Fez and Marrakech are undeniably Morocco’s most iconic cities, brimming with the charm that makes the country so mesmerising. This itinerary gives you an immersive taste of both. Then it adds some gentle rest in the mountains to round things off. So you blend two great medinas with time to breathe. As ever, the whole tour is private, with expert guides and drivers.
You begin in Fez, which takes a little planning to reach. Happily, you can fly direct from London Stansted, allowing three full nights. Alternatively, fly via Casablanca and drive up the next day. Either way, those three nights let you settle in properly. On arrival, we suggest doing very little. So enjoy a mint tea on your riad terrace, then your first tagine.
The next day, an expert guide leads you into Fez el-Bali. It is arguably the most authentic medina in Morocco. So you pass camel butchers, leatherworkers and haberdashers. Along the way, you see medieval fondouks, once resting rooms for merchants. Then comes the aromatic pungency of the famous tanneries. Afterwards, your senses recover over mint tea on a roof terrace. Lunch, meanwhile, is at the lovely Ruined Garden.
Another day explores the countryside around Fez. First, visit Meknes, an imperial city with a fascinating medina. Then continue to Moulay Idriss, a whitewashed holy town on a hillside. It is the perfect spot for lunch at Scorpion House. Afterwards, walk down to Volubilis, one of North Africa’s best-preserved Roman towns. There, stunning mosaics and standing columns still evoke the empire.
With Fez complete, fly to Marrakech, just 40 minutes away. The city was once a rich trading post, linking the Sahara with the Mediterranean ports. So goods flowed from here on to Europe. It is well worth three nights, staying in a boutique riad in the heart of the medina. As a result, the city is always on your doorstep.
On your first day, get to know the city with a private guide. So you begin with the cultural highlights. First comes the Koutoubia Mosque, beside the Djemaa el-Fna. Then walk to the 16th-century Saadian Tombs and the mighty El Badi Palace. Afterwards, enter the Mellah, the old Jewish Quarter. Following lunch, you delve into the souks. Each area has its own trade, from leather and jewellery to coppersmiths and dyers. To finish, pause for mint tea in Le Jardin Secret.
The next day bends entirely to you. So we tailor it around your interests. For example, you might explore the gardens of Marrakech or the quirky museums. Equally, drift over the desert by hot-air balloon. For the active, there is mountain biking too. As a result, no two trips feel quite the same.
Finally, your driver takes you into the Atlas Mountains, about an hour away. Here the pace drops right down. So you might simply relax, or take a gentle amble to a Berber village for mint tea. For the energetic, a more challenging trek awaits. You stay at Kasbah Bab Ourika, with its glorious views. As a result, the trip ends in calm.
Naturally, the hotels are a real part of the pleasure. In Fez, the lovely Riad Fes sets the tone. In Marrakech, the stylish Le Farnatchi sits deep in the medina. Then Kasbah Bab Ourika delivers the mountains. Of course, we know each one personally.
Throughout, you have private guides and drivers. So the days bend entirely to your interests. Meanwhile, the short internal flight saves a long drive. The transfers, in turn, are smooth and easy. As a result, the whole trip feels effortless.
Generally, spring and autumn bring the most comfortable weather. By contrast, high summer can be very hot inland. Winter, meanwhile, is mild and pleasant in the cities. So we tailor the timing to your plans. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.
Part of the joy here is the contrast. Fez feels medieval, hushed and deeply scholarly. Marrakech, by contrast, is theatrical and full of bustle. Meanwhile, the mountains offer a complete change of pace. So the trip never feels repetitive. In short, you see three very different sides of Morocco.
Above all, this suits first-time visitors wanting the headline cities. Equally, it rewards anyone who loves history and culture. Couples and small groups enjoy it most. As a result, it remains one of our classic Moroccan routes.
As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the pace, the hotels and the experiences to suit. In the end, the trip is entirely your own.
This core route works well over about nine days. Of course, it can be shortened or extended. We will shape the length to suit you.
Very much so. The medina rewards slow exploration, and the day trip to Volubilis is a highlight. So three nights never feels too long.
Generally, spring and autumn are most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.
Entirely. The pace, hotels and experiences are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.
| £2500P.P |
|---|
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Fez | Riad Fes |
| Day 4-6 | Marrakech | Le Farnatchi |
| Day 7-8 | Atlas Mountains | Kasbah Bab Ourika |
| Day 9 | Fly Home |
Arrive in Fez, with a private transfer to Riad Fes. Settle in with a mint tea on the terrace before your first Moroccan tagine.
Fez el-Bali is the world’s largest living medieval city. With an expert guide, tour the 14th-century Medersa Bou Inania, famous for its stucco, zellij tiles and carved wood. Then explore the 13th-century tanneries and the spice souks, winding through the labyrinth of alleys to hidden squares.
Drive through the countryside, past fields of wheat, mint and cork forests, to Meknes, an imperial city with a fascinating medina and the carved Bab el-Mansour gate. Continue to Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s holiest town, for lunch. Afterwards, walk down to Volubilis, one of North Africa’s best-preserved Roman cities.
Take a private transfer to the airport for the short flight to Marrakech. On arrival, transfer to your riad, then spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Explore Marrakech with your guide. Tour the Saadian Tombs, the elegant El Badi Palace and the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Then meander through the souks, mosques and medersas. Just before sunset, reach the Djemaa el-Fna, a wonderland of food stalls, snake charmers and storytellers.
Today is tailored to you. You might relax, or head out to the quirky museums, hidden souks and superb gardens of Marrakech. Equally, drift over the desert by hot-air balloon, or set off mountain biking.
Your driver takes you into the Atlas Mountains, about an hour away, for a stay at Kasbah Bab Ourika. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, taking in the views.
Today bends to you. You might take a gentle amble to a Berber village for mint tea, or stretch your legs on a more challenging trek.
Transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
Combine the bustling souks of colourful Marrakech before experiencing the timeless Berber culture and stunning views in the High Atlas Mountains.
Marrakech makes for a beautiful long weekend from any European city. With five days, you will have plenty of time to both explore and relax. The weather is perfect in the winter, and you can also immerse yourself in a fascinating culture.
We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.