Morocco

Morocco is a country in North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Its official and predominant religion is Islam, and the official languages are Arabic and Berber; the Moroccan dialect of Arabic and French are also widely spoken. Moroccan identity and culture is a mix of Arab, Berber, and European cultures. Its capital is Rabat, while its largest city is Casablanca.

Language: Arabic, Berber, and French is widely spoken.

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD), some places accept credit/debit card

Entry Requirements for Americans

• Public Health Passenger Form

• Passports which will be valid for at least 6 months after time of entry

Pros

• Great Food

• Old historic vibe

• Train connects major cities: Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez

Cons

• Women don't have as many rights. May need to hire a tour guide to show you around if traveling alone as a woman

• Beggars and aggressive salespersons are rampant in the market place

• Stay in Medina Riad Hotel.
  • The Medina is the old city. It gives the most authentic vibes. 
  • A Riad is a large Moroccan house. Many of these houses have been transformed to a hotel/airbnb. 
    • In a riad you will rent a room in the large house. Some of the Riads are more modern and updated (like our Riad Amaris in Rabat). Other Riads are older like our Riad Oriental Glory and Spa in Marrakech. They each have a courtyard in the middle and even though its beautiful, noise travels. 
    • Nonetheless, Riads have you a more authentic Moroccan experience. 
• If you don't want a traditional experience, then there are many western hotels in the newer part of the city. 

Top Attractions and things to do in Marrakech:

• Walking Tour of the Medina
  • KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
  • MADRASA BEN YOUSSEF
  • BAHIA PALACE
• Shop the Medina souks (souqs)
  • The main souq area is the tangle of lanes between Place Rahba Kedima and Place Ben Youssef.
  • Djemaa El Fna - this is the large square at the entry of the medina. It is the center of Marrakesh life. Many vendors will not want you to take pictures of their stalls (snakes, monkeys, etc.) unless you are willing to pay them a fee.
  • Things to buy
    • Pashmina Scarfs
    • Rugs
    • Souvenirs
    • Traditional clothing
• Visit the JARDIN MAJORELLE - around $40 per person
• Lunch in Marrakech
  • Places I ate
    • Restaurant Cascado - Place Jemaa El FNA
      • Ginger and orange juice - $3
      • Camel Tanjine - $16
      • 1 Liter Bottle of Water - $2.20
  • Other Lunch Spots
    • L'Mida
    • Le Jardin Secret

• Nice Dinners in Marrakech
  • • Places I ate
      • Restaurant Dar Dar Rooftop (rooftop views, nice staff, good music)
      • Comptoir Darna (belly dancing; great vibes upstairs)
      • Azar (beautiful restaurant)
    • Other dinner spots
      • Dar Zellij
      • Epicurien
      • Nomad (sunset views)
      • Dar Essalam - vegan options
      • L'Mida

Desert Camp Near Marrakesh Airport

Selina Desert Camp

Nestled among the canyons of Agafay, just 18 miles south of Marrakech, embrace Selina Nomad Camp Agafay, our desert oasis of peace and tranquility. Surrounded by sweeping views of the Atlas mountains, immerse yourself in stillness as you trek through the landscape, visit local Berber villages, or enjoy a hot air balloon or camel ride. More of an adrenaline-seeker? Race across the dunes on a quad bike or buggy as you soak up the desert's unspoilt beauty. 

Top Attractions and things to do in Rabat:

• Walking Tour of the Medina
• Shop the Medina souks (souqs)
  • The main souq area is the tangle of lanes between Place Rahba Kedima and Place Ben Youssef.
  • Things to buy
    • Souvenirs

Top Attractions and things to do in Fez:

• Walking Tour of the Medina
• Shop the Medina souks (souqs)
  • The main souq area is the tangle of lanes between Place Rahba Kedima and Place Ben Youssef.
  • Things to buy
    • Leather products (camel leather, cow leather, sheep leather) - bags, jackets, etc.
    • Hand painted ceramic
• Historic Leather Tannery
• Ceramic Factory

Morocco Itinerary

Day 1 - Marrakech

Day 2 - Marrakech

Day 3 - Ouzoud Falls

Day 4 - Rabat

Day 5 - Rabat

Day 6 - Fez

Day 7 - Fez

Day 8 - Selina in Agafe

Day 9 -  Selina in Agafe

Budget

• Flights from US $600 - $800

• Daily budget - $50

• Taxis are around $5 - $20

• Restaurants charge $8-$40

• Tip = not required, but you can round up in order to tip