Morocco

From beautiful, traditional Moroccan architecture, to mouth-watering cuisine, tantalizing aromas and fragrances, colorful and crowded souks, and breathtaking landscapes from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast, to the Atlas mountains, and the massive sand dunes of the Sahara desert, Morocco offers a dazzling array of experiences that overload your senses.

Destinations

Key sights to see

Casablanca

Located on Morocco's Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the country's largest city and busiest port with a population of around 3.7 million. The most famous monument in the city is the King Hassan Mosque, the largest functioning mosque in Africa, with the world's second tallest minaret at a height of 210 meters (689 ft.), and a maximum capacity of 105,000 worshippers. Most people associate the city with the 1945 romantic film of the same title, starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart.

Fez

Founded in the 8th-9th century CE, Fez is the oldest of the four imperial cities of Morocco. The city has two old medina quarters, the Fes el-Bali, the oldest walled part of the city, and Fes el-Jdid, which is also the location of the Royal Palace. The third part of Fez, called the Ville Nouvelle, was founded during the French colonial era. The city is also famous for the Choura tannery, which dates back to the 11th century, and is considered one of the oldest tanneries in the world.

Marrakesh

Founded in 1070, Marrakesh is the second of Morocco's four imperial cities. The walls of the city, constructed in red sandstone around 1122-1123, give the city the nickname of "the Red city" or "Ochre city." It is famous for its colorful souks, Moorish architecture, intimate gardens, boutique hotels, mouth-watering cuisine, and many architectural jewels. The central medina quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the world famous Plaza Jamaa El Fna is typically buzzing with activity.

Meknes

Founded in the 11th century as a military settlement, Meknes is the third imperial city of Morocco. It became the capital of Morocco briefly from 1672-1727, and during this period the Sultan Moulay Ismail built a massive imperial palace complex. The most famous attractions in the town are the grandiose Bab el-Mansour gateway, the medina, and the nearby towns of Volubilis, Morocco's most famous Roman ruins, and Moulay Idriss, named after the country's most venerated saint.

Volubilis

Located about 33 km north of Meknes, Volubilis is a partly excavated Berber city, an important Roman outpost, and the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco. It is commonly considered to be the ancient capital of the kingdom of Mauritania. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, it is famous for the many beautiful mosaics preserved in situ. The site is most magical either early in the morning or around dusk, when the last rays of the sun light the ancient columns.

Chefchaouen

Founded in 1471 as a small kasbah (fortress), Chefchaouen, which translates to "blue pearl," is an artsy village known for its blue houses and alleyways which lend it a somewhat ethereal and magical atmosphere. There are several theories for why the walls are painted blue. The village is the perfect place to relax at the great restaurants and traditional hotels (riads), walk around, explore, and take incredible photographs.

Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains extend some 2,500km across northwestern Africa, spanning Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The three ranges of the Atlas mountains in Morocco, the Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Little Atlas or Anti-Atlas, separate the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline from the Sahara Desert. The High Atlas range, the most visited, is the highest mountain range in Africa, and home to Mount Toubkal, which is nearly 14,000 feet high.

Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate (war-zazat), nicknamed the "door of the desert," is a city in the south-central region of Morroco. Historically, the Taourirt Kasbah in the town was a trading location for people from the Atlas, Draa and Dadès Valleys. It is also the home of The ‘Ouallywood’ movie studios where several famous films like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), and Kingdom of Heaven (2005) were shot.

Ait Ben Haddou

The historic ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou, close to Ouarzazate, dates back to the 11th century and the Almoravid period, but none of the current buildings are believed to date before the 17th century. It is considered to be a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several famous Hollywood films have been shot here including Gladiator, The Mummy, and The Living Daylights (James Bond).

Merzouga

Located on the edge of the Sahara desert, Merzouga serves as the gateway to the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes that shimmer in glowing hues of gold and red with the shifting light. The spectacular desert landscapes best seen by camel safaris or off-road vehicles, the carpet of stars at night, and the warmth of the traditional Berber villages, make Merzouga and Erg Chebbi an unforgettable destination.

Rabat

Founded in the 12th century, Rabat is the most recent of the four imperial cities of Morocco, and Morocco’s political and administrative capital since 1955, when the country achieved independence from the French. Located on the Atlantic ocean, at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, the city has a well preserved medina that is listed a World Heritage site, a clean central beach, an intact kasbah, and a large, international diplomatic community.

Essaouira

Known as the "Wind City of Africa" for its famous coastal wind, the beautifully named Alizee, or Taros in Berber, Essaouira (essa-weera) is an enchanting town with a vibrant blue and white medina, sand-colored ramparts, imposing stone gates, spice-scented lanes, palm-lined avenues, a colorful port filled with bobbing fishing boats, and a beautiful beach. As indicated by its name, which means "little picture" in Arabic, the town is a dream location for a painter.

Tangier

Separated from the European continent, and Spain, by only the 20 miles of the Straits of Gibraltar, Tangier is an interesting cosmopolitan mix of European and African influences. In the 1940s and 50s, several famous writers like Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams spent time here. Today the city is more modern, but there is also a medina (old walled city) that has alleyways filled with shops and teahouses, and a Kasbah, located high on a hill above the city, that offers great views of the ocean.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

Camel Safari, Sahara Desert

Experience the stark beauty and grand solitude of the Sahara Desert on a camel safari, with nothing around you except bright orange sand, and a vast sky that is crystal clear in the day, and filled with millions of bright stars at night. Visit kasbahs and lush fertile oases, and enjoy nomadic hospitality.

Full Day Tour of Marrakech

Start your tour by the Koutoubia Mosque, then enter the Kasbah from the Bab Agnaou gate and walk to the Badii palace, the Bahia palace and the Jewish quarter. Next, visit the Koubba of the Almoravids, the oldest building in the city, before exploring the artisan quarters, souks, and the famous Jemaa El Fna square.

Full Day Tour of Fez

Explore Fez el Bali (old Fez) and visit the food and spice stalls, handicraft quarters, auction squares, the world famous Choura tannery, the amazing 14th century Medersa and the al-Qarawiyyin mosque. Visit the royal palace of King Hassan, and then Fez El Jedid (new Fez) to see what was the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco.

Tour of Rabat

Discover Rabat, the capital of Morocco and the residence of the King. Visit the ancient roman ruins in the Kasbah of Chellah, the main gate of Bab Errouah, the fortified Kasbah Oudaya, including the 17th century royal residence and its Andalusia style garden, the Mohamed V Mausoleum, the medieval Hassan Tower, and the King’s residence.

Tour of Meknes

Tour the city of Meknes, the capital of Morocco in the 17th century. Visit the city’s highlights including the impressive granaries and stables built by the Sultan for his cavalry, the Mausoleum of the King located inside a beautifully built mosque, the monumental gate of Bab El Mansour, and the colorful food market.

Tour of Volubilis

Take a guided tour through the World Heritage Site of Volubilis, the largest of the Roman colonies established in Morocco between the 1st and the 2nd centuries AD. View the amazing colorful mosaics, and remains of Roman monuments such as the Basilica, the Temple, and the Arch of Triumph.

Half Day Tour of Chefchaouen

Experience the atmosphere as you walk through the busy squares and steep alleyways, past the blue and white lime-washed houses of Chefchaouen. Feel the charm of the Outa-el-Hammam square in the cobblestone medina, then sit in a cafe and enjoy the grand view of the Tarik-Ben-Ziad mosque. Finally, visit various basket-making and pottery workshops.

Half Day Tour of Casablanca

Visit the iconic Hassan II mosque, which reflects the beauty and intricacy of Moroccan traditional arts, then drive through the 1930’s streets and boulevards of Casablanca, built during the French protectorate, and see various example of art deco architecture. Finally visit the church of Casablanca to admire the stained glass windows.

Tour of Ait-Ben-Haddou

Visit the Kasbah of Taourirt , then drive across a spectacular barren plateau with film sets and studios where movies like Lawrence of Arabia have been shot. Stop at the village of Ait Ben Haddou, a great example of traditional Berber architecture, and a movie set for famous films like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven.

Hot Air Balloon Flight, Marrakesh

Drive early in the morning to a location at the north of Marrakesh, and fly over the desert in a hot air balloon. Watch the sun rise over the Atlas mountains, and spectacular views of the Agafay desert and the city of Marrakesh. Enjoy breakfast under a Berber tent before returning to the city.

Accommodations

Great places to stay

Hyatt Regency, Casablanca

Centrally located, 2000 feet away from Casablanca’s old medina and markets and just 1.9 miles from the Hassan II mosque, the Hyatt Regency is a luxury hotel that offers a 24/7 fitness center and spa, a steam, sauna and massage room, two squash courts, fine dining with live music shows, and rooms with great views.

Riad Fez Relais & Châteaux, Fez

Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux, located in the heart of Fez, is renowned for its luxury, impeccable service, fine restaurant and spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains. With a Spanish Moorish architecture and decor reminiscent of Arabian Nights, Riad Fes allows guests to experience the authentic lifestyle of Fassi nobility.

Palais Amani, Fez

Palais Amani, a traditional Riad that provides refined dining, fifteen spacious rooms, a library, a living area, a rooftop bar, a spa, and much more, is just a few minutes away from the old medina. Their luxurious hammam offers the best Hammam experience, with an exfoliation room, showers, and a relaxation area.

La Maison Arabe, Marrakesh

Since opening in 1946, La Maison Arabe has achieved a legendary status in Marrakech. Ideally situated in the medina, the hotel includes 32 rooms and suites, most with private terraces and fireplaces, 3 restaurants, a piano bar, a world-famous cooking school as well as a new spa including a traditional hammam.

Royal Mansour, Marrakesh

Designed by King Mohammed VI, the Royal Mansour is the epitome of luxury. Over 1,500 of the country’s best artisans produced the acres of geometric mosaics, carved cedarwood, intricate stuccowork, and beaten and cut bronze and silver furniture. The rooms are layered in opulent marbles, thick silk carpets, embroidered damask curtains, and chandeliers by Baccarat.

Villa Mandarine, Rabat

Set in an orange grove, La Villa Mandarine offers contemporary, individually decorated rooms, with a private balcony offering views of the gardens. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a range of cuisine, an outdoor heated swimming pool, massage room and hammam, and fitness room. The beach is only 20 minutes away.

Sahara Majestic Luxury Camp, Merzouga

Located in the iconic sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi desert near Merzouga, the Sahara Majestic Luxury camp offers 360 degree views of the desert, luxury private tents, and multiple activities like camel safaris, ATV/quad rides on the dunes, sandboarding and traditional music and dinner by a campfire.

Morocco

Destinations

Activities

Accommodations

Map

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