Discovery of Morocco

Welcome to Casablanca! When you’re in Morocco’s main city, don’t miss the Hassan II Mosque—it’s a must-see. Situated by the ocean, it has the world’s tallest minaret at 690 feet (210 m). What makes it even more special is that, unlike most mosques in Morocco, non-Muslims are allowed inside. Take a morning tour to see the beautiful craftsmanship, with hand-carved stone and wood, detailed marble floors, and fancy ceilings.

Next, head to Rabat, the capital city. Explore the old Chellah Necropolis with its mix of Roman and Islamic ruins. Walk through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias into Rabat’s old city, visit the Andalusian Gardens for some peace, and check out the Hassan Tower—a tall structure and the only part left of an incomplete mosque project from the 12th century, along with about 200 columns.

Head north to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Before reaching Chefchaouen, take a break to hike (2-3 hours) through lush vegetation and small pools to discover the hidden gem, Cascades d’Akchour (Waterfalls of Akchour). In the afternoon, relax in the charming atmosphere of Chefchaouen. Preserved since the 15th century, the city exudes a laid-back vibe with some of the friendliest locals. Its historic medina showcases distinctive blue-hued buildings. Explore the narrow streets clinging to the northern mountainside.

Visit Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the main square surrounded by old public baths. Grab a bite at a local restaurant or café, then explore the traditional shops. Tour the Grand Mosque and kasbah (old fortress), including the Kasbah’s garden, museum, and historic prison cells. As evening approaches, climb the path to the abandoned white Spanish Mosque (20 to 30 minutes) for a final panoramic view of Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Start your day early to capture photos of the quiet streets before heading to Fes. Enroute, make a stop at the UNESCO-protected Volubilis ruins, marking the Roman’s furthest reach in Africa. Explore the complex, discovering merchant homes with intact heating systems, temples, and numerous mosaics in their original spots. Move on to the smaller but less crowded city of Meknes, your second historic imperial city. Key attractions include the Ville Impériale (imperial city) and the Medina. Don’t miss the impressive Bab al-Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables.

Continue eastward to your third imperial city, Fes. Its vast and somewhat confusing old medina is worth exploring. Before delving into the medina, drive up the hill to visit the Merenid Tombs just north of the city, offering a panoramic view of historic Fes and its surroundings. Descend the hill and find your way to your riad, a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden. There, enjoy a delicious meal and unwind for the evening.

Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, is a fascinating and historically rich destination. Its medina, unchanged for over a thousand years, is considered the most complete in the Arab world. Recognized as the cultural capital of the country, Fes is made up of three parts: two medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the more modern Ville Nouvelle, influenced by French colonial architecture. Join your guide for a half-day exploration, delving into the history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets of the medinas.

Begin your journey in Fes el Bali at the Bab Boujeloud gate, entering the lively Talâa Kebira thoroughfare. Take in the architectural influences from Spain and Tunisia as you pass by shops and bustling markets. Explore the Chouara Tannery, where men use centuries-old techniques amid dye-filled stone pots. Admire the intricate zellij tilework of the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa before heading to the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter and cemetery, in Fes el Jdid. If time allows, visit Ville Nouvelle to experience a dramatic change in architectural styles.

Start your day early and head south towards Merzouga. As you travel, ascend the Col du Zad pass (7,146 feet or 2,178 m) through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains. Take in the sights of the local Barbary Macaque monkeys, and stop for a delightful lunch in Midelt, known as the ‘apple city,’ overlooking the Moulouya River. Journey over the Tizi n’Talremt pass into the Ziz Valley, famed for its hidden oases and clusters of palm trees. Along the route, catch glimpses of fortified houses, called ksars, strategically built to safeguard valuable goods like gold, salt, and spices.

Continue your adventure to Erfoud, renowned for its date festival and fossil mining. Explore a local collective to gain insights into the process and meet skilled artisans. Move on to Erg Chebbi, an expansive sea of sand dunes spanning 13.5 square miles (35 square km). These colossal dunes are in constant motion, shifting and traveling with the changing winds. Upon arrival in Merzouga, hop on a camel to traverse the dunes and reach your pre-prepared camp. Climb a nearby sand dune to witness the sunset before returning to camp for a delightful dinner, unwinding by the campfire.

Witness the sunrise and then try your hand at sandboarding. Depart from the dunes and make your way to Khemliya for a taste of traditional Saharan village life, originally rooted in Mali. Heading west, pass through a dramatic gate to enter Rissani. This market town hosts a lively livestock auction and boasts a unique “donkey parking lot”—a quirky yet fascinating sight! Proceed to Tinghir, a desert town, before reaching the impressive 984-foot (300 m) deep Todra Gorge. Take your time exploring the gorge and refreshing yourself in the cool waters of the shallow Todra River.

Continue your journey through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, where, despite some falling into disrepair, local families still inhabit others. Keep an eye out for nomads herding their animals along the way. Head west to Kelâat M’Gouna, renowned for its Festival des Roses, offering views of extensively cultivated farmland adorned with fragrant rose bushes. Press on to Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara Desert famed by the film industry. Take part in a studio tour and uncover how the nearby desert landscapes have served as backdrops for numerous films.

Known as the “Red City” due to its red sandstone walls and structures, Marrakesh has a rich history as a crucial trading hub for Atlas mountain tribes and stands as a vibrant former imperial city. Nestled north of the Atlas mountain foothills, Marrakesh boasts Jemaa el-Fna, Africa’s busiest square. Dive into the exploration of Marrakesh’s ancient medina, starting at the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. While non-Muslims can’t enter the mosque, it’s worth admiring its 12th-century foundations and the towering 253 feet (77 m) minaret. Take a stroll through the adjacent garden featuring fountains and pools.

Engage your senses as you navigate the intricate maze of souks hidden behind unassuming restaurants and shops. Explore Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata for an array of spices, woodwork, and babouche (traditional Moroccan slippers). Witness the traditional dyeing methods at Souk des Tenturier or the dyers’ souk, showcasing the vibrant hues of dyed cloth and yarn. Move on to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Quranic school, to appreciate the splendid Moroccan Islamic architecture. Marvel at the intricate details of its interior, including carved cedar ceilings, sculpted plaster, and zellij tiling.

Depending on your flight schedule, you might want to explore the Kasbah area south of Jemaa el-Fna. Once there, take a look at the Saadian Tombs and marvel at the 500-year-old craftsmanship that went into their construction. Wander through the sunken gardens of the 17th-century El Badi Palace as you make your way through the Mellah and reach the 19th-century Bahia Palace. If time allows, consider a visit to the Dar Di Said Museum, also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts, to explore exhibits featuring clothing, antiques, jewelry, and intricately carved Hispano-Moorish decorations made from cedar wood.