Ten Days in Morocco – A Guide

This week we take you on a journey , as the Free People team explores the depths of Morocco… 

Our collective experience as a team, trekking through the beautiful wild of Morocco, was such that we felt obliged to share our itinerary, in hopes that one day you might do the same! The country graced us with its incredibly diverse terrain and rich history, one that dates back to 8,000 BC. Despite having only 10 days to uncover its hidden gems, best local eats and sights, we found a nice composite of some of its finest establishments. Before we begin, here are a few tips to help you if/when you decide to embark on your own Moroccan adventure:

Pack light. Everything you ever dreamed of owning lies in the souks (marketplaces) of the city.
Hire a guide to help you acclimate yourself to each town, even if for just your first day. He/she will help you to obtain a solid grasp of the city’s layout and discover the history behind it’s-soon-to-be-traversed streets.
Disconnect (even from taking photos for a day) and engage fully with your surroundings. Trust me, it’s a completely different experience. Observe as the children play and as the djellabas (traditional robes) flow gracefully through ancient hallways.
Don’t be afraid to haggle. The price of the item is typically only one-third the amount that a vendor may first suggest…start low and you can definitely score a better deal!
Getting lost is a part of the fun when exploring the medina (the typically walled-in mazes of a city). Have a map handy and familiarize yourself with local landmarks. You’ll find your way back, even with a little help. A local will have no problem pointing you in the right direction, in exchange for dirhams.
Set up airport/train pick-up with your riad/hotel prior to arrival. Take photos of streets surrounding your riad to help recollect your steps. If you are lost, simply call your riad and they will send someone to fetch you.
Soak it in, take it slowlive the Moroccan way!

Marrakech

The “Rose City,” located in the central region of Morocco, is a labyrinth of winding alleys, bazaars and riads. Be sure to check out the Jemaa el-Fnaa in the evening where the mysticism of snake charmers, fortune tellers and musicians come to life and carry on through the moonlit streets. For a quieter route, head to a hammam (steam bath), sip on Moroccan mint tea and relax the night away.

Sleep
Riad Jardin Secret

Eat
Nomad
Cafe Des Epices
Al Fassia
I Limoni

Dinner & Dancing
Le Comptoir

Hammam
Heritage Spa
La Mamounia
Les Bains de Marrakech

See

The Medina, Marjorelle Garden, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Medersa Ben Youssef, Maison De La Photographie, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, La Mamounia

Day Trips
Essaouira: A coastal getaway…have lunch at Villa Maroc
Atlas Mountains: Visit the small Berber villages that line the mountain range…a great chance to buy rugs and textiles directly from the makers themselves!
Casablanca: The largest city in Morocco…great for nightlife

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Fes

Enjoy an evening at the 400-year-old Riad Idrissy and be awakened with a basket of coffee/tea at your doorstep, then leisurely find your way to the gardens where your breakfast awaits. Learn how to make couscous from the local chef before getting lost in the souks. Known for being the largest car-free urban area in the world, the streets of Fes carry a quieter and calmer vibe which make it easier to explore. Don’t forget to take a day trip to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis…it’s certainly a sight to see!

Sleep
Riad Idrissy

Eat
Ruined Gardens
Cafe Clock
Dar Roumana

Hammam
Riad Laaroussa
Palais Faraj

See
Fes el-bali, Al-Attarine Madrasa, Kairaouine Mosque, Bou Inania Madrasa, Zaouia de Moulay Idriss, Dar el Makhzen

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Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, a city immersed in shades of blue and nestled into the Rif mountains. Looks like a page from a storybook, right? I only knew what I read and saw in pictures but, once you arrive here, it truly surreal and like nothing in your imagination. It differs dramatically from other areas of Morocco, as it carries a heavy Spanish influence. Folks speak an assortment of languages — English, French, Spanish, Berber and Darija. Feel free to spark up conversation with the locals… They are just as fascinated with your culture as you are with theirs. Stay at Casa Perleta and enjoy the view from the rooftop deck. No need for a guide for this town… just roam freely. Did I mention this is the best place to shop? No haggling like in the souks of Marrakech and uniquely crafted local goods will ensure you some good finds.

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Sahara Desert

The desert may sit miles and miles away, but it is without a doubt worth the trek. By day, explore the endless dunes on camel and by night sleep beneath a sky bursting with stars. Here are a few of our favorite camps sprinkled throughout the third-largest desert in the world:

Dar Ahlam Camp
Erg Chigaga Desert Camp
Camps Nomades

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Trip Overview

Fly into Marrakech and stay 2 nights, including a day trip to Essaouira or Atlas Mountains
Spend 2 nights in the Sahara Desert (8-10 hour travel from Marrakech)
Return to Marrakech for 1 night
Take a bus/train to Fes and stay 2 nights (5 hours from Marrakech to Fes), with a pit stop in Casablanca or Rabat, and take a day trip to Volubilis from Fes
Spend 2 nights in Chefchaouen (4 hours from Fes )
Fly out from Tangier (2 hours from Chefchaouen to Tangier)

Traveling through Morocco via public transit is easy and safe! Visit Go Africa for more info on train and bus schedules.

10daysinmorocco

10daysinmorocco

10daysinmorocco

10daysinmorocco

+ Have you visited Morocco? Share with us your hidden gems and favorite experiences!

Words and photos by Tina Deleon.

 

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8 years ago

Simply magical!
Beautiful pictures :)
xx
Victoria | Chronicles of a Mermaid

8 years ago

One of the dreamiest places I’ve ever seen in photographs. Great guide!

– An
https://apnuyen.squarespace.com/

8 years ago

So gorgeous! I love the level of details put into the architecture! Need to visit someday :)

8 years ago

Oh, that sounds wonderful! I definitely need to go there, especially now that I have your guide!
https://www.makeandmess.com/

niki
8 years ago

Hey FP,
What camera was used to take these amazing photos of your trip?

crimsonlips
8 years ago

Yes! I’ve been 5 years and it’s my favorite place that I’ve gone to. Wanna go back so bad!

Brendyi
8 years ago

Beautiful words and stunning images. Thank you for sharing your experience and inviting us to see the world through your eyes. xoxo B

8 years ago

What about the surf girls! Nr 1 to do when visit Morocco, Morocco is famous for its good waves!
Visit us in Taghazout! http://www.hashpointsurfcamp.com

7 years ago

Thank you for sharing your pictures.

7 years ago

It seems a great place for vacation. I really want to go there

taylor
7 years ago

tina, where is this last photo taken? any advice for amazing culinary experiences and hotels in marrakesh for one night? also any guides u like personally?

6 years ago

very nicely written article… thanks for this..
if anyone planing for 10 days trip to morocco than visit here.
https://www.moroccomagictravel.com/10-day-tour

6 years ago

This content are very meaningful.Thanks for sharing. When you visit morocco then many beautiful Places and Experience a unforgettable memory.

Hello,

We are contacting you about your post: https://blog.freepeople.com/2015/12/guide-ten-days-morocco/ . We changed our old link : http://www.cafedesepices.net/ to a new one: https://cafedesepices.ma/ .

Would you mind making the change ?

Thanks a lot!

Café des épices Marrakech

Admin
4 years ago

Of course, I will update it now, thank you for letting us know! PS. I LOVED dining at your cafe!

Reply to  fppatry

Thank you ! We are happy to hear that and we hope to see you there again !

Café des épices Marrakech