9-day deep tour in Morocco
10 cities |
27 attraction(s) |
total distance 640
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day1: Casablanca
3 attraction(s) ·
8 km
1
The old town of Casablanca is not large, but you can still find a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. Local residents also come to the market here to shop, where you can experience the atmosphere of ordinary people's daily lives.
2
km
2
The Hassan II Mosque is a mosque located on the Atlantic coast in Casablanca, Morocco. It was initiated and funded by King Hassan II of Morocco. Construction began on July 12, 1986 and was completed on August 30, 1993, costing nearly 600 million USD. The mosque has a total floor area of 20,000 square meters, with a width of 100 meters, length of 200 meters, and a height of 60 meters. The prayer hall and plaza can accommodate 100,000 worshippers. The minaret of the mosque reaches a height of 210 meters, making it the tallest minaret in the world. The ablution facilities can accommodate 1,400 people. It is the third-largest mosque in the world and also includes an Islamic school, library, lecture hall, and conference hall.
6
km
3
Quartier Habous
During the French colonial period, the French government built residential areas to accommodate a large influx of people, especially artisans from Fez. The French designers incorporated a traditional architectural style with well-planned layouts and distinct spaces. These areas include a courthouse, mosque, crafts shops, and cafes, offering a unique atmosphere. There are not many tourists here, so if you have time, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and experience the daily life of the Moroccan people.
Day2: Marrakech > Essaouira
3 attraction(s) ·
186 km
1
Djemaa el-Fna Square is located in the Arab quarter of Marrakech and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. Originally used as an execution square in the 12th century, it gradually became a bustling commercial area in the 16th century and a renowned spot for traditional performances in the 17th century. Today, the square remains lively with various street performances such as snake charmers, fire breathers, storytellers, fortune tellers, as well as vendors selling crafts, juices, pastries, and henna tattoos. During the evening, the square transforms into a food paradise with numerous night market stalls emitting tantalizing aromas of spices and smoke.
4
km
2
The garden was built in 1924 and opened to the public in 1947. After the death of Jacques Majorelle in 1962, renowned designer Yves Saint Laurent purchased the garden and redesigned it. YSL and his male partner lived in the villa within the garden. After YSL passed away in 2008, the garden came under the ownership of the YSL Foundation. YSL's ashes were scattered in this beloved garden, and a memorial column was erected in his honor.
The Majorelle Garden is loved by masters like YSL for good reason. It is said to be one of the most mysterious gardens of the 20th century and a little paradise on Earth. Upon entering the garden, one is greeted with lush greenery, unique tropical plants, spectacular flowers, and rare birds. Many plants are said to come from all five continents, making one forget whether they are in Mexico or the West Indies. It is truly captivating and awe-inspiring.
182
km
3
Essaouira Beach stretches along the coast for 10 kilometers, and its strong sea winds have made it a renowned windsurfing center in Morocco, earning it the nickname "Africa's Wind City."
Day3: Marrakech
5 attraction(s) ·
9 km
1
Koutoubia Mosque is a symbol of Marrakech and the center of the old city. Built in the 11th century, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in North Africa. The mosque's distinctive feature is that it was built with thousands of bags of precious spices mixed into the mud mortar, giving it a fragrant aroma. The mosque is not open to the public, but the surrounding garden is free to visit and offers a place to rest and enjoy the scent of flowers.
1
km
2
Built in the 12th century during the Almohad dynasty, Bab Agnaou is one of the nineteen gates of Marrakech. Bab means "gate" in Arabic. While Bab er Robb served as the official entrance to the city, Bab Agnaou was the grand gate that led to the royal palace. As a royal entrance, its primary function was decorative. Bab Agnaou underwent renovations during the mid-18th to mid-19th centuries under Sultan Muhammed ben Abdallah, resulting in a smaller scale. The precursor of this horseshoe-shaped gate, along with its Quranic inscriptions, can be found in the Mezquita of Cordoba, and it shares many similarities with the contemporary Bab Er-Rouah in Rabat.
1
km
3
Built in 1557, this is the mausoleum of the Saadian Dynasty sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603) and his family. The palace was destroyed when the Alawi Sultan Moulay Ismaïl (1672-1727) invaded Marrakech but the mausoleum was preserved. It was discovered in 1917 during a flight search by the French and has since been restored and opened to the public, showcasing its beautiful colorful mosaic and intricate carved decorations. It houses the tombs of about 66 members of the Saadian royal family, arranged in three rooms. The most famous room contains the tomb of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and his descendants, decorated with exquisite carvings. The mausoleum also has a garden, where about 100 soldiers and attendants of the Sultan are buried.
3
km
4
Agdal Garden is a garden located in the Medina district of Marrakech, Morocco, also known as Aguedal Garden. It covers an area of approximately 400 hectares, situated south of the Royal Palace Dar El Makhzen. The name Agdal means "meadow with a fence" in Berber. The garden stretches for about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) and is planted with orange trees, lemon trees, fig trees, apricot trees, and pomegranate trees in rectangular plots. Lush olive groves line the shaded pathways in between. In 1985, Agdal Garden, along with the Medina of Marrakech and Menara Garden, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
5
km
5
The Quranic school was founded in the early 14th century by Abu el Hassan, a ruler of Morocco. It was expanded and renovated during the Saadian dynasty in 1570, becoming the largest Quranic school in the Maghreb. It can accommodate 900 students, with food and lodging provided by the state, but students are responsible for cooking their own meals. It was transformed into a museum in 1960 and has been one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech since its renovation in 1999. The bronze doors at the entrance of the school are adorned with beautiful cedarwood and mosaic carvings, making them a remarkable historical treasure. Walking through the corridor leads to a marble courtyard, with a central pool used for ablution, decorated with mosaic tiles. In fact, the entire courtyard is adorned with mosaic tile decorations, and the walls and columns are decorated with intricately carved plaster and woodwork. The decorative elements are very similar to the Alhambra Palace in Granada. Upon closer examination, the most frequently seen element is the Arabic phrase "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah). Looking up, one can see small windows of the student dormitories on the second floor surrounding the courtyard. The other end of the courtyard is connected to a prayer room supported by three pillars, and the glass windows of the dome are cleverly framed with cedarwood. Climbing up the narrow staircase to the second floor, one can see the small, adjacent student dormitories. Looking out from the windows, one can appreciate the beauty of the courtyard from a different perspective.
Day4: Marrakech > Ouarzazate
2 attraction(s) ·
126 km
1
Desert tours departing from Marrakech must pass through the Atlas Mountains. This mountain range is divided into High Atlas, Middle Atlas, and Anti Atlas and is considered the mother mountain of the Moroccan people. The ancestors in the desert relied on the melted snow from the mountains for survival.
126
km
2
Aite Ben Hadu fortress village
This ancient village, built by the indigenous Berber people in Morocco, is the most characteristic and well-preserved earthen castle, even winning the title of "the most beautiful village in Morocco."
Established in the 11th century, Ait Ben Haddou was once a thriving trading post for camel caravans in the desert. The village is situated on the banks of the Wadi River, with houses densely clustered on the slopes and defensive walls surrounding the village to resist external aggression.
This ancient city was built using the distinctive red clay bricks of Morocco. Despite being constructed like sand castles on the beach, the craftsmanship is exquisite, making the entire city huge and sturdy enough to withstand enemies in ancient times. The village of Ait Ben Haddou still maintains its former appearance, with only a few residents living there. Most people who can afford it have moved to the new village on the other side of the Wadi River. However, the old city, Kasbah, still remains intact, attracting tourists to visit.
Walking into the city of Ait Ben Haddou, every corner of the houses, walls, and roofs seems like a magically temporary village from a fairy tale. The bright red houses give a surreal and unreal feeling but stand solidly before our eyes.
This magnificent ancient city, which has been listed as a World Heritage site, not only has attractive castle architecture but also has unique features. Riding donkeys across the moat allows visitors to explore the indigenous people living inside. The preservation of the heritage site is also partly due to the filming of movies such as "Star Wars Prequel" and "The Mummy" taking place here, making residents and the government realize the long-term benefits of protecting ancient architecture and promoting tourism.
It was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987.
Day5: Fes
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
Madrasa Bou Inania, part of Kairaounie University, was established in 1350 by Sultan Abou el Hassan and further developed by his son Sultan Abu Inan Faris in 1357. It is a significant religious educational institution in Morocco and Fez, serving as a model of architecture for the Marinid dynasty. It is also the last mosque built by the Marinid dynasty and has the status of a grand mosque. It underwent renovations in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Sliman, and in the 20th century for the restoration of plaster, wooden carvings, and tiles. The Madrasa is both a mosque and the only Quranic school in Fez with a pointed tower. The central courtyard features a pool for ritual purification, surrounded by classrooms. The second floor serves as student dormitories, with windows overlooking the courtyard. The roof is made of green tiles. In addition to the still-used prayer hall, other parts of the madrasa are open to non-Muslim visitors, which is a rarity in Morocco.
1
km
2
Medina means "old city". The establishment of Fes Medina can be traced back to the late 8th century. Under the Idrisid dynasty, Fes became the capital in 808 AD, and Medina experienced rapid construction and development. By the time of the Almohad dynasty, Medina had developed into the scale we see today.
Day6: Fes
3 attraction(s) ·
13 km
1
Palais Royal de Fès
The Fez Royal Palace, built in the 13th century, cannot be visited by tourists. However, they can admire the palace's golden Andalusian-style gate at the Alawi Square, which was built in 1968. The architectural features of the palace include its symmetry, gilded bronze doors, exquisite mosaics, white marble columns. The designer used noble materials and vibrant colors to outline the grandeur of the palace, making it a picturesque sight.
4
km
2
The cemetery itself is not attractive, but it is the best vantage point to appreciate the panoramic view of Fes. The cemetery is located on a mountain outside the city. It is a bit far to walk, so taking a taxi from the old city costs 5-7DH per person.
9
km
3
Tanneries Chouara
Chouara tannery in the old city of Fez is the most iconic attraction in Fez, and it has a very distinctive smell. It follows the traditional craftsmanship that has been passed down for centuries, using natural materials including pigeon dung and lime to produce the world's finest leather. After a year-long restoration in 2015-2016, it still retains its original appearance.
Due to the large number of tourists who come here, savvy Fez merchants have transformed or connected the nearby residential houses into leather shops, selling handmade leather bags, coats, slippers, and more. Of course, visitors must enter these shops and go through layers of leather products, up to their rooftops, to see how the tannery workers process the leather. When you enter, they will give you a few mint leaves to cover the mixed smell of the tannery. In fact, the smell is not as bad as the legend says, especially in winter when it is not very noticeable. The staff in the shops are happy to explain the production process and promote their leather products to the visitors during the visit.
The leather here is 100% genuine leather, and if you like something, you might consider buying it as a souvenir. Remember to negotiate the price.
Day7: Meknes > Chefchaouen
2 attraction(s) ·
200 km
1
Bab Mansour Gate is one of the largest ancient city gates in the entire Moroccan Empire. It was built in 1732 by Moulay Abdallah, the son of Moulay Ismail. With over 300 years of history, it remains in perfect condition with just a little fading. The gate is located across from the main square, but it is no longer accessible and has been converted into a shop selling Moroccan wooden handicrafts.
200
km
2
Chefchaouen Old City is built on a mountain and is also an Arab residential area, with narrow alleys covered by shops and a variety of flavors in its restaurants.
Day8: Ceuta > Tangier
4 attraction(s) ·
97 km
1
Royal Walls
The Royal Wall of Huída stands on both sides of the artificial waterway, belonging to the fortress. It was first built in 962 and reconstructed in the 18th century, separating the old town of Huída from the Almina Peninsula. The middle waterway is navigable for small boats, with three bridges for vehicles and pedestrians to cross.
79
km
2
At the top of Tangier Casbah, you can overlook the entire Strait of Gibraltar and the colorful, chaotic houses. The view is very unique.
15
km
3
Cape Spartel is a cape in Morocco, located in the Tangier-Tetouan region in the northern part of the country. It is situated approximately 12 kilometers west of Tangier at the entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar, with an elevation of around 300 meters.
4
km
4
Not far from Tangier, on the Atlantic coast, there is a strange cave known as "Cave of Hercules" or "African Cave". The cave is not very big, but what makes it remarkable is that the entrance of the cave resembles a map of Africa, including the island of Madagascar. It was formed naturally over thousands of years by the impact of waves on the rocks. The Cave of Hercules has now become a major natural attraction in Tangier.
Day9: Rabat
3 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
La tour Hassan,et le mausolée de Mohammed V
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is guarded by royal guards wearing Fez hats, facing the Hassan Tower. On one side is the modern mausoleum, while on the other side is the ancient minaret, creating an interesting contrast.
In 1962, one year after the death of King Mohammed V, his successor King Hassan II built this mausoleum in honor of his father (King Hassan II was also buried here). It was completed in 1971.
King Mohammed V ruled Morocco during two periods: from 1927 to 1953 (when Morocco was under French colonization and he was referred to as "Sultan") and then after a 3-year exile (due to his support for independence, he and his princes were exiled to Madagascar), he returned and ruled from 1957 to 1961 (when Morocco declared independence and he became the King). He is considered the founding father of the country.
The Mausoleum of King Mohammed V is considered a representative example of modern architecture in the Alawi dynasty. Its exterior features include white walls and green tiles, while the interior is carefully decorated by Moroccan craftsmen, with elements such as white marble, mosaic puzzles, and carved cedar wood. The coffins of King Mohammed V and his two sons (King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah) are placed in the lower level of the mausoleum.
2
km
2
Medina of Rabat
Before the French colonization in 1912, Rabat was actually the old city, built by Andalusian Muslim refugees who fled from Badajoz, Spain. During the colonial period, the French government constructed a new city and expanded the territory of Rabat. The old city of Rabat consists of a central market, commercial areas, and residential areas. The market section offers various daily necessities and a special street selling Moroccan traditional handicrafts such as carpets, leather, copper plates, and ceramics. Many tourists say that the handicrafts in Rabat Market are generally more affordable than those in Marrakech and the old city of Fez, but the selection is relatively limited.
2
km
3
Kasbah des Oudayas
During the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century, the Udaya Fortress was located east of the old town of Rabat, at the mouth of the Bouregreg River, near the Atlantic Ocean. It was a castle complex and served as a gathering place for the expelled Moors (pirates) from Spain in the 17th century, who attacked European Christian countries' merchant ships due to its geographical advantage.
The streets inside the Udaya fortress were paved with pebbles, the walls of the houses were whitewashed, and the doors and windows were painted sky blue. The old house numbers have been preserved until now, which are the characteristics of Andalusian (Spanish) residences.
Passing through the simple carved earth-yellow city gate, it unexpectedly opens up to a romantic blue and white world! The houses are closely connected, the alleys are narrow, and some can only accommodate one person passing through. Almost all the houses in the streets are painted white at the top and blue at the bottom, with various shades of blue such as sapphire, navy, and lake blue... The low walls covered in graffiti from the passage of time, along with exquisitely carved gates, windowsills, doorknobs, and streetlights.
