MARCO POLO & WONDERS OF MOROCCO

• 3-night Accommodation in Rome in 4* hotel category
• 2-night Accommodation in Florence in 4* hotel category
• 2-night Accommodation in Venice in 4* hotel category
• 2-night Accommodation in Tangier in 4* or 5* hotel category
• 1-night Accommodation in Casablanca in 4* or 5* hotel category
• 2-night Accommodation in Fez in 4* or 5* hotel category
• 3-night Accommodation in Marrakech in 4* or 5* hotel category
• Tour Rome at sunset
• Visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
• Visit Assisi, Siena, Bologna, Padua, Symbol of Wine Region – Tuscany
• Venice walking tour with a typical Venetian Chicchetto (aperitif)
• Half-day visit to Chaouen
• Full-day visit to Fez
• Full-day visit to Marrakech with lunch
• Panoramic visits to the cities of Tangier, Meknes, Rabat, and Casablanca
• Local English-speaking guide during the visits
• Air ticket Rome – Tangier
• All necessary transfers, as mentioned in this itinerary
• Tourist transport according to the number of participants as mentioned in this itinerary
• Daily breakfast
• 2 traditional Tuscan lunches
• 1 dinner at the hotel in Florence
• Half board in Morocco
• 24/7 Emergency phone line

DAY 1

Upon your arrival at Rome Airport, one of our representatives will be waiting for you to welcome you and transfer you comfortably and quickly to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax.

At 19:45 hour pick up at the hotel to start your Rome night tour. With your local guide, you will discover the wonders of Rome when the sun goes down and the neon lights come on, a romantic way to get to know the Eternal City.

This panoramic excursion will take place in a luxury bus and on foot, so as not to miss a single detail of Rome in the moonlight.

The tour will end in the Spanish Steps area to finish the visit and relax, enjoying a creamy and tasty Gelato.

You will return to your hotel on your own at the time you want.

DAY 2

In the morning, at 07:15 AM, and after a tasty breakfast, you will depart from Assisi on our luxury bus. Assisi is a small medieval city, attractive and full of surprising buildings. Due to its welcoming character and its great historical importance, it is visited every day by many visitors.

The recommendation is to visit the magnificent Basilica di San Francesco, decorated with frescoes by many late medieval painters, such as Giotto and Cimabue. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

You will have free time for lunch (not included) at any of the eating places dotting the main streets.

In our luxury coach, you will head towards Siena, one of the most beautiful walled medieval cities in the world. You will visit the historic center with its medieval streets and Piazza del Campo, a uniquely round-shaped piazza, which hosts the twice-annual Palio race.

The race attracts locals and tourists alike for an incredible festival-like experience where neighborhoods of Siena race against one another. Here you will also find the mesmerizing Siena Duomo, with its incredibly intricate facade and its black and white striped columns, which give it a luxurious feel.

Finally, you will continue your journey to Florence, where you will have dinner and rest.

DAY 3

After a delicious breakfast, you will visit the magnificent city of Florence, the “city of arts”. You will start with a panoramic tour of the historic center, the exterior of the Cathedral complex: Giotto’s Tower, the Baptistery with the famous Door to Paradise, and the Duomo of Florence, with the spectacular Brunelleschi dome.

Later, you will continue to Piazza de la Signoria, which was the political heart of the Florence of the Medici, and finally the Church of Santa Croce, in Gothic style, which is the largest Franciscan church in Italy and holds the tombs of notable Florentines such as Galileo and Michelangelo. You will then have lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will have free time and the option to go on a panoramic tour of Pisa, one of the most famous cities in the world and the birthplace of Galileo Galilei.

Once there, you will visit the Square of the Miracles, a World Heritage Site, its famous 60-meter Leaning Tower, which, after the recent restoration, is estimated to maintain its stability for another 300 years, and the Duomo, a Romanesque-style masterpiece, with the golden coffered ceiling and the gigantic columns as well as the imposing baptistery with its excellent acoustics.

You will then return to your hotel and rest.

DAY 4

After a delicious breakfast, you will depart to your next destination, Bologna, known as the “cultured (la dotta), red (la rossa) and fat (la grossa) city” for being the headquarters of one of the oldest universities in Europe, because of the color of the buildings and roofs and for its richly delicious gastronomy.

Bologna is one of the best preserved historical cities and has the second largest medieval old town in Europe, after Venice. It is also a perfect example of coexistence between the past and its traditions (such as architecture and Italian gastronomy) and modernity (such as prestigious cultural events and exhibitions).

The tour will start at Piazza Malpighi to marvel at the famous arcades and porticoes until reaching Piazza de Neptuno and Piazza Maggiore, the epicenter of the old town.

Around the squares, there are the most representative buildings that have been preserved since medieval times: the 16th-century Neptune Fountain (they say that if you go around it twice it will bring you good luck), the Communal Palace, the Palace of King Enzo, the Palazzo di Podestá and the Basilica di San Petronio, the oldest church and it was going to be the largest in the world, but it remained in fifth place.

Then you will continue your trip with a visit to the city of Padua, famous for its university and for having one of the most beautiful and beloved churches in Italy, the Basilica of Saint Anthony, known locally as “il Santo”. Finally, you will travel to Venice, a magical city that amazes all who are fortunate to visit it.

DAY 5

After a tasty breakfast, you will climb on a private boat to head to Piazza San Marco to begin your city tour. You will visit: St. Mark’s Square, which began to be built in the 9th century, acquiring its current form in the 12th century, and the Doge’s Palace.

Built in Venetian Gothic style and pink Vernon marble, this palace is considered a coherent hodgepodge of Byzantine and Gothic architecture, along with traces of Late Renaissance architecture. It was the historic seat of the La Serenissima, the Venetian Republic, and sheathes secrets that have rarely left the walls of the Palace.

Also, the palace boasts ornate furnishings, Venetian art pieces, and lavish rooms and house paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, and Bellini. It is a symbol of the glory and power of Venice and the Bridge of Sighs or Ponte dei Sospiri connected it with the prisons that were built across the canal. Legend has it that this famous bridge took its name because prisoners who crossed the bridge on the way to their prison cells or the execution chamber would sign as they caught their last glimpses of Venice through the tiny windows.

After the walking tour, you will be invited to enjoy a “spritz or prosecco“.

You will have the afternoon free to enjoy this wonderful city and an overnight stay at your hotel.

DAY 6

After a delicious breakfast, you will leave on our luxury bus to Montepulciano in the region of the Valle di Chiana in Tuscany famous for its wonderful wines. You will pass through landscapes full of vineyards that will remain engraved on your retina.

Then, you will visit Montepulciano, a picturesque medieval town located on a hill in the center of Italian Tuscany protected by 16th-century Etruscan walls, rich in medieval and Renaissance buildings, and famous for producing one of the oldest and best wines in Italy, the “Nobile di Montepulciano“.

Stands out for their beauty: the Plaza Grande, the heart of the town, located at the highest point of the city with its magnificent Duomo accompanying it, the Tarugi Palace, with its marble-covered facade, and the Church of Santa María dei Servi, one of the symbols of Renaissance art.

You will have lunch in a traditional restaurant and then have some free time to enjoy Montepulciano at your own pace.

After the visit, you will return to your hotel in Rome.

DAY 7

After a refreshing breakfast in the Italian capital, considered the highest expression of the historical, artistic, and cultural wealth of the Western world and therefore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will leave between 07:45 and 08:00 hours to visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Together with the guide and the exclusivity of skipping the lines, you will start with the Vatican Museums, one of the most important art collections in the world. You will see the fantastic Gallery of Geographical Maps, decorated by Gregorio XIII, the Gallery of Tapestries, a collection of different manufacturers from the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Raphael rooms.

Then you will know the incredible Sistine Chapel, one of the most famous and visited monuments in the world, commissioned in the 15th century by Pope Sixtus IV. Thanks to the genius of Miguel Ángel, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience where the frescoes surround the entire space: The Creation of Adam and the incomparable Last Judgment stand out, located on the wall of the altar.

Finally, it will be the turn of the monumental St. Peter’s Basilica, whose works lasted no less than 160 years and in which first-rate artists such as Maderno, Michelangelo, and Bernini worked. The tour will end in Plaza San Pedro.

Then you will have the afternoon free, to continue enjoying the last day in the “Eternal City” at your own pace.

DAY 8

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will arrange a transfer for you to Rome Airport, where you will board your flight to Tangier.

Upon your arrival at Tanger’s airport, our friendly English-speaking assistant will be there to warmly welcome you. He will provide you with all the essential information for your stay in the city and personally accompany you in one of our comfortable private vehicles to your hotel. He will also assist you with the registration process, ensuring a smooth start to your trip.

Tangier is a vibrant multicultural enclave, home to Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities. Throughout history, it has captivated the hearts of numerous renowned artists. Artists like Delacroix, Matisse, Francis Bacon, and writers such as Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett, Truman Capote, and Paul Bowles were drawn to Tanger, seeking inspiration from its vivid colors and enchanting light. Even musicians like Igor Stravinski found inspiration in this artistic haven.

During the 1940s and 1950s, the city of Tangier served as an international zone, attracting artists, eccentric millionaires like Barbara Hutton and Malcolm Forbes, secret agents, and adventurers of all kinds. It was a place of refuge, a playground for the elite, and a paradise for lovers of the finer things in life.

DAY 9

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, you’ll embark on a journey to the captivating city of Chauen, nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains. With its origins dating back to the time of the reconquest of Granada, Chauen held a sacred status for centuries, being off-limits to foreigners. The name “Chefchaouen” in Berber translates to “Looking at the horns,” alluding to the two dominating ridges in the region.

Immerse yourself in the Andalusian influence that graces the blue city, evident in its charming streets, white houses adorned with patios, gabled roofs, and windows painted in shades of blue. The city is divided into two parts: the modern city and the medina. Like any Moroccan city, the medina lies at its heart, and you will pass through one of its seven gates to enter.

Noteworthy attractions within the medina include the vibrant Uta Al Hamman square, the magnificent Great Mosque, the historic Alcazaba, and the picturesque laundries, to name a few.

After this enchanting visit, your journey continues toward Casablanca, where a delightful dinner and comfortable accommodations await you.

DAY 10

After a tasty breakfast, we will visit Casablanca, starting with the Boulevard of the Corniche, the seafront promenade, and the coastal road, through which we’ll reach Anfa (old quarters of the historic city), a famous neighborhood in which its luxurious houses stand out.

The tour will lead to the exterior of the Great Mosque of Hassan II, a monumental and modern work (sliding roof and resistance to earthquakes) that holds the title of the third largest mosque in the world after Mecca and Medina (optionally, you can visit the inside). It is the most representative monument of the 20th century.

We will depart from Casablanca through the road and fertile valleys until we reach Meknes, a World Heritage Site and one of the four imperial cities along with Marrakesh, Fez, and Rabat, the former capital of Morocco.

You will visit the fortified city starting with its walls and great gates: Bab El Mansour Laalej, the largest gate in the country and North Africa; the Agdal pond, built for irrigation in the area; and the Lahdim Square, the epicenter of the city’s activity. Then you will have free time for lunch (optional).

Finally, you will arrive in Fez, where you will stay and have dinner.

DAY 11

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will start our journey with a visit to Fez Royal Palace with its magnificent golden doors. These seven bronze doors, each of different sizes, represent the seven days of the week and the seven levels of the monarchy.

Next, we will explore the Medina, also known as the Old Quarter. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Madrasa Bou Inania, which is an Islamic school. We’ll also see the Nejjarine Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in the medina and the oldest in Fez.

Additionally, we’ll visit the Al-Karaouine Mosque, a significant cultural center of Islam, housing a library with over 30,000 copies. This mosque is also the headquarters of the University of Fez. Lastly, we’ll visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the most revered saint in Morocco.

During our journey, we’ll make a stop in the famous neighborhood of the Tanners, which is truly unique in the world.

Later, there will be an optional lunch opportunity. In the afternoon, we will continue our exploration of Fez, visiting its beautiful artisan neighborhoods that are divided by guilds.

Finally, we will return to our hotel to relax and unwind.

DAY 12

After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, you will go to the imperial city of Rabat, the capital of the kingdom and the second most populous city in Morocco. The visit will begin with the Royal Palace of Rabat and the seat of government, Dar-el-Makhzen, where more than two thousand people reside.

Later you will visit the Kasbah of the Oudaya, a fortified space of Berber origin dating back to the 12th century, a World Heritage Site. You will continue through the Mausoleum of Mohamed V (10 years of work and the collaboration of more than 400 artists), the unfinished Mosque and the Hassan Tower, and monuments of the Berber dynasty of the 12th century.

At the end of the visit, you will have free time for lunch (optional) and then continue the route to Marrakech, where you will have dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 13

After a delicious breakfast, you will begin your visit to the city of Marrakech, the magical red city.

Your visit will begin with the Menara Gardens, on the outskirts of the city. These gardens with a 14-hectare park in the center of which is an immense 12th-century pond. Later you will go to the city center to see the majestic Koutoubia minaret, the twin tower of the Giralda in Seville. You will also visit the Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century.

You will have lunch in the hotel and, later, you will continue the tour in a magical place: the Yemaa el Fna Square, declared a World Heritage Site.

In the morning, you will find sellers of orange juice and other fruit, wicker baskets, souvenirs, sweets, jewelry, dentists, healers, and commissioned writers. This universe becomes particularly fascinating at nightfall when the square is lit up with a thousand lights.

Free afternoon and return to the hotel for accommodation.

DAY 14

After a fabulous breakfast, you will enjoy a day off with half board at the hotel. You can walk at your own pace and enjoy the magic that the city of Marrakech offers you.

You can also choose one of the optional excursions as the tour to the Ourika Valley, a fertile area, with small villages of adobe houses hanging from the slopes of the mountain, or the visit to the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful garden designed by the Frenchman Jacques Majorelle in 1924.

Overnight and dinner at the hotel in Marrakech.

DAY 15

After a fabulous breakfast, you will enjoy the morning at leisure. You can walk at your own pace, enjoy the magic that the city of Marrakech offers you, and take the opportunity to make your last purchases.

At the agreed time you will leave for Casablanca, where you will have time for lunch (optional) and then you will continue the route to Tangier where you will check in at the hotel and enjoy the facilities or go out to enjoy the city during your free afternoon.

At the end of the day, you will have dinner and stay at your hotel in Tangier.

DAY 16

After an exquisite breakfast and at the agreed time, transfer to the Tangier airport.

After spending some fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you say yourself, “Rihlat saeida!“