Location: North Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
Capital: Rabat.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Language: Arabic and Berber (French widely spoken).
Time Zone: Western European Time (WET, UTC+0).
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Main Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).
Getting Around: By car and driver for intercity routes (comfortable and flexible). Taxis or walking within city centers — always agree on a price before boarding.
What to Expect
Morocco is a land of contrasts — where the Sahara meets the sea, and ancient medinas pulse alongside modern cafés. The country’s unique blend of Berber, Arab, and European influences gives it a rhythm unlike anywhere else in Africa. Expect vibrant souks, intricate tilework, serene riads, and the call to prayer echoing over terracotta rooftops. With its coastlines, mountains, and desert landscapes, Morocco offers a sensory adventure steeped in history, design, and warm hospitality.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
- Fly into Marrakech and take a taxi to the hotel.
- Stay at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort — a fabulous hotel featured in The Night Manager, home to the only Dior Institute outside of France.
- Alternative: La Mamounia, a legendary palace hotel near Jemaa el-Fna, perfect for travelers seeking historic opulence.
- Have lunch or dinner at Les Jardins de Bala — delicious Moroccan-Indian fusion cuisine with outstanding terrace views.
Day 2: Marrakech — Gardens, Palaces & Local Flavor
- Visit Jardin Majorelle, the vibrant cobalt-blue garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent — a photographer’s dream.
- Step into the YSL Museum, a sleek tribute to the designer’s legacy and love for Morocco.
- Explore the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace, both masterpieces of Islamic art and architecture.
- Sample freshly squeezed orange juice from street vendors — a Marrakech must.
- Have dinner at Al Fassia, one of the city’s most famous restaurants, though somewhat overhyped. Still, it’s a fine spot to sample traditional Moroccan dishes served by an all-female team.
Day 3: Drive to Casablanca
- After breakfast, depart for Casablanca (approx. 240 km, 3–4 hours) with a private car and driver from Bouregreg Travels & Tours.
- Stay at the Sheraton Casablanca Hotel — though the pictures of the hotel were beautiful, we were not too impressed with this hotel.
- Alternative: Four Seasons Casablanca — right on the water and close to the Hassan II Mosque.
- Have dinner at Rick’s Café — an atmospheric homage to the movie Casablanca, with vintage décor, live music, and Moroccan-French cuisine. Make sure to make a reservation in advance!
Day 4: Casablanca → Rabat
- Morning visit to the Hassan II Mosque, a stunning modern masterpiece perched on the Atlantic, partly built over the sea. It’s one of the only mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors.
- After lunch, drive 90 km to Rabat, the country’s elegant coastal capital.
- Stay at La Tour Hassan Palace, a luxurious landmark with Moorish design and serene gardens.
- Have dinner at Dar Naji, a welcoming local favorite serving hearty Moroccan fare in a warm, traditional setting.
Day 5: Exploring Rabat
- Visit Le Tour Hassan, the city’s iconic unfinished minaret, and its adjacent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, both stunning examples of Moroccan craftsmanship.
- Wander through the Kasbah of the Udayas, an ancient citadel with Andalusian gardens, ocean views, and a charming maze of blue-and-white alleys.
- Spend a leisurely evening by the waterfront, soaking in Rabat’s quieter pace.
Day 6: Rabat → Meknes → Fes
- Begin your drive to Fes, stopping at Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.
- Visit Heri es-Souani, the monumental granaries and stables of Sultan Moulay Ismail.
- Stop at Bab Mansour, Meknes’ grand ceremonial gate, famous for its green tiles and arches.
- Continue to Fes and check in at Riad Fes — an exquisite riad combining Andalusian architecture and modern luxury.
- Have dinner at the Gayza restaurant at Riad Fes — refined Moroccan cuisine in a breathtaking courtyard.
Day 7: The Soul of Fes
- Spend the day exploring Fes el-Bali, the ancient walled city — a labyrinth of narrow alleys and souks.
- Visit Bou Inania Madrasa, one of Morocco’s most beautiful Islamic colleges.
- See the Chouara Tanneries, where leather is still dyed in centuries-old vats.
- Tip: Hire a local guide to navigate the medina; it’s easy to get lost, and guides can help fend off persistent vendors (though some steer visitors to preferred shops).
- For your final dinner, indulge at Nur Restaurant — a contemporary, multi-course dining experience that rivals Michelin standards. The setting, within a restored riad, makes for a memorable last night in Fes.
Day 8: Fes → Chefchaouen → Tangier
- Begin your journey north toward Tangier, Morocco’s gateway to Europe.
- En route, stop in Chefchaouen, the famed “Blue Pearl” — a small mountain town known for its cobalt-blue buildings and serene charm.
- Stroll through its alleys, photograph its striking doorways, and enjoy a coffee in one of its tiny cafés.
- Continue to Tangier, perched on the Strait of Gibraltar, where Africa meets Europe.
- Optional: Take the ferry across to Spain if continuing your travels abroad.
