Morocco
My 3-Week Morocco Itinerary
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9
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10
Chefchaouen 3 nights
Fes 4 nights
The Desert 2 nights
Dades 1 night
Marrakesh 4 nights
Essaouira 1 night
Budget & Departure
Casablanca
2 nights
Accommodation: This $20/night airbnb with rooftop view
Highlights: Hassan II Mosque Tour
Where to Eat: La Sqala (+ any street food)
The largest city in Morocco, Casablanca is the ideal launch point for any Morocco trip, offering an immersive introduction to the sights and sounds of North Africa while feeling less touristy than Marrakesh. After exploring the enormous Hassan II Mosque, you can spend hours simply strolling the streets of the medina browsing handmade goods or sipping on freshly-squeezed orange juice.
Rabat
2 nights
Accommodation: This 2BR oceanside airbnb for $75/night
Highlights: King's Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Where to Eat: Dar Naji
Morocco's capital city, Rabat is home to the official residence of the king of Morocco (currently Mohammed VI), as well as the mausoleum of Mohammed V, the current king's grandfather. It seemed to be the wealthiest of the cities we visited, with impressive infrastructure and public transportation, and all types of cuisine. Though I appreciated the refreshing change-of-pace from the hustle and bustle of Morocco's other cities, I would not consider Rabat to be a priority if you are limited by time.
Tangier
2 nights
Accommodation: This 5-story, $80/night airbnb with insane view
Highlights: Sunset at Phoenician Tombs, medina markets, kasbah
Where to Eat: Le Salon Bleu, Chez Hassan
Situated on Morocco's northernmost tip, Tangier is the country's gateway to Europe, with the shores of Spain within sight of the city's beaches. Indeed, Europe's presence is felt in Tangier, as French is the language of choice and the streets teem with tourists in search of deals. The mild coastal climate lends itself to all-day outdoor activities, so be sure to hit the beach after browsing the Berber rugs, and soak up a spectacular sunset from the cliffs of the Phoenician tombs.
Chefchaouen
3 nights
Accommodation: This $70 luxury riad with terrace breakfast
Highlights: Spanish Mosque, Akchour waterfalls, Airbnb experiences
Where to Eat: Restaurant Hicham, street food
Nestled among the rolling hills and jagged mountains just inland of Tangier is the Instagram-famous blue city of Chefchaouen. My favorite of the cities we visited, Chefchaouen deserves more than a day trip, as you'll be charmed by its slow pace and easygoing energy. Hike to the Spanish Mosque overlooking the city for an unbeatable sunset, spend a day swimming under the Akchour waterfalls, and wander the winding blue streets in search of authentic Berber rugs. It was also here that we discovered Airbnb Experiences, which became our go-to source for unique local activities for the rest of the summer.
Fes
4 nights
Accommodation: This $35 guest house in the heart of the medina
Highlights: Leather tanneries, medina shopping, and Airbnb Experiences (walking tour and cooking class)
Where to Eat: Al Oud, Le Tarbouche
Just north of the Atlas Mountains lies the sprawling medina of Fes, Morocco's second largest city. Regarded as the country's spiritual and cultural capital, Fes not only hosts a number of mosques dating back to the ninth century, but it is also home to the Madrasa (University) of al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest continually operating educational institution in the world. Spend your days meandering through the winding medina streets, finding a bird's eye view of the famous Chouara leather tannery, and climbing to the Tombe dei Merenidi ruins to witness their spectacular views of the city and the surrounding hills.
Sahara Desert
2 nights
Accommodation: TopDesert Luxury Camp Merzouga
Highlights: Amazigh nomad camp visit, Gnaoua musicians performance, ATV desert tour, camel ride
Where to Eat: Meals provided through tour company
The most highly anticipated part of the entire trip, our experience in the Sahara Desert surpassed all expectations. Entrusting ourselves to a tour company, we were able to be relieved of all logistical duties for a time and enjoy the vast beauty and solitude of this natural wonder. Our hosts ensured our days were full of activities while still leaving time to decompress by the bonfire at night, and delivered us safely and seamlessly from Fes to Merzouga to Marrakesh. Sip tea with nomads, race ATVs, ride camels into the sunset, and scale the dunes to view this orange sea stretching endlessly in all directions.
Dades
1 night
Accommodation: Hotel Xaluca Dades (included with Top Desert tour)
Highlights: Hand-made Berber rugs, Dades gorge, Atlas Studios, Glaoui Kasbah
Don't rush the journey from Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes to Marrakesh — so much of the country lies in between, and you'd be remiss not to see the sights along the way. Sip on refreshing mint tea while learning about the centuries-old Berber art of rug-making, tour Morocco's largest film studio where Gladiator and Game of Thrones were shot, and explore a 19th-century castle that once belonged to the richest family in Morocco. Whichever activities you choose, make this a road trip to remember.
Marrakesh
4 nights
Accommodation: The charming Riad Safir in the medina, and/or this penthouse in the new city.
Highlights: Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Ben Youseff madrasa, Airbnb Experiences (walking tour and street food tour)
Where to Eat: Zeitoun Cafe
Whether you are beginning or ending your journey in Marrakesh, its endless energy and rich history will excite and enliven you. Admire the world-class craftsmanship on display in the Ben Youseff madrasa and the Bahia Palace, navigate through snake charmers and kofta carts in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and discover new flavors on a Moroccan street food tour. Once you're done exploring the medina, head out to the new city for a taste of modern Morocco.
Essaouira
1 night
Accommodation: The lovely Villa Garance, a riad conveniently located in the medina in walking distance of the beach.
Highlights: Surf lessons, Gnaoua World Music Festival
This seaside town boasts a rich history of trade and diplomacy, but is best known across the world today as a popular destination for water sports, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing. Shop the many artists' stands and galleries, hit the waves for a surf lesson, and immerse yourself in the musical heritage of North Africa, all while basking in Essaouira's refreshing take-it-easy attitude. After the mayhem of Marrakesh, retreat to Essaouira for milder temperatures and easier days.
Final Thoughts
Departure & Budget
If you're wondering just how much this all costs, look no further. I break down our expenses transparently and precisely in order to help you figure out where you can cut corners in budgeting for your own trip.
Plus, catch a glimpse of where we'll be heading next...