10 days in morocco lonely planet10 days in morocco lonely planet

Day 1 - arrive Marrakesh in evening Day 2 - Marrakesh sightseeing Day 3 - Marrakesh - cooking class + ride camels in Palmerie (is this really touristy?) . Depending on how much time you can spend in-country, you have some tough choices to make about what you keep in and what you have to leave out of your Morocco travel itinerary. . Frankly, its really easy to wander around Chefchaouen independently, as its quite small and its more about the scenery of the Rif mountains juxtaposed against the gorgeous blue backdrop of the city. You will often find flight deals on Tap Airlines through Lisbon to Marrakech. It has all the luxury riad spoilings: a lovely sun terrace to relax on, a pool to take a dip in, and a hammam/spa to unwind in. Tell them We3Travel referred you and you will receive a free VIP welcome gift on arrival. Its Taourirt Kasbah is extremely impressive to see (and youll probably recognize it from a movie or two). . Key events: Marrakesh International Film Festival, This article was first published May 2021 and updated May 2022. My day had me going to a small Berber village and visiting a rug maker (who scammed me and replaced the rug I wanted with one that was falling apart at the seams, but thats a story for another day) and making a few other stops at natural wonders along the way. It has fair prices, good food, and its not out of the way for the rest of the days sightseeing. Riads are often small and family run, decorated in a traditional style, with intricate tile work, colorful textiles, and hand-carved wood or plaster details. One of the reasons I suggest Fes as a base for your final block of time in Morocco is because its so close to several amazing day trips! Morocco Itinerary Spanning the northwestern corner of Africa, Morocco is a big and diverse country, so if you have more time you'll have plenty to see and do here. A panoramic view of the houses, lighting up at the medina (amidst the mountain background) awaits you on their rooftop terrace during sunset just like a postcard! We even had a bit of trouble squeezing it into our 12 day trip to Morocco. Africa. The souks of Morocco are legendary, full of hand-crafted artisan gems, sumptuous leatherwork, aromatic and colorful spices, and gorgeously hand-painted ceramics to name just a few. Europe . Marrakech is known for its exquisite riads, and staying in one is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any Morocco itinerary. Nearby, you can hire a carriage for a ride through the medina (just check and see if the horse looks well cared for as many do not.) This reduces the buyers remorse I feel while shopping and streamlines the haggling process for me, which I find a bit overwhelming. You should try the tasty tagine they cook for dinner, aside from the other la carte Moroccan dishes they offer. With two weeks, you can take a different approach than the 7 day or 10 day Morocco itineraries outlined above. However, you should still visit the outside of Koutoubia Mosque, nearly a thousand years old at the highest point in Marrakech due to a law that no building can exceed the height of Koutoubias minaret. Welcoming you with the scent of jasmine when you arrive, this quiet Marrakech riad feels like a hidden gem away from the hectic medina. Africa 12 - the Madagascar chapter (Lonely Planet) Morocco 10, 11 & 13 (Lonely Planet) . I had high hopes for our trip to Morocco. In that case, Id suggest a shared tour such as this one. Some great options include: Upon arrival, I would head out on a Fes food tour (unless you took one in Marrakech, then maybe try a cooking class with Riad Fes.) This one is highly regarded and well-rated, and its inexpensive to boot! Address:75 Derb Rahba Lakdima, Marrakesh Medina 40000, Morocco. Our driver Hassan (arranged through EPIC Travel) was such a gem. . If you go in fall, winter, or spring, youll actually likely want a small down jacket to keep you warm, because it can get quite cold in the late fall, winter, and early spring and sometimes even snow! It is a sport that Moroccans enjoy. Thanks. I suggest arriving about 30-45 minutes before sunset to get a seat before the tourists come streaming in. Keep in mind that its nearly 600 kilometers of driving distance between Marrakech and the Sahara, including winding mountain roads, so the trip is broken up into two days heading to the Sahara and one day going onward to Fes. For the next day of your Morocco itinerary, I suggest diving deep into all the culture that Marrakech has to offer. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. You will spend three to four nights in Marrakech and can either fly out of Marrakech, or arrange a three-hour transfer back to Casablanca at the end of your trip. Then, you can relax and enjoy for about an hour, watching as the lights come on and Jemaa el-Fnaa gets its nocturnal energy. I have mixed feelings about Jemaa el-Fnaa. Also should we rent a car, or use taxis or other forms of transportation? The average daily temperature in Marrakesh is about 82F(28C). Search Lonely Planet. So I suggest not even trying and allowing yourself to be swallowed up by it, dedicating several hours to perusing its wares. At least not unless you are willing to give up a trip to the desert! It will look familiar because it has been used as the backdrop to many movies and TV shows. Today this ex-French foreign legion outpost is a bit touristy and the center of the movie industry. At this point, heres one of the first points of divergence on this Morocco itinerary! I will offer up specific hotel and accommodation recommendations as I go through each destination on the Morocco travel itinerary, but I encourage anyone visiting Morocco to seek out authentic riads and boutique hotels. Its not a mistake Id make again, in Morocco or anywhere, frankly. . Most visitors coming from the United States will fly into Casablanca, although you may be able to fly into Marrakech if you connect through Europe. Then we enjoyed an authentic Moroccan meal prepared with our own hands. You can see that history at the Jewish Cemetery near the Bahia Palace, but its simplicity and bareness will be quite a contrast to the ornateness of Bahia Palace. Jul 12, 2023 6 min read In our A Total Trip franchise, writers document what they spent on a recent getaway. Antarctica. The Ultimate 10-Day Morocco Itinerary Last updated: January 23, 2023 Africa, Guides, Morocco, Travel Guides A 10-day Morocco itinerary, designed to guide you through the very best places of this colorful and exotic country, no matter where your plane lands. Here, youll find the freshest, most delicious orange juice at a mere50 cents (5 dirhams) a cup, the lively sizzle of grilling meat. Of course, this isnt the only way you could spend 10 days in Morocco! Join the Berbers in Morocco as Lonely Planet heads off on camelback to climb the Saharan Dunes of Erg Chigaga. The village is an 11th-century collection of kasbahs that are still inhabited by a handful of families. However, I totally get that may be a bit expensive for some people who are trying to do Morocco on a budget. When to go to Morocco depends on your destination within the country Alper Uke / 500px, The best time to go to Morocco, depending on what you want to see and where you want to go. Its simple color scheme of white, wood and understated tilework accents, primarily of turquoise, yellow, and deep blue, is gorgeous. However, we stayed at the LMa Lodge, which features a large garden of palms and fruit trees with a pool and welcoming relaxation areas. I really loved Chefchaouen, if you didnt get there last time its a real priority in my opinion Have a great time! We loved this the most of all of our accommodations on the trip. Does anyone come to Morocco without the intention of doing some serious shopping? Rich with gold, onyx, Italian marble, and exquisite tilework, the Palace was an ostentatious display of Saadian wealth. 1. You may consider taking a day trip to Meknes from Fes to see the partly excavated Berber-Roman ruins of Volubilis. Ancient Medina so much more authentic than Marrakech, it is easy to get lost in this labyrinth but also fun to discover the different sections, such as fancy dresses, metal working, spices and food, etc. Great guide Allison, thanks for putting it together and make it easier for me. Looking for the best 10 day Morocco itinerary? Start your trip out in Marrakech, as I have outlined above, but on your fourth full day (not counting your arrival day), either rent a car or hire a driver for your three-day trip into and out of the desert. (Also, it is offensive in the Islamic culture to photograph peoples faces.). Here are a few more points of interest you may want to check out. ), and maaaaybe springing for one last massage or hammam if time permits. I wasnt expecting to like Chefchaouen as much as I did, but it was the true highlight of my Morocco itinerary! These are primarily full-day excursions, although some could be half-day. ), and gorgeous architecture, youll be surprised by how affordable a touch of luxury can be in Morocco. This is a great spot to by authentic souvenirs. Built during the second half of the 19th century, Bahia Palace is one of the most well-preserved historic monuments in Marrakech. This UNESCO site is also another Game of Thrones filming location, where it stood in as Yunkai, one of the cities of Slavers Bay. I would recommend hiring a guide to get the full history and background, but you could certainly explore many of these places on your own. Lonely Planet Morocco 12 (Travel Guide) : Lee, Jessica, Atkinson, Brett, Clammer, Paul, Maxwell, Virginia, Parkes . While many people planning a trip to Morocco will only stay a few days in Marrakech, or combine a visit with a trip to Spain or Portugal, this country in North Africa has so much to offer that it is worth visiting on its own and planning a complete Morocco travel itinerary. Journey to the planet's most magnificent places with this thought-provoking portrait of our world. My personal strategy is twofold. From the exquisitely photogenic Bou Inania Madrasa to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, there are several beautiful sights in Meknes worth seeing if you dedicate about half a day to it. There are several options, but Lotus Club is easily the best, though it is rather pricy. Dont assume that because its the desert itll be hot all the time! It was inhabited for centuries after, first by Christians, later by Muslims, before being abandoned in the 11th century when Fes became an important nexus of power and Volubilis became less relevant. It can be quite the spectacle, with snake charmers, food vendors, and all sorts of goods on display. Snows can render mountain roads impassable. If you continue to Fes, this is where I would definitely recommend staying in a traditional riad in the medina, even if you opted for a resort or a riad outside of the medina in Marrakech. Itinerary #1: A Taste of Morocco: Fes, Sahara Desert & Marrakesh This compact itinerary is perfect for those short on time as it features a taste of Morocco's best highlights. Theres a hammam on site with a traditional Turkish steam bath and massages available for an additional charge. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a hike to the old Spanish Mosque/fort on a hill outside the medina. See my. Its an absolutely magical experience except for the camels saddle jamming into your private parts with every step. (Address: Derb Chtouka, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco). Look for shops where you can see the artisans at work and be prepared to bargain! With such varied geography, it's best to time your visit to Morocco based on where you're traveling within the country. Lonely Planet Morocco (Travel Guide) : Gilbert, Sarah, Balsam, Joel, Lioy, Stephen, O'Neill, Zora, Parkes, Lorna, Ranger, Helen, d'Arc Taylor, Stephanie: Amazon.co.uk: Books Arts & Photography Photography & Video Travel Buy new: 15.16 RRP: 17.99 Save: 2.83 (16%) FREE Returns FREE delivery Monday, March 20. The cooler winter months are a great time to head into the Sahara Desert. Bahia Palace is a beautiful mid to late 19th-century palace that was first built by Si Musa, grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman, in 1859 and then continued and expanded by his son Si Ba Ahmed ibn Musa, grand vizier of Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz between 1894 and 1900. You will have a little over a day to explore the winding alleyways and markets of Chefchaouen. #1 best-selling guide to Morocco *. Maybe it was because we were there in March and not high season for all the Instagrammers, but I found it charming and authentic, as long as you can ignore those posing for pictures (which wasnt a ridiculous amount.). and it has a huge amount of history in a small area. At the end of the day, you will arrive in Skoura, a palm oasis, where you can spend the night. Your itinerary will definitely help to demistify this country! If you are unable to find a direct flight to Morocco from your city, you may need to connect through a European city. $27.99 Read with Our Free App Lonely Planet's Morocco is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Personally, I hired a guide for Fes, finally sick of prioritizing budget over comfort, and it was the best money I spent in Morocco. #1 best-selling guide to Morocco* Lonely Planet Morocco is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Snow melts from the mountains, and temperatures in theHigh Atlashover around 86F(30C). You may find us star gazing in national parks, taking a cooking class in Marrakech, exploring Europe, or relaxing at a luxury hotel. Luxury: With a private pool at the heart of its courtyard, gorgeous white walls with rich wood detailing, plenty of archways, greenery, and nooks to relax in,Riad Melhoun & Spais a gorgeous and luxurious place to get away from the bustle of Marrakech and enjoy a traditional riad. But of course, youll know what speaks to you better than I do! Its ancient medina is a maze of narrow streets with the Djemaa El Fna - arguably Africa's most famous square - at its heart, and its nightly circus of storytellers, snake charmers and musicians. Royal Palace (Fes Palais Royal Dar El Makhzen) with its golden gates you cannot go inside but it is fun to take photos in front of the beautiful golden doors, Old Jewish Quarter (or Mellah) located near the Royal Palace you can walk through a gate into the quarter, visit the synagogue and Jewish cemetery, and visit the shops (this is a big jewelry district.). You can also rent a car or hire a driver to bring you to the Sahara Desert and stay in a luxury desert camp (highly recommended if your budget allows!). The Saadian dynasty played an important role in Moroccan history. Be sure to stop before you get to the Swiss-inspired university town of Ifrane to feed the macaques. Its heady sights and sounds dazzle, frazzle and enchant, as they have done for almost a millennia. Apart from overlanders and city-breakers, few visitors are spotted. Just 8 minutes walk away from Djemaa El Fna, and 3 minutes away from museums such as the Photography Museum and Ben Youssef Madrassa, the riad is perfectly positioned in the medina so that everything is easily accessible on foot. All events are subject to change. Now, its time for one of the biggest items on most peoples Morocco bucket lists: a trip to the Sahara desert! Fes is a bit of an overwhelming city. El Badi Palace literally translates to the incomparable palace. Perhaps that was true at the time, but time has made it a bit worse for wear. Here's a monthly guide to what you can expect through the year in Morocco. Marrakech, the Sahara, Fes, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Casablanca, Rabat what to choose and what to skip? Read on for all the best stops and things to see! It is at least an eight-hour drive from Fes to Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara, and even further from Marrakech. Demand and prices for accommodationsjump around Easter, when European families head to Morocco to warm up over thelong weekend. You can check with airlines such as KLM, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, which all offer connecting flights to Morocco. 6 questions to ask before visiting in 2022, Algeria set to open its doors to tourists with new visa system, Meet a traveller: Emily Eavis, the mastermind of Glastonbury Festival, Humbug! Koutoubia also is a wonderful point of reference in the medina, with its labyrinthine network alleyways and unmarked streets, so. Its where I ended up on my first day in Marrakech. Nearby fortresses of Borj Sud and Borj Nord these forts were built in 1582 and offer great views over Fes. On days six and seven you would need to reverse the trip. Dreaming of exploring ancient medinas and historic kasbahs? If you arent much of a foodie, then I would suggest taking a medina tour or visiting the tanneries to see this important part of the local culture and economy. With such varied geography,it's best to time your visit to Morocco based on where you're traveling within the country. Alternately, you could combine coast and inland and do Casablanca, Essaouira, Marrakech, and the Atlas Mountains. It also includes the Chouara Tannery (which can be overwhelming to visit on your own, especially since the leather factory salespeople can be quite pushy). In the afternoon, take some time to relax at your riad or hotel. However, you can still see many vestiges of its former beauty, so its still well-worth a visit. The beaches are breezy but busy with both domestic and European tourists in the north. Key events:Marriage Moussem, Hamdouchi Moussem, Moussem of Moulay Idriss II, Sidi Yahia Moussem, Tanjazz, Oasis Festival, LBoulevard Festival of Casablanca, Jazz au Chellah,Oasis Festival, Driftaway Music Festival, Origins Festival. However, unless youre starving at this point, there are much better places to eat, so Ill suggest moving on after you have a tea and a gander to our next stop on this Morocco itinerary. If you want a little guidance in the souks, which can be a bit overwhelming, you can take this guided souk walking tour. Its difficult to find your way in the medina (and even more difficult due to the fact that basically any sign pointing you to Jemaa el-Fna / The Big Square should be disregarded as a blatant lie). Its up to you what you prioritize I chose to skip the guided tour and walk around independently. While much of the original palace is in a state of disrepair, there are still several gorgeously preserved parts of the palace with excellent tile mosaics, ornate stained glass windows, and beautiful courtyards so there is still plenty to photograph and visit, all while you imagine the former beauty of it in its heyday. Plus, you get better value in Fes than Marrakech, so your money will stretch further here. If you are like us and have always dreamed of visiting Morocco, this 10-day itinerary will take you through some of the country's most representatives sites. On your third day in Marrakech, there is still so much to see but two attractions you shouldnt miss include the Dar El Bacha Museum and the Bahia Palace. One of the first places youll stop on your Sahara Desert tour is a few different photo spots in the Atlas Mountains. Order within 10 hrs 47 mins Or fastest delivery Fri, Oct 7 Select delivery location Secure transaction Sold by Valkyrie's Ships from Amazon Sold by Valkyrie's Return policy: Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt Add a gift receipt for easy returns Buy Pre-owned: $9.68 Head to southern Atlantic beaches to beat the heat and avoid the crowds. I cant stress enough how long the drive is from Marrakech out to Merzouga in the Sahara Desert. . You could do a coastal route, starting in Agadir, visiting Taghazout, Essaouira, and Casablanca before flying out of Rabat. You'll find rugged mountain ranges, rolling deserts, ancient cities, deserted beaches and warm hospitality. I would suggest using the following schedule: Day 1 Casablanca / Rabat. Accommodations are somewhat scarce in Chefchaouen and not the same level of luxury that you can find in other cities. We took a cooking class with Souk Cuisine, which was awesome. Key events:Asilah Festival, Jazzablanca, National Festival of Popular Arts,Feast of the Throne, Eid Al Adha in 2022. 10 Days in Morocco 3 years ago Save We have about 10 days in Morocco and would like to get a good taste of the country. This Morocco itinerary has you arriving in Marrakech as its typically one of the cheapest airports to fly into. But first, a word of warning. Two weeks is really the ideal amount of time to visit Morocco. Day four would take you to Ouarzazate/Skoura. Do you have any recommendations, baring in mind we will need to be back in Marrakech for our flight at the end of the journey, so Im realising it may involve some looping back ?