City of Dreams: Chefchaouen, Morocco

Arrive in the port city of Tangier where your local guides will be awaiting you at the airport. Get acquainted with your guides over lunch and learn some basic phrases in French and Arabic before heading out on your adventure for the day. After freshening up, head over to the medina and lose yourself in the tight alleyways as you browse the souks aka markets selling traditional Moroccan items and delicacies. Deep in the medina, make your way to the 13th-century Kasbah de Tanger for a step back in time with some panoramic ocean views. End the evening unwinding at Cafe Hafa, which is one of the most famous cafes in Tangier — and for good reason. Take in the breathtaking views of Europe just across the sea as you enjoy a delicious glass of Moroccan mint tea.

Rise early for breakfast and your departure to the City of Dreams, aka Chefchaouen or the Blue City. There you will embark on a unique photo tour, capturing all the best sights of this magnificent city. Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, learn from your local guides the history of Chefchaouen and the real reason the city was painted blue. Your guide will take you to the best-hidden gems of this picture-perfect town as well as popular spots like El Arsi Street, the Blue Street, and Place el Haouta. Whether you’re snapping shots from your DSLR or iPhone, captivating shots are guaranteed!

Get ready for an adventure-packed day hiking the incredibly scenic Rif Mountains located just above Chefchaouen. Take the route to Akchour and be dazzled by glistening waterfalls and the famous natural rock formation known as God’s Bridge. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the waterfalls or continuing the hike up and over the other side of the valley. Just in time for sunset, head over to the Spanish Mosque for the best panoramic views of the valley and Chefchaouen down below.

Wake early for breakfast with your guides and get ready for a jam-packed day of sightseeing and photo taking. Take one last stroll through the Blue City, capturing any last minute photos and then depart for the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. Learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was founded by the Berber people in 3rd century BC. And get your camera ready to capture the ancient ruins! Head down to one of the holiest places in Morocco, the small town of Moulay Idriss, located right next to the abandoned village of Volubilis. Climb to the top of the hill for striking views of the town below.

Stop along the way to Fes for a tour of the imperial 17th-century city of Meknes. Discover the history of the founding of Meknes by one of the most dreaded Sultans, Moulay Ismail as you visit his mausoleum. Head over to the architectural wonder of the Bou Inania Medersa and marvel at the intricately designed tiles as you snap the perfect shots. Disembark to Fes where you will stay overnight at your accommodations.

Enjoy the day on the other side of the wall — the ancient medieval walls, that is! Travel back in time as you experience life without urban development, and instead donkey carriages as the chosen mode of transportation. Fes boasts the world’s oldest medieval medina in the world, so allow yourself to soak in its ancient traditions. Visit the unique Chouara Tannery as you learn the various stages of treating animal skins and hides to produce leather while you capture noteworthy photos during the process.

Rise early for breakfast with the group before heading out for your departure back to the port city of Tangier. When you reach Tangier, head straight to the most northwestern point of mainland Africa to the legendary Cave of Hercules along the coast of Cape Spartel. Learn the heaps of myths and legends about the cave where Hercules was rumored to have once slept while capturing the essence of this underground wonder.

Enjoy a final breakfast and mint tea in Morocco before being transported to the airport by your guides to catch your flight home. Bon voyage!