Morocco Grand Tour: Casablanca to Atlantic Coast – 14 Days

Morocco, welcome! Welcome to Morocco! This large courtyard can accommodate 80,000 worshippers and has room for 25,000 more inside. Non-muslims have the unique opportunity to enter the mosque on a guided tour. They can appreciate the intricate wood, stone, and marble craftsmanship, as well as the basement Hammam. Before heading north, Ingrid Bergman’s and Humphrey Bogart’s fans can stop by Rick’s Cafe for lunch.

North to the capital and imperial city of Rabat. This bustling city has many sights and a rich past.

You can explore the medieval fortification of Chellah Negropoli and the Roman and Islamic ruins. Enter Rabat’s historic city center through the grand entrance of the Kasbah des Oudaias. Enjoy the peaceful escape from the crowds at the Andalusian Garden, a 20th-century landmark. The Hassan Tower is a minaret from the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. It was a 12th-century project abandoned. Today, all that remains is the red sandstone tower at 145 feet (44m) and approximately 200 columns.

As the Rif Mountains transform into mountains, enjoy the drive. A hike to the Cascades d’Akchour Waterfalls of Akchour is a great way to stretch your legs. It’s a hidden gem just outside Chefchaoun. You can either take half a day or go one-half-day and enjoy the natural pools as well as river cafes.

Chefchaouen is a peaceful oasis that has remained largely unchanged since the 15th Century. It also hosts some of the most friendly people in the country. The town’s historic medina (old quarter) is well-known for its blue-washed buildings. You can explore its narrow streets and alleyways, nestled on the hillside beneath 2 peaks ( Chaouen literally means « horns »).

The main square, Plaza Outa el-Hammam is named after the number of hammams that used to surround it. Before you browse the shops selling traditional wares, grab a bite at a cafe or restaurant. To tour the garden, museum, old prison cells, visit the kasbah att. To enjoy a last glimpse of Chefchaouen, climb the trail to the white Spanish Mosque as the sun sets behind them (20-30 minutes).

You may get a half hour of peace while you walk the streets in the morning if you rise early. Some travelers leave early in the morning while others arrive later in the day. This is a great time to take unimpeded photos. Last-minute shopping is possible at many shops that don’t open until the middle of the morning, usually around 10 o’clock.

You will be driving to Fes when you pass Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains Morocco’s finest-preserved Roman ruins. This site was once a vital source of wild animals and agriculture for feasts and celebrations. You can explore the complex today, exploring large merchant houses with visible heating systems beneath, temples, as well as colorful mosaics that are still in very good condition.

You can have lunch in Meknes just a short distance away. Although the city is large, there are 2 main areas of interest: the Ville Imperiale(Imperial City), and the Medina. This is a great warm-up for Fes because it is smaller and less busy and the shopkeepers aren’t as pushy. You can visit gardens, palaces and the magnificent gate of Bab al-Mansour in the Ville Imperiale. Also, there is the Mausoleum of Moulay IIsmail and the Royal Stables. The main attractions of the medina include the scattered souks and the Medersabou Inania (built 1358) as well as Dar Jamai, which is a stunning palace that was built in 1882.

Stop at the Merenid tombs as you approach Fes to take in the beautiful view of the old city and maybe the evening call for prayer. Enjoy dinner in your riad in the medina.

The UNESCO-protected Fes looks much the same as centuries ago, with the largest medina anywhere in the Arab world. However, it has had limited impact since French rule. The city is composed of three main areas: Fes el Bali, the old Fes where you’ll spend the majority of your time, Fes el Jedid (« New Fes ») and the Ville Nouvelle, which were created by the French during their protectorate period (1912-1956).

Begin your 2-day exploration by taking a half-day guided tour of Medina. Here you’ll learn about its history and mix cultures. Moulay Idriss II, the city’s capital, welcomed refugees from Cordoba (southern Spain) and Kairouan (Tunia), both capitals of western Islam. As the city grew organically, their skills in architecture and craftsmanship played an important role. The labyrinth that you see today was created by the city’s growth over the next 100 years.

Begin at Bab Boujeloud, and then follow Talaa Kebira’s main thoroughfare. There are many shops along either side. The outside is blue, which is the traditional color of Fes, and the interior is green, which is the color of Islam. It is almost impossible to not get lost on the roads, which are narrower, windier and steeper than Marrakech’s. This is part of the experience. You can visit souks selling everything from spices to vegetables, leather goods, ceramics, metal, shoes and scarves to medicines.

From the balcony of a local leather shop, you can see the Tanneries Chouara in the middle of the medina. For centuries, the process of soaking in limestone and pigeon droppings, followed by drying on the hillside, has remained unchanged.

The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (built in 859) and the University can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers inside. Although it is restricted to Muslims, there are some places you can see inside and marvel at the beautiful interior. The old student madrasas (dormitories), Medersa Bou Inania, and Al Attarine Madrasa are equally impressive. You can admire the intricate stucco patterns, dark cedar woodwork, as well as the tile work.

Your second day will be spent at Musee Batha, the home of Moroccan arts. You’ll also spend time in Fes el Jedid (« new Fes ») to view the Royal Palace (no one inside) and the Jewish Mellah. Take a cooking class or visit a local artisan collective to learn about leatherwork and ceramics, which are both very popular in Fes.

Create your tour

The UNESCO-protected Fes looks much the same as centuries ago, with the largest medina anywhere in the Arab world. However, it has had limited impact since French rule. The city is composed of three main areas: Fes el Bali, the old Fes where you’ll spend the majority of your time, Fes el Jedid (« New Fes ») and the Ville Nouvelle, which were created by the French during their protectorate period (1912-1956).

Begin your 2-day exploration by taking a half-day guided tour of Medina. Here you’ll learn about its history and mix cultures. Moulay Idriss II, the city’s capital, welcomed refugees from Cordoba (southern Spain) and Kairouan (Tunia), both capitals of western Islam. As the city grew organically, their skills in architecture and craftsmanship played an important role. The labyrinth that you see today was created by the city’s growth over the next 100 years.

Begin at Bab Boujeloud, and then follow Talaa Kebira’s main thoroughfare. There are many shops along either side. The outside is blue, which is the traditional color of Fes, and the interior is green, which is the color of Islam. It is almost impossible to not get lost on the roads, which are narrower, windier and steeper than Marrakech’s. This is part of the experience. You can visit souks selling everything from spices to vegetables, leather goods, ceramics, metal, shoes and scarves to medicines.

From the balcony of a local leather shop, you can see the Tanneries Chouara in the middle of the medina. For centuries, the process of soaking in limestone and pigeon droppings, followed by drying on the hillside, has remained unchanged.

The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (built in 859) and the University can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers inside. Although it is restricted to Muslims, there are some places you can see inside and marvel at the beautiful interior. The old student madrasas (dormitories), Medersa Bou Inania, and Al Attarine Madrasa are equally impressive. You can admire the intricate stucco patterns, dark cedar woodwork, as well as the tile work.

Your second day will be spent at Musee Batha, the home of Moroccan arts. You’ll also spend time in Fes el Jedid (« new Fes ») to view the Royal Palace (no one inside) and the Jewish Mellah. Take a cooking class or visit a local artisan collective to learn about leatherwork and ceramics, which are both very popular in Fes.

Get up bright and early to travel south towards Merzouga. You will ascend the Col du Zad Pass (7.146 feet or 2,178m) through the cedar forests in the Middle Atlas mountain ranges. You will be able to see the Barbary Macaque monkeys in the area. After that, you’ll stop for lunch at Midelt (the apple city) and enjoy the nearby Moulouya River. Continue onwards over Tizi n’Talremt Pass into the Ziz Valley. This valley is known for its hidden oasis and palm tree clusters. You will pass many fortified homes known as ksars along the route, which were built to protect valuable wares such as gold, salt, and spices.

Continue on to Erfoud. This area is well-known for its fossil mining and date festival. You can visit a local collective and learn more about the process as well as meet local artisans. Continue on to Erg Chebbi. This large sea of sand dunes covers an area of 13.5 miles (35 km). The massive dunes are never stationary and move with the wind. Upon reaching Merzouga, climb atop your camel to ride through the dunes to your already-prepared-for-you camp. You can watch the sunset from a nearby sand dunes before you return to your camp to enjoy a delicious dinner by the campfire.

You can also choose to stay in a nearby hotel if you don’t want to spend the night in a Bedouin camp.

You can wake up early to see the desert sunrise. Next, you can visit desert villages and take part in desert adventure sports like sandboarding or ATV tours. You can visit Khemliya nearby to experience traditional Saharan dancing and drumming, before going for a walk around the village. You can leave the dunes behind by stopping in Rissani and entering through its impressive gate. It’s well-known for its livestock auction, so it’s worth taking the time to find the ‘donkey parking area’ to delight your senses.

Continue to Tinerhir. The desert town boasts stunning views of nearby towns that stretch along the river oasis’ length (or 48 km) of palm trees. Today’s final destination is the Todra Valley. The gorge is almost 1,000 feet high (305 m) and was carved by red limestone by the Todra River. Here you can take a leisurely stroll in the gorge, and then relax in the cool waters below.

You can travel along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs from Morocco’s most well-known, Ait Benhaddou. You can pass through the Dades Valley, and stop at Kelaat M’Gouna for a look at the rose bushes. You can see how rose petals are transformed into rose oil and rose water at a rose collective. You might want to stop at Ouarzazate as you travel west to see how the area’s surrounding regions were featured in movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. To learn more about the history and filmmaking of the region, join a movie studio tour.

Enjoy the afternoon at Ait Benhaddou UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the old ksour goes back to the 11th century, when it was an important point along the trans-Saharan trading route. After the crowds have gone, you can wander the streets and alleyways of the old town in the afternoon. The Granary is a great vantage point from which to view the surrounding area and the kasbah. Game of Thrones fans might want to walk down to the river to view the gates that are featured in the HBO series. Enjoy a peaceful dinner with views of the valley long after the crowds have gone.

To begin the climb over the High Atlas mountains, leave Ait Benhaddou. Mount Toubkal is the highest mountain in the range, standing at 13,671 feet (4.167 m). Visit Taddert for a tour of the Argan Oil Cooperative. You will learn about how argan nuts and fruits are processed and even get to sample some! As you descend the High Atlas you’ll notice a drastic change in the landscape and climate as the rocks shift to flat plains from foothills. You will soon be part of Marrakech’s bustle.

After a tiring day on the road, you can relax in your hotel. You may also enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens located behind the Koutoubia Mosque. Jemaa elFna square is alive in the evening with performers, snake charmers and games. There’s also a wide variety of food stalls that offer a great deal of entertainment. You can also enjoy the spectacle from afar by visiting one of the cafes around the square. Enjoy a cup or mint tea with a meal.

Marrakech, also known as the « Red City », is a major economic hub. Its red sandstone walls and buildings are over 1000 years old. Marrakech is Berber-based and has been a major trading center for the Atlas mountain tribes. Marrakech’s lively Jemaa el-Fna Square is where you will find the souks and gardens. To the east, the Koutoubia Mosque, Gardens and Souks are located. The kasbah area (fortification or fortification) includes the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace. The El Badi Palace is to the south. The Majorelle Gardens can be found in the Ville Nouvelle.

A caleche is a horse-drawn carriage that you can board to explore the old quarter of the medina. Fondouks are medieval inns that offered shelter and supplies to merchants and travelers. Many of these have been transformed into large shopping areas, residences, and workshops that you can visit. You can find your way to the Koutoubia Mosque, and enjoy a break from the heat in the gardens with fountains and palms. It is not possible to enter the mosque by non-muslims. However, it is worth visiting its 12th-century foundations as well as its minaret.

Your second day will be spent with your city guide. You’ll visit the Ben Youssef School of Islam and take a half-day trip to discover the stunning detail of this 16th-century building. You will be amazed at the Moroccan craftsmanship: carved cedar and sculpted plaster, arabesques. Islamic calligraphy is also displayed. Visit the prayer hall and wander the dorms that once housed up to 800 students.

Dar Di Said Museum, also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts, houses exhibits of clothing and antiques. It also features beautifully carved Hispano–Moorish decorations. After exploring the complex labyrinthine souks hidden behind regular shops and restaurants, you can indulge your senses. For a variety of spices, woodwork and babouche (traditional Moroccan slippers), visit Souk el Attarin and Souk Chuari. To see how leather hides are dyed, visit Souk des Teinturiers (the dyers’ souk).

Marrakech, also known as the « Red City », is a major economic hub. Its red sandstone walls and buildings are over 1000 years old. Marrakech is Berber-based and has been a major trading center for the Atlas mountain tribes. Marrakech’s lively Jemaa el-Fna Square is where you will find the souks and gardens. To the east, the Koutoubia Mosque, Gardens and Souks are located. The kasbah area (fortification or fortification) includes the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace. The El Badi Palace is to the south. The Majorelle Gardens can be found in the Ville Nouvelle.

A caleche is a horse-drawn carriage that you can board to explore the old quarter of the medina. Fondouks are medieval inns that offered shelter and supplies to merchants and travelers. Many of these have been transformed into large shopping areas, residences, and workshops that you can visit. You can find your way to the Koutoubia Mosque, and enjoy a break from the heat in the gardens with fountains and palms. It is not possible to enter the mosque by non-muslims. However, it is worth visiting its 12th-century foundations as well as its minaret.

Your second day will be spent with your city guide. You’ll visit the Ben Youssef School of Islam and take a half-day trip to discover the stunning detail of this 16th-century building. You will be amazed at the Moroccan craftsmanship: carved cedar and sculpted plaster, arabesques. Islamic calligraphy is also displayed. Visit the prayer hall and wander the dorms that once housed up to 800 students.

Dar Di Said Museum, also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts, houses exhibits of clothing and antiques. It also features beautifully carved Hispano–Moorish decorations. After exploring the complex labyrinthine souks hidden behind regular shops and restaurants, you can indulge your senses. For a variety of spices, woodwork and babouche (traditional Moroccan slippers), visit Souk el Attarin and Souk Chuari. To see how leather hides are dyed, visit Souk des Teinturiers (the dyers’ souk).

After breakfast, head west towards the Atlantic coast and the laid-back beach resort of Essaouira. You will pass through argan forests and vast rolling plains as you travel along this route. You may be able to see goats grazing on argan fruits if you are lucky. This is a rare sight when grass pasture is scarce or unavailable. You can stop at the Argan Oil Cooperative along the way to learn how the valuable and costly oil is extracted from this nut.

You can spend the rest of your day in Essaouira port city, which is a pleasant contrast to the hectic Marrakech. The Skala de la Kasbah, an 18th-century seafront fortress, is a great place to walk along the coast. European engineers designed the wall with old brass cannons that offer views over the Atlantic. Before you head to the beach, take a look at the UNESCO-protected Medina. Jimi Hendrix lovers may wish to take a taxi to Diabat, at the end Essaouira’s beach, where he is said to have spent some time. Enjoy fresh seafood and sunset views from Essaouira as you walk back to Essaouira.

Essaouira, also known as « Windy City », is well-known for its strong alizee trade winds which hit the crescent beach. Enjoy the sunrise to see windsurfers and kiteboarders, or, for those more daring, take a lesson before you return to Casablanca. You can break up the coastal drive into shorter segments with stops at seaside towns along the route.

Private transportation and driver from your accommodation to Casablanca Airport, for check-in.

Depending on where you are departing from, you might want to walk along the Boulevard de la Corniche towards Rick’s Cafe. This is a bar/restaurant/cafe inspired by the film classic, Casablanca. Grab a bite to eat.