Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to   mesmerizing  Spain. 

Arrive in Malaga, the second-most populous city of Andalusia & the 6^th largest in Spain.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Malaga Costa del Sol Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and also provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

Check-in at the hotel.

If you think the Costa del Sol is soulless, you clearly haven’t been to Malaga. Malaga is a port city on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, known for its high-rise hotels & resorts jutting up from yellow-sand beaches.

Malaga's history spans about 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It was founded by the Phoenicians as Malaka about 770 BC & from the 6^th century BC, it was under the hegemony of Ancient Carthage. Then, from 218 BC, it was ruled by the Roman Republic & later the Roman Empire as Malaca (Latin). After the fall of the empire & the end of Visigothic rule, it was under Islamic rule as Malaqah for 800 years, but in 1487, the Crown of Castille gained control after the Reconquista.

Looming over that modern skyline are the city’s 2 massive hilltop citadels, the Alcazaba & ruined Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. The city's soaring Renaissance Cathedral is nicknamed La Manquita ("one-armed lady") because one of its towers was curiously left unbuilt.

The archaeological remains & monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic & Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of nearly 3,000 years.

Loaded with history & brimming with a youthful vigour that proudly acknowledges its multi-layered past, the important cultural infrastructure & the artistic heritage culminated in the nomination of Malaga as a candidate for the 2016 European Capital of Culture.

The painter & sculptor Pablo Picasso, Hebrew poet & Jewish philosopher Solomon Ibn Gabirol & the actor Antonio Banderas were born in Malaga. The magnum opus of Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, "Malaguena", is named after the music of this region of Spain.

It has transformed itself in spectacular fashion, with half a dozen new art galleries, a radically rethought port area & a nascent art district called Soho. Not that Malaga was ever lacking in energy: the Spanish-to-the-core bar scene could put bags under the eyes of an insomniac madrileno, while the food culture encompasses both Michelin stars & tastefully tatty fish shacks.

Come here for tapas washed down with sweet local wine & stay in a creative boutique hotel sandwiched between a Roman amphitheatre, a Moorish fortress & the polychromatic Pompidou Centre, while you reflect on how eloquently Malaga has reinvented itself for the 21^st century.

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration or to relax in the hotel (we would be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements if you want to go out).

Morning, you will be met by The Journeys Driver / Rep in the in the Lobby & transferred to the Bus Terminal for your short journey to Granada.

Settle aboard your air-conditioned coach & admire the rugged Andalucian countryside as you journey to Granada.

Arrive in Granada, humming with a feisty cosmopolitanism & awash with riddles, question marks, contradictions & myths - a place to put down your guidebook & let your intuition lead the way through the narrow ascending streets of the Albayzín, & the tumbling white-walled house gardens of the Realejo quarter.

On arrival, you will be welcomed by The Journeys Driver / Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & also provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area.

Check-in at the hotel.

Rich in history & culture, Granada is arguably the single most worthwhile city in Spain for visitors. A city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for grand examples of medieval architecture dating to the Moorish occupation. It has been continuously inhabited by humans for at least 2500 years, originating as an Ibero-Celtic settlement prior to the establishment of a Greek colony in the area.

Elegant yet edgy, grandiose but gritty, monumental but marked by pockets of stirring graffiti, 21^st century Granada is anything but straightforward. Instead, this sometimes stunning, sometimes ugly city set spectacularly in the crook of the Sierra Nevada is an enigmatic place where - if the mood is right - you sense you might find something that you’ve long been looking for. A free tapa, perhaps? An inspirational piece of street art? A flamenco performance that finally unmasks the intangible spirit of duende?

Endowed with relics from various epochs of history, there is lots to do & plenty to admire - the mausoleum of the Catholic monarchs, old-school bars selling generous tapas, bohemian teterías where Arabic youths smoke cachimbas (hookah pipes), and an exciting nightlife that bristles with the creative aura of counterculture. Make no mistake, you will fall in love here, but you may spend days & weeks trying to work out why. Best idea - don’t bother. Instead, immerse yourself in the splendour & leave the poetic stanzas to the aesthetes.

Internationally revered for its lavish Alhambra palace, and enshrined in medieval history as the last stronghold of the Moors in Western Europe, Granada is the darker, more complicated cousin of sunny, exuberant Seville.

Under ancient Roman rule, Granada developed as an economic centre of Roman Hispania, with the construction of aqueducts, roads & other infrastructure. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was ruled by the Visigoths before being reconquered by the Byzantine Empire, all the time being maintained as a strategic military & economic hub for the region.

The Moorish conquest of 711 brought Islamic rule to the Iberian Peninsula & Granada was quickly established as one of the main cities of Al-Andalus, the Muslim name for the region.

Following the fall of Cordoba in 1236 to the Christian Reconquista, the city became the capital of the Emirate of Granada, and for the next 250 years Granada stood as the heart of a powerful & self-sufficient kingdom with the construction of the royal palace & fortress, the Alhambra.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or to relax or perhaps, to opt for an Optional activity (we would be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements if you want to go out).

Morning, proceed (on your own) to the Meeting Point (to be advised) to join a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the ancient & culturally diverse city of Granada.

First stop will be UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace, wedged between Granada & Sierra Nevada mountains., A vision of Moorish architecture & art, this exquisite sprawling hilltop fortress complex dating back to 13^th century & built as a royal city, court and retreat for Spain’s Moorish rulers, encompasses royal palaces, serene patios & reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, as well as the fountains & orchards in the gardens.

Bypass the entrance lines with your skip-the-line ticket (included) & enjoy priority access to its main attractions, including the Alcazabar, Nasrid Palace, its unique Jannat al’Ariff (Generalife Gardens) & Palace of Charles V.  Admire the Court of Lions & Hall of the Ambassadors, and stroll around the enchanting courtyards, fountains & pavilions as your Guide shares details of their history

Stroll down the narrow streets through UNESCO World Heritage-listed Moorish quarter - Albaycin & Sacromonte, two neighborhoods of Granada built on two hills, past the with its whitewashed houses, churches, gardens & flower-filled balconies, and stop to take in the area’s spectacular panoramas over the hilltop Alhambra. See the Moorish salons, courtyards and pavilions.

The sightseeing concludes.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

You can return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own & enjoy the afternoon as you soak up the atmosphere of charming cafes & browse the boutiques for special souvenirs. Treat your taste buds to the traditional flavors of Spanish cuisine in a rustic local restaurant (own expense).   

Morning, you will be met by The Journeys Driver / Rep & transferred to Malaga Bus Station for the short bus ride to Cordoba.

On arrival at Cordoba Bus Station, you will be welcomed by The Journeys Driver / Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel.

Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Cordoba in Andalusia, was founded by the Romans &due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great importance, used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine & wheat back to Ancient Rome.

One building alone is reason enough to put Cordoba high on your itinerary: the mesmerising multi-arched Mezquita. One of the world's greatest Islamic buildings, the La Mezquita - an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall & older Byzantine mosaics & a symbol of the worldly, sophisticated culture that flourished here more than a millennium ago when Cordoba was capital of Islamic Spain & western Europe's biggest, most cultured city.

The Romans built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now called "El Puente Romano". But Cordoba's hour of greatest glory was when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus & this was when work began on the Great Mosque, or "Mezquita", which - after several centuries of additions & enlargements - became one of the largest in the Islamic world.

When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city were so awed by its beauty that they left it standing, building their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches & columns & creating the extraordinary church-mosque we see today.

But today's Cordoba is much more than the Mezquita. Once here, you will find there is much more to this city: Cordoba is a great place for exploring on foot or by bicycle, staying & eating well in old buildings centred on verdant patios, diving into old wine bars & feeling millennia of history at every turn.

Cordoba's real charms unfold as you explore the winding, stone-paved lanes of the medieval city to the west, north & east of the gaudy touristic area immediately around the Mezquita, wandering between wrought-iron balconies & lamps, potted plants, overhanging trees, golden-stone buildings and verdant interior patios, emerging every few minutes on yet another quaint little hidden plaza.

The narrow streets of the old Judería (Jewish quarter) & Muslim quarter stretch out from the great mosque like capillaries (to the northwest and northeast respectively), some clogged with tourist bric-a-brac, others delightfully peaceful.

The life of the modern city focuses a little further north, around Plaza de las Tendillas, where you will find a more boisterous vibe with some excellent bars & restaurants. Andalucía's major river, the Guadalquivir, flows just below the Mezquita & the riverfront streets are home to a growing band of lively restaurants & bars making the most of the view.

Cordoba bursts into life from mid-April to mid-June, when it stages most of its major fiestas. At this time of year the skies are blue, the temperatures are perfect and the city's many trees, gardens & courtyards drip with foliage & blooms. September & October are also excellent weather-wise, but July & August can sizzle.

In the afternoon at 01.00 pm, you will proceed (on your own) to the nearby Meeting Point (to be advised) to meet the Tour-guide & join the Group to commence your 3 hour ‘walking’ sightseeing.

Notice the charismatic mix of Muslim, Christian & Jewish architecture & history as you explore the historical heart of the city on foot. Understand Spain’s history through Cordoba’s heritage & hear about the influences of different cultures. The Tour-guide will give you headphones to enable you to hear the Guide as he / she shares a detailed commentary about the city

Get acquainted with the history & cultural melange of the fascinating city as you follow your knowledgeable Guide through the ambient tangle of whitewashed courtyards, cobbled lanes & alluring landmarks and see UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders.

Continue to the Mezquita - a majestic Moorish monument considered one of Europe’s most impressive. The impressive Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, one of the greatest Islamic buildings & one of the most visited monuments in Spain, conserves the style from an Islamic Mosque together with the Cathedral. It is a symbol of the worldly & sophisticated Islamic culture that flourished here more than a millennium ago when Cordoba was the capital of Islamic Spain, and Western Europe's biggest & most cultured city. Its construction belongs to the 8^th century & it became the second biggest Mosque in the world.

Listen to legends surrounding the mosque-cathedral’s 600 AD origin & 13^th century Christian conversion & marvel at the architectural accomplishment of the building as you explore the richly ornamented interior. You will discover inside a forest full of columns & double arches, the Maqsura, the Mihrab & the impressive chorus located close to the Mayor Chapel. After it became a Catholic church in 1236, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17^th century.  

Next, amble along the medieval streets of the old Jewish quarter located near the Mosque-Cathedral. One of the most visited historical areas where you can find the Synagogue, the Jewish Street, the Arabic market (Zoco) & the bronze statue of Maimonides. Full of life & shops where you can see locals enjoying post-siesta tapas in ambient bars. Delve into the medieval myriad of the enclave & visit the Cordoba Synagogue - Spain’s oldest, to enrich your knowledge of the city’s Jewish heritage. 

Weave your way down Cordoba’s quaint cobbled lanes & observe the abundance of flowering balcony boxes, antique bodegas & bespoke craft boutiques. Hear of the UNESCO World Heritage listed city’s prosperous past & arrive at the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos of the Catholic Kings - a medieval palace-fortress located in the historic centre of Cordoba, next to the Guadalquivir River & near the Grand Mosque, thronged with gorgeous gardens & distinct architectural features. 

Also known as the Alcazar of Cordoba, a medieval alcazar, it a construction of a defensive nature, a milestone of military architecture of the Christian Re-conquest in Cordova, that does not follow the canons of the Arabs fortress. From 1482 it was headquarters of the troops of the Catholic Monarchs.

For ten years, from the Alcazar was developed as a strategy to conquer the Kingdom of Granada, the last Arab stronghold in Spain. The Catholic Monarchs spent over 8 years in the Alcazar. One of the last King’s 3 daughters, the Infanta Maria became Queen of Portugal. This was also the site developed in discussions with Christopher Columbus & was the location for his preparations for the first trip to America.

Conclude your Tour with a leisurely stroll down Calleja de las Flores, a quaint alleyway that affords excellent views of Cordoba’s most prominent monuments.

Once the guided tour has finished, you will have enough free time to walk around the town on your own, go shopping in the wonderful pedestrian streets of the Jewish Quarter or try some of the delicious local cuisine.

You can return to the hotel (on your own) or continue exploring the area.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Early morning, you will be met by The Journeys Driver / Rep & transferred to Terminal? - Malaga Costa del Sol Airport, to board your flight for Casablanca.

Welcome to   mystical  Morocco. 

Arrive in the port city of Casablanca - one of the largest financial centers on the African continent.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Casablanca is a port city & commercial hub in western Morocco, fronting the Atlantic Ocean. Though not as atmospheric as other Moroccan cities, Casablanca is the best representation of the modern nation. It is the largest city in Morocco & also the largest city in the Maghreb, as well as one of the most important cities in Africa, both economically & demographically. Casablanca is Morocco's chief port & one of the largest financial centers on the continent and is considered the economic & business center of Morocco, although the national political capital is Rabat. The leading Moroccan companies & international corporations doing business in the country have their headquarters & main industrial facilities in Casablanca.

The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in the world & the second largest port of North Africa, after Tangier and is also the primary naval base for the Royal Moroccan Navy. This is where young Moroccans come to seek their fortunes & where money is being made as business & the creative industries prosper.

The city's French colonial legacy is seen in its handsome Mauresque buildings in the downtown area, which meld French-colonial European art deco design & traditional Moorish Moroccan style.

Visitors who spend time there, in the Quartier Habous & in the beachside suburb of Ain Diab, are sure to get into the local swing of things & realise that this old pirate lair is looking towards the future, embracing the European-flavored urban sophistication that has underpinned life here for the past century.

The number of construction projects currently under way here is simply extraordinary - major re-developments include those at Place Mohammed V and the Parc de la Ligue Arabe & new public buildings include the Grand Theatre de Casablanca. Standing partly over the water, the enormous Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993, has a 210m minaret topped with lasers directed toward Mecca.

Later in the afternoon, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 02.00 pm & proceed for a 3 hour sightseeing tour of the city.

Later in the afternoon, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 02.00 pm & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the city.

Round up Casablanca’s sights in half a day on this city tour with a knowledgeable commentary to shed light on the landmarks,

Frist stop will be the the majestic Hassan II Mosque - largest mosque in Morocco, the second largest in Africa & the 5^th largest in the world. Completed in 1993, it was designed by Michel Pinseau & built by Bouygues. Its minaret is the world's tallest minaret at 210 metres.

Continue on to the Place of the United Nations (Place de France), a small, traditional walled area built on a hill overlooking the city which was developed by the French architect & urban planner Henri Prost in 1915 and served as a link between the old Medina & the new city center. With its arches of golden stones, housed in the heart of the White City, it shows 70 years of “chic” architecture with its wide avenues & beautiful flower gardens.  Walk through the Medina’s   central market & the district Habbous, that have maintained their authenticity.

Visit the Villa des Arts housed in a pretty 1934 Art Deco villa & you will be impressed by its beautiful garden. The oldest private Museum of the city, the Villa retains a rich collection of over 800 works & regularly presents temporary exhibitions of Moroccan & foreign artists.

See a former Roman Catholic Casablanca Cathedral (Cathedral of the Sacred Heart), a structure of Gothic art & art deco mix constructed in 1930 & housed in the middle of the park of the Arab League. The cathedral ceased its religious function in 1956, after the independence of Morocco.

Marking the busiest entrance to the old medina, is one of the most recognisable landmarks in downtown Casablanca - the 20 meters high Clock Tower,   informing the time to all passers-by.  The current Tower is a 1993 reproduction of the original 1911 structure, which fell into disrepair and was dismantled around 1950.

Then, visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism which opened its door for the first time in 1977. The only Jewish museum in the Arabic-speaking world, this institution is set in an attractive garden villa that once functioned as a Jewish orphanage. It traces the 2000-year history of Jews in Morocco, focusing on Casablanca's Jewish community (most of the country's Jews live here). The Museum offers a historical & ethnographic opening on Moroccan Jewish community. The thoughtfully curated & well-labelled collection includes ornate clothing, traditional tools & ritual objects. Photographs usually feature in the temporary exhibition space, and there's a reconstructed 1930s synagogue from Larache in an adjoining room.

Drive by Mahkama du Pacha - a Hispanic-Moorish building comprising of more than 60 ornate rooms with delicately carved wooden ceilings & stuccoes & intricate wrought-iron railings as well as beautifully-tiled floors.

.

You will also stop at the bar at the Hotel Hyatt Regency, famous as a location for many Hollywood films starring Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid Bergman for a final coffee break.

Last stop will be the Corniche - a neighborhood on the ocean, west of the Hassan II Mosque. Decades ago, it was a thriving resort area - hotels lining the ocean side of the Boulevard de la Corniche & nightclubs lining the other side and it is almost disorienting how much it resembles the New Jersey Shore.  Along the Boulevard de l'Ocean Atlantique are many newer, fancier hotels. The Corniche is also home to many western fast food chains. A new western-style movie theater can also be found here, but the best option is to walk up and down the street, resting at one of the many ocean-view cafes.

The sightseeing concludes.

You can return to the hotel or continue exploring the area (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements

And if you are the more adventurous, independent sort of traveller who wants to go beyond what is 'pretty', this is North African big city life in all its grit and glory, with its cultural diversity (there are immigrants here from many other parts of Africa), and its many neighbourhoods of vibrant day & night life.

Early morning, meet The Journeys Driver / Rep & depart for Rabat.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Rabat - Morocco’s political & administrative capital may be short on top-drawer tourist attractions, but it compensates with plenty of charm. It rests along the shores of the Bouregreg River & the Atlantic Ocean.

It is known for landmarks that speak to its Islamic & French-colonial heritage, including an intact & evocative Kasbah of the Udayas. This Berber-era royal fort is surrounded by formal French-designed gardens & overlooks the ocean. The city's iconic Hassan Tower, a 12^th century minaret, soars above the ruins of a mosque. The ville nouvelle's palm-lined boulevards are clean, well-kept & relatively free of traffic - a blessed relief for those who have spent time in Casablanca.

There is a clean central beach & an attractive walled medina that is far less touristy than those in other large cities

Later in the afternoon, get ready to embark on an exciting interactive experience on a Food tour.

Meet the Tour-guide at 01.00 am & proceed for a perfect introduction to the history, culture & traditions especially, Moroccan gastronomy.

As its name indicates, this experience is far from being a simple guided tour, It will be combined with more than 06 taste stops, as well as a meal of resistance. You will try & taste dishes that characterize the local cuisine & are part of the culinary history of Morocco.

You will have the opportunity to taste many classics of Moroccan cuisine & a wide choice of local products while taking advantage of many explanations & anecdotes about the city & the products tasted.

*there are different variations of this Tour. On some days, you can take part in cooking the food & enjoying the lunch that you just prepared, with the Chef. 

When the 4 hour Tour concludes, you can return to the hotel or continue exploring the area (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Early morning, meet The Journeys Driver / Rep & depart for Meknes.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Meknes is a city in northern Morocco. Quieter & smaller than its grand neighbour Fez, Meknes feels rather overshadowed & receives fewer visitors than it should. It’s more laid-back with less hassle, yet still has all the winding narrow medina streets and grand buildings that it warrants as an imperial city & one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate.

The king's tomb sits at the heart of what remains of the original imperial city, flanked by the ruins of a vast structure once used as stables & for food storage, an almighty royal granary and the magnificent huge gate Bab El Mansour - the grandest of all imperial Moroccan gateways, with arches & mosaic tiling, leading to the former imperial city - the likes of which even Fez can't compete with. Remnants of no less than three sets of fortifications, ingeniously incorporated into the city's road networks, make it clear how important this city once was.

Of course, the final thing to mention is that the old medina of Meknes is a sight in itself. Like those of other cities, it can feel a bit like a labyrinth and it is easy to get lost (although that is half the fun). You won’t be hassled here nearly as much as anywhere else and most people are very friendly and will be happy to point you in the right direction.

There is good quality shopping here and Prices are generally more reasonable here, though, as compared with other cities around the country. As with most places in Morocco, haggling is essential.

While Meknes’s souks aren’t as extensive & hectic as those in Fez or Marrakech, they are still ideal for visitors who want to purchase local souvenirs and see how people traditionally shop & sell. There is a concentration of shops near the main square aimed at the international crowd but the deeper you go into the Medina, the more local the shops will become. Decorative lamps & shisha pipes, skillfully woven carpets, traditional clothing & footwear, musical instruments, jewellery, & an array of items made from iron are just a few things to expect. For a truly local souvenir, look out for damasquinerie products. It is a skilled process with a Jewish heritage that involves embedding silver on another metal surface & creating a decorative item.

Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made the city his capital in the 17^th century, is the architect of Meknes’ glory days, might be a little disgruntled at the city’s current modesty, but visitors will find much to be enchanted by.

Later at 01.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed for a 3 hour tour of this enchanting city.

Meknes has one of the finest collections of historic sites in Morocco, all easy walking distance from each other and within a laidback old town mainly.  The kind of city you wish all the other Moroccan towns could be a bit more like.

Begin at the heart of the Meknes medina at the Place El Hedim, the large square facing Bab El Mansour in the old part of the city. Before Moulay Ismail swept through town a kasbah stood on this spot, but once the bab (gate) was erected, the king ordered the Kasbah to be torn down. The town square is much smaller than Marrakech’s Jemaa el Fna square & also much less interesting. However, there will likely be a few people selling things, charming snakes & running games. It is not a sight in itself but you will have to pass through it to get to some of the attractions worth visiting. It is a nice place to stop and have a coffee at one of the cafes along the edges. There are also good Moroccan food options.

The Bab Mansour faces onto Place Hedim. The huge gate of Bab El Mansour, is the grandest of all imperial Moroccan gateways, well preserved with lavish, if faded, zellige (mosaic tilework) & inscriptions across the walls.

By far the most impressive & hence, the most famous, Bab Mansour is one of the enormous gates that mark the entrance to the old city through the fortified walls. The colourful & detailed mosaics are still clear to see above the entrances & the marble columns are from the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis. It isn’t possible to go through the gate, although some of the interior is used as a small art shop. Good photo ops from the outside.

There is a legend that when the sultan asked the gate’s architect whether he could have done a better job, he said yes & was promptly executed. However, it is quite likely that the gat was actually finished after the sultan’s death so this story couldn’t possibly be true.

.

Next stop overlooking Place El Hedim, is Dar Jamai, Museum in a palace built in 1882 by the powerful Jamai family, two of whom were viziers to Sultan Moulay Al Hassan I. Since 1920 the palace has housed a fine Museum of traditional cera. The main rooms all face towards a lovely central garden that is relaxing & cool on a hot day.

Even without the exhibits inside, the Museum is worth visiting just to see the architecture & it takes about 30 minutes to walk through & look at the whole collection. The room upstairs with rugs & cushions for the harem is particularly impressive. The exhibits are housed in different rooms & are mainly pieces of art from various centuries. There are ceramics, jewellery & even an old prayer platform. 

Just a few minute walk away from Bab Mansour & Place Hedim is the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail - the final resting place of the sultan who made Meknes his capital in the 17^th century, a must-see for those travelling through Meknes.

The Mausoleum is the most important building in Meknes. Moulay Ismail was the ruler who created the imperial city of Meknes, so it is no surprise his resting place is so opulent. From the outside, it just looks like a large building but you then walk through several courts to an open air courtyard & then into the tomb itself. Once you take off your shoes, you can walk around this lavishly-decorated part of the inner Mausoleum & look into the room where Moulay Ismail was laid to rest.

Just near the Mausoleum is one the creepiest sights in Meknes - Habs Qara prison.  You wouldn’t know it from above but the little skylights in the empty square outside it are actually providing the only sunlight to an enormous underground prison. In the space below, Moulay Ismail kept up to 60,000 prisoners chained to the walls. They were normally used to build the palaces of Meknes during the day & then forced to sleep standing up at night.

You can see the prison for yourself. Above ground is an elegant ‘Ambassador’s Pavilion’ where diplomatic meetings where held with emissaries from other countries. Walk down a narrow set of stairs to the large open space with stone arches. It is quite dark and there is not much to see except the vast space itself.

A short drive or walk away, past the Royal Gold Course, will take you to Heri es-Souani, the king's ingeniously designed immense granaries & stables. Tiny ceiling windows, massive walls & a system of underfloor water channels keep it temperature controlled.

The site is made up of two main areas. The interior part which feels a bit like the Habs Qara prison except not as creepy, which was used to store huge amounts of grain (not people). The exterior part of the complex has rows of stone arches & was used as a royal stable to keep horses & other animals.

If time (& of course, the Tour-guide) permits, you can also walk by some more interesting places in the vicinity.

Immediately north of the Heri Es Souani granaries & stables, lies an enormous stone-lined lake, the Agdal Basin. Originally, it was fed by a complex aqueduct system some 25 km long & it served as both a reservoir for the sultan’s gardens & a pleasure lake. Today, the water is stagnant, but it is still a pleasant place to stroll, with a giant Giacometti-like statue of a traditional water-seller watching over it.

In the centre of town, is one of the most interesting sights to see in the medina - the Bou Inania Madrasa, an old Islamic school founded in 1358 (not to be confused with the one of the same name in Fez). Typical of the exquisite interior design that distinguishes Merenid monuments.it is a beautiful piece of architecture with the detailed tiled & carved artwork on the walls that is expected of these institutions.

The Madrasa is a little bit tricky to find in the maze of the Medina but is obvious once you get to it. As well as the main courtyard on the ground floor, you can climb up to see the bedrooms & classrooms on the upper level and then also climb up to the rooftop for a view across Meknes.

The Koubbat As Sufara was once the reception hall for foreign ambassadors & it is here that UNESCO chose to place its World Heritage inscription when the city was designated in 1996.

South of Bab El Mansour lies the mechouar (parade ground), now known as Place Lalla Aouda, where Moulay Ismail inspected his famed Black Guard, after bringing 16,000 slaves from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Lahboul Gardens overlooking the medina have seen better days, but they are still a tranquil place to stroll if you need to switch off from the souq biz of old Meknes.

Mausoleum of Sidi Ben Aïssa - Sidi Ben Aïssa gave rise to one of the more unusual religious fraternities in Morocco, known for their self-mutilation & imperviousness to snake bites. His followers gather here at his mausoleum in spring (dates change with the lunar calendar) from all over Morocco & further afield. It is closed to non-Muslims.

When the  sightseeing ends,  you will be transferred to the hotel or continue exploring the area (on your own).

On your own (as an Optional), you can see Meknes from a different perspective with a relaxing ride in a calleche. Horses pull cute carriages through the streets, reaching areas that are sometimes tucked away & difficult to find on foot, or challenging to access by larger vehicle. The rhythmic clopping of the horses’ feet is somehow quite soothing against the noise from the city’s streets and you can chill out as you’re taken from place to place.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Early morning, meet The Journeys Driver / Rep & depart for Fez.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Fez is a Moroccan city often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. The city has been called the "Mecca of the West" & the "Athens of Africa," a nickname it shares with Cyrene in Libya.

Although Fez lost its influence at the beginning of the 19^th century, it remains a supremely self-confident city whose cultural & spiritual lineage beguiles visitors. Something of the medieval remains in the world’s largest largest urban pedestrian zones (car-free urban areas) where donkeys cart goods down the warren of alleyways & while there are still ruinous pockets, government efforts to restore the city are showing results.

Fez was founded under the Idrisid rule during the 8^th - 9^th century and It consisted of two autonomous & competing settlements. The migration of 2000 Arab families in the early 9^th century gave the nascent city its Arabic character.

After the downfall of the Idrisid dynasty, several empires came & went until the 11^th century when the Almoravid Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin united the two settlements & rebuilt the city, which became today's Fes el Bali quarter.

Under the Almoravid rule, the city gained the reputation for the religious scholarship and the mercantile activity. Fez was expanded during the Almohad rule and became the largest city in the world during 1170-1180 with the estimated population of 200,000.

Fez reached its zenith in the Marinid-era, regaining the status as the capital and in its heyday, Fez attracted scholars & philosophers, mathematicians & lawyers, astronomers & theologians. Craftsmen built them houses & palaces, kings endowed mosques & madrasas (religious schools) and merchants offered exotic wares from the silk roads & sub-Saharan trade routes. These buildings were considered the hallmarks of Moorish & Moroccan architectural styles & some have survived  up until today.

Marinid sultans also founded Fes Jdid quarter, where newer palaces and gardens were established. During this time, the Jewish population of the city grew as well, with the Mellah (Jewish quarter) attracting the Jewish migrants from other North African regions.

After the overthrow of the Marinid dynasty, the city largely declined and replaced by Marrakesh for political and cultural influence, but remained as the capital under the Wattasids & modern Morocco until 1912.

Today, the city largely consists of two walled old medina quarters, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Fes el Bali & Fes Jdid with medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks & old-world atmosphere and modern urban area of Ville Nouvelle constructed during the French colonial era.  The Medina is home to religious schools such as the 14^th century Bou Inania & Al Attarine, both decorated with elaborate cedar carvings & ornate tile work.

Fez has the oldest continuously functioning university in the world - University of Al Quaraouiyine founded in 859. It is also the location of the 11^th century Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest tanneries in the world.

Some 90,000 people still live in the Fez medina. It can seem like it’s in a state of perpetual pandemonium; some visitors fall instantly in love & others recoil in horror. But its charms are many. Seemingly blind alleys lead to squares with exquisite fountains & streets bursting with aromatic food stands, rooftops unveil a sea of minarets & stooped doorways reveal tireless artisans. 

In the afternoon at 01.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & embark on an exciting 4 hour experience to explore this mesmerizing city.

Start with the Palais Royale & feel the Royalty at Morocco's most stunning palace. The entrance - the mighty Golden Gates - an stunning example of modern restoration, will leave you imagining about the magnificent architectural details & how grand is the inside of the palace. As the 80 hectares of palace grounds are not open to the public. Visitors must be satisfied with viewing its imposing brass doors, surrounded by fine zellige (colourful geometric mosaic tilework) & carved cedar wood. Note the lemon trees to one side - the Tour-guides are prone to plucking the fruit to demonstrate the juice’s astringent cleaning properties on the palace gates.  

Not far from the royal palace is the walled Fez Jewish Quarter in Fez El Jdid established in the 14^th century & considered the oldest of the Jewish Quarters in Morocco, a refuge for Jews, thus creating a mellah, analogous to the European ghetto. The records suggest the move was orchestrated to offer the Jews greater protection & they repaid the favour of the sultan with their loyalty during conflict. Around 250,000 Jews once lived here, but now only a handful remain in Fez - all in the ville nouvelle. Their old houses remain, with their open balconies looking onto the streets a marked contrast to Muslim styles. Enjoy a stroll & marvel at its ornate balconies & windows. 

Continue to Bab Boujeloud, commonly known as the “Blue Gate,” which serves as the principle entrance to the old Medina in Fez. Its glittering mosaic tiles & grand archway have made it one of Morocco’s most famed gateways. When you stroll beneath the famous blue gate of Bab Boujeloud, you are seemingly transported 1,000 years back in time. The bustling cafes & outdoor markets quickly give way to quiet narrow streets.  Enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the old medina of Fez. Don't forget your cameras! Here, visit a pottery co-operative that highlights the art of Moroccan pottery & handmade tile through workshops & witness the entire process.

Be impressed by the University of Al-Karaouine that was founded in 859 AD established by an incredible woman, Fatima al-Fihria, a Lady who had fled her country of Tunisia for the kingdom of Morocco.  It is considered by UNESCO as the oldest continuously operating degree-awarding university in the world. The University features beautiful Andalusian ornamental details & its libraries have several extremely valuable documents written on gazelle parchment.

But along the way, you will stop to visit the Shrine of Moulay Idriss II, the patron saint & founder of the city of Fez, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 & is considered the main founder of the city & of the first Moroccan Islamic state.

The whitewashed town of national importance - Moulay Idriss sits astride two green hills in a cradle of mountains amidst a picturesque setting, a pretty historic core & is one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites, thanks to the tomb of the city's founder.

Moulay Idriss’ holy status kept it closed to non-Muslims until 1912 & it wasn't until 2005 that non-Muslims were allowed to stay overnight in the town. Its previous inaccessibility has helped protect the town's peaceful way of life & those who do stay are invariably charmed.

The sightseeing ends & you will be transferred to the hotel or you can continue exploring the area (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Full day at leisure to explore independently or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Very early in the morning, you will be met by The Journeys Driver / Rep & depart for Marrakesh.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Prepare for your senses to be slapped. Marrakesh's heady sights & sounds will dazzle, frazzle & enchant.

Artisan Heritage| Faith & Culture|The Medina| Souq Shopping

Marrakesh is possibly the most important of Morocco's four former imperial cities and now a major economic center & home to mosques, palaces & gardens. Marrakesh is a city steeped in ancient artistry that continues to thrive, kept alive by the modern craftspeople of the souqs & the contemporary art & design scene of the ville nouvelle.

The region has been inhabited by Berber farmers since Neolithic times, but the actual city was founded in 1062, by Abu Bakr ibn Umar, chieftain & cousin of Almoravid king Yusuf ibn Tashfin. In the 12^th century. the Almoravids built many madrasas (Koranic schools) & mosques in Marrakesh that bear Andalusian influences.

The red walls of the city, built by Ali ibn Yusuf in 1122 – 1123 & various buildings constructed in red sandstone during this period, have given the city the nickname of the "Red City" or "Ochre City". Marrakesh grew rapidly & established itself as a cultural, religious & trading centre for the Maghreb & sub-Saharan Africa;

After a period of decline, the city was surpassed by Fez, but in the early 16^th century, Marrakesh again became the capital of the kingdom. The city regained its pre-eminence under wealthy Saadian sultans Abu Abdallah al-Qaim & Ahmad al-Mansur, who embellished the city with sumptuous palaces such as the El Badi Palace (in 1578) & restored many ruined monuments.

Beginning in the 17^th century, the city became popular among Sufi pilgrims for Morocco's seven patron saints, who are entombed here. In 1912 the French Protectorate in Morocco was established & T'hami El Glaoui became Pasha of Marrakesh & held this position nearly throughout the duration of the protectorate until the role was dissolved upon independence of Morocco & the re-establishment of the monarchy in 1956.

Like many Moroccan cities, Marrakesh comprises of an old fortified city packed with vendors & their stalls (the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), bordered by modern neighbourhoods, the most prominent of which is Gueliz.

The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, with mazelike alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery & jewelry. A symbol of the city, and visible for miles, is the Moorish minaret of 12^th century Koutoubia Mosque.

It has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco, with some 18 souks selling wares ranging from traditional Berber carpets to modern consumer electronics. Crafts employ a significant percentage of the population, who primarily sell their products to tourists.

Think of the medina's souqs as a shopping mall, but laid out according to a labyrinthine medieval-era plan. Whether you want to spice up your pantry with North African flavours or buy a carpet to add Moroccan-wow to your house, this magpie's nest of treasures is manna for shop-till-you-drop fanatics. The main market streets are Souq Semmarine & Souq El Kebir. If you see something you really like there, fine - but understand prices will be higher. Smaller souqs & souqs dedicated to artisan workshops such as Souq Haddadine (Blacksmith’s Souq), where you can buy direct from the producer, generally have the best deals.

You will understand how religion permeates the rhythms of daily life when you hear the sonorous call to prayer echo out from the mosques. As an old imperial capital, Marrakesh is home to some beautiful examples of Islamic architecture, most impressively the Ali Ben Youssef Madarsa & the Koutoubia minaret. The city also holds on to a heritage of the other religious communities that once helped it become a vibrant caravan town.

Marrakesh is particularly popular with the French & numerous French celebrities own property in the city.

It is one of North Africa’s largest centres of wildlife trade, despite the illegality of much of this trade & this trade can be found in the medina & adjacent squares. Tortoises are particularly popular for sale as pets but Barbary macaques & snakes can also be seen.

Marrakesh has several universities and schools, including Cadi Ayyad University. A number of Moroccan football clubs are located here and it also hosts World Touring Car Championship, Auto GP and FIA Formula Two Championship races.

Bahia Palace & the Dar Si Said are a riot of tilework & intricate floral painted-wood ceilings, the Saadian Tombs are enriched by an opulent bounty of marble, while the Musee de Mouassine & Musee de Marrakech are a showcase of swirling stucco & carved-wood design.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Marrakesh is a city that sums up all of Morocco's exotic North African charm. The city's name provided the root for the name of the country itself, spelling out this town's importance through the ages. Within the hustle of the medina, you will find the city's main points of interest in a dizzying meld of ancient and new. Just soaking up the atmosphere here tops the things to do list, with snake charmers & smooth shop touts both competing for your attention amid a noisy, colorful bustle that encapsulates Morocco's vibrant soul.

For shoppers, this city is famous as a frenzied hub for bargain hunting. For history loving tourists, the many museums & monuments are some of the country's sightseeing must-dos. And for those who just want to dive into local culture, the medina offers Moroccan life in all its hectic glory.

Morning, at 09.00 am, meet the knowledgeable Tour-guide in the Lobby & embark on an exciting 8 hour experience to uncover the mystery of Marrakesh's enchanting souks & sights.

First stop will be at the Ben Youssef Madrasa Koranic school (Islamic school of learning) built in 1565 by the Saadians. It is the largest theological college in Morocco. The warrens of rooms (with student cells that once were home to 900 pupils) are clustered around small internal courtyards in typical Islamic architecture style, but the main internal courtyard is the real highlight here. The fine zellige tiling, stalactite ceilings, cedar-wood detailing & Kufic inscriptions used as decoration across the courtyard's interior make this madarsa one of Morocco's most beautiful buildings & a star medina attraction.

Walk to Koutoubia Mosque, built in 1162, Marrakesh's most famous landmark with its striking, 70 meter    tall minaret visible for miles in every direction. The mosque was & is one of the great achievements of Almohad architecture. Local Marrakesh legend tells that when first built, the muezzin (man who calls the faithful to pray) for this mosque had to be blind as the minaret was so tall that it overlooked the ruler's harem. Non-Muslims are not allowed into the mosque itself.

Then, see the 16^th century burial ground - home to 66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled over Marrakesh between 1524 & 1668. The Tombs here include that of the ruler Al-Mansour, his successors & their closest family members. It is a rambling, atmospheric place, with the mausoleums set amid a rather overgrown garden. In particular, the main Mausoleum (where Moulay Yazid is buried) has a fine surviving mihrab (prayer niche). The Saadian Tombs were walled up by their Alawite successors & were only rediscovered in the early 20^th century.

Spend time in Djemaa El Fna (assembly place of the nobodies) - the fantastic large square at the entry to the medina which is the center of Marrakesh life. It is a vibrant hub of bric-a-brac stalls, musicians, storytellers, fortune-tellers & snake charmers that never seems to rest. Here, the entire spectrum of Moroccan life enfolds before you. If being down among the thrum becomes too much, it is also easy to escape to one of the many surrounding rooftop cafes & restaurants where you can survey the crazy scene from above.

Next, marvel at the opulent decor of the magnificent Bahia Palace built in the late 19^th century as the residence of the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who served Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I. The interior decoration is a dazzling display of zellige tiles, painted ceilings & ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high up in the sultan's favor at that time. The massive marble grand courtyard & opulent salons of the haram area are the two main attractions, while the lush internal courtyard of the grand riad, with its banana-leaf plants & citrus trees, is a tranquil respite from the city.

Continue on to see another landmark - Badi Palace. The ruins of Al-Mansour's once grand palace are one of the kasbah area's most atmospheric sights. The Saadian ruler built the opulent palace, with pavilions set amid a mammoth garden of reflective pools, during his triumphant reign, but it was plundered & destroyed soon after. Now the sparse remnants of mosaic-tiled floors, ruined pavilions, and the high enclosing walls are all that remain. There are excellent views across the medina from the top of the walls, where storks have also built their nests.

After viewing the palace, head to the Mellah - the old Jewish quarter of Marrakesh, established in the 16^th century & now populated mainly by Muslims. The small synagogue here has been nicely restored & can be visited, as can the vast Jewish cemetery.

For many visitors, Marrakesh's labyrinthine Medina (old city) district is the town's star attraction. The narrow alleyways are a kaleidoscope of colors, scents & sounds, and bound to be the sightseeing highlight of your trip. As well as simply wandering (& getting lost) amid the bustling maze, there are myriad shopping opportunities, where you can put your haggling hat on & barter to your heart's content.

Shoppers shouldn't miss the Babouche (shoe) Souk, Chouari (carpenter's) Souk, El-Attarine (perfume & spice) Souk & the Cherratine (leather) Souk. Just west of the main souk area, at the end of Rue Bab Debbagh, you will find Marrakesh's tanneries, where animal skins are still dyed the old-fashioned way.

The sightseeing comes to an end.

You will be transferred to the hotel or you can continue to explore (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Morning, you will be met by The Journeys Driver / Rep & transferred to Marrakesh Station for the train ride to Casablanca.

On arrival at Casablanca Casa-Voyageurs Railway Station, you will be welcomed by The Journeys Driver / Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel.

Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Like all good things, the journey to the enchanting Morocco comes to an end but we are hopeful you will visit again.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, for your onward journey.  B

***        End of Services      ***