Ciudades Imperiales Marruecos : Con Riad Hotels

About the destination: Fez is the definition of magic, a cauldron of beautiful charms that’s been simmering since medieval times. The city has almost everything Morocco has to offer; the ringing hammers on sheets of brass, the squawks of chicken strolling all around, perpetual voices of endless talks, the deep voices of prayers passed on from a minaret to another, young women balancing trays of rolled dough on their heads, crowds of people in the narrowest of streets, the enticing aromas of brochettes on open grills, the sweet scent of cedar shavings and freshly cut mint leaves. The life size maze that is the medina, old city, is the largest and most difficult to navigate in Morocco; sometimes it's even easier to simply lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the various markets. Entering the medina through Bab Boujeloud, bear left immediately onto shop-lines, bamboo-shaded rue Talaa Kebira. Nearby to the left is the grain market, while further along is the entrance to Bou Inania madersap the finest Qur’anic university in Morocco. Built under the Merinid Dinasty in the 14th century its beautifully carved white plaster walls and mihrab remain in remarkably good conditions. The Zaouia de Moulay Idriss contains the tomb of Molay Idriss II, who made Fez the capital of Morcco in 808. The cedarwood portal is decorated with faded geometric patterns. Close by is the 14th century Al-Attarine Madrasa. Behind the superb bronze door lie intricately carved plaster walls topped by a cedarwood mantle and a splendid fountain. Other worthwhile places in Fez are the viewpoints to the north of the city or most parts of Fes el Jedid, with the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter and the Museum Dar al Batha. Once the capital of the country, today Fez is Morocco’s third largest city but is considered the country’s religious, cultural and intellectual centre. Located between the Riff and the Middle Atlas Mountains, the city is made up of Fes El Bali, the old city, and Fes El Jedid, the New city. The King of Morocco’s wife, Princess Lalla Salma, was born in Fez which has made this medieval city even more popular.

About the destination: Even though Rabat is Morocco’s political and administrative capital, it is not a common touristic destination, but to discover Morocco’s essence it is a must to visit this imperial city. Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat is a city where tradition and modernity go hand in hand. Often regarded as dull by its big brother down the coast, Rabat has embraced modernity and it is developing a cosmopolitan atmosphere of its own. The truth is that the capital is more laid-back, pleasant and more provincial than Casablanca, but far less messy and frantic. Rabat has a long and rich history, and has had many influences from Phoenicians, Romans and Carthaginians to French and Arabic, and the city has plenty of monuments to show for it. Its Old Town, the quiet medina, was declared World Heritage Site in 2012. Behind its red ochre walls, the Old City preserves all the country’s traditions alive, with plenty of Moroccan craft shops and traditional tea houses. The fortified gates, its colourful magical white and blue walls and spectacular views of the ocean are a good enough reason to explore every inch in its streets. The beautiful enclosed Chellah, a peaceful complex of tombs and Roman ruins, is located in Rabat’s urban twin, Salé, 2km away from the capital’s city centre. Along Mohamed V avenue, embroider with palm trees, visitors will find the Parliament, the Al Sunna mosque, the Essais Garden and the majestic Royal Palace. An independent art scene is blossoming in the capital and there is an ongoing proliferation of galleries and spaces for visual arts. After a long day enjoying the town’s wide cultural offer, visitors should head to Agdal, the trendiest district of Rabat. Artists, hipsters and students alike crowd its cafes and restaurants. This modern coastal city, blessed by a Mediterranean climate, is lively, cheerful and safe. Rabat means refuge in Arabic, and it may not be a coincidence since this city offers visitors culture, stunning architecture, tradition and modernity all of it away from the all-inclusive crowd that swell other parts of the country.

About the destination: Marrakech, often called the “Red City” for its terracotta-hued walls and buildings, is a vibrant gateway to Morocco that blends ancient traditions with modern energy. At its heart lies the medina, a maze of narrow alleys, riads with hidden courtyards, and lively souks where the scent of spices, leather, and incense fills the air. The city’s rhythmic pulse is most palpable in Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, where street performers, storytellers, and food stalls take over every evening, turning the space into an open-air theater of Moroccan life. History and architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. The Koutoubia Mosque, with its iconic minaret, is a landmark visible from many corners of the city. Nearby, the Bahia Palace showcases intricate stucco work, painted ceilings, and tranquil gardens that hint at Marrakech’s royal past. The Saadian Tombs, rediscovered in the early 20th century after being sealed for centuries, offer a glimpse into the opulence of the Saadian dynasty through elaborately decorated burial chambers. Marrakech also has a softer, more serene side. The Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, is a lush botanical retreat with cobalt-blue buildings, exotic plants, and shaded paths that provide a peaceful escape from the bustle of the medina. Outside the city, the landscapes shift quickly: within a short drive you can ride camels in the palm groves of the Palmeraie, visit Berber villages in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, or plan day trips to waterfalls and desert-like plains. For travelers, Marrakech offers a rich sensory experience and a variety of stays, from budget hostels to luxury riads with rooftop terraces overlooking the city’s rooftops and minarets. The local cuisine—tagines, couscous, pastilla, and freshly squeezed orange juice—adds another layer to the journey, best enjoyed in small neighborhood eateries or on rooftop restaurants at sunset. Whether you come for shopping, history, photography, or simply to wander and get lost, Marrakech promises an immersive introduction to the colors and culture of Morocco.

About the destination: Tangier, perched at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is one of Morocco’s most atmospheric gateways. Long a crossroads for traders, writers, and spies, the city blends North African tradition with European and Middle Eastern influences. Whitewashed houses climb the hills above the bay, palm trees line the avenues, and across the water you can glimpse the coast of Spain on a clear day. Start your visit in the old medina, a maze of narrow streets, blue-painted doors, and lively markets. Here you’ll find the Grand Socco, the bustling square that separates the medina from the modern city, and the Petit Socco, once the haunt of writers and artists. Climb to the Kasbah for panoramic views over the strait, then explore its quiet lanes, restored riads, and the Kasbah Museum, housed in a former sultan’s palace. Beyond the old town, Tangier’s modern side reveals wide boulevards, Belle Époque facades, and a long seafront promenade. Cafés like the historic Café Hafa, terraced above the cliffs, invite you to linger over mint tea while watching ferries come and go. Beachfront hotels, contemporary restaurants, and stylish bars make the city a comfortable base for both short stays and longer explorations. Tangier also serves as an ideal starting point for day trips. To the west, the dramatic Cap Spartel marks the official meeting of the seas, while the nearby Caves of Hercules combine myth and natural beauty. Inland, rolling hills give way to rural villages and forested landscapes. Whether you’re arriving from Europe or connecting to other Moroccan cities, Tangier offers a vivid introduction to the country’s culture, history, and coastal charm.

About the destination: Located on the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the largest city and the economical hub of Morocco. Casablanca is a modern city with lively boulevards and many street cafes that give it a very European feel. Casablanca is a blend of both tradition and modernity. Visitors will find traditional buildings of Moorish, Roman, Jewish, Spanish and French influence alongside the new modern skyscrapers. Although the city is fairly modern in Moroccan standard, there are many historical sites and striking white colonial architecture. The oldest part of the city, the medina is relatively small in comparison with other medinas in Morocco, but still worth a stroll around its narrow alleys. Near the Medina you’ll find the City Hall, which has beautifully carved roofs. Casablanca’s main attraction is King Hassan II Mosque. Located on a beautiful setting on the Atlantic Coast, it is the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest in the world, with the tallest minaret in the world. Visiting Casablanca is a must for many travelers who come to Morocco. Oriental yet modern, Casablanca is a city of many faces.