Itinerary for a week in Morocco, starting in Tangier and ending in Casablanca.

An Overview of Morocco’s Top Attractions in Just One Week :

Blue pearl Chefchaouen:

Whether you refer to it as Chaouen, Chefchaouen, or Iskawen in Berber, you’ll be using one of numerous names for this city. But it’s all tinted with that enticing blue that draws in so many sightseers. The city is sandwiched between two mountains that look like goat horns. In light of this, the first unique name was derived from the Berber word for horns: Iskawen. After the Portuguese conquest, the city rebranded itself as Chefchaouen and Chaouen. The Ghomara are the indigenous inhabitants of Chaouen, and they are well-known for their generous hospitality and friendly welcome.

In 1471, Sherif Moulay Ali Ben Rachid constructed Chefchauoen, first erecting a Kasbah for the military to use in warding off the Portuguese. More structures were added afterwards, and the city as we know it today was created. Since its founding, Chefchaouen has not been a blue town. However, in 1492, natives, Ghomara people, Jews, and the Spanish changed the color to blue. There are competing theories about why the water was dyed blue: some claim it was to ward against mosquitoes, while others think it was meant to evoke the sky.

This city of Chefchaouen has a lot to offer visitors, including the following:

The Kasbah Museum:

Chefchaouen’s initial structure was the ethnic Kasbah. It’s a gallery museum with plenty of photos detailing the city’s history and it’s located on Wetat Lahmam Square. It’s a terrific site to get a bird’s-eye perspective of the whole city from atop one of its eleven towers.

It’s time to visit Wetat Lehmam Square :

Even though Chefchaouen is smaller than other Moroccan cities, it nonetheless has a central plaza in Wetat Lehmam. It’s common to see tourists and locals alike enjoying a cup of tea and a moment of rest after a day of exploring the city. There are numerous restaurants and cafés in the area, so you could also hear local musicians performing a variety of styles for the benefit of visitors and their own financial stability.

Ras El Ma :

For those curious, Ras El Ma translates to “water’s head” in Arabic. It’s a well-liked spot to go for a stroll and take in the scenery of the nearby waterfalls. It’s also where several ladies in the area go to do their laundry.

Still, exploring the city on foot, taking photographs, and marveling at the brightly painted buildings is the finest thing to do there.

Fes, the culture:

Historic Medina of Fes El Bali, the cultural heart of the city, has made Fes a tourist destination for decades. The Idrisid dynasty, the country’s original rulers, established the city in 789.

Fes is admired by tourists for its many attractions :

Bab Boujloud’s Blue Gate:

The Medina (the historic core of Fes) is surrounded by eleven gates (also called Babs) and doors. The main entrance, known as the gate of Boujloud or the blue gate, was constructed in 1913, at the beginning of French colonialism. Please find attached a photo.

Institutions of higher learning: madrassas or schools

The ancient Madrasas and other Marinid buildings in Fes are renowned worldwide. There are two that have year-round popularity. This discussion centers on Al Attarine, a spice and leather market established in the souk of Attarine in 1323 by Sultan Uthman II Abu Said. Second place goes to the Al Bou Inania school, which was established in 1351 by Abu Inan Faris.

In the classrooms of Al Qarawiyyin University:

It would be a shame to visit Fes and not stop at either Al Karaouine or Al Qarawiyyin University. In terms of age, it is the oldest university in existence anywhere. In fact, it predates the famed Alma Mater Studiorum in Bologna, Italy. Fatima El Fihri, a woman, constructed the mosque in 859 CE for the purpose of teaching the Quran. After then, it became a college campus.

Craftsman Tannery in Chouara:

In Fes, you’ll find three different leather shops. But the Chouara is the most popular and best of the bunch. In this area, leather is dyed and dried by being submerged in water-filled bins. Then they turn the hides into leather goods like apparel and footwear.

Still, another top recommendation is a climb to the top of the Borj Nord for a bird’s-eye perspective of the city.

The little Switzerland of Ifrane:

Ifrane, the cleanest city in Morocco, with traditional Alpine architecture. The name Ifrane comes from the Berber word ifri, which means cave, and ifrane, which is the plural form. The city wasn’t inhabited until the 1600s. To be fair, it wasn’t until 1928 that French architects laid the foundation for the city as we know it today. In those days, France had a colonial presence in Morocco.

While there aren’t a ton of attractions here, it’s a common stopping point for us on our travels around Morocco.

The statue of the atlas lion in the photo. On our one-week tour to Morocco, we stop at a photo op. It also tells the tale of a German prisoner who was ordered to twist it by the French so that he might be released.

Cedar groves in the Atlas Mountains:

In the heart of the Atlas Mountains is where you’ll find the Cedar tree forest. As we make our way over the Azrou forest on our 1 week tour across Morocco, we will find ourselves not far from Ifrane. The Barbary Macaque apes live in this woodland, which is one of the largest in Morocco. Along with deer, wolves, and squirrels, they are one of the last remaining woodland dwellers. Our sole view of this area will be of the monkeys that wait patiently for passing tourists to feed them. To this end, we will pause briefly throughout our trip to snap some pictures and give them some food.

The Ziz Valley and the Errachidia dam:

Ouarzazate and Errachidia are the two major urban centers that travelers pass through on their way to the Sahara. The latter is while traveling from Marrakech, the red city, to Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco.
Within Daraa Tafilalet is the province of Errachidia. Its original name was Imtghern, which is the Berber term for “homeland.” Ksar souk originally meant “Village of the market” in Arabic. Errachidia was then given its current name by Prince Moulay Hassan, the brother of King Mohamed V.

Hydroelectric Dam Hassan Addakhil:

The large lake or the water stored behind the dam in Errachidia is the city’s claim to fame. Including the Sahara, it supplies water to the whole area. Also, the dam is named for the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty, Hassan Addakhil.

In the valley of the Ziz River:

The valley of Ziz provides water for one of Morocco’s largest rivers, which is where the country’s famous dates are grown. It’s a lengthy river full with dates palm trees, it is roughly 50km long. The river, however, is significantly longer, stretching around 282 kilometers (km) from south Morocco to Algeria.

In the city of Erfoud, one may find both fossils and dates:

Dates and mineral fossils have made the little city of Erfoud renowned. Erfoud comes from the Berber term Onfoud, which refers to a plant found in the riverbanks of the area.
Erfoud, often spelled Arfoud, was constructed by the French during their colonial era in Morocco in 1912. Located nearby is the Merzouga region of the Sahara desert. Therefore, several hotels and restaurants are erected here.
Mineral fossils, including those of Trilobites, which became extinct some 230 million years ago, may be found in the mountains around the city of Erfoud. There are also several museums dedicated to displaying goniatites, orthoceras, and crinoids. Our one week in Morocco plan will take you to one of them.
In addition, in the month of October, the city hosts a global celebration of dates. There is a hall where they sell various varieties of fruits. In addition, they stock items made or found in the area.

City of Rissani, Tafilalt’s commercial center:

The nearest commercial city to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes is Rissani. Rissani, formerly known as Sijilmassa, was a kingdom from the eighth until the fourteenth century. Additionally, the majority religion was Shia Islam. Consequently, you can count on seeing many of ladies dressed in all black.

Touareg Berbers would travel 52 days from Mali to trade in this city. Because of this, Rissani has designated three days a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays) as Souk days. People from all over the world go to the city to purchase and sell furniture, appliances, and other household necessities. In fact, there exist markets where people may exchange goods. Donkeys, lambs, and goats are just some of the livestock that are traded. Yards and parking lots are available for such activities. After that, many visitors order a pitta bread ahead of time for lunch, since it is widely considered to be one of the tastiest dishes offered. Meatball, fish, and almond options are also available for reservation.

In addition, geologically speaking, several portions of Rissani resemble Mars. This means that it is also a site where fossils of minerals are discovered.

Merzouga in the Sahara:

It’s in Merzouga, also called the Sahara or the Desert Park. The Erg Chebbi dunes are another attraction, and they’re sometimes called a “sand paradise.” This is a tiny town in the southeastern part of Morocco. Only approximately 50 kilometers separate it from the Algerian border.

Merzouga is a popular destination since it has so much to offer:

At the top of the list of things to do in this area is camel trekking. Seeing the dawn or sunset while riding a camel across the desert sand dunes is a bucket list item for many visitors. Some people do it so they may spend a memorable night under the stars in Berber tents.
Second, the experience of overnight camping in Berber bivouacs is a should do, you will get the sensation of living a nomadic existence. Plenty other businesses out there provide that kind of exposure. Our one-week itinerary in Morocco is available for booking, and we would be happy to include you in it. In addition, we will take you on a trip of the Merzouga desert to see those nomads so that you may have the entire camping experience. Let’s observe their way of life first, before putting ourselves in that position.
To sum up, quad riding is a fun and popular pastime with many fans. For about 600dh, you may reserve an ATV for an hour with a guide. The action takes place on the sand dune field. Therefore, doing it on damp sand after a shower is ideal.
The Gnaoua people of Khamlia may be seen on day four of our Morocco excursions, which also includes two days in Merzouga. There, you may hear the rhythm of the “Krakeb,” iron castanets used in their music.

Finally, the Merzouga lake, where the camels are herded, is well worth seeing. It is also home to a population of flamingos that arrived from elsewhere in the world.

Places to camp in the Grand Canyon valleys:

Canyons of the Todgha Gorges:

Todgha Gorges is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning canyons. Nearly twenty kilometers outside of Tinghir itself, along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, is this attraction. Residents of Tinghir and the neighboring settlements come here to unwind and enjoy the day. They lunch there and bring jugs of water to share with the local nomads.
The average depth of the canyons is 300 m (984 ft). So, despite the risks, a lot of people come here to trek. More so, the spring river cuts across the canyons, dividing them. In other words, the water’s force might naturally carve a path through the rocks, resulting in an enchanting scene.

Geographical Features of the Dades Valley and the Gorges:

The canyons of Todgha are not too far away from this river. They are located around halfway between Marrakech and Merzouga, making them a popular choice for overnight stays among travelers. Make a brief pit stop to take in the scenery of the mountains that look like monkey feet if you find yourself in the area. Then, the bends of Tissdrine are another must-see. In this advertising for their product, the American automaker Cadillac set a world record by ascending and descending the same hill three times in three minutes and nineteen seconds.

Cinematic Ouarzazate:

Those of you who like movies and want to learn more about creating them. Next time you’re in Morocco, be sure to stop by Ouarzazate. Its name may be broken down into its component parts: the Berber word for “without” (Ouar) and the Arabic word for “noise” (Zazate). The city, though, does not stand for silence.
Thami El Glaoui constructed the ancient Kasbah of Taourirt, a city landmark with a whopping 300 rooms. A ticket is needed to access this venue. We hope you’ll take advantage of Ait Benhaddou’s free admission and visit the Kasbah. Film was born in Ouarzazate. This means that several Atlas studios exist for the purpose of renting out space and filming individual scenes. The Oscar studio, where stars of films like Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator resided, is the most popular tourist attraction.
Known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” Ouarzazate is a popular tourist destination in Morocco. Consequently, they spent over $9 billion to construct Africa’s largest solar power plant. The process is efficient, environmentally friendly, and completely independent on fossil fuels.

Ait benhaddou, a Berber citadel and kasbah:

It’s well worth your time to check out the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. There is a plethora of Kasbahs in Morocco. In fact, the street beside the Kasbah. It’s famed for its abundance of Kasbahs, thus the name. However, Ait Benhaddou’s Kasbah is the most popular since it’s free. The Arabic and Berber word for bamboo, kasab, is where the name “Kasbah” originates. It is used to construct the Kasbah’s proving grounds. It was given its moniker as a result. You could also come across the word ksar, which is used to describe various Arabic forts like the palace of the monarch.

To enter the Kasbah, you may do so by one of its two major gates. The first one is a bridge-crosser across the Oued El Maleh, while the second is approaching from the other bank. In cases of river flooding, the latter option is preferred since it is simpler and safer. If you visit, you can expect to see seven stories worth of stores stocked with wares from local artists and merchants. It is also advised that travelers stay away from the unlicensed guides who may approach them and offer to take them around and explain things.
Lord of the Atlas Mountains Pasha Thami Glaoui constructed the Kasbah. He did not permanently reside in this location, but rather it served as a hub for the Berber caravan Touaregs that traveled between Africa and Europe. They used to meet and barter for products like mascara, salt, and other cosmetics. Because of their salt trade, the river in front of the Kasbah is known as Ouad El Maleh.

American films produced in this country:

• The 2000 American-British drama film Gladiator.
• Released in 1962, “Lawrence of Arabia” is an iconic classic.
• the year of Sodom and Gomorrah (1963).
• Jesus of Nazareth in 1977
• Who Would Become King in 1975?
• In 1982, Marco Polo made his famous journey.

Numerous additional well-known films have been shot in this region. About 21 films, some of which were filmed in and around Ouarzazate, may be shown at the Kasbah.

Marrakech:

Marrakesh is a popular destination for vacationers. Abu Bakr ibn Umar commissioned its construction in 1062. Originally pronounced as Amur n Akush, Marrakech refers to the “country of God” in Berber. In addition to being one of Morocco’s four major cities, it is also one of the country’s four imperial capitals.

For traveling reasons, Marrakech is the first city in Morocco that attracts around 3 million tourists each year. Therefore, many people nickname it the tourist city or the red city. These visitors are drawn in by a variety of destinations:

This is Jemaa El Fna:

A square is the center of life in many Moroccan towns, serving as a gathering place and marketplace. Snake dancers, accompanied by flute players, may be seen in Jemaa El Fna. Moreover, there will be people gambling and southern Africans hawking wares on the streets. Items such as eyewear, timepieces, and clothing (such as t-shirts) are available for purchase. As illegal foreign residents of Morocco, they must rely on such practices to survive. In addition, several locals enjoy engaging in the fun pastime of “Halka” street performance. Thus, they have a group sit in a circle while they tell tales or do acrobatics. Marrakech is a perfect place to engage in this pastime since it has been going on for at least a million years.

Mecca’s Koutoubia Mosque:

The Koutoubia Mosque (sometimes spelled Kutubiyya) in Marrakesh has a 77-meter minaret and an 8-meter spire, making it the tallest building in the city. A construction project begun by Abd al Mu’min ibn Ali in 1147. As an added bonus, it has its own area where books were formerly sold and looks out over Jemaa El Fna. In time, the mosque became known as the Book Market Mosque, or simply the Book Market Mosque, instead of Koutoubia or Kutubiyya. The design is very similar to the Hassan Tower in Rabat, Morocco, and the Great Mosque in Seville, Spain.

the Majorelle Garden:

In case you’re into the arts. If so, you should go see Jhon Jack Majorelle’s Garden. The city of Marrakech, in particular, inspired this French artist’s admiration for the Kingdom of Morocco. Gueliz, the hip, up-and-coming section of Marrakech, is where you will find this landmark. French painters Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé have just welcomed the public into their garden. Although it happened after Jack had already died. For the new entrance fee of 70Dh=7 dollars or euros, the facility is no longer free to visit. That’s because it attracts a lot of people; up to 900,000 do so annually. It is also reported that Jhon Jack spent more than 40 years developing the garden.
Our weeklong tour of Morocco will conclude in Marrakech, the country’s most famous city. So, we’ll give you a tour of Casablanca on the day before we drive you to the airport.