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Just for Women / 10 Days
enjoy exquisite cuisine and elegant accommodations all along the way of this magical voyage

Just for Women Moroccan Tour

Just for Women / 10 Days

Morocco is one of the ancient intersections of civilization. Boldly situated on the far north-western corner of Africa, its expansive shoreline stretches from the Atlantic through the Strait of Gibraltar to the Mediterranean. The cultural diversity of contemporary Morocco reflects its historic vantage point as a gateway to Europe and the world.

YOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: CASABLANCA - RABAT - FES
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Arrival at Casablanca International Airport.
  • Visit the Mosque of Hassan II. Casablanca is home to the Hassan II Mosque, designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau. It is situated on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic, which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor with room for 25,000 worshippers. Its minaret is the world’s tallest at 210 meters. It is an enormous architectural masterpiece and the second largest religious building in the world. On Fridays, the Mosque of Hassan II is open to non-Muslims. The Mosque of Hassan II’s promontory offers lovely views overlooking Casa in the residential Anfa quarter.
  • After visiting the Hassan II Mosque, take the road to Rabat.
  • Tea & Pastries at Cafe Maure by the sea in Rabat.
  • Visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan tower which stands on the hill overlooking the Wadi Bou Regreg. It is a gigantic mosque, emblematic, of Rabat and famous for its unfinished minaret where storks nest.
  • Next door, visit the beautiful Mausoleum of Mohammed V decorated with stained glass windows, white marble, and a wrought-iron entryway with a stairway leading to an impressive dome.
  • Lunch in Rabat by the sea at El Borj Eddar.
  • Explore the gardens nearby and visit the Palace of Rabat. Then, visit the Necropolis at Chellah and Kasbah of Chellah.
  • Welcome Dinner & Spend the night at Riad Fes in Fes.
DAY 2: FES HALF-DAY HISTORICAL TOUR, SHOPPING & HENNA PARTY
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Gourmet Breakfast at Riad Fes.
  • Visit the 14th Century Palace Gates of the King – The Royal Palace in Fes is one of the oldest (14th Century) and largest in Morocco.
  • Visit the Jewish Mellah – The Mellah is a Jewish quarter located in the old cities of Morocco with a walled boundary. The Fes Mellah is also walled and it has a fortified gateway. These Jewish quarters are located near the royal residencies which enabled its inhabitants to be protected. The Fes Mellah was once solely inhabited by Jews. This was the first mellah in Morocco and originated in 1438. Jews took shelter in this place during the 1912 pogrom.
  • Visit the Jewish Cemetery & Tomb of Solica – The cemetery contains the tombs of more Jewish saints than any other cemetery in Morocco. One of the more important saints is Lalla Solica, who was killed for refusing to convert to Islam. Solica was born in Tangier in 1817. At the age of 16, she was courted by a Muslim man, but refused to marry him. To force her hand, the man went to the caid, the local government official. The man told the caid that Solica could not refuse his offer of marriage because she was no longer Jewish, having converted to Islam of her own free will. When called before the caid, she refused to acknowledge having converted. The Sultan called her to Fes, where she again denied her conversion. As a result, she was condemned to death for apostasy and killed in 1834.
  • Walk through one of the oldest and most beautiful preserved Jewish streets in Morocco from the time of the inquisition. Then, enter the Bab Boujloud Gate, The Blue Gate of Fes, and walk to Palais M’nebhi.
  • 1:00PM: Lunch at Historic Palais M’nebhi Restaurant
  • 2:30PM: Shopping in the Old Medina – Carpets, Shops, Scarves & Souks
  • 4:00PM: Henna Party at Riad Fes on the Terrace – Tea ceremony and pastries. Traditional Henna designs by a local Fasis artist.
  • 8:00PM: Gourmet Dinner at Restaurant Dar Hatim, a family restaurant, or Le Maison Blanche a Moroccan French Restaurant with a flair. Le Maison Blanche is a Fasis/French restaurant with extremely chic and sophisticated food and décor. The menu changes with the seasons and is overseen by French chef, Julien Louis. Excellent Moroccan and imported French wines are part of their menu.
  • Spend the night at Riad Fes in Fes.
DAY 3: FES HALF-DAY HISTORICAL TOUR - EMBROIDERY - POTTERY
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Gourmet Breakfast at Riad Fes. Then enjoy a panoramic view of the Southern medina and the old city of Fes. Next off for a full day of historic sites and shopping in the old city.
  • Fes el Bali, also known as Rcife, is the heart of manufacturing for Fassi goods. Cross the local fruit and vegetable market and visit the stalls of local traders while watching locals buy their daily goods.
  • Dyers Souk – The dyers market, located along Rue de Teinturies, is the best place to see the dying vats which have been used for centuries to dye cloth and sheep, goat, cow, and camel leather. You will see many tanned hides colored with natural pigments of all shades and hues.
  • Place el-Seffarine – The most important center for the production Fasiss style ceramics, brass-ware, and silverware in Morocco.
  • Tour the Chourara, or the Tanner’s Quarters, one of the most lively and picturesque souks in Fes. Located near the Wadi Fès and far from residential areas due to the tannery smell. See the wide array of local leather work, a proud tradition of Fes.
  • Weavers Cooperative – Visit the Weavers Cooperative located in a residential neighborhood. The workshop specializes in weaving the finest jellaba fabric made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy. The shop also makes a quality jellaba fabric from a locally spun, textured wool thread called hubba. Hubba is sometimes referred to as couscous because its nubby texture resembles Morocco’s national semolina dish of the same name.
  • University of al-Karaouine – Founded in 859, this university is one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world, and is considered the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world.
  • Lunch at Restaurant Nejjarine in Fes located in a tiled zellij palace.
  • Women’s Embroidery Cooperative. Visit the embroidery cooperative where you can see how women make traditional indigenous Fasis designs of reds and blues woven together in seamless intricate patterns. The embroidery can be found on ancient pillow cases, table ware, and extraordinary belts.
  • Nejjarine Square – This interesting square is dominated by the beautifully restored Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts housed in an 18th-century foundouk. There is also a superbly decorated wall fountain. Browse the shops before venturing into the carpentry souk with its amazing array of glitzy wedding chairs.
  • Walk along Attarine street filled with the spice and perfume scents of Fes.
  • Watch a Berber carpet demonstration.
  • Afternoon visit to the renowned Pottery Cooperative where you can view how the Fasis pottery and zellij tile are made by hand. Tour the cooperative to see how the various artisans work using the ancient Fasis techniques that are unique to this Imperial city and region. View the galleries and shops of the artisans.
  • Dinner at Le Maison Bleue. Le Maison Bleue is one of oldest and most stylish traditional Moroccan Fasis restaurants. Couscous, Fasis Salads, and Pastilla are offered pre fix or a la carte while you sit surrounded by zellij tile, vaulted ceilings, and serenaded by Gnaoua Music.
  • Spend the night at Riad Fes in Fes.
DAY 4: FES - IMMOUZER - IFRANE - AZRO - BENI MELLAL - MARRAKESH
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Gourmet Breakfast at Riad Fes.
  • En route to Marrakesh, stop to see the view of Ifrane University and go for a short walk around the garden. Ifrane is nick named “Little Switzerland” of Morocco for its architecture, cedar forest, and winter ski resort options. Developed by the French during the protectorate era for their administration due to its Alpine climate, this Morrocan town has a remarkable European style, as if it were an Alpine village. Because of its elevation, the town experiences snow during the winter months and a cool climate during the summer. Ifrane is also the place where the lowest temperature was ever recorded in Africa. Animals to be found in the vicinity include the threatened Barbary Macaque. Among the local tree species are the native Atlas cedar, Scrub oak, and the introduced London plane.
  • Enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries in Ifrane at an outdoor cafe.
  • Make a short stop in Zaouia Cheikh near the dam. A brief history about the dams in Morocco which originated with Hassan II who built one dam a year to irrigate the country.
  • Lunch at Restaurant Paris in Beni Mellal.
  • If time allows, stop for a short visit at Ain Asserdoune Waterfalls & Park. Translated as “eyes of the mule” Ain Asserdoun is a wonderful man-made scenic waterfall and park located at the tip of Beni Mellal.
  • Dinner at La Maison Arabe. Dinner will be served under a sumptuous hand painted zouake ceiling, accompanied by Arab-Andalusian music played by Khaled Isbah on guitar and Kahlid Badoui on lute.
  • Spend the night at La Maison Arabe in Marrakesh.
DAY 5: MARRAKESH PALACES & GARDENS - COCKTAILS AT LA MAMOUNIA
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Gourmet Breakfast at La Maison Arabe. Then begin the day visiting Marrakesh’s Palaces and Gardens.
  • The Majorelle Gardens & Berber Museum – The Majorelle Garden, previously the Jardin Bou Saf, bears its name from its original creator, Jacques Majorelle, the French expatriate artist who was born in Nancy France in 1886. Jacques Majorelle was the son of the celebrated Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle. In 1947 he opened his gardens to the public and during this time also painted a magnificent ceiling space at La Mamounia, a five-star hotel with gardens. Jacques Majorelle studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Nancy in 1901 and later, in 1919, he went to Marrakesh to recover from heart problems. He built the garden during those years using a special color of blue extensively in the garden that is now named after him, Majorelle Blue. Jacques Majorelle returned to France in 1962 after a car incident and died later that year of complications from his injuries. As a collector of unique plants from five continents, Jacque Majorelle left Yves Saint Laurent one of the more unique collections of flora and fauna of this era, as well as a place of inspiration and contemplation. Even though Morocco is no longer under the French protectorate, this French creation is one of the most beloved areas in Morocco.
  • The Old Spice Market – The Rahba Kedima is a colorful market filled with a wide array of spices from cumin, cinnamon, saffron, dried peppers, and more.
  • Visit the El Bahia Palace. The El Bahia Palace in Marrakesh is a beautiful building and an excellent example of Eastern Architecture from the 19th century that represents the trends and standards of the wealthy at that time. The palace is surrounded by an eight hectare garden.
  • Shopping at Bahia Palace region of Medina. Visit French-Moroccan boutiques on Riad Zitoune El J’did to find fashion-forward new designs for upscale Marrakeshis. Art Ouarzazate, Warda La Mouche, Aya
  • Cocktails & Lunch at La Mamounia Hotel. Situated on the edge of the walls of the old city of Marrakesh, La Mamounia is named for its 200- year-old gardens given as an 18th century wedding gift to Prince Moulay Mamoun by his father. Today the gardens cover nearly 20 acres and display an incredible variety of flowers and trees. The hotel was designed in 1922 by the architects Prost and Marchisio. They combined traditional Moroccan designs with the popular Art Deco look of the 1920’s. Winston Churchill called it, “the most lovely spot in the whole world.” He spent many winters at La Mamounia painting the Atlas Mountains and surrounding countryside.
  • Return to the medina by Kelech Horse & Carriage. Shopping in the Dar La Bacha region of the old medina. Visit the Khaled Gallery known for its fine textiles, sculpture, and jewelry. Shop antique markets and new Moroccan inspired boutiques in the Terraces Des Spices outdoor terrace shop distract that offer a range of new fashions. Visit the leather market and the souk of Baboosh for shoes.
  • For those interested in a variety of modern and antique furniture, we will visit Mustapha Blaouis warehouse. Outside the large wood and brass-studded double doors which opens out to a several rooms and floors filled with cedar leather furniture in bright colors, vases, lighting fixtures, poufs, antique Indian and Chinese pieces, along with a little bit of everything to decorate ones home.
  • Last stop for the day is Akbar Delight and Beldi, the renowned design couture shop open since the 1930’s. Beldi is owned by two brothers, uses top notch fabric, and creates their owned designs.
  • Dinner at one of the tres-chic Marrakesh restaurants: Le Comptoir, Dar Yacout, Le Fondouk or Dar Moha.
  • Spend the night at La Maison Arabe in Marrakesh.
DAY 6: MARRAKESH COOKERY WORKSHOP & NEW CITY GUELIZ
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Gourmet Breakfast at La Maison Arabe.
  • Morning Cookery Workshop at La Maison Arabe. The workshop includes a visit to the spice market and a communal bread oven. Join a professional chef in making couscous, bastilla, or a tajine. At the end of the workshop you will enjoy lunch along with the food you have prepared.
  • Return to the medina in the region of the Moussine. Visit Al Kawatar, an embroidery workshop run by handicapped women that offers hand embroidered caftans for adults and children, table runners, napkins, and tea gloves along with other items. Option to participate in having the women show you how they make traditional embroidery.
  • Visit the Moussine shops of antique Berber Moroccan Jewelry, Amber, and Trade Beads. All pieces are unique.
  • Pass The Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens – The largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco. The minaret was completed under the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur (1184-1199) and was used as the model for the Giralda Tower in Seville and for the Hassan Tower in Rabat. The name is derived from the Arabic al-Koutoubiyyin for librarian, since it used to be surrounded by sellers of manuscripts. It is considered the ultimate structure of its kind. The tower is 69 m (221 ft) in height and has a lateral length of 12.8 m (41 ft). Six rooms (one above the other) constitute the interior with a ramp by way the muezzin could ride up to the balcony. It is built in a traditional Almohad style and the tower is adorned with four copper globes.
  • Next, head to the Ville Nouvelle, also referred to as Gueliz and named after a small mountain at the edge of it. Formed by the French as a planned city early this century and still looking like a little Paris, Gueliz offers a perfect view of the the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque. The centre of Gueliz is a circle and the streets radiate out like spokes of a wheel.
  • Shopping in Gueliz – Enjoy a leisurely shopping experience in Gueliz at French and Moroccan upscale shops: Kalmadi – L’Orientaliste – Intensite Nomade – Place Vendome – Mamounia Art Gallery – Cote Sud – Scenes De Lin – Maison Rouge – Michele Bacanier – Moor
  • Dinner at Le Grand Cafe de la Poste. This Parisian-style bistro is popular with Marrakeshi businessmen and European expats for its 1920’s colonial ambiance and decor. La Poste was an old colonial hotel located in the heart of the Ville Nouvelle and the owners of this brasserie have kept the colonial-style decor and atmosphere. Comfortable couch or table seating inside and outdoors surrounded by greenery and charming colonial lamps. Mediterranean chef Cyril Lignac and Moroccan chef Sana Gamas create a seamless blend of cuisines with signature fusion dishes.
  • Spend the night at La Maison Arabe in Marrakesh.
DAY 7: MARRAKESH BY AIR & MARRAKESH SPA TIME
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Gourmet Breakfast at La Maison Arabe
  • Optional Marrakesh by Air Tour. Early rise between 5am – 7am
  • Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Excursion – One hour flight along the High Atlas Mountains – Souvenir flight certificate – Traditional breakfast served in the tent – Visit to a local Berber house – Landrover excursion – Camel ride in the Marrakesh Palmerie
  • Spa Time – Indulge at Hammam De La Rose, a sanctuary of peace and tranquility in the heart of Marrakesh. Immerse yourself in a sensual Moroccan experience with modern comforts and designs.
  • Enjoy a one-hour Aromatic or Body Exfoliating Treatment compliments of Morocco Traveler with optional additional treatments: Spa Treatment Options at Hamma De La Rose Marrakesh: -­‐ Aromatic Facial Treatments -­‐ Body Exfoliating Treatments -­‐ Along the Water’s Edge Jet Bath Treatments -­‐ Clarins Body Massage -­‐ Hammam Treatments: Oriental Massages, Classic Massages. (All Spa treatments require advance booking)
  • Dine at a chic Marrakesh restaurant: Le Comptoir, Dar Yacout, Le Fondouk or Dar Moha
  • Spend the night at La Maison Arabe in Marrakesh
DAY 8: MARRAKESH - ESSAOUIRA WINERY & CHEESE TASTING - FRESH FISH BY THE SEA
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Gourmet Breakfast at La Maison Arabe.
  • Take the road to Essaouira. Enroute stop at an Argan Cooperative to see how the argan nut is used to make argan oil, argan cosmetics, and natural beauty products, plus edible argan nut butter and honey.
  • Wine and Cheese Tasting at a local winery with wines from the region. Lunch at the winery. Continue on the road to Essaouira.
  • Journey to the former Portuguese fishing village of Essaouira passing roadside towns and Berber village. During the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pit stop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh.
  • Explore Essaouira, the sea-side medieval town with lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses is enchanting. Learn about the local tradition of thuya wood workshops, roam the art galleries, and enjoy fresh seafood. Once called Mogador by European sailors and traders, Essaouria is known for its annual Gnaoua Music Festival that attracts 300,000+ people in June. It also has an expansive beach for surfing called Plage de Safi.
  • Take a stroll along the sunlit pedestrian main square, Place Prince Moulay el Hassan, and then on to Skala du Port, the fishing harbor, offers breathtaking views of the Portuguese ramparts. Explore the ramparts, the spice and jewelry souks of the medina, and the Jewish Mellah.The medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is a well-preserved example of a late-18th century fortified town.
  • Dinner at L’herure Palais Bleue, Taros, Chez Sam or Elizer.
  • Spend the night at L’heure Palais Bleue.
DAY 9: ESSAOUIRA - HALF-DAY HISTORICAL TOUR
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Gourmet Breakfast at L’heure Palais Bleue. Late start to enjoy the ambiance of this first class Riad owned by the Secretary of the King, Andre Azuli.
  • Visit a pastry cooperative run by women that offers a first hand look at a locally run business. This pastry cooperative supplies the pastries to many Essaouira bakeries.
  • Have lunch at the fish-grill cafes or Taros with views of the sea, with wooden tables and benches laid out overlooking the sea that was once the only Moroccan port south of Tangier.
  • After lunch visit Orson Welles’ Square and memorial, designed by Samir Mustapha, one of the towns artists, which pays homage to Orson Welles filming of Othello in Essouaria. Essaouira’s history is a reminder of the times when Spain, Portugal and England fought to maintain control over its coasts. It has a typical
  • Return to Marrakesh in the late afternoon.
  • Farewell women’s dinner at Al Fassia in Agdual. Once you pass the traditionally dressed doormen, this place is all-female and is run like a family kitchen. This popular restaurant is now successfully managed by Myra Chab as a cooperative. A variety of Moroccan dishes are available, including specialties that require a day’s notice such as the dalaa mbakhra (steamed lamb shoulder) and chaâra medfouna (steamed vermicelli garnished with pigeon).
  • Spend the night at La Maison Arabe.
DAY 10: MARRAKESH - CASABLANCA DEPARTURE
Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
  • Gourmet Breakfast at La Maison Arabe. Departure to Casablanca for an International Flight return to the USA.

Morocco’s heritage offers visitors an encounter with an exotic society, new customs, an incomparable cuisine, and a shopper’s paradise of magnificent markets.

Just For Women - Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities Tour is a Boutique Tour created for women by women to experience the wonders of Morocco. We’ll visit breathtaking architectural sites, majestic palaces, glorious houses of worship, opulent gardens, see traditional Moroccan crafts being made by local artisans, and shop a dazzling array of unique and enticing marketplaces. We’ll enjoy exquisite cuisine and elegant accommodations all along the way of this magical voyage.

Included in the Just For Women itinerary is a henna party and a ceramics workshop in Fes, an Exotic Cooking Workshop, Hot Air Balloon ride over Marrakesh’s Atlas Mountains, Camel Trekking on the Beach in Essaouira, Spas and Hammams, Visits to Women's Cooperatives, Wine Tastings, and more from our Morocco Travel Experts. All overnights at luxurious riads & boutique hotels.