Sidebar Menu
Morocco
Country info
Square area:
446,550 km²
Population:
36 milllion
Capital:
Rabat
Currency:
Moroccan dirham (MAD)
Language:
Arabic
Religion:
Islam
Political:
Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
English:
Well-spread
Safety level
Morocco is a quite safe country and the government is doing a lot keeping it that way. There are only small crimes there - scams and pickpocketing.
Morocco is a spectacle of contrasts. From the snowcapped Atlas mountains to the orange dunes of the Sahara. From the earthy medinas to the glazed cities. From the blue-washed Chefchaouen town to the harlequin displays of spices and textiles in souqs (markets).
From the calls to prayer echoing above flat rooftops to the deafening silence of its deserts. From energetic haggling to friendly conversations. From the relaxing mint tea to the elevating hashish: Morocco is a country where the opposites come together beautifully.
- Wander Morocco’s medinas, maze-like historic centers brimming with Arabian heritage and traditional crafts.
- Like the Berber nomads, trek in the Atlas Mountains or ride a camel into the sunset in Merzouga desert.
- Discover the reddish, earthen clay architecture of Morocco’s south in the towns of Ait-Benhaddou and Ouarzazate.
- Cool off by the cascades of the Ouzoud Falls or in the exotic Marjorelle gardens in Marrakesh.
- Contrast the cooperatives along the Essaouira road of argan oil to the designer fashion outlets in Marrakesh.
THE
CONTRASTS
OF
MOROCCO
Perfect For
Architecture
Photography
Food
Markets
Itinerary ideas
DAY 1
Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by your private chauffeur for a transfer to the blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains.
DAY 2
En route to Fes, stop at the UNESCO protected ruins of Volubilis followed by visit to Meknes. The city of Meknes features numerous sites such as the Ville Impériale, medina, Bab al-Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables.
DAY 3
Fes, a UNESCO protected site, is home to the oldest university in the world - University of Al Quaraouiyine. During the day, visit Fes el Jdid and the old part Fes el Bali to see and taste different goods sold on souks.
DAY 4
Proceed south toward Col du Zad and through Middle Atlas mountains. Moulouya River, Ziz Valley's oasis, ksars houses, fossil rocks in Erfoud are just some of the wonders en-route to the dunes near Merzouga.
DAY 5
Visit the village of Khemliya to hear traditional drums, and Rissani on the way to Tinerhir. Our final stop is the Todra Gorge, carved by the Todra River. Enjoy the stroll in the town or take a refreshing swim in the river.
DAY 6
Moving on to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. En route, stop and smell the amazing roses in Kela'a M'gouna. Hear interesting stories on Moroccan cinema by visiting the Ouarzazate region.
DAY 7
On your way to Marrakech, you will be able to see Mount Toubkal, country's highest peak. In Taddert, learn about argan oil production and purchase the finest one. Spend the evening at Jemaa el-Fna, the busiest square in Africa.
DAY 8
A day to discover the Red City and do some shopping at one of the numerous specialized souks. Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, museums of Marrakech, Bahia Palace, and the Jewish Mellah and cemetery.
DAY 9
A day on the west coast, portal city Essaouira. Find out why this place is so popular among Jimi Hendrix's fans, walk the Skala de la Kasbah, have some superb seafood or simply enjoy a lazy day on the beach.
DAY 10
Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting with your chauffeur for a private transfer to Marrakech Airport for your outbound flight.
Explore Morocco through this special program focused on the country's highlights. Shop at the bustling local markets, uncover the historical sites, and bring home the best argan oil.
DAY 1
Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by your chauffeur and transferred to hotel. Settle in and relax for the rest of the evening.
DAY 2
Enjoy a walking tour of the capital and visit Chellah Necropolis, Kings' Mausoleum and see over 30.000 coins in the Museum of Money. A local architect will take you to visit the royal sites before proceeding to Chefchaouen.
DAY 3
Enjoy the discovery walk of Chefchaouen. Start with Kasbah and proceed to partake in painting the streets of the Blue City. Hike to the heart of the Tamerlane Park and enjoy a drink at the Akchour Waterfall. Off to Fes.
DAY 4
Explore Fes for the day. Visit the medina's Jewish quarter, the medersas and world's oldest University of Al Quaraouiyine. Later on, meet local musicians and try your hand at instrument making.
DAY 5
Spend a day and night in the Sahara Desert. Camel back ride and numerous photo opportunities will end with a night under the stars and traditional meal and music. A luxury tent in Merzouga is just a perfect closure.
DAY 6
Watch a magical sunrise over Sahara's sand dunes before proceeding to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO site and popular film set. Learn about Moroccan Hollywood during an adventurous 4x4 drive across desert landscapes.
DAY 7
Drive through Atlas Mountains to get to Marrakech. Enjoy exploring Moroccan architecture and admire tile mosaics of Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. Spend the evening at the colorful Djema El Fna Square.
DAY 8
Private visit and lunch at Denise Masson's house followed by a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Create your own perfume during the workshop with the help of the most experienced "nose" you've ever met.
DAY 9
Meet with a caftan designer in the morning to create a perfect clothing for yourself. After visiting the Majorelle Gardens with a botanist, enjoy a private cooking class. After a delicious traditional Moroccan meal, relax for the rest of the day.
DAY 10
Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting with your chauffeur for a private transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.
This exclusive Moroccan program offers an insight into the country's unique culture through once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as perfume making, caftan designing with a local craftsman, and a private cooking class.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What to Expect
With tourism flourishing in Morocco, accommodation capacity increases each year. From eco-lodges in the mountains, luxury resorts along the coast, to historic riads in the city medinas - there is an option for each taste and every budget.
Gardens of Es Saadi Palace
• Riads are popular due to their privacy and authentic features. It is a traditional Moroccan house designed around courtyard or garden
• Since camping is part of Morocann tradition, this type of accommodation developed in some parts of country to luxury, 'glamping' option
• Marrakech boasts all major luxury hotels
• Since camping is part of Morocann tradition, this type of accommodation developed in some parts of country to luxury, 'glamping' option
• Marrakech boasts all major luxury hotels
Morocco is, in general, an all-year-round destination when it comes to time of visit. Overall, it has a tropical climate with temperatures as high as 35°C/95°F and as low as 5°C/41°F in Sahara. The climate changes by region, from Mediterranean coast to continental inland, and hot and dry south. Beware, deserts in wintertime can be really cold.
The beach of Essaouira
• The best time to visit is from April to June and from September to November since weather is nice and warm
• July and August are best to be avoided due to really high temperatures
• Rose Festival in Dades valley and El-Kelaa M'Gouna in mid May
• July and August are best to be avoided due to really high temperatures
• Rose Festival in Dades valley and El-Kelaa M'Gouna in mid May
For unlimited use of the internet, make sure your phones are unlocked and buy a local SIM card. There are few mayor GSM network operators from which you can purchase one Morocco at the airports and regular shops, but the most common one with best coverage is Maroc Telecom.
Coverage is great in urban areas
• Country code: +212
• Roaming is provided by majority of international operators (please check with your local supplier)
• WiFi is widely available and pretty good in most restaurants, hotels and malls
• Plug types are C and F (European); standard voltage is 230 V and it operates on 50 Hz
• Roaming is provided by majority of international operators (please check with your local supplier)
• WiFi is widely available and pretty good in most restaurants, hotels and malls
• Plug types are C and F (European); standard voltage is 230 V and it operates on 50 Hz
Exotic seasoning and incredible combinations of Mediterranean, Jewish, Persian, African and Berber influence makes Moroccan cuisine so incredible and popular. From various street food on Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech to various buffet diners and high-end fine dining establishments, Morocco is a foodie heaven.
Traditional tajine
• Some of the traditional meals are:
• Tajine, a rich lamb, chicken or fish stew cooked in an earthenware pot
• Mint tea aka Barber whiskey is a popular sugared regional drink
• Baklava, seffa, chebakia, mhencha, briouate are delicious desserts
• Tipping is a constituent part of Moroccan culture
• Tajine, a rich lamb, chicken or fish stew cooked in an earthenware pot
• Mint tea aka Barber whiskey is a popular sugared regional drink
• Baklava, seffa, chebakia, mhencha, briouate are delicious desserts
• Tipping is a constituent part of Moroccan culture
Shopping is a great part of Moroccan culture, as it is bargaining. Never pay the price you are initially told but don't underestimate the value of an object either, or else you could insult the seller. Traditional souks (covered bazaars) and markets are usually huge, colorful labyrinths that make you want to wander all day, everyday. Best known souks are in Marrakech and Fes.
Souvenir stand in Essaouira
• Bargaining is common and expected
• Berber jewelry, argan oil, rose water, saffron, all sort of sweets, almonds and walnuts are a great pick for something authentic to bring back home
• Leather products, ceramic and wood crafts are great choices as well
• Berber jewelry, argan oil, rose water, saffron, all sort of sweets, almonds and walnuts are a great pick for something authentic to bring back home
• Leather products, ceramic and wood crafts are great choices as well
Moroccan culture is mostly defined by different ethnicity and religions such as Arab, African, Berber, Mediterranean, Jewish, and other. Casual clothing is widely acceptable but do not show your arms or legs, especially when visiting rural areas.
Women are not expected to be seen drinking, smoking or dressed too freely even if it is really hot outside.
Local women wear scarfs when in public
• Moroccans are hearty and welcoming people but it is not in their culture to display affection in public so please avoid doing the same
• Even if you are a lefty, all gestures (greeting, eating, handing something...) should be done with the right hand
• Most mosques are not allowed for visiting to non-Muslims
• Even if you are a lefty, all gestures (greeting, eating, handing something...) should be done with the right hand
• Most mosques are not allowed for visiting to non-Muslims
Morocco is a safe country and with it being really touristy, the government is doing its best to protect their visitors. The great thing about Moroccan food is that it's mostly grown organically. However, keep in mind that it is probably washed in tap water which is unsterilized. We advise sticking to cooked vegetables, unpeeled fruits and avoiding dairy products that are made from unboiled milk.
Snake charmer by the road
• Tap water is not good for consuming in any form; stick to bottled water
• Good medical care in bigger towns
• Make sure to pack mosquito repellent
• Taking several vaccinations is advised before traveling to Morocco
• Roads outside of the main areas are in bad condition
• Streets in major cities are chaotic so exercise caution
• Good medical care in bigger towns
• Make sure to pack mosquito repellent
• Taking several vaccinations is advised before traveling to Morocco
• Roads outside of the main areas are in bad condition
• Streets in major cities are chaotic so exercise caution
There are several airports to reach Morocco: Fes-Saiss, Marrakech Menara and Casablanca’s Mohammed are the ones commonly used. There are good connections between mentioned cities (AirArabia or Royal Air Maroc) if you wish to avoid driving hours between cities. Visiting Morocco is also possible by boat and driving but due to constant regulations, please check this option with us.
Classic horse carriage in Marrakech
• Driving side: right
• The main airport is Mohamed V Casablanca (CMN) in Casablanca
• Roads connecting big cities of Morocco are good but safety and drivers' lack of awareness of the same should be a good reason to consider our chauffeur services
• Petit taxi is a metered service commonly used in bigger cities; taxis in each city are of different color
• The main airport is Mohamed V Casablanca (CMN) in Casablanca
• Roads connecting big cities of Morocco are good but safety and drivers' lack of awareness of the same should be a good reason to consider our chauffeur services
• Petit taxi is a metered service commonly used in bigger cities; taxis in each city are of different color
What to pack
Lightweight cotton or linen clothing, all cognizant of cultural sensitivities, make for ideal summer wear. Bringing layers for summer nights, winters or visit to mountains is also a good idea. Mosquito repellent is a must, especially for all those planning to sleep outdoors under the clear Moroccan sky.
In The Media
Morocco in 5 minutes
Journey through this enchanting country!
Street Food in Morocco
Breakfast Tour of Marrakech!
The Blue City
Cefchaouen in Northen Morocco!
Essaouira Morocco
See the Atlantic and formerly called Magador
Moroccan Arabic for beginners
Learn some useful phrases
Travel advices to Morocco visitors
Some do's and don'ts for all travelers to Morocco
Merzouga Desert Morocco
Highest, golden sandy dunes of Morocco.
Oum - Taragalte (Soul Of Morocco)
Popular Morrocan music star
Best to combine with
Morocco is one of the hottest destinations of the African continent but also surrounded by some stunning countries easy to reach either by plane or car.
Mauritania
An absolute delight for explorers of the unknown! From endless desert to historic towns, Mauritania is a country like no other.
Algeria
Not a touristy destination but Africa's largest country is a treasure trove of wonders: both historic and natural.
Spain
Morocco's northern neighbor is a short ferry ride or flight away. Spain is one of the most diverse destinations in Europe!
Quirks for the Curious
Essaouira
If you are looking for a day trip from Marrakesh, or a seaside place to stay at, Essaouira is probably the best choice on all of Moroccan coast. Charming, historic, calm compared to madness of Marrakesh... Essaouira is one of those places you will fall instantly in love with. For it's authentic lifestyle, walls to the Atlantic, warm and hospitable people. And it's unique harbor and hundreds of characteristic blue boats.
If you are looking for a day trip from Marrakesh, or a seaside place to stay at, Essaouira is probably the best choice on all of Moroccan coast. Charming, historic, calm compared to madness of Marrakesh... Essaouira is one of those places you will fall instantly in love with. For it's authentic lifestyle, walls to the Atlantic, warm and hospitable people. And it's unique harbor and hundreds of characteristic blue boats.
Tangia or Tajine
When one talks about Moroccan food, tajine is one of the first dishes they mention. Many often forget about the less known and popular tangia (also spelled tanjia). Both dishes are prepared in their own unique earthenware pots: tangia in a small urn-shaped pot and tajine in traditional pottery, consisting of two parts: a circular base unit that is flat with low sides and a large cone- or dome-shaped cover that sits on the base during cooking. Both dishes are distinctively Moroccan and worth enjoying while visiting this fascinating country.
When one talks about Moroccan food, tajine is one of the first dishes they mention. Many often forget about the less known and popular tangia (also spelled tanjia). Both dishes are prepared in their own unique earthenware pots: tangia in a small urn-shaped pot and tajine in traditional pottery, consisting of two parts: a circular base unit that is flat with low sides and a large cone- or dome-shaped cover that sits on the base during cooking. Both dishes are distinctively Moroccan and worth enjoying while visiting this fascinating country.
Vanishing Worlds
Vanishing Worlds
Connect With Us
© Copyright 2020 - 2024 Vanishing Worlds