NORTHERN MOROCCO Imperial Cities and More

10 days | £3695 per person with flights | 29 October - 7 November 2025

Imperial Cities and More

Discover the rich and diverse cultural and architectural heritage, picturesque landscapes, gastronomy and gardens of northern Morocco on this exciting new tour. From Roman times we see the splendid ruins of Volubilis and the port of Lixus on the Atlantic coast, once famous for its salt and fish paste. Islam arrived in the early 8C with the Arab conquest and a blend of local Berber and Arab culture produced the unique art and architecture of Islamic Morocco with its intricate stucco and wood carving and colourful zellij mosaic tilework. We visit the kasbahs and medinas of the former imperial capitals of Rabat, Meknes and Fes, renowned for its labyrinth of market streets, exquisitely decorated medersas and workshops where artisans ply their traditional trades and crafts. Strategically located at the north-west tip of Africa, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, Tangier reflects its past as an international zone, a magnet for writers, artists and non-conformists. The legacy of Spanish occupation is evident in both Tetouan and Chefchaouen, a charming small town in the heart of the Rif mountains. Wide avenues and tall colonial buildings in Tetouan contrast with Chefchaouen’s white- and blue-washed Andalusian-style houses, with their red-tiled roofs, balconies and courtyards. 



Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

We take an afternoon flight from London to Casablanca airport, where we meet our local representative before departing by coach for the 90-minute drive to Rabat, the current capital of Morocco, which was first designated an imperial city in the 18C.

On arrival we walk a short distance to our riad where light snacks and drinks are available before we settle into our rooms. Overnight in Rabat. 



Day 2

This morning we visit the archaeological site of Chellah, once the Roman trading post of Sala Colonia, which was later used as a royal burial ground by the 13C and 14C rulers of the Almohad and Merenid dynasties. Alongside the Roman ruins are the remains of a mosque and zaouia (religious seminary) with bright zellij tilework on the minaret and several tombs including that of the great Merenid sultan Abou el Hassan. We continue to the Archaeological Museum, which houses a magnificent collection of Roman bronzes, found mainly at Volubilis. After lunch we visit the imposing tower of the ruined 12C Hassan mosque, in its time the second largest in the Islamic world, which dominates the city. Alongside is the grand modern mausoleum of Mohammad V, who died in 1961, which was designed by a Vietnamese architect. We take a walk through the medina to the Kasbah des Oudaïas which features 12C fortifications, an Andalusian garden, narrow streets, charming whitewashed houses and a view across the Bou Regreg estuary to the old walled town of Salé on the other side. Overnight in Rabat. Lunch and dinner included.



Day 3

This morning we leave Rabat to drive along the coast to Tangier. We stop to visit the picturesque although rather overgrown ruins of ancient Lixus, founded by the Phoenicians and in Roman times a wealthy port city famous for the production of salt and garum, a pungent fish sauce which features in many a Roman recipe. The garum factories are in the lower town and on the way to the acropolis are the public baths and the amphitheatre where wild beast shows and gladiatorial contests were once staged. After lunch at a restaurant by the sea we continue to Tangier. There may be time for a short orientation walk before checking into our hotel. Overnight in Tangier.  Lunch included.



Day 4

We spend today exploring Tangier beginning with the American legation museum, the United States’ first overseas consulate, an historic building with an interesting art collection and a section dedicated to American composer and writer Paul Bowles who spent most his life in the city. We wander through the winding streets of the medina passing by the Hotel Continental, which opened in 1872, with the future Edward VII among the first guests and the house which belonged to Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton. The kasbah, at the top of the hill, houses a splendid museum in the Dar el Makhzen, the former residence of the sultan. In the Ville Nouvelle we see the churchyard of St. Andrews Anglican church, where several well-known expatriate Tangerinos are buried and the Café de Paris, famous rendezvous during the International Zone era. There is time to relax before enjoying dinner. Overnight in Tangier. Dinner included.



Day 5

Today we drive to Tetouan, a charming town with an Andalusian heritage and capital of the Spanish Protectorate from 1912 to 1956. We stroll through the medina and visit the Archaeological Museum. After lunch in Tetouan, we continue through the Rif mountains to Chefchaouen, a small walled town set against the backdrop of the mountains and defined by its blue-washed buildings with red-tiled roofs, adorned with pots of flowers. After checking into our centrally-located riad there is some free time to wander round the medina. Overnight in Chefchaouen. Lunch included.



Day 6

A morning drive through lovely countryside takes us from Chefchaouen to Fes, the second of our imperial cities, where we stop first for a panoramic view of the old town. After lunch we visit the Musée Dar el Batha, a converted 19C palace with pleasant gardens and an excellent collection of arts and crafts including wood carving, metalwork, costumes and pottery. Before checking in to our hotel we walk through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, where the old houses are distinguished by their wooden shutters and wood and wrought iron balconies. Overnight in Fes. Lunch and dinner included.



Day 7

Today we explore the old walled city of Fes (Fes el Bali). Our visits included the Medersa Bou Inania, a masterpiece of Merenid architecture, with intricate stucco and cedarwood carving and complex zellij tile decoration, and the Medersa el Attarine, another fine Merenid college. We walk through the souks and alleyways of the medina passing shops and stalls selling foodstuffs, perfumes, hardware, clothing, shoes and slippers, silks, embroidery and spices, taking time to visit old fondouks or caravanserais, some of which are still used as warehouses and workshops by local artisans. We look around the area of the great Kairouine mosque and from a terrace are able to view the fascinating tanneries where the age-old methods of treating and dyeing the hides continue. There is some free time in the afternoon for further exploration. Overnight in Fes. Independent lunch and dinner.



Day 8

This morning we drive from Fes to the archaeological site of Volubilis, once capital of the Roman Province of Mauretania, picturesquely located on a high ridge overlooking the fertile valley below. We take a leisurely walk through the ruins, past an industrial area where several olive oil presses have been found to the city centre with the Forum, Capitol and Basilica and an imposing Triumphal Arch. The streets beyond are lined with grand private houses, many of which still have their beautiful mosaic floors in situ. Near the entrance is a museum with numerous finds from the site and excellent explanations. After our visit we drive to a local winery, where we sample the wines and enjoy a delicious lunch. Overnight in Fes. Lunch included.



Day 9

This morning we depart for Casablanca, stopping at Meknes, our last imperial city, capital under formidable Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727). We visit the Bab Mansour, a huge ceremonial gateway, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. The Dar Jamai is a fine museum in a late 19C palace. We continue to Casablanca where we gather together in the evening for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Casablanca. Lunch and dinner included.



Day 10

After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight back to London.



Riad Dar El Kebira, Rabat

Immerse yourself in Moroccan traditions at Riad Dar El Kebira, a jewel in the centre of Rabat. While authentic Arab-Andalusian architecture can be seen throughout the riad, it has been perfectly paired with all modern day comforts such as air conditioning, a safe, a hair dryer and a television.

Grand Hotel Villa de France, Tangier

Grand Hotel Villa de France is a charming hotel set just five minutes from the port of Tangier, providing an ideal base to explore the nearby Medina and Tangier's enchanting, winding streets. Stunning grounds and a terrace restaurant overlook the coast, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of enriching art history.

Ryad Lina, Chefchaouen

Views of the Medina and surrounding mountains are what makes Ryad Lina a stunning place to stay during our exploration of Chefchaouen. From serving traditional Moroccan cuisine to providing comfortable and elegant rooms equipped with modern amenities, Ryad Lina promises a memorable and authentic stay.

Riad Reda, Fes

Riad Reda is our fourth base in the spiritual capital of Fes. The Riad is imbued with a calming aura while maintaining the energy of Morocco, both through its culinary offerings and dedicated team of staff. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, complimentary toiletries, a television and a safe.

Sofitel Tour Blanche, Casablanca

Stay in the heart of Casablanca at the Sofitel Tour Blanche, a unique hotel that combines French luxury with Moroccan soul. Guests can enjoy the contemporary furniture and sleek designs in their rooms before heading out to enjoy Moroccan cuisine.

With Flights: £3695

No Flights: £3545

Single Supp: £400

Deposit: £550

Departure Dates:

29 October - 7 November 2025

Duration:

9 nights / 10 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Scheduled international flights (Economy class) from London  to Casablanca
• Nine nights’ bed and breakfast in locally 4* rated hotels
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Four evening meals and six lunches
• Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
• Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
• Detailed programme and study notes 
• All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Sue Rollin

Sue Rollin specialises in the ancient and Islamic Middle East, India and the Mediterranean. An archaeologist, historian and linguist by training, Sue lectures for the Arts society and the V&A and has led Study Tours in Spain, Sicily, Morocco, the Middle East, Central Asia and India. Sue speaks Spanish, Italian, French and German. She is co-author of two travel guides: the Blue Guide to Jordan and Istanbul: A Traveller’s Guide.

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.

Hotels

Please note that the listed hotels are subject to change based on the availability provided by our local agent. For further information, please contact the office or email us at abroad@artpursuits.com.