Fez/Fès, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, becomes the most impressive. The medieval city was founded in 789 BCE by Idris I, the first ruler of the Idrisid dynasty. His son, Idris II, expanded the city in 808 BCE, turning it into a major political, religious, and cultural center of Morocco.
Walls surrounding the old city of Fès.
Over the centuries, Fès flourished with waves of Arab, Andalusian, and Berber influences, making it the rich and diverse city it is today. Locals regard Fès as the religious capital of Morocco. Serving as the spiritual and intellectual heart of the country, the city has earned designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We depart Casablanca for the 54-mile drive northeast to the city of Rabat. It is sunny and warm; the ocean is a brilliant blue and I relax. We are a group of 16 in a comfortable 32-person bus. Our Moroccan driver is Hassan. I go along for the ride.
The Imperial City of Rabat
Rabat, Morocco’s capital and seventh-largest city, has a metropolitan population of over 1.2 million. Strategically located on the Ocean at the Bou Regreg River, the Almohads founded the city in the 12th century. These people represented a Berber Muslim dynasty who ruled over North Africa and Al-Andalus (Andalusia) from the 12th to the 13th century. In 1170, the Almohads established a naval base in Rabat, meaning “stronghold of victory.”
Let’s first clarify the facts. No one filmed the iconic film Casablanca in Casablanca. Rick’s Café never existed. Whispered rumors were that Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart didn’t even like each other much. The only thing not fictional about the film was that in 1942, World War 2 was raging across Europe and North Africa.
31 March 2025 When March came, my weather at home was stormy, cold and wet. I suppose I could say the month entered like a California Mountain Lion. Today, here in Tanger, March is exiting like a lamb. Many theories attempt to explain the proverb “In like a lion, out Read more
28-30 March 2025 Whether spelled Tangier or Tanger, this vibrant Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar thrives where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans meet. Since Phoenician times (around the 3rd to 4th century BCE), the city has connected Africa and Europe as a strategic cultural crossroads. Its picturesque, whitewashed Read more
Before visiting, I research two items: free walking tours and if Hop on Hop Off buses operate within the city. Tanger offers both. Because of time constraints, we chose to avail ourselves of the Hop On bus tours.
We depart Tanger. Today, we visit two cities of northern Morocco. Picked up at our hotel, we meet Mostafa, our driver, and begin to learn more about Morocco’s culture and history as we drive the scenic route southeast. Actually, I think it represents the only route.
It is early Saturday and streets are empty. Muslims celebrate Ramadan so many enjoy the after sunset hours when they can eat, drink and smoke again. Most are sleeping in.
Driving and drivers appear sane and polite. They wave and honk. I think the honk means “thank you for not hitting me with your car.” I am like Mostafa’s calm demeanor and consideration on the road. At times we were seriously squeezed among cars but Mostafa kept his gentle karma.
