ACL Members vacation
The Colours of Morocco Royal cities, kasbahs and souks

Day 1 To Morocco

At 07.30 am flight (Luxair) from Luxembourg to Marrakech (arrival at 11.10 am). On the way to Casablanca there will be a lunch break (lunch not included). Dinner and overnight stay at the boutique hotel Odysee**** in Casablanca. (D)

Day 2 Casablanca & Rabat

The modern megacity of Casablanca is the undisputed economic and commercial centre of the country. During the city tour, you will gain an insight into the exciting history of the harbour city. You will stroll through the central market and to the majestic Hassan II Mosque, located directly on the sea – a perfect photo opportunity. Its 200 metre high minaret is one of the most beautiful in the country alongside that of the Koutoubia – and, it is said, one of the highest in the world. The mosque is one of the few mosques in the country that can also be visited by non-Muslims. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and atmosphere of the large interior. Morocco’s capital, also located on the Atlantic, is only a few kilometres away. Rabat is the most modern of the four royal cities, it is much quieter and the quality of life is much higher than in other Moroccan cities. The king reigns and resides here, and numerous embassies, international organisations and cultural institutes are based in the government district. French savoir-vivre and oriental life combine to create a synthesis of the arts. Your tour (outside visits) takes you to the Royal Palace, through the Ouadaya Gardens and the picturesque Kasbah to the Hassan Tower, the symbol of Rabat, and the mausoleum of Mohamed V. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Chellah in Rabat. (B,D)

Day 3 Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes   

Meknes is the smallest of the four royal cities and therefore ideal for a first immersion in the lively world of the Moroccan medinas. Enjoy a stroll through the historic city centre, which is steeped in history. The magnificent Bab al Mansour, the most beautiful city gate in Morocco, is just as worth seeing as the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, which is decorated with gold and stucco. The route leads via Moulay Idriss, one of the holiest cities in Morocco, to the ancient Volubilis. In the 2000-year-old ruins, your tour guide will tell you about life as a Roman capital in the province of Mauretania Tingitana and the significance of the site for modern-day Morocco. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight stay at the Hotel Nour Plaza**** (date 28 February 2025: at the boutique hotel Fes Heritage) in Fes. (B,D)

Day 4 Fes

Fes is undisputedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is still the intellectual and spiritual centre of Morocco today. The elegant city was built on several hills and is proud of its history: the oldest city in the country is also the city in which Morocco was founded as a state. Its picturesque old town, the medina, is one of the largest walled old towns in the world, with massive entrance gates, countless narrow alleyways, narrow streets and enchanted squares. There is simply everything: mountains of fresh fruit and fragrant spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and Moroccan handicrafts of all quality levels, a leather goods souk, the spice merchants’ souk, the potters’ area and other colourful markets and workshops, all separated into guilds. An indescribable firework display for the senses! The former religious school Merdersa Bou Inania offers an insight into student life in the 14th century. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Nour Plaza**** (date 28/02/2025: at the boutique hotel Fes Heritage). (B,D)

Day 5 Fes – Marrakesch

Drive through the Middle Atlas, with views of it and of the High Atlas, to Marrakech. The drive takes all day, but the recurring panoramic views of the two mountains and the occasional walks through the villages make it seem short. Especially as it is an ideal opportunity to process what you have experienced. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Opera Plaza**** in Marrakech. (B,D)

Day 6 Marrakesch

Marrakech has always been a centre of attraction for artists, bohemians and writers. The location in the middle of the large palm oasis and the incomparable flair of the city still enchants all travellers today. The beautiful minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is today the symbol of Marrakech and has been the model for all minarets in Morocco since it was built in the 12th century. The Bahia Palace, which still shines today, is an excellent example of the splendour of that time. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the lively, typical Moroccan souks. Countless traders loudly hawk their wares, craftsmen hammer and forge their products, you don’t know where to look first. Your sightseeing tour ends on the world-famous Djemaa El Fna square, where in the late afternoon and evening not only traders but also storytellers, snake charmers, musicians and jugglers cavort. This unique atmosphere is indescribable! Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Opera Plaza****. (B,D)

Day 7 Free time in Marrakech, optional day trip to the picturesque Ourika Valley

Organise the day according to your own taste. Go shopping in the alleyways of the old town and haggle over souvenirs. Alternatively, you can book an optional day trip (including lunch in a local restaurant) to the picturesque and still very unspoilt Ourika Valley. Located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and crossed by the eponymous Ourika River, the contrasts between mountains, orchards, terraced crops and small villages in the traditional Douar style are fascinating in this lush green valley. You will visit the sculpture garden “Jardin Amina” by the Austrian artist André Heller, who combined nature and culture in his works here: a unique ensemble of different elements, a kind of Garden of Eden against the picturesque backdrop of the High Atlas. You return to Marrakech in the afternoon and bid farewell to Morocco over dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight stay at the Hotel Opera Plaza****. (B,D)

Day 8 Return flight

Transfer to Marrakech airport, at 12.00 noon flight (Luxair) back to Luxembourg (arrival at 03.25 pm). (B)

B=breakfast, D=dinner.

Programme, hotel and flight times are subject to change.