Moroccan Mosaic: A 10-Day Journey Through Its Colors & Charms

Arrive in Casablanca

You'll arrive mid-afternoon in Casablanca - after going through customs, make your way from the airport to your hotel. Then make your way through Casablanca, home to the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa. The Hassan II Mosque, perched majestically on the coast, is a breathtaking masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, which is not something to miss. Dine at Le Cabestan, which is just down the coast from the Hassan II Mosque. Le Cabestan is a fantastic restaurant with stunning ocean views and a great start to your Moroccan adventures.

Casablanca to Fes

Take the train from Casablanca to Fes averaging around 4 hours total travel time. Arrive in Fes and check into your traditional riad. Riads are enchanting traditional houses centered around serene courtyards, offering a tranquil oasis adorned with intricate tilework, lush greenery, and a perfect blend of privacy and Moroccan hospitality.

Visit The Royal Palace. The Royal Palace in Fes offers a glimpse into the gradeur of Moroccan architecture with its majestive golden gates and intricate tilework. Although the palace itself is not open to the public, the exterior and the surrounding gardens provide a captivating experience of the city's rich history and royal heritage.

Have a aperitif at The Golden Bar at the Palais Faraj. This is an incredible rooftop overlooking Fes. If you're lucky they will have live music inside the bar!

Dine at Dar Roumana, a unique restored riad with a beautiful restaurant in the middle. This Franco-Moroccan fusion restaurant is not one to be missed!

Tour of the Medina

No trip to Fes is complete without a tour of the Medina and a visit to the colorful Chouara Tannery. Join a tour of the Medina - the tour immerses you in the heart of one of the world's oldest and most intricate walled cities. As you navigate its narrow, winding streets, you'll discover centuries-old architecture, bustling souks, and historic sites like the Al-Warawiyyin Mosque and University. A proper tour offers a unique, personal experience. From the aromatic spice markets to the ancient tanneries, every corner of the Medina reveals the timeless charm and traditions of Moroccan life. Don't forget your mint for the tannery visit!

Dine at the beautiful Restaurant Eden at Palais Amani. Restaurant Eden offers a 5-course menu that is specifically designed to match a flight of the finest Moroccan wines. This is an educational and exceptional experience not to miss in Fes!

Fes to Marrakesh

Take the train from Fes to Marrakech averaging around 6 hours travel time. Spend your first day and night in Marrakech wandering the many streets and shops. Make a reservation at Dar Dar rooftop for a delicious meal overlooking the city with a fantastic sunset view.

Sahara Desert

Embark on your journey to the Sahara desert. I recommend Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp. This camp offers many packages to choose from. I recommend the two-night stay from Marrakech as one night just isn't enough. The initial journey is long - about an 8-to-9-hour drive. But this camp offers private transportation with an informative guide. There are many sites to see along the way, which the guide points out and thoroughly explains. When you arrive at the desert camp, you are welcomed by an incredible group of staff that prepare a delicious welcome tea. You can then freshen up in your luxurious tent and then head to the dining tent where there is traditional music being played. Dinner is a fantastic Moroccan feast.

Luxury Camping at the Sahara

Wake up and enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast prepared for you in the dining tent. After breakfast, hop in the car with your designated guide and explore the Sahara. Throughout the day, your guide can show you sites where there are ancient fossils, take you to see the life of the nomads and enjoy tea at their home as well as drive through the endless dunes of the Sahara. The day ends with a camel trek at sunset, which is a special experience. Enjoy another night of a fantastic dinner with traditional music and even a cocktail around the fire under the stars.

A luxury desert camp in the Sahara offers an unforgettable experience where you can enjoy the vast, serene beauty of the dunes while indulging in comfort. These camps provide upscale amenities like spacious tents with ensuite bathrooms, gourmet dining, and personalized service. Guests can partake in activities such as camel trekking across the golden dunes at sunset, sandboarding and stargazing, all while surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the desert. The combination of adventure and luxury creates a truly unique and memorable stay.

Back to Marrakech

Embark on the long journey back to Marrakech. Visiting Marrakech is an immersive experience, where the vibrant energy of the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, with its bustling markets captures the essence of Moroccan culture. Exploring the city's ornate palaces and tranquil gardens offers a serene contrast to the lively souks. Don't miss indulging in traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous, which are rich in flavor and history, providing a true taste of the local cuisine.

After shopping throughout the endless souks, go to have lunch at Le Jardin for a beautiful, green, peaceful oasis.

For dinner and a show, go to Comptoir Darna. Not only does Comptoir Darna have delicious Moroccan food, the atmosphere in this restaurant is unbeatable. The dinner setting is absolutely enchanting with belly dancers that emerge gracefully twirling around with trays of lit candles balanced on their heads.

Hot Air Balloon

Wake up at the crack of dawn (trust me, it's worth it!) to go on a hot air balloon ride over the Atlas mountains. This is an extraordinary experience that I would recommend to anyone. This hot air balloon ride from Marrakech offers breathtaking sunrise views and an incredible way to view the Atlas mountains. The serene morning journey includes a traditional Berber breakfast, blending adventure with an authentic cultural experience.

Later in the day, go to a spa for a relaxing, rejuvenating afternoon and treat yourself to a traditional hamman treatment. The treatment involves a steam bath, exfoliation, and massage, leaving your skin refreshed and your body completely revitalized.

Have a drink at sunset at El Fenn Rooftop. Sip on a delicious cocktail on a gorgeous rooftop while watching the sunset over Marrakech.

For dinner, switch up the Moroccan food and go to the beautiful La Trattoria. This is a riad-style restaurant that serves flavorful Italian food. You definitely do not want to miss out on this restaurant - the atmosphere and decor are absolutely stunning!

Shopping

Enjoy shopping in Marrakech. Shopping in Marrakech is an adventure through vibrant souks, where the air is filled with the scent of spices and the vibrant colors of handwoven rugs, leather goods, colorful pottery and intricate lanterns. Haggling is part of the experience, with each purchase telling a story of the city's rich culture and craftsmanship.

Visit the Jardin Majorelle for an escape into a magnificent botanical garden and artist's landscape garden. This garden is like stepping into a serene haven, where the vivid cobalt blue of the buildings contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery and exotic plants.

Enjoy your final dinner at Kabana offers an energetic rooftop atmosphere with a creative menu in the heart of the medina.

Return

After immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture, from savoring traditional tagines to exploring ancient medinas, it's now time to bid farewell and carry these colorful memories back home!