Morocco itineraries for two weeks starting in Casablanca

Our Morocco 2-week itinerary included the following destinations:

Casablanca, the economic capital:

Casablanca will be our first stop on our 2-week Morocco itinerary. It was established by the Berbers in the seventh century. With a population of 3.36 million in 2014, it is now Morocco’s biggest city. The French colonized Morocco. As a result, most cities, including Casablanca, are built in the Moorish style. I should add that Casablanca is located in the Casablanca Settat region, which covers an area of 220 km2.

There are several places to see and be seen here. To begin with, you cannot visit Casablanca without seeing Hassan II’s mosque. With a minaret of 210 metres (690 feet), it is the second biggest in Africa and the seventh largest in the world. It was also designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau and constructed by Bouygues. Furthermore, it is Morocco’s only mosque that permits visitors to enter.

The second thing to see in Casablanca is the countryside of Ain Diab, which is also the most touristy area in the city due to its cafés, restaurants, and elegant hotels.

Rabat, Morocco’s capital city:

Rabat is Morocco’s real capital city and one of the country’s four recognized imperial cities. The Almohad Caliphate established it in 1146. It is now Morocco’s seventh biggest city, with a population of over 580,000 in 2014. Furthermore, Morocco is split into 12 areas, with Rabat being in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region.

This city has a lot to offer in terms of things to do and see. Rabat, for example, is well-known for its mosques, Hassan Tower and Tour. Yaqub al-Mansur, the third caliph of Almohad, erected it in 1195. The mosque’s minaret is currently 44 meters tall. However, if Al Mansour had not died in 1199, it would have been the biggest in the world at 86 meters. Not to mention that it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.

Les Udayas, or Oudayas Kasbah, is the second best thing to do in Rabat. It was founded in the 12th century by Yaqub al-Mansur, the third caliph of the Almohad dynasty. It’s also at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River.

Tangier is the Moroccan entry point.

Tangier is Morocco’s northern entry point. Tangier is not included as a destination on any of our tailored desert itineraries in Morocco. That doesn’t make it any less interesting to visit. Tangier is a Moroccan port city located in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima area, near the Rif Mountains. It is also the capital and largest city in northern Morocco. There are several places to visit here:

First and foremost, Tangier is known for the American Legation Museum, a fortified institution of the US government located outside of the nation. It was also given to the US by Sultan Moulay Suliman Ben Mohamed as a gift to be the first notice of independence.

Second, you should not visit Tangier without seeing the Hercules archaeological cave. It’s around 14 kilometers from Tangier’s downtown, on the Cape Spartel promontory. He remained here while attempting to steal the three golden apples from Libya’s golden garden. Furthermore, the sea entrance of the cave is shaped like the continent of Africa, which makes it quite attractive and popular with visitors. Third, one of the most popular activities in Tangier is roaming along the beach and the historic Medina. At the top of the ancient Medina, you can almost see Spain, which is 14 kilometers away.

Chefchaouen:

Chefchaouen, Chaouen, Morocco’s blue gem. This town is well-known for its blue and white architecture. It is situated in the Rif Mountains, which are formed like goat horns. In Berber, horns indicate Iskawn, which then becomes Chaouen and Chefchaouen. Also, Sherif Moulay Ali Ben Rachid built this city in 1471 as a small kasbah to protect it from the Portuguese.

Chefchaouen was not painted blue in 1471. However, in 1492, the Ghomara, Spanish, and Jews dyed it blue. Some claim it was tinted to seem like the sky, while others claim it was done to keep mosquitos away. Chaouen undoubtedly portrays itself as a tourist destination with several things to come and discover. To begin with, the Ethnographic Kasbah was the first structure constructed in Chaouen. Keep in mind that a kasbah may also refer to a fortress, and this one includes roughly 11 towers, some of which can be climbed for a perspective over the city of Chaouen.

Second, when wandering around Chefchaouen’s blue walls, a visit to Ras El Ma’s waterfalls is a must. Locals are washing their clothes here, while many visitors are appreciating the spring scenery. Furthermore, for those who like trekking, there is a stunning panoramic view of the whole city to the east of Chaouen. You may also go to view the sunset. Still, walking about the city and admiring its stunning architecture is the best thing to do. You may also go to Wetat Lhmam Plaza, where you can sip a mint tea while listening to the inhabitants’ interesting music.

Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital:

Fes is a popular tourist destination due to its rich cultural heritage. As a result, we tailor Morocco excursions to or from here. The Idrisid dynasty established Fes in 789. It’s also notable for the historic portion of town called Fes El Bali, which is built with Medieval architecture. Fes is definitely a worthwhile stop on our Morocco 2-week trip. There are several attractions to see in Fes, particularly in the ancient town.

To begin with, the University of Karaouiyn, also known as al-Qarawiyyin, must be the first intriguing destination to visit in Fes. In reality, it is the world’s second oldest university, behind Alma Mater Studiorum in Bologna, Italy. Fatima al Fihri also erected it in 859 as a madrassa, or school for teaching the Quran. They then converted it into a university. Second, Fes has additional historic universities. The Madrasa Bou Inania, for example, was established in 1351-56 by Abu Inan Faris and is a popular tourist destination. Another madrassa built by the Marinid ruler Uthman II Abu Said in 1323 is al Attarine.

Third, you can’t travel to Fes without seeing the leather district. The Tannery of Chouara, founded in the 11th century, is the most well-known of the three tanneries. Not to add that this site stinks and will need mint leaves to conceal it. A photograph is included. Fourth, the Marinid tombs, which were created in the 14th century, provide a good viewpoint of the city. You may tour the buildings as well as have a bird’s-eye view of Fes from the top. Furthermore, the Borj Nord provides another perspective on the city.

Ifrane, Little Switzerland:

Ifrane is Morocco’s most attractive and cleanest city. As a result, we don’t want to miss out on exploring it during our two weeks in Morocco. Ifrane is well-known for its university, Al Akhaweyn, which is one of Morocco’s most costly. Students from all around the globe learn alongside Moroccans. As previously stated, the monarch possesses 12 palaces in Morocco. One of them is right here in Ifrane, in front of the university. Usually, our first visit to this city is to the park with the Atlas Lion monument. During the time that France was in charge of the area, a German prisoner carved it to get out of jail.

Furthermore, Ifrane is a favorite city of Morocco’s Atlas Lions soccer club. They come here to workout since Ifrane is high up, which allows them to breathe properly. In addition, many Moroccans come here to snowboard during the snowy months of December, January, and February.

A visit to the monkeys in the Cedar Forest

Azrou’s Cedar Tree Forest is one of Morocco’s largest woods in the Atlas Mountains. The Atlas lion in Ifrane used to reside here, among many other creatures. However, it no longer exists; it is extinct. There are several more species that reside here, including deer, wild pigs, wolves, and squirrels. However, the only animal seen while traveling through here is the monkey. It is the kind of Barbary Macaque that lives in groups. It also goes by other names, including magots and Barbary apes.

We will make a brief stop on our Casablanca tour to feed and hydrate these animals. They are nice and do not withhold anything from anybody.

The Ziz Valley and the Errachidia Dam:

Fes is located in the Daraa Tafilalet area, and Errachidia is the gateway to the Sahara from Fes. It is also located at the very extremity of the Atlas Mountains. Imtghern in Berber, or Ksar Souk, which means “market village,” was the city’s initial name. The name was changed to Errachidia by Moulay Rachid, the prince of Morocco, in 1975.

Errachidia’s dam:

The Hassan Addakhil dam is named after Al Hassan Addakhil, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco’s current royal family. This dam provides water to the whole province of Errachidia.

The Valley of Ziz:

You may have heard that Erfoud is famed for its date fruit festival. As a result, the Ziz valley has a significant influence on this since it is the largest source of date palm trees; the river is around 282 kilometers long. However, it is around 50 kilometers to where there are date palms. During our two weeks in Morocco, we will make a brief stop at the panoramic view of Ait Chaker to appreciate the scenery and snap pictures.

Erfoud, the city of dates and fossils:

The name Erfoud comes from the name of a plant in the river named Onfoud, and it was colonized by the French in 1912. It is also stated that it was named after two Berbers who attempted to cross the river. When one of them arrived at the center and inquired how high the river was, the response was “Ar Afoud,” which means “to the knee.” They thereupon gave it that name.

Erfoud, or Arfoud, is well-known for its date palms and mineral fossils.

The Date Fruit Festival:

As previously said, the Ziz valley or river is densely forested with date palm trees. In October, Erfoud hosts an international festival of dates for three days. It’s notable for the large hall where they sell many sorts of dates as well as local clothing…

Fossils of minerals:

Erfoud is one of Morocco’s major mineral fossil exporting towns. They may find a variety of varieties here. For example, consider the Trilobites, which are arthropods. There are also goniatites, orthoceras, and crinoids. So, if you’re interested in fossils and geology, this is the place to be. Allow us to take you on a two-week Morocco trip.

Tafilalet’s capital, Rissani:

Rissani is a tiny city in the province of Errachidia, in the area of Daraa Tafilalet. After Merzouga, it is the nearest city to the Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes. It was also a business stop for Touareg traders who used to go there. Furthermore, it is the location of Moulay Ali Cherif’s grave or mausoleum. He is the first grandfather of Moulay Cherif, the Alaouite Dynasty’s founder.

Rissani is a worthwhile destination to visit; there are several interesting things to do and see here. To begin with, Rissani is well-known for its pita bread, also known as Lmdfouna Lfilalia. There are several kinds. They prepare it with walnuts, meatballs, vegetarian ingredients, and even fish. Second, there is a market, or souk, on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Thursdays. At the moment, a few residents trade or sell donkeys. As a result, Rissani is well-known for its donkey parking. There is also another yard where sheep and goats are sold at this time.

Third, as most Moroccan towns have gates, Rissani has one as well, which is curved and constructed in the Morrish style.

The Sahara desert of Merzouga:

Merzouga’s Sahara desert is the greatest and the highlight of our Morocco 2-week tour. It is located in the Daraa Tafilalet area in the province of Errachidia. It is also around 50 kilometers from the Algerian border. Merzouga is well-known for the Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes, which draw a large number of people for a variety of activities. First and foremost, you should not miss the camel ride in Merzouga, which is regarded as the greatest and the highlight of all Morocco excursions. There are visitors that climb the dunes to see the sunset or dawn, while others climb to spend the night in Berber tents.

Second, following the camel ride, many visitors choose to spend the night in Berber tents. There are nomads that live in the dunes with their tents, moving from one location to another in search of better living circumstances. As a result, many visitors want to experience that way of life and arrange an overnight stay, which is the second greatest thing to do in Merzouga.

Third, quad riding is another sport to consider while visiting the Merzouga desert. You may hire a local ATV to drift on the sand dunes; this sport is more enjoyable when it rains since the sand becomes dry and easy to drive on. Last but not least, there is a lovely lake in Merzouga, around 4 kilometers from the city. It is where the immigrant flamingos and camels go herding while they are not working.

The Dades and the Todgha Valley:

Morocco is a land of contradictions and mystery, where you can find almost anything. The vast canyons of Todgha gorges appear here, measuring around 300 meters (984 ft) in height. The most stunning feature is the river that runs through the centre. Here, we see nature’s force, the power of water that can find its way over the rocks as a spring. It’s also wonderful water to drink. Furthermore, the majority of the residents who live close to the mountains come here with their donkeys or horses to get water. It’s a worthwhile destination. As a result, it is included in our 2-week Morocco itinerary.

The valley of Dades, also known as the Dades Gorges, is a river that runs between the red city of Marrakech and the Sahara desert near Merzouga. As a result, most travelers stay an evening here to break up the journey and experience all of the sights. Aside from the river vista, there are two primary things to see here. First, there is a section of the mountains formed like monkey toes. Second, the Caddilac automobile has created an advertisement here at Tissdrine’s curves. The stunning perspective of the road from the summit made it a wonderful site to visit.

Ouarzazate, the film city:

Ouarzazate is a Berber term that combines the words “war” (without) and “zazat” (noise). This little city was formerly a destination for African merchants who came here to purchase, sell, and exchange salt, mascara, and other items. They came to a halt, however, near the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.

There are a few things to see and do here. To begin, Ouarzazate is well-known for the Kasbah of Taourirt, a 300-room labyrinth. If you wish to enter, you must have a ticket. Ouarzazate is also known for the Atlas Studios, where they shoot movies and lend out equipment to others in the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. The Oscar studio is one of the most well-known.

I should add that Ouarzazate is home to Africa’s largest solar power plant. Because Ouarzazate is the gateway to the Sahara, it is incredibly sunny here, particularly in the summer, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. As a result, they utilize it and construct solar panels to create electricity.

Ait Benhaddou’s Kasbah:

Morocco has a large number of kasbahs. The Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, on the other hand, is the most renowned and frequented. You may or may not understand what a kasbah is. It is a Berber-Arabic term that signifies bamboo; its original spelling is Kasab, and bamboo has a link with the stronghold in that its roves are made with it. You may also hear the Arabic phrase “Ksar,” which refers to the King’s Palace.

The Kasbah has two primary entrances: one from the bridge and one from the main gate; both require crossing the Maleh river. However, it is preferable to cross the bridge and then cross the river on your way back.

The Kasbah is well-known among the Berber African Touaregs, and you may have heard of Tombouctou’s 52-day festival. It is the time it took them to trade in Rissani, Morocco. Then they returned with their camel caravans to the Kasbah here to trade once again. They used to sell and trade mascara, cole, and other cosmetics. In the river in front of the Kasbah, they largely sold salt. The river is now known as Oued El Maleh, which translates to “salty river.”

The Kasbah has a stunning panoramic view of itself from the summit. There’s also a chamber where they store the items for other vendors who come later. I should add that the Kasbah has been used in the filming of about 21 films. For example, there is a yard where they used to battle in a scene from the renowned British-American film Gladiator. They also appeared in the film Lawrence of Arabia. As a result, it is a well-known place to visit and explore.

Marrakech:

Morocco has cities that are cultural, economic, Saharian, and touristic. Marrakech is regarded as the world’s first major tourist city, with over 3 million tourists in 2019. Because of its well-known features, it is part of our two-week plan for Morocco. Abu Bakr ibn Umar ibn Ibrahim ibn Turgut of the Berber Mauritanian clan Lamtuna established Marrakech. It is also Morocco’s fourth biggest city.

Fna Jamaa:

There is a lot to see and do here. To begin, Marrakech is well-known for its Jamaa El Fna Square, which attracts visitors from all over the world in addition to residents. It’s also where the snake charmers hang out, playing the flute and having snakes dance to the music. Also, this is where you can see people doing “street performances,” which involve putting people in a circle and telling them stories or giving speeches.

The Koutoubia Mosque:

It is facing the Jamaa El Fna plaza and might be the number two favorite item to discover. It is Marrakech’s biggest mosque, with a 77-meter-tall minaret and an 8-meter-tall spire. There are several names for the mosque. For example, when they used to sell books in the yard in front of it, it was known as the “booksellers. Most significantly, it was constructed in 1147 by Abd al-Mu’min ibn Ali. Furthermore, this mosque is sister to the Hassan Tower mosque in Rabat and the one in Seville.

Garden, Majorelle:

Majorelle’s garden is located in Gueliz’s historic Medina. He was a French artist who fell in love with Morocco and resided there. Every year, almost 90,000 people visit this garden. It’s no surprise that it took Jack around 40 years to complete. After his death, the French painters Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé arrived to finish it and offer it to the public. A ticket of 70DH = 7 EUR is required to tour this garden. However, the pricing increases with certain appropriate IDs, such as students.

Our two-week Morocco trip concludes in Marrakech.