Morocco is a country of dazzling diversity. You’ll find rugged mountain ranges, rolling deserts, ancient cities, rich cultural influences, deserted beaches, exquisite accommodation and the warmest, welcoming locals.
With so much to discover, allow us to help you make the most of your adventure into this exotic and engaging country. Beyond managing all travel arrangements and bookings, we are connected with local tour operators, who will offer their guidance and support on the ground, uncovering local secrets and taking care of all requests during your trip.
Read on for a luxury Jigsaw Journey into Morocco, then reach out to us on enquiries@jigsawtravel.com.au so we can start piecing together your travel dreams.
CASABLANCA.
Stay – Four Seasons Casablanca (1 night)
Bathed in natural light, the seaside hotel cascades down a hillside toward the Atlantic Ocean. Perched on a beach just 10 minutes from the heart of Morocco’s largest and liveliest city, the sweeping views you’ll find from your private balcony easily fulfill the romantic reputation that precedes Casablanca.
Originally settled by Berbers in the 7th century, Casablanca’s fairly recent growth has made it the bustling, French-influenced business center of Morocco it is today.
With architectural marvels both historic and modern, a cutting-edge art scene and world-class restaurants, Four Seasons is our favourite hotel for showing off the best of the alluring port city, starting with a plate of fresh local seafood prepared à la minute at Bleu.
Explore Casablanca
Start your exploration of Casablanca with the magnificent Hassan II Grand Mosque, which is amongst the largest in the world and can house as many as 25,000 worshipers. The mosque’s minaret is the tallest religious structure in the world.
Built on reclaimed land, almost half of the surface of the mosque lies over the waters of the Atlantic. This was inspired by the verse of the Qur’an that states “the throne of God was built on the water”. Above, lasers shine at night from the top of the minaret toward Mecca.
Our sightseeing highlights also include the Mohammed V square, the United Nations square and the Arab League Park. During a stroll in the Quartier Habbous you will be able to discover a modern version of a medina.
DEPART CASABLANCA & TRAVEL ONTO FES
Travel via private transfer (approximately 5 hours) to the cultural heart of Morocco, magical Fes. Founded in the 8th century, it is home to several famed historical monuments, among them Karaouine, the world’s first university. Walking around the sprawling medina of this UNESCO Cultural Heritage feels like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages.
Stay – Riad Fès (2 nights)
Benefiting from a prime location in the heart of the Fes medina, this luxurious Relais & Chateaux property, originally built in the 1930’s by a noble Fassi family, has been lovingly restored to its former splendour. The history of this Imperial city is reflected in the Moroccan-Andalusian architecture and the exquisite attention to detail, as seen in the decor. Elegant rooms and suites are spread throughout five different parts of the property, each showcasing a particular style: Andalusian, Baroque, and Contemporary.
Explore Fès
While not its most obvious drawcard, Morocco is considered to have the best natural potential for producing high-quality wines, due to its high mountains and cooling influence of the Atlantic. On your first day in Fes, visit one of the stunning vineyards located between the foothills of the Rif, the Middle Atlas Mountains and between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. This area has been known for producing powerful, full-bodied, fruity and expressive wines for over 2,000 years. Departing the hotel early with your driver and guide, visit the wine cellars of Chateau Roslane to learn how the wine is stored, before enjoying a three-course gourmet lunch with wine pairings and picturesque views of the vines set against sparkling blue skies.
After lunch, head to Volubilis (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), home to the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. With its triumphal arches, basilicas and capitols, the Volubilis skyline is peppered with examples of Roman architecture. However, the greatest treasures of Volubilis are the superb mosaic floors, which have been excellently preserved and left in situ. Three outstanding examples include Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck and a portrait of Amphitrite in a chariot drawn by a seahorse.
On your second day in Fes, take a step back in time to the Middle Ages with a visit to Fes El Bali, the world’s largest living medieval medina-city and the cultural heart of Morocco. Explore some of the 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks that make up the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter. The medieval Medina is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fes was a renowned center of medieval learning and at its heart lays the Karaouine, one of the oldest, still-functioning universities in the world. In the neighbouring building is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Continue on to Nejjarine Square, whose centerpiece is a beautiful fountain, made up of mosaics and elaborate tilework. The nearby Fondouq (Caravanserai) has now been converted into a museum of carpentry artefacts.
The leather produced in Fes is renowned worldwide and the manufacturing methods remain the same today as in the medieval times. During your visit to the tanneries, learn about the different methods that are used to process the skins of goats and cows to prepare them for the beautiful leather goods seen at the markets.
Head to a riad style shop in the medina for a demonstration of antique Moroccan rugs sourced from all over the country, sit back and enjoy a refreshing mint tea while your host presents you with the variety of carpets and explains the history and weaving styles of each region.
Then, it is on to Fes El Jedid (New Fes), built by the Merinid Dynasty in the 13th century. Admire the Royal Palace, mosques, medersas (schools), souks and the city wall. Most notably, Fes El Jedid is home to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture.
Finally, visit a pottery factory to discover how the beautiful zellij tiles are made. These tiles are fantastic examples of Arabo-Andalusian décor and are also used in the manufacture of the famous tagines.
After a full day, return to Riad Fes for a relaxing evening
TRAVEL FROM FES ONTO MARRAKECH
transfer by private vehicle, accompanied by your English-speaking guide, from Fez to Marrakech. Your journey takes approximately seven hours, passing through rich farmlands and across the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Part Berber, part Arab and part African, Marrakech is the heartbeat of Morocco where palaces and monuments of unrivalled refinement sit calmly alongside snake charmers and Gnaouan drums, pulsing constantly from Djemâa el Fna Square – the most exuberant marketplace in the world. The city is also home to luxury hotels, sophisticated bars and exotic restaurants.
Stay – Villa Des Orangers (3 nights)
Immaculately refurbished in traditional Moroccan style, La Villa Des Orangers is a riad-style hotel located just minutes from the hive of activity of Jemaa el Fna Square and boasting panoramic views of the surrounding medina. The riad’s stately lounges and elegant salons recreate the atmosphere of old Marrakech, with luxuriant fabrics and crackling log fires. The focal point of this inviting property is a central courtyard shaded by the eponymous orange trees, where a traditional Moroccan breakfast or a light lunch is served. All of the superbly appointed bedrooms and suites are decorated in warm hues and open onto shared courtyards or feature individual roof terraces.
Explore Marrakech
Take a scenic drive to the outskirts of the city for a cooking class at Chef Tariq’s little oasis and organic farm. Upon your arrival, sip on refreshing mint tea while the chef explains the dynamics of your class. You will roll up your sleeves and learn how to prepare and cook a Moroccan meal using the seasonal produce of the farm. While your meal cooks, take a stroll through nearby Berber villages and visit a local home in order to fully embrace the Berber lifestyle. Savour your lunch in a beautiful setting while engaging in fun conversations about the hidden secrets of Moroccan cuisine.
Back in Marrakech, visit the beautiful Majorelle Gardens, originally designed in 1924 by French artist Jacques Majorelle. After taking up residence in Marrakech, Majorelle transformed the property’s existing garden into a tropical paradise, surrounded by vivid cobalt blue buildings with verdant exotic groves, lily-covered pools, and enormous sculptural cactuses. These peaceful garden settings offer a variety of exotic plants such as bamboo, cacti, bougainvillea and palms. Streams and fish filled pools also flow through the tranquil gardens. In the heart of the beautiful gardens, find the Berber Museum: Inaugurated back in 2011, this museum is housed in the former painting studio of the artist Jacques Majorelle. With more than 600 items collected from the Sahara Desert all the way to the Rif Mountains, this beautiful panoramic display takes you through a discovery journey of the Amazigh (Berbers), the most ancient people in North Africa.
Another must-see in Marrakech is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, where the most precious YSL works are gathered. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé fell in love with the colors of Marrakech and therefore resided here for some of the most creative years of their lives. The Museum, a 43,000-square-foot building, was designed by the Paris-based firm Studio KO. Inspired by the contemporary and Moroccan architecture, you can find blues and greens on one side of the entrance hall, reds and tangerines on the other.
Spend an afternoon exploring beyond the tourist trail in a fun and exclusive way with a guided tour from a vintage motorcycle side car! Take a thrilling ride with your professional guide and driver, exploring pockets of town and the palm grove before arriving at Dar El Sadaka – Jean-François Fourtou’s magical house that holds unique artistic masterpieces, sculptures and a range of his impressive art works, including the House Fallen from the Sky. Your ride can be tailor-made to you and your interests, all the while keeping you off the beaten path. Although you’ll spend the majority of your tour exploring from the sidecar, there will be opportunities to get out and stretch your legs as well.
TRAVEL FROM MARRAKECH TO ASNI
Unearth another side of Morocco, the gorgeous Atlas Mountains – North Africa’s greatest mountain range – and experience two different worlds: traditional Berber and modern luxury. Along the short one hour journey, admire the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and the little Berber villages nestled in the hills. Discover the villages of Asni and Imlil in the foothills of Djebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in the Atlas Mountain range.
Stay – Kasbah Tamadot (1 night)
Kasbah Tamadot sits in an idyllic location nestled among the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, creating an immense sense of privacy. The property is the former home of Luciano Tempo, who filled it with beautiful antiques of Arabic, Oriental and Indian origin. The Kasbah was then purchased by Sir Richard Branson in 1998 and wonderfully restored to become one of the most luxurious properties in Morocco. Tamadot is full of peaceful courtyards, hidden staircases, landscaped gardens and breathtaking views. Many of the staff members come from the surrounding Berber villages, giving you a sense of staying in a Moroccan home rather than a hotel. Luxury rooms and suites are all individually-decorated using traditional Moroccan furnishings and antiques whilst the restaurant, bars and outdoor infinity pool all offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains and Berber villages.
Travel back to Casablanca for your flight home and the end of your memorable journey through Morocco.