From Fez, we drive to Rabat but with a few stops along the way. After passing another huge reservoir and seeing some beautiful countryside we make a brief visit to the ancient city of Volubilis.

The ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis date back to the mid 2nd century. A very far outlying Roman city, it was based on trade of olives and olive oil. It developed into a large city of maybe 20,000 people at one time over about 100 acres. There were several large villas here with beautiful courtyards and mosaic tile floors - many which have been restored. The Romans lost the city to local Berber tribes around 285 and never came back. By the 11th century, the city of Fez became the seat of power for the region, and many people were moved to another “new” city, just a few miles away leaving Volubilis.

In 1755 the Lisbon earthquake devastated what remained of the city, and in the late 19th century the city would be excavated by the French and later restoration efforts would take place. Volubilis is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is well worth a visit if you are passing through.

Now we head to Rabat, and after a brief stop to see the local market we visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. The tower and accompanying mosque were to be the largest built, in the late 12th century, until the sultan died and all work stopped. Then the Lisbon earthquake further devastated the walls in the 18th century - but what remains is still quite amazing. The Mausoleum was built in the late 1950’s and serves as a tomb for Mohamed V and his two sons (his grandson is the current king - Mohammed VI).

We walk the Medina in Rabat (relatively small by comparison to Fez or Marrakech), and spend the night at another beautiful Riad. Wonderful street art here, and being right next to the Atlantic helped to keep it cool at night.

The next morning we head back to Marrakech, but first with a stop in Casablanca. A chance to visit the Hassan II Mosque, and an opportunity to have a gin and tonic at Rick’s Cafe of course with the “usual suspects”.

The Hassan II Mosque is amazing - it took nearly 3,000 construction workers and an additional 10,000 craftsmen 7 years to complete, working 24 hours a day (in 3 shifts). The building is capable of holding 25,000, and an additional 80,000 can be accommodated in the plaza outside - and during Ramadan it is completely full. Materials were all (95%) from Morocco including a retractable cedar ceiling. The minaret is the worlds tallest at 689 ft (60 stories), and the Mosque itself is the 3rd largest in the world. We took the tour, which was maybe only 30 minutes, and was worth it to see this building.

Back to Marrakech now for our last few nights, with one more day-trip to Essaouira. First we stop to see “goats in trees”. The “story” is that these goats eat the argan fruit, and then excrete the nuts which are then used to make the oil. Not quite sure I buy into all of that, especially when you think of all the products that contain Argan Oil, and just how many goats it would take to make this happen - however, it’s a good photo opportunity, and I’ll just choose to believe it’s true for now. Then to Essouira for a quick walk-through of the Medina at this historic port city, and some fish and chips!

A little time to rest back in Marrakech, and then we will head on to Lisbon. Morocco was a wonderful trip - I think taking a tour like this is really the way to go to see as much of the country as possible in a short time. Our driver, Rachid was wonderful, getting us to all of our destinations safely, and setting up all of the small tours. We must have traveled over 1,000 miles in the 6 days we were away from Marrakech, and all of it was great.

On to Portugal!

Cheers,

Tim & Eileen