Janine’s Take
Located in the Northwest corner of Africa bordering the Atlantic, Morocco has a strong sense of place, from the Islamic holy capital of Fès to the bustling and cosmopolitan Marrakech, with its mesmerizing mosques, palaces and gardens, as well as fabulous shopping and pampering hotels. In between, you'll find adventure and stunning scenery in Morocco's desert oases, Saharan encampments, Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains and scenic coastal towns.
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Where to stay
Day 1: Arrive in Fès
After landing in Casablanca, take the short drive to the best-protected old city of the Arab world, Fès (or Fez), which takes about three hours.
STAY AT PALAIS AMANI
For the first part of your 10-day Morocco itinerary, check in at Palais Amani, an oasis of calm and relaxation built around a beautiful Roman-style courtyard in the ancient city. The property features touches of art deco throughout and the rooms are decorated in a modern Moroccan style.
Experience the scents and sights of the Moroccan culture capital by exploring the medina of Fès, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded between the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains, Fès has served as a hub for scholarship and trade for more than a thousand years.
DINE AT EDEN
Look no further than Palais Amani’s own restaurant, Eden, for your first taste of Moroccan fine dining. Eden offers a refined cuisine served either under the citrus trees by the fountain or in their dining room.
A note from Janine
Morocco is a Muslim country, so be mindful and respectful of the local traditions when traveling, especially during a religious holiday like Ramadan or visiting religious sites.
It’s a destination that can easily be added to a Western Europe vacation with a short flight or by ferry from Spain to the Mediterranean city of Tangier.
Day 2: Immerse yourself in culture
WANDER THROUGH THE TALAA KEBIRA MARKET
Discover the various souks on Rue Talaa Kebira and browse the stalls of produce, spices, meats, handwoven items and much more. You’ll also notice communal bread ovens, a fixture of life in the medina. Eat lunch from one of the many street vendors and taste whatever takes your fancy.
VISIT THE MEDERSA BOU INANIA
Also down Rue Talaa Kebira, admire the Medersa, a religious college built in the 14th century in refined architecture. Enter through the brass doors and prepare to be wowed by the intricate zellige tiles, the painted cedar and the tranquil porticoed patios. The school has an adjoining mosque with a stunning green-tiled minary that you can see when entering the medina from Bab Bou Jeloud.
As you pass the Blue Gate, the shrine of Moulay Idriss, take a look through one of the entrances of Al Quaraouiyine Mosque.
VISIT THE CHOUARA TANNERIES
For a memorable visit during your 10 days in Morocco, continue to the iconic (and pungent!) Chouara Tanneries.
DINE AT AMARAZ RESTAURANT
Sample Lebanese and Moroccan cuisines, from their variety of couscous or prawn tagine, amid a simple and refined decor at Amaraz Restaurant. Enjoy the romantic oriental songs performed by the luth player while you eat.
A note from Janine
Go up to the balconies of one of the nearby shops for a great view from the Chouara Tanneries.
Day 3-4: High Atlas Mountains (a breathtaking must-stop on any 10-day Morocco itinerary)
Get breakfast at Palais Amani before catching a flight to Marrakech. Upon arrival, head south into the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains that borders the Atlantic, Marrakech, Agadir and Khenifra.
STAY AT KASBAH TAMADOT
Check in at Kasbah Tamadot, Richard Branson’s luxury retreat in the High Atlas. Enjoy two days of ultimate relaxation in the mountains at this magical resort. Wander through the tranquil courtyards, take in the manicured gardens and stare in awe at the stunning views of the Atlas, a beautiful mountain range that will be the highlight of your stay.
Take a dip in the pool or hop into a jacuzzi hidden in a Berber-style tent, and admire the mountains.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CULTURE
Once you feel rested and refreshed, try one of the cultural experiences on offer: take a cooking class from the Berber people, go on a mule trek, enjoy a traditional Moroccanmint tea in a local Berber house or visit the Eve Branson Foundation (an organization named in honor of Richard Branson’s mother).
Enjoy your meals at Kanoun, the property’s restaurant, which serves local and international dishes made with local produce. The stunning rooftop provides amazing views to go along with your dining experience.
Day 5: Head to Marrakech
After your blissful retreat in the mountains, head back to Marrakech to explore the best of the city. Check in at La Mamounia, inside the ancient city wall and one of Marrakech’s most iconic hotels.
EXPLORE THE MEDINA
Everywhere you look, you’ll spot the 12th century Koutoubia Minaret, an architectural gem which dominates the city’s skyline.
The souks of Marrakech feel endless and you might wonder if you’re lost on more than one occasion – but that’s all part of the charm. Trades and specialties tend to be gathered together over a few alleyways, so take your pick from spices to slippers, and from decor items to metalwork. The argan cooperative shops are also worth a visit.
Early in the evening, head to the Djemaa el Fna, the main square at the center of Marrakech’s medina and enjoy the show on display, from snake charmers to street theater. Just watching the locals come together is an experience in and of itself.
DINNER
La Maison Arabe’s Les Trois Saveurs is a top choice for Moroccan gastronomy with touches of French and Asian cuisine. Hailing from the 1940s, this restaurant is one of the city’s iconic spots.
A note from Janine
This city has three spelling variations. In English, they use Marrakech or Marrakesh, whereas the French use Marrakech strictly and in Spanish, it’s called Marraquech.
While Morocco has two official languages — MoroccanArabic and Berber (Tamazight or Amazigh), you will find English, Spanish and French speakers in this multi-cultural city as well.
Day 6: Marrakech highlights
CULTURE & GARDENS
Lose yourself down the alleyways of Jardin Majorelle, a garden named after the painter Jacque Majorelle, who also gave his name to the striking shade of deep blue. The space was later gifted to fashion designer Yves-Saint Laurent by the city of Marrakech.
Don’t miss the nearby Yves-Saint Laurent Museum (a must on any 10-day Morocco itinerary), opened in October 2017, a gallery which highlights the life and work of the designer, who spent much of his time in the city.
I recommend lunch at Grand Café de la Poste, a bustling and historic spot in the new town.
VISIT THE SAADIAN TOMBS
Feast your eyes on the stunning mosaic work at the opulent Saadian Tombs, the mausoleum of a great dynasty which once ruled North Africa.
DINNER
Enjoy gourmet cuisine with the perfect balance of spicy and sweet in a refined atmosphere at Villa des Orangers, a restaurant inside the Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel.
Day 7: Visit Ouarzazate
DRIVE TO OUARZAZATE
On day seven of your 10 days in Morocco, head south along the ancient caravan route through the High Atlas Mountains and the dramatic pass of Tizi n'Tichka en route to Ouarzazate, right next to the Sahara Desert. Admire the amazing scenery on this road (one of the two that pass through the largest mountain chain in Africa).
A former outpost of the French Foreign Legion, Ouarzazate is a welcoming oasis. Spend the rest of the day exploring the surroundings, including visiting the historic Kasbah Taourirt and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a striking example of local architecture.
Continue to the Skoura oasis, then check in at Dar Ahlam, a simply stunning property fashioned from the ruins of a kasbah.
Day 8-9: Return to the High Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, spend some time exploring the peaceful grounds of Dar Ahlam.
Then, enjoy a 4x4 excursion to the Valley of the Almond trees. Visit the Glaoui Kasbah, a location which used to be the home of a powerful clan. Take a short hike to a spot overlooking the valley and the old salt mines.
The property offers many beautiful settings in which to take your meals from the garden to an olive grove and from private corners of the kasbah to a hideaway terrace.
The next day, go off on another excursion, this time to the Skoura Oasis. Visit the Kasbah Amridil, a historical location which dates back to the 14th century. Stroll the gardens of the north side of the town and walk among almond trees, olive trees and corn fields.
A note from Janine
Spend a night in Dar Ahlam's encampment. In the summer, it's a two hour drive from the main kasbah on a pebbly desert. In the winter, it's located on the dunes of the Sahara, a five hour drive from the main kasbah.
Day 10: Conclude your 10-day Morocco itinerary in Casablanca
Most flights to the US depart from Casablanca, so you’ll likely make your way to the port city before heading home.
Spot the art deco facades around the medina and visit the exterior of the massive MosqueHassan II, which is the second largest functioning mosque in Africa.
If time allows, grab a bite or a drink at Rick’s Café, a charming eatery inspired by the one frequented by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the classic movie Casablanca.
PARTNER
Janine Yu
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