Day 1 - In Casablanca, we visited the enormous Hassan II Mosque. We weren't allowed inside (although were granted a quick look) but could stroll the grounds. The tilework was spectacular! We then caught a train to Meknes.

Day 2 - We started the day off with the visit to the medina (old town center). We wandered through the seemingly endless souks (markets) and ended up buying a small carpet. We passed through the monumental Bab el-Mansour gate and entered the Imperial City (the old palace section of the city). Our first stop was Moulay Ismail's mausoleum which was spectacularly decorated! We then took a very long walk out to the Heri es-Souani granaries and vaults.

Day 3 - We took a bus to Volubilis, one of the Roman Empire's most remote outposts. We hired a personal guide to show us through the many different buildings. We met another employee who invited us over for dinner.

Day 4 - We joined up with some folks and all piled into a large taxi that drove us to Azrou, located in the Middle Atlas mountains. We hired a guide to take us for a hike among massive trees and semi-wild monkeys. We then shared a dinner of couscous with his family.

Day 5 - In the morning, we explored downtown Azrou before catching a taxi to Fes. We then wandered the streets of the walled city. A few sites were Medersa Bou Inania (a former Qur'an school), Medersa el-Attarine and the tanning pits. We had dinner in a former palace.

Day 6 - We took an 8-hour trainride to Marrakesh, where we got a hotel overlooking the main square of Place Djemma el-Fna.

Day 7 - Our first stop was the impressive Saadian tombs. After wandering through some souks, we paid visits to the large Koutoubia mosque and the ruins of Palais el-Badi. We spent a lot time exploring the magnificent Palais de la Bahia. At sunset, we got dinner from the giant food market.

Day 8 - Again we watched the city awaken from our rooftop. Today we decided to partake in the snake charmers and, yes, actually kiss a snake. We stopped by the large Ali ben Youssef Medersa and even got to explore the second story. We then took in the Museum of Moroccan Arts located in the palace of Dar Si Said. And again, we finished the day at the spectacular evening food market.

Day 9 - It was time to fly home.

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