A trip through the most famous historical cities in the Kingdom
The most famous historical cities in Morocco played a pivotal role in the country’s history, especially those that were known since the times before the Arabs entered them, that is, https://gomarrakechdeserttrips.com/morocco-imperial-cities-tours/ since their inhabitants were only indigenous Berbers, through those that were known during the Arab conquest and European colonialism, until the borders of independence.
These are the cities where ancient civilizations arose, starting with Marrakesh at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, which is famous for its old city, Jemaa el-Fna square, palaces, gardens and ancient saunas; Then Fez, the intellectual and religious heart of the state, and a site classified as a World Heritage Site according to UNESCO, thanks to its narrow historical alleys, small squares, and traditional artisan workshops within the old city, in addition to centuries-old mosques and universities, traditional leather tanneries, and shops for traditional goods made of copper and ceramics. And leather.
On the way to Meknes, you must pass the ruins of the city of Volubilis, which have been preserved to this day, a city that was a thriving Roman settlement until the fourth century AD, and then deviate in the direction of Chefchaouen, a wonderful mountain city located in northeastern Morocco. All the walls of the houses were colored blue, similar to the color of the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Arrival in Marrakesh:
Upon arrival in Marrakesh, the tourist can choose one of the traditional Moroccan hotels to stay in, which is called “the riad.” It is a very large antique house, which includes many rooms, decorated in a completely different way than hotels, through which Morocco’s richness of colors and shapes is highlighted. The rest of the day can be spent exploring this colorful and ancient city.
Explore the tourist attractions of Marrakesh:
On the second day, tourists often plan to explore the legendary “Red City”, given the color of the walls of its houses. It is best to start with an exploratory tour on foot through the alleys of the old city, which includes Quranic schools and many spiritual places, and then you can go on a walk towards the Bahia Palace, as well as visit the graves of the Saadians.
After lunch, we suggest continuing the tour by car, and heading towards part of the new city to enjoy the beautiful Majorelle Gardens, the Menara Gardens and the Koutoubia Mosque. The second tour ends in the main square, Jemaa El Fna Square, which is famous for its snake tamers and groups practicing acrobatics. And fortune tellers, musicians and others.
Departure towards Fez via the Middle Atlas Mountains:
It is the most prominent opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery that the land of Morocco has, especially the road that crosses the Atlas region heading to the world-famous city: Fez. It is in fact a long trip (about 8 hours), but what makes you most forget the fatigue of driving is those picturesque landscapes.
Along the way.
During the trip, you must pass through the city of Beni Mellal, which is located in the middle of vast, fertile fields, and between the northern slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, full of forests, fields and lakes. After that, the tourist passes through Khenifra, then the city of Azrou, known for its cedar forests, to finally reach Fez.
A day exploring Fez:
A visitor to Fez should use the entire day, from sunrise to sunset, to explore the secrets of this country’s scientific capital, especially since it is full of tourist attractions. It would be nice to start the tour on foot in order to explore the splendor of the narrow streets of the old city, and its historical buildings such as the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and Al-Najjarine Square, as well as the traditional shops and tanneries.
The alleys of the old city of Fez give you the opportunity to buy traditional handmade creations produced by traditional craftsmen, and also see how they are made, and also provide you with samples of the delicious, unique Moroccan local cuisine. After lunch in one of the shops that serve traditional Moroccan food inside the city, visitors can go to explore a number of important sites outside the old city, including the majestic Royal Palace and the former Jewish quarter (the Mellah), which is a testament to the extent of the coexistence of civilizations in this part. From our planet.
Passage day to Meknes via Volubilis:
Perhaps the best way to start a day in Morocco is a trip among the stunning scenery that links Fez to Volubilis, a city full of stunning Roman ruins, characterized by historical mosaics that adorn many of its walls. After walking a short distance by car, you will see the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, which non-Muslims are not allowed to enter.
After eating lunch, the trip will continue by car for a short distance, until the tourist moves to the center of the city of Meknes, which at the beginning of the tour will discover historical facilities within it that bear witness to the Islamic civilization that the former ruler of the state was keen to leave urban traces of, especially the mosque and shrine of Moulay Ismail, as well as stables and warehouses. Ancient grains and the famous gate there: Bab Al-Mansour.
A day exploring the secrets of the Rif Mountains on the way to Chefchaouen:
The most beautiful roads that you take as you leave the city of Meknes are those to the north, which lead you towards the Rif Mountains, where you once again find yourself surrounded by stunning natural scenery, interspersed from time to time by farmers’ homes, which appear among the olive fields and orchards. The city of Chefchaouen will be the best destination this time, especially since it was built on the slopes of the Rif Mountains, and the houses there are colored blue, as are most of its walls, which exude the fragrance of the Andalusian style.
Head west to reach the capital, Rabat:
After spending an amazing day in Chefchaouen, and learning about all its natural secrets, the visitor to the region must explore the picturesque views of the Rif mountains and its forests, by passing by the coastal road overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, until arriving in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, where the tourist will enjoy an afternoon tour inside the alleys of the old city. To pass through its traditional markets and shops, without forgetting to visit its most important tourist attractions, overlooking the banks of the famous Bouregreg River, such as the shrine of successive kings, King Mohammed V and his son Hassan II. In addition, the tourist will visit the famous Kasbah of the Oudayas and the ancient Bab Chellah, to discover within them a special historical splendor, which the people of Rabat still preserve.
