, where your amazing journey began a week ago.

You may be taken aback as you make your way to the airport to depart Morocco and the new friends you've made here.

Have a safe travel home and know that you are always welcome back to the land that has won your heart.