How to spend one week in Morocco

How to spend one week in Morocco ?

Morocco is a land where you would never be bored when visiting. Along with its many physical areas, which include extensive coasts, woodlands, deserts, and mountains, it also boasts a diverse mix of cultures, gastronomy, and architecture.

There are influences from Andalusians, Arabs, Berbers, and Sub-Saharan Africans, as well as former European colonial powers and Jews. You can also identify Moroccans for their friendliness and hospitality. Everything comes together to make Morocco an exceptional vacation location.

Morocco is a massive nation. In contrast, it may be tempting to attempt to fit as much into your week as possible, but don’t! Suppose you try to cover too much territory. In that case, you’ll probably spend too much time waiting on public transportation and missing stuff as you rush around the landmarks.

Concentrating on a specific location and incorporating a range of attractions and activities is advisable to gain an excellent all-around picture of the nation.

 

9 Days in Morocco schedule:

• Day 1 Casablanca
• Day 2 Rabat & Moulay Idriss
• Day 3-4 Volubilis to Fes
• Days 5-6 Chefchouen
• Day 7 Tangier
• Bonus: Days 8 – 9 Marrakech

Day 1 Casablanca:

You might believe you’ve arrived in Marseille, France, rather than this North African metropolis. Casablanca was previously a French colony, and its impact can see in both the language and the architecture.

Visit the Hassan II Mosque above the Atlantic Ocean and a 210m minaret to take it all in. This architectural wonder is a must-see as Africa’s biggest Mosque. We feel overwhelmed by its immensity and astounded by the rich internal decorations. A guided tour is highly recommended and will cost you MAD130, but it is well worth it.

Then go to the historic medina inside the city walls. Try not to get disoriented as you wander over the small winding lanes that take you from one joy to the next. Consider the following: spices, rose water, Argan oils, and jewelry. Practice your bargaining skills as you score one after another before pausing to enjoy the tasty local delicacies while sipping mint tea.

If you want to do additional shopping, leave your baggage at the new medina, Quartier Habous, on Boulevard Victor Hugo. Alternatively, you may visit the Villa des Arts if you’re exhausted after day one. This modern art deco mansion also serves as a museum and gallery, and it’s a terrific way to spend an hour in Casablanca.

If you have time, take a quiet walk around the Corniche after dusk and pull yourself a chair at one of the cafés to admire the sights while breathing in the sweaty Seabreeze.

Day 2 Rabat & Moulay Idriss:

Take a one-hour trip from Casablanca to Morocco’s capital city. Rabat is a rich trove of Islamic monuments and French-inspired gardens.

While touring Kasbah des Oudaias, go through the historic area with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Please take a minute to savor the Gnawa musicians’ traditional music as you gaze down its cliffs to the Bou Regreg River below.

Then, move to the historical pilgrimage of Moulay Idriss. This old village, which was once restricted to non-Muslims, is now open to anyone and provides an incredible chance to immerse yourself in authentic Moroccan life. Moulay Idriss I, Mohammed’s great-grandson, was credited with introducing Islam to Morocco. Today, dedicated locals and visitors pay their respects to his grave.

Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime chance to spend the night in a resident’s house, experiencing Moroccan hospitality and learning about local culture.

Day 3-4 Volubilis to Fes:

Get there before the masses and see the Volubilis ancient site. This once-provincial Roman capital had designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Imagine the magnificent empire that flourished here as you stand among these Roman ruins.

The Basilica was at its zenith before the demise of Roman power in 285 AD. Volubilis, formerly economically reliant on the export of olives and wheat to Rome, was a center of large aristocratic homes, with around 20 000 occupants.

These ruins are the product of 17th-century pillaging and a terrible earthquake in 1755. We suggest hiring a guide to make the most of your time at this Moroccan attraction.

Make your way back to Meknes when ready to return to the present. Now is an ideal time to unwind in a beautiful café in the medina while enjoying a camel burger.

Later in the afternoon, take the train to the fascinating city of Fes. One hour from Meknes, you’ll experience sensory overload. Fes is known around the globe as Morocco’s cultural center. In all its medieval splendor, this city exudes authenticity like any other.

Enter the historic medina via the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), and you’ll see why this car-free zone is such a charming maze. It’s a frenetic trip through Fes’s small lanes dotted with mosques, souks, and donkeys packed high with goods.

Begin your day with devotional chants and spend the day touring Fes. Allow a guide to travel you around the magnificent architecture of Medersa Bou Inania and Al Attarine, two Islamic institutions with elaborate decorations and mosaic motifs. Then visit the souk to see the quality of traditional tapestries in the making and artists shaping leather into gorgeous shoes and purses.

Visit the famed 11th-century Chaouara Tannery; at the N10 leather store. You may obtain access to possibly the best view in the city. Some people may find the smell of ammonia and rawhide intolerable. Aside from the stinky sights, this tannery employs age-old procedures to cure skin with natural colors. Seeing this in action is well worth the effort.

If you have time, visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), distinguished by its white encased tombstones, or check out a traditional hammam (bathhouse) for an excellent cleansing and massage.

Moroccan food will spoil you for choice in the evening. Wander the streets, savoring brochettes (kebabs) or chicken-stuffed pastillas (meat pies) with the obligatory side of couscous.

Days 5-6 Chefchouen:

You would not finish a vacation to Morocco without a stop in Chefchaouen, commonly known as the Blue City of Morocco.

Explore its streets adorned with blue and white buildings and spend hours photographing the perfect stairs! Chefchaouen – the Blue City – boasted Spanish charm and was originally a haven for Andalusians from the Reconquista. Nowadays, it serves as a base for interested visitors to explore the nearby mountain gorges and scenic peaks through trekking.

The peaceful break in the middle of your wonderful Moroccan trip will come at a welcome time since there is a lot to see and do in only two days. Visit the Grand Mosque, or take a stroll around the medina and enjoy some local cuisine at a café in the Plaza Uta el-Hammam, including the delicious goat’s cheese.

Non-muslins are not allowed to enter, but the outside is worth a stroll, and the Kasbah museum is just next door. The museum is a rich mine of Moroccan history, and a trip up its tower rewards you with stunning views of the sky-blue city.

If you’re feeling active, go for a walk and picnic in the nearby hills by a tiny waterfall, which is particularly gorgeous from April to June. Reward yourself with a slow-cooked tagine loaded with aromatic spices, including turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika. Finish with some sweet mint tea while watching the sunset and calling it a day.

Day 7 Tangier:

Travel to Tangier for another 3 hours on the road. If you are traveling with a group, you will most likely have a private bus to drive you down the N2 toward the tranquil seaside town of Tangier. Tangier, formerly a playground for artists and secret operatives, situates on the Strait of Gibraltar, linking Europe and Africa.

While in Tangier, visit the Place de a France in the Ville Nouvelle (new town), which lines with cafés and patisseries. In the southwest part of the medina, see the American Legation Museum (MAD20 entrance), which documents the diplomatic mission of 1821. Enchant yourself with masterpieces by Eugene Delacroix and Yves Saint Laurent.

The Kasbah, perched high above the city on a hill, provides stunning vistas in all directions. Seek out the ancient Sultan’s palace (Dar el-Makhzen), which dates back to the 17th century and has enthralling Moroccan art.

Explore the beach promenade as twilight sets and treat yourself to a delicious seafood meal at the port. The best use of your time would be to take an overnight sleeper train this evening to Marrakech, allowing you to make the most of your time there.

Bonus: Days 8 – 9 Marrakech:

Arrive early to have the whole day exploring Marrakech. Immerse yourself in the bustling city and its unique scents, captivated by its authentic Moroccan charm. Budget wisely to make the most of Marrakech’s offerings. Try a cooking lesson for the Tagine art (MAD640) and grab a handmade Tagine for home experiments. Explore the city or Palmery on a horse ride (MAD350).

For a tired yet spectacular view, opt for a hot air balloon trip over the Middle Atlas Mountains (MAD 2050). Explore gems in the medina, including Palais Bahia (MAD 70 entrance) and Palais Badi (MAD 70 entrance). Discover Saadian tombs nearby (MAD70 to explore). Djemaa el Fna comes alive at night with street food and entertainment.

On the second day, start at the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Visit Jardin Majorelle (MAD70) and Ben Youssef Medersa (MAD40 entry). End your trip with a traditional hammam experience (MAD250 or MAD750 deluxe). Return to Djemaa el Fna for a final sensory feast or opt for a cuisine tour with a helpful guide before heading back to your riad.

Conclusion:

Now that you know more about Morocco, we hope your journey to this country will not be too overwhelming. At last, we hope you will have a pretty good idea of what it’s like to travel to Morocco.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What you should pack For an eight-day in ?

Your one-week packing list should be similar to your regular wardrobe. However, you should consider what to dress while visiting Morocco since it is a conservative nation. Although clothing regulations are not enforced, we strongly advise you to cover your shoulders and legs. There are, nevertheless, a few essentials to keep in mind:

• Sandals – You’ll undoubtedly want comfortable sandals for wandering the streets.
• Sneakers – There will be a couple more long-distance hikes so sneakers will be helpful.
• Due to the heat, loose-fitting, light-colored clothes are strongly advised.
• Warmer clothes, such as fleece and socks, since it might become chilly at night
• You may wear a scarf in a variety of ways!
• A tiny cross-body bag – Morocco’s major towns can have a few pickpockets.
• Sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and sunglasses are great ways to shield yourself from the sun.
• Any technology, such as an international adaptor.
• Tissues, hand sanitizer, and Imodium

Is a 8 days in Morocco Sufficient?

Naturally, there is so much to do in Morocco that a week would barely scratch the surface. However, this 7-day guide to the ultimate Morocco vacation is more than enough.

What is the cost of a stay in Morocco?

Costs vary, as they do with most things in life. So, how much money do you plan to spend in Morocco for a week? It all depends.

A backpacker in Morocco would spend roughly 40-60 USD / 30-47 GBP per day, while a mid-range visitor may spend 120-130 USD / 93-100 GBP. Luxury prices start at 350 USD / 270 GBP and go higher.

A one-week trip is one of the most cost-effective ways to experience Morocco. African Overland Tours provides a 7–8-day journey for around 530 USD / 410 GBP per person.

Is it Safe to visit the Country?

In a nutshell, absolutely. Being a victim of a serious crime is very rare to happen to a visitor. Morocco is a very safe location – even single female travel in Morocco is entirely secure. Pickpockets, for example, should be avoided, especially in major cities.